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Iceland is absolutely bananas. One minute you’re driving past green hills and waterfalls, and the next you’re surrounded by black volcanic sand, enormous glaciers, or mountains streaked with colors that barely look real. There’s something around nearly every corner that makes you want to pull over, grab your camera, and go exploring.

And if you’re thinking about eloping in Iceland, you have some pretty incredible possibilities ahead of you.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to ride Icelandic horses through the countryside, hike into the colorful Highlands, or take a boat among icebergs. Maybe your ideal wedding involves exploring the coast, exchanging vows somewhere beautiful, and ending the day with a wonderful meal. There’s no single way to experience this country, which is exactly why I love the idea of getting married here.

I’ve had the opportunity to explore Iceland myself, including spending five days riding Icelandic horses, and to photograph couples whose wedding adventures took them into some extraordinary landscapes. Get inspired by Courtney and Justin’s Highlands elopement!

So, where do you begin? I’ve gathered some of my favorite Iceland elopement locations, along with ideas for what you can experience while you’re there and a few important things to know before planning your adventure.

Where to elope in Iceland

Iceland has an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from the waterfalls and glacier lagoons of the South Coast to the volcanic mountains of the Highlands and the rugged shorelines of the north and west. Some places are easy to incorporate into a road trip, while others require hiking, specialized transportation, and a little more planning.

I think it’s worth considering what you’d actually enjoy doing at each location, not just what the photographs might look like. You could spend an entire day hiking somewhere remote or explore several interesting places along the coast, stopping whenever something catches your attention.

Here are a few places I’d love for you to explore.

Vestrahorn & Stokksnes

Vestrahorn is one of those mountains that makes you stop talking mid-sentence. Its jagged peaks rise above the black sands of Stokksnes in southeast Iceland, with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out beyond them. When shallow water collects across the sand, you can sometimes see the mountains reflected beneath the sky. It’s an incredible sight, and one that changes with the weather and light.

I love the combination of mountains, dunes, and coastline here. You can explore the permitted areas without committing to a major hike, leaving time to wander and enjoy the scenery. Stokksnes is privately managed, so entrance arrangements and any permissions needed for a ceremony or professional photography should be confirmed before visiting.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

There’s something almost impossible to describe about watching enormous icebergs drift through Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Pieces of ice break away from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and make their way toward the ocean, creating an ever-changing collection of blue, white, and dark-streaked formations.

Across the road, smaller pieces of ice wash onto Diamond Beach, where they sit scattered across the black sand. Every visit looks a little different because the ice is constantly moving, melting, and changing shape.

If you’re fascinated by glaciers, this is a wonderful area to explore. Guided boat and kayaking excursions operate seasonally when conditions allow, giving you an opportunity to experience the lagoon from the water. Courtney and Justin included a private boat adventure among icebergs during their Iceland elopement, and it was such a memorable part of their experience.

The ice and water here deserve serious respect. Icebergs can move or overturn, and the ocean along Diamond Beach can produce dangerous waves. Enjoy the scenery from safe areas and leave activities on the water to qualified local guides.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a winding canyon in South Iceland, with steep moss-covered walls and a river running through the bottom. The curves of the canyon create some fascinating views from above, especially where the green slopes contrast with the darker rock.

The established trail along the rim offers several viewpoints, making this a lovely place to incorporate a walk into a South Coast adventure. It’s also an area where protecting the landscape matters. Iceland’s moss is incredibly fragile, and access has been restricted at times to protect the vegetation. Stick to designated paths and check for current closures before visiting.

Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is where Iceland starts getting wonderfully weird. The mountains are streaked with rust, gold, green, and brown, with lava fields and geothermal features scattered throughout the landscape. It hardly looks like the same country you were exploring along the coast.

If you love hiking, there’s a lot to get excited about here. Trails lead through colorful valleys and across volcanic terrain, with options that vary in length and difficulty. I can imagine spending a good part of an elopement day exploring the mountains, enjoying lunch somewhere along the route, and taking time to appreciate just how unusual the scenery is.

Landmannalaugar is in the southern Highlands, so getting there takes planning. Access roads are seasonal, some approaches involve river crossings, and vehicle requirements depend on the route. Guided transportation can be a great choice if you’re unfamiliar with Iceland’s mountain roads.

There’s also an important practical detail: for summer, visitors arriving by private or rental vehicle during designated daytime hours must reserve parking in advance and pay the applicable service fee. The reservation dates and hours are set seasonally, so check the Landmannalaugar parking information before your trip.

