Dreaming of an Iceland Elopement?
Looking for an incredible location for your adventure Elopement? Look no further. With epic waterfalls, black sand beaches, towering glaciers, lush green rolling hills… Iceland is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The various landscapes and experiences make Iceland an incredible backdrop for your elopement day.
Look at my existing travel schedule for discounted rates to dream elopement destinations! Or, check out this list — it will help spark those adventure elopement ideas!
Feel free to schedule a free consultation via phone, I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Want to see a real Iceland Elopement? Check out this Romantic South Iceland Coast Elopement. This day was a total dream come for M&C and I’ll never forget our time together. Want to go off-roading into the remote Iceland Highlands? C&J pushed the limited with their extreme adventure elopement topped off with a private boat tour on an iceberg filled lagoon. Unbelievable.
If you’re thinking about eloping in Iceland, read on! My complete guide to planning your Iceland elopement includes information on accommodation options, legal marriage laws, fun activities around your wedding day, and much more!
Where to Elope in Iceland
Iceland has so many gorgeous and magical places to elope it can be difficult to pick just one place! This country has many possible elopement locations for couples, from sandy black beaches to dramatic waterfalls to serene lakes and beyond. Here are some of my favorite places for your Iceland elopement.
1. Vestrahorn
Dramatic mountains, black sand beaches, and a beautiful ocean create a serene Iceland elopement spot, all carved by Mother Nature.
2. Diamond Beach and the Jokulsarlon Glacier
The southern coast of Iceland offers a stunning black sand beach with giant chunks of ice. You won’t believe this landscape is real!
3. Fjaðrárgljúfur
This magnificent canyon, formed in the last Ice Age, has a breathtaking view, and you can walk along the top or inside the canyon.
4. Landmannalaugar
This geographically rare spot in southern Iceland is home to some of the country’s most popular hiking trails and breathtaking mountain views.
5. Thórsmörk
Known as the Valley of Thor, this natural reserve has no shortage of jaw-dropping views for hikers.
6. Stuðlagil Canyon
Spectacular, one-of-a-kind basalt columns frame this beautiful canyon, which was unknown until just recently.
7. Skútafoss
This off-the-beaten-path gem isn’t on many people’s lists, and the smaller waterfall offers some privacy amid beautiful greenery.
8. Skógafoss
This iconic Iceland waterfall is one of the country’s biggest waterfalls (and most beautiful!).
9. Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The western region of Iceland is known for its dramatic scenery, including glaciers, volcanos, and black pebble beaches.
10. Kerid Crater Lake
Find beauty unlike anything in this multi-colored volcanic crater in southern Iceland.
11. Hvitserkur
The basalt sea stack off the coast of northern Iceland looks a lot like a dragon and provides a spectacular view that is well worth the drive.
12. Aldeyjarfoss
This spectacular waterfall in Iceland’s highlands has beautiful basalt stacks as a backdrop with a breathtaking view. With the right light, this spot makes for gorgeous photos, too!
13. Kirkjufell Mountain
Located in northern Iceland, this iconic mountain is one of the country’s most photographed features – for a good reason!
14. Hjorleifshofdi Historical Promontory
The rolling hills and fantastic rock formations make this spot gorgeous for your special day.
15. Friðland að Fjallabaki
Hikers love this beautiful natural reserve with hidden, hot springs and multi-colored rocks.
16. Rauðibotn
The epic Rauðibotn is part of a chain of volcanic craters in the country that stretches across the central highlights. It’s an unbelievable place with a huge variety of scenery for your Iceland elopement.
Of course, this list has only a few possibilities for your elopement location. The best part about Iceland? There are SO many stunning, jaw-dropping places to elope. I’m always down to help you find the best spot for your elopement — shoot me an email!
12 Adventurous Iceland Elopement Ideas
Adventure lovers, there is no shortage of incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Iceland. Whether you plan to car camp around the Ring Road, take a private helicopter over the island or snowmobile on a glacier, Iceland HAS IT ALL!
Make your Iceland elopement special and intentional by planning an adventure around your wedding day that speaks to you. Here are some of my favorite ideas…
1. Ride Icelandic horses across Iceland’s rolling meadows and towering mountains.
2. Rent a Land Rover and go off-roading on Iceland’s awesome maze of 4×4 roads.
3. Take a helicopter tour to a remote location for a secluded and romantic wedding day.
4. Elope under the multicolored Northern Lights during the winter months.
5. Take a private Glacier hiking tour or kayak through a glacier lake
6. Tour a Crystal Ice Cave.
7. Spend the morning of your wedding day relaxing at the Seljavallalaug Pool.
8. Book a campervan or car, take an epic road trip along Iceland’s Ring Road, and elope at one of the beautiful spots along the way.