Þórsmörk

Þórsmörk, or the Valley of Thor, is tucked between glaciers in southern Iceland. It’s filled with green valleys, rugged mountain ridges, glacial rivers, and hiking trails that lead to some extraordinary viewpoints. The contrast between the vegetation and the surrounding volcanic and glacial landscapes is beautiful.

This is somewhere I’d get particularly excited about for couples who enjoy hiking. You can choose trails suited to your abilities and spend time exploring rather than treating the valley as a quick sightseeing stop.

Reaching Þórsmörk is an adventure in itself. The access routes can involve substantial river crossings, so specialist buses or experienced local drivers are generally the best choice. It’s a place that rewards thoughtful planning.

Stuðlagil Canyon

Stuðlagil is one of Iceland’s most unusual canyons, with enormous basalt columns rising above the river in striking geometric patterns. Depending on the season and water conditions, the river can appear a vivid turquoise, although its color and flow change throughout the year.

Located in East Iceland, Stuðlagil is a great addition to a longer road trip around the country. Different viewpoints involve different approaches and walking distances, so it’s worth researching which route suits your plans. If you love discovering unusual geological formations, this one is fascinating.

Skútafoss

Skútafoss is a smaller waterfall in the Hornafjörður area of southeastern Iceland, east of Höfn. It’s surrounded by rocky terrain, with a shallow cave-like overhang near the falls that gives the setting an interesting character.

Unlike some of Iceland’s enormous roadside waterfalls, visiting Skútafoss involves a walk over uneven ground. I’d consider it an optional stop while exploring the eastern Ring Road rather than a destination to build an entire wedding itinerary around. Check local access and conditions before heading out, and be careful around wet rocks and the water’s edge.

I love places like this because they remind me that not every memorable part of an adventure has to be a famous landmark.

Skógafoss

You can hear Skógafoss before you reach it. Water drops roughly 60 meters over the cliffs, creating an enormous curtain of water and a cloud of mist that can leave you thoroughly soaked. On sunny days, rainbows sometimes appear in the spray.

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls, so I wouldn’t plan on having the main viewing area to yourselves. But there’s more to explore than the view from the bottom. A staircase leads to a viewpoint above the falls, where a trail continues alongside the river past additional waterfalls and beautiful scenery.

If hiking is something you love, it’s worth making time to explore beyond the main viewpoint. Just be prepared for wind, spray, and changing trail conditions.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is an incredible region for couples who love road trips. Located in West Iceland, it has volcanic landscapes, black-pebble beaches, coastal cliffs, fishing villages, lava fields, and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano.

What I love about this area is how much variety you can experience over a couple of days. You could take a coastal walk, explore a small fishing village, stop for lunch, and spend the afternoon discovering more of the peninsula. It’s a wonderful option if you want an adventure that combines beautiful landscapes with time to explore the places in between.

Kirkjufell

Kirkjufell is the distinctive, cone-shaped mountain near Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ve probably seen photographs of it alongside nearby Kirkjufellsfoss, and it’s easy to understand why people are drawn to this landscape.

I’d incorporate Kirkjufell into a larger adventure around the peninsula rather than making it your only stop. The established viewpoints offer plenty of opportunities to appreciate the scenery. Climbing Kirkjufell itself is dangerous and requires specialized mountaineering experience, so it’s not something I’d recommend as a casual wedding-day hike.

Kerið Crater

Kerið is a volcanic crater along the Golden Circle route in South Iceland, with reddish slopes surrounding a blue-green lake. It’s such an interesting contrast to the waterfalls, glaciers, and green countryside elsewhere on the island.

Established paths let you appreciate the crater from different angles, making it a relatively straightforward stop while exploring the region. If you’re interested in Iceland’s volcanic geology but don’t plan to venture into the remote Highlands, Kerið is a fascinating place to visit.

Hvítserkur

Hvítserkur is a large basalt sea stack off the Vatnsnes Peninsula in North Iceland, and it looks a little like a dragon drinking from the ocean. Or a rhinoceros. Or some enormous creature that has no business standing out there. I love that everyone seems to see something different.

It’s a fun place to explore during a northern Iceland road trip, particularly if you enjoy rugged coastlines and unusual natural formations. Access toward the shore depends on the tides, terrain, and weather, so check the conditions before heading down toward the water.

Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss is a powerful waterfall in North Iceland, surrounded by dark basalt columns and rugged volcanic scenery. The contrast between the rushing water and geometric rock formations is extraordinary.

Getting here takes more planning than visiting many of the waterfalls along the South Coast. Aldeyjarfoss is located in the upper Bárðardalur valley near the Sprengisandur Highlands route, and the approach involves road conditions and vehicle requirements that can change with the season. Check the current route before setting out.

If you’re already exploring northern Iceland and enjoy venturing beyond the busiest attractions, this is an interesting place to consider.

Hjörleifshöfði

Hjörleifshöfði rises out of the enormous black-sand plains of Mýrdalssandur near Vík. Once an island, this historic promontory now stands surrounded by volcanic sand, with green slopes and rugged rock formations creating a fascinating contrast against the surrounding landscape.

There are hiking opportunities around the promontory, and the elevated viewpoints offer sweeping views across the plains. It’s a wonderful addition to a South Coast adventure if you love exploring places where Iceland’s geology and history come together.

Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Fjallabak Nature Reserve is a protected region in Iceland’s southern Highlands, filled with colorful mountains, geothermal areas, lava fields, and remote hiking opportunities. Landmannalaugar is part of this wider region, so these aren’t entirely separate destinations. Think of Landmannalaugar as one starting point for exploring the incredible landscapes of Fjallabak.

If you love backcountry adventures, there’s so much to discover here. But this is also a place where the season, route, and conservation requirements matter. Roads are seasonal, weather can change quickly, and certain activities require permission. Working with experienced local guides can make exploring the region a much better experience.

Rauðibotn

Rauðibotn has a special place on this list because I photographed Courtney and Justin exploring this extraordinary landscape during their Highlands elopement. It’s a volcanic crater within the Fjallabak region, surrounded by rugged mountains, dark volcanic terrain, and striking red formations.

Reaching Rauðibotn is part of the adventure. Access is associated with the seasonal F210 Highlands route, followed by hiking, and conditions can make the journey challenging. This isn’t somewhere I’d recommend attempting without researching the route carefully or arranging knowledgeable local transportation.

What I love about Courtney and Justin’s Iceland Highlands elopement is that their day was built around experiences they genuinely wanted to have. From exploring remote volcanic landscapes to their private boat excursion among icebergs, they created a wedding story that could only belong to them.

And that’s what I hope you’ll take away from these locations. The landscapes are extraordinary, but what you do together while you’re there is what gives the day its story.

Adventurous things to do during your Iceland elopement

Once you’ve started thinking about where you want to go, the next question is what you’d love to experience while you’re there. Maybe you already have a list of things you’ve wanted to do for years. Maybe you’ve never considered incorporating horseback riding, a glacier excursion, or a multi-day hike into your wedding.

There’s no reason to limit the adventure to the ceremony itself. Iceland offers so many opportunities to try something new or enjoy the activities you already love doing together.

Ride Icelandic horses

I spent five days riding Icelandic horses, and it was such an incredible way to experience the country. Exploring the landscape on horseback gives you a different perspective from hiking or driving. You notice the terrain, the changing scenery, and the little details you might otherwise pass without a second thought.

Icelandic horses are an important part of the country’s history and culture, and they’re known for their unique gaits, including the famously smooth tölt. Guided experiences range from shorter rides for beginners to longer adventures for experienced riders.

If you love horses, you could include a guided ride in your wedding day or make it part of a longer Iceland trip. Either way, it’s a wonderful way to connect with the landscape.

Explore the Highlands by super jeep

If you’re dreaming about Iceland’s remote volcanic landscapes but don’t want to navigate unfamiliar mountain roads yourself, a guided super jeep excursion could be a fantastic option. Experienced local drivers can help you explore designated Highlands roads and tracks, navigate difficult terrain, and reach areas that require specialized vehicles.

One important distinction: off-road driving is prohibited in Iceland. Driving on legally accessible F-roads and designated tracks is different from driving across the landscape itself. With the right local operator, you can experience the Highlands while respecting the environment.

Explore glaciers, ice caves & lagoons

If you’ve always wanted to walk on a glacier or see the inside of an ice cave, Iceland is an extraordinary place to do it. Qualified local operators offer guided glacier hikes and seasonal ice cave excursions, with routes and equipment selected according to current conditions.

You could also consider kayaking or taking a boat excursion on a glacier lagoon. Seeing enormous icebergs from the water is a completely different experience from watching them drift along the shoreline, and it’s an adventure that can become a memorable part of your wedding story.

Glaciers and ice caves are constantly changing environments, so these activities should always be arranged through experienced guides.

See Iceland from a helicopter

Imagine flying over glaciers, volcanic mountains, and enormous valleys, seeing the landscape from an entirely different perspective. A helicopter excursion can be an extraordinary experience, particularly if you’re interested in seeing more remote parts of Iceland.

Some operators offer landings at approved locations, depending on the weather and applicable permissions. It’s an activity I’d arrange well in advance, with flexibility built into your plans in case conditions affect the flight.