9. Experienced backpackers, tackle the one-of-a-kind Laugavegur Trail and explore Iceland’s stunning backcountry.
10. Rent ATVs and explore Iceland’s Black Sand Beach!
11. Snowmobile on Langjokull Glacier and tour the epic ice caves.
12. Raft the Hvita River.
13. Rent a private igloo for your wedding dinner — or just a drink!
If you have an idea but don’t see it on my list, don’t worry – I am up for any adventure! Plus, I can help you plan and create the perfect Iceland elopement itinerary. Just shoot me an email!
The Best Time to Elope in Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland for the perfect Iceland elopement depends on your desired elopement!
No matter the weather you want, it’s important to know that Iceland has REALLY tumultuous and wild weather. Some days, you may seriously experience all four seasons! In addition, due to the island’s geographic position, the hours of sunlight will fluctuate depending on the time of year.
Iceland’s peak season is June to August when the weather resembles summer. Due to Iceland’s geographic position, you can also experience a phenomenon called “Midnight Sun” from April to August. During Midnight Sun, the island never gets dark, and you have hours of magical, golden hour light (which makes for outstanding photos!).
The unique lighting also gives you plenty of time to explore the country. But if you plan to visit during the Midnight Sun, prepare and bring things like eye masks or even melatonin if you struggle with sleeping.
Outside of the peak season, you should consider visiting from December to February for the best winter conditions. Winter may not seem like an ideal time to visit, but Iceland is home to some spectacular Northern Lights. You can also enjoy whale watching during winter. However, some of the downsides of the winter season include much shorter days and extreme wintery conditions. You’ll need a 4WD vehicle; some roads may be closed if they are too icy.
If you’re looking to visit around the shoulder seasons, like March to May or September to November, be aware that weather conditions can vary quite a bit. Of course, there will be far fewer visitors, but fluctuating amounts of snow and ice may make your trip unpredictable.
Where to Stay for Your Iceland Elopement
Staying in Iceland can be expensive! However, the good news is that there are so many different options for accommodations.
When planning your Iceland elopement, it’s important to think about the kind of experience you want. Do you want to car camp throughout the country? Would you prefer a luxury cabin with a view? Is renting a campervan right up your alley? Iceland has it ALL!
If you’re looking for some amazing places to stay in Iceland, keep these awesome spots in mind…
Airbnb Options for Your Iceland Elopement
Hotel Options for Your Iceland Elopement
Wild & Unique Accommodation Options for Your Iceland Elopement
How to Get to Iceland
Several major cities in the U.S. offer direct flights to Iceland’s Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, though most of these non-stop flights start on the eastern seaboard.
If you plan to fly to Iceland with IcelandAir, be aware of their stopover program. If you plan to book a trip to Europe (say, for your honeymoon), you can add a stop in Iceland for no additional cost. You must book through IcelandAir’s site to take advantage of the program.
You do not need a visa to enter Iceland, as Iceland is part of the Schengen zone. This means U.S. citizens can enter Iceland for up to 90 days as tourists. However, ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after you depart from the Schengen zone! If not, the country may not let you in.
Before booking your trip to Iceland, please check the travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find the rules and regulations laid out right here.
How to Legally Elope in Iceland
I’d recommend legally marrying in the U.S. to make it easier on you both and then have the symbolic ceremony in Iceland.
But if you want to get married in Iceland legally, here’s how:
Iceland allows foreigners to get married in Iceland, either legally or symbolically. If you plan to get legally married in Iceland, you’ll need to bring some paperwork with you:
- A No Record of Marriage document to prove you are not presently married. It’s also called a CNI or “No Impediments” paper. This will need to be dated within 8 weeks of your wedding date, and it will need to have an Apostille seal.
- Passports for both partners
- Birth certificates for both partners
- If applicable, final divorce documentation or settlement agreement.
- If applicable, widow certificate.
- Airline ticket itinerary showing entry and exit dates of country
- An Iceland marriage notification form, or Hjónavígsluskýrsla
A few days before your wedding, you will need to meet with a local Iceland District Commissioner.
In addition, you will need to be married by an ordained religious pastor, a licensed spiritual pastor, an Icelandic civil officer, a humanist organization, or Ásatrú Goði.
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In love with Iceland yet? I’ll meet you there, let’s make some magic on your elopement day.
Chomping at the bit to plan a wild elopement in Iceland? I’m here to help make your dreams come true. Because I’m already traveling to Iceland in July 2024, you can take $1,000 off my Iceland elopement packages (check out the dates here).
Is Iceland not the right fit? That’s fine, too! Look at my existing travel schedule for discounted rates to dream elopement destinations! Or, check out this list — it will help spark those adventure elopement ideas!
Cheers,
Jayne & Sam
Co-Written by my wonderful travel blogger & friend Sam of Undiscovered Path Home