Take an Iceland road trip

If you love traveling together, why not turn your wedding into a road trip? You could spend several days exploring the South Coast, travel around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or take a longer journey around the Ring Road to discover northern and eastern Iceland.

The Ring Road is roughly 1,300 kilometers long, so exploring the entire route takes several days. I’d much rather leave room for the places that catch your attention than spend the whole trip trying to cover as much ground as possible.

Renting a campervan can be a fun way to travel, but Iceland has specific camping rules. Campervans and motorhomes generally need to stay at established campsites or on private land with the owner’s permission. Don’t assume you can park overnight anywhere you find a beautiful view.

Hike the Laugavegur Trail

If you’re experienced backpackers, the Laugavegur Trail might be right up your alley. This famous multi-day hiking route connects Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, passing colorful mountains, geothermal areas, volcanic terrain, and extraordinary Highlands scenery.

It’s a serious backcountry adventure that requires the right season, preparation, equipment, and an understanding of the conditions. But if hiking together is something you love, imagine making a journey like this part of your wedding experience.

Try something you’ve never done before

Maybe you’ve always wanted to go snowmobiling on a glacier, try a guided ATV excursion along permitted routes, raft a river, or spend an evening hoping to see the northern lights. Perhaps you’re more excited about soaking in geothermal water, enjoying a wonderful dinner, or staying somewhere unusual with mountain views.

You don’t need to pack your wedding day with extreme activities to make it memorable. Choose the experiences that genuinely excite you, whether that’s a big adventure or a handful of simple things you love doing together.

The best time to elope in Iceland

The best time to elope in Iceland depends on what you want to experience. Summer is generally better suited to Highlands hiking and long days of exploring, while winter brings snowy landscapes, seasonal ice cave adventures, and dark skies for northern lights viewing. Spring and fall have their own appeal, although the weather and road conditions can be less predictable.

One thing I always want couples to understand is that Iceland’s weather can change quickly. You might encounter sunshine, wind, rain, and snow in a single day, even during a supposedly milder season. A flexible itinerary, appropriate clothing, and realistic expectations make a huge difference.

Summer: June through August

Summer offers long daylight hours, generally milder temperatures, and the best opportunities for exploring Iceland’s Highlands. Around the June solstice, the sun barely dips below the horizon in much of the country, creating extraordinarily long evenings and extended twilight.

If you’re dreaming about Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, or Rauðibotn, summer is generally the season to consider. Highlands roads open according to conditions rather than a guaranteed calendar date, so early summer access isn’t always possible. It’s also Iceland’s busiest travel season, which makes booking accommodations and activities ahead of time especially important.

Fall: September through November

Fall brings changing colors, shorter days, and the return of dark skies that make northern lights viewing possible. It’s a lovely season for coastal road trips and exploring Iceland’s more accessible landscapes, although weather becomes increasingly unpredictable.

Highlands access also becomes limited as mountain roads close for the season. If you’re planning a fall elopement, I’d focus on locations with realistic access and leave room to adjust your itinerary if conditions change.

Winter: December through February

Winter in Iceland is a completely different experience. Snow-covered landscapes, icy waterfalls, and long nights can create an extraordinary setting for an intimate elopement. It’s also a wonderful time to consider guided ice cave excursions or spend a few evenings hoping to see the northern lights.

Of course, the northern lights are never guaranteed. You need darkness, suitable weather, and the right solar activity, so I wouldn’t build your entire wedding around seeing them. Winter also brings limited daylight and potentially difficult travel conditions, making a manageable itinerary and reliable transportation especially important.

Spring: March through May

Spring brings longer days and a landscape gradually transitioning out of winter. Depending on when and where you travel, you might encounter snow-covered mountains, emerging greenery, or a little of both.

It’s an interesting season for exploring Iceland’s more accessible regions, but many Highlands roads and high-elevation hiking routes remain closed until conditions improve. I’d plan around what the season realistically offers rather than assume summer activities will already be available.

Where to stay for your Iceland elopement

One of the things I love about Iceland is the variety of places you can stay. You might want a cozy cabin with mountain views, a comfortable hotel near the glaciers, or a campervan that lets you explore several regions throughout your trip.

Your accommodation can become part of the experience, too. Imagine spending the morning getting ready in a beautiful cabin, heading out for an adventure, and returning for dinner and a relaxing evening together. Or maybe you love the idea of waking up somewhere new each morning as you travel around the island.

If you’re researching places to stay, here are a few options worth exploring:

Wild & Unique Accommodation Options for Your Iceland Elopement

• Bubble Hotel
• Blue Lagoon Hotel
• The Panorama Glass Lodge

Airbnb Options for Your Iceland Elopement

• My Full Airbnb List
• The Black House
• Nutima House
• Coastal Barn

Hotel Options for Your Iceland Elopement

• Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
• ION Adventure Hotel
• Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel

These are starting points rather than recommendations for every itinerary. I’d choose where to stay based on the places you actually want to explore. Iceland is larger than it might look on a map, and staying closer to your chosen destinations can make a huge difference to how much time you spend driving.

How to get to Iceland

Most international travelers arrive through Keflavík International Airport, southwest of Reykjavík. There are flight connections from cities across North America and Europe, although routes and schedules vary throughout the year.

If you’re planning to visit other parts of Europe, Icelandair’s stopover program may be worth exploring. Eligible transatlantic itineraries can include a stopover in Iceland without additional airfare, although fare conditions, length-of-stay limits, and other travel costs still apply.

Once you arrive, the best way to get around depends on your itinerary. A regular rental car can work well for many established routes, but Highlands travel requires more careful planning. Certain mountain roads require suitable four-wheel-drive vehicles, and difficult river crossings are best left to experienced local operators. Before heading out, always check Iceland’s current road conditions and SafeTravel guidance.

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel circumstances. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, so make sure you check the current passport, visa, and any applicable travel authorization requirements before your trip.

How to legally elope in Iceland

Yes, foreign couples can legally get married in Iceland! There is paperwork involved, though, and it’s important to begin the process well ahead of your wedding date.

Iceland requires an examination of whether there are any legal impediments to the marriage. Couples generally need to submit a marriage notification, birth certificates, certificates of marital status, identification, and any additional documentation relevant to previous marriages. The District Commissioner reviews the documents, and you’ll also need to arrange an authorized officiant.

One detail worth knowing is that certificates of marital status must be no more than 12 weeks old when submitted. Requirements for foreign documents, certified passport copies, and other supporting paperwork can vary depending on your circumstances, so I’d review Iceland’s official marriage requirements early in the planning process.

Another option is to complete the legal marriage paperwork at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Iceland. It’s something I encourage couples to consider because it can simplify the administrative side of an international wedding, especially if you’d rather focus your time in Iceland on exploring and celebrating.

There’s another important consideration: not every beautiful location is automatically available for a wedding ceremony or professional photography session. Protected areas and privately managed properties may require permissions, and photography projects in protected areas can require formal permits. The Iceland Nature Conservation Agency’s permit guidance is a useful starting point, with additional rules for certain national parks and locations.

How to choose your Iceland elopement location

With so many extraordinary landscapes, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to choose the most impressive place. But I think there’s a better question to start with: what do you actually want to experience on your wedding day?

If you love hiking, the Highlands might be calling your name. If you’re fascinated by glaciers, southeast Iceland offers some incredible opportunities. If you enjoy road trips, exploring villages, and stopping whenever something catches your attention, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or a longer journey around the island could be wonderful.

Your season matters, too. Some remote places are only accessible during part of the year, while others are much more practical for a winter adventure. And if you’re planning a ceremony, we’ll need to consider the rules for that particular location, not just whether it’s somewhere beautiful to visit.

I love helping couples work through these decisions because there’s so much more to choosing a location than finding a pretty view. It’s about creating a day filled with experiences you’ll genuinely enjoy.

Should you plan a multi-day Iceland elopement?

If you’ve been dreaming about visiting Iceland for years, why limit the adventure to a single day?

A multi-day elopement gives you the opportunity to explore different landscapes and include experiences that might not fit comfortably into one itinerary. You could spend a day hiking in the Highlands, another exploring glaciers or riding Icelandic horses, and an evening enjoying a wonderful meal somewhere along the coast.

Having more than one day can also help when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Rather than trying to fit everything into a tight schedule, you have more flexibility to adjust plans and make the most of the conditions.

But a multi-day elopement isn’t a requirement. If one day of exploring, exchanging vows, and celebrating sounds exactly right for you, that’s wonderful, too. I care much more about creating an experience you’ll love than following any particular wedding formula.

Let’s create your Iceland elopement adventure

There are so many incredible places to explore in Iceland, and the locations in this guide are only the beginning. Maybe you already know you want to hike through the colorful Highlands or exchange vows somewhere along the coast. Maybe you’re still deciding between glaciers, waterfalls, horses, and all the other adventures that have caught your attention.

You don’t have to figure it all out before reaching out.

I’d love to hear what you’re curious about, where you’d love to explore, and what kind of experience would make your wedding day feel meaningful to the two of you. We can take those ideas and create something that’s genuinely yours, with the right locations, adventures, and time to enjoy them.

LET’S PLAN YOUR ICELAND ELOPEMENT →