Dreaming of an Iceland Elopement?
Looking for an incredible location for your Iceland Elopement? Look no further. With epic waterfalls, black sand beaches, towering glaciers, lush green rolling hills… Iceland is a jaw-dropping beautiful. The variety of landscapes and experiences makes Iceland an incredible backdrop for your elopement day.
If you’re thinking about eloping in Iceland, read on! My complete guide to planning an Iceland elopement has information on accommodation options, legal marriage laws, fun activities to do around your wedding day and So. Much. More.
Contact me today to chat about your Iceland Elopement!
Where to Elope in Iceland
Iceland has so many gorgeous and magical places to elope, it can be difficult to pick just one place! From sandy black beaches to dramatic waterfalls to serene lakes and beyond, Iceland has a huge variety of possible elopement locations for couples. Here are some of my absolutely favorites:
- Vestrahorn: Dramatic mountains, black sand beaches, and a beautiful ocean create a serene Iceland elopement spot, all carved by Mother Nature.
- Diamond Beach and the Jokulsarlon Glacier: The southern coast of Iceland offers a stunning black sand beach with giant chunks of ice.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur: This magnificent canyon, formed in the last Ice Age, has a breathtaking view with the option to walk along the top or inside the canyon.
- Landmannalaugar: This geographically rare spot in southern Iceland is home to some of the country’s most popular hiking trails — and some breathtaking mountain views.
- Thórsmörk: Known as the Valley of Thor, this natural reserve has no shortage of jaw-dropping views for hikers.
- Stuðlagil Canyon: Spectacular, one-of-a-kind basalt columns frame this beautiful canyon, unknown until just recently.
- Skútafoss: This off-the-beaten-path gem isn’t on many people’s lists, and the smaller waterfall offers some privacy amid beautiful greenery.
- Skógafoss: This iconic Iceland waterfall is one of the country’s biggest waterfalls (and most beautiful!).
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula: The western region of Iceland is known for its dramatic scenery, including a glacier, volcano, and black pebble beach.
- Kerid Crater Lake: Find beauty unlike anything you’ve seen at this multi-colored volcanic crater in southern Iceland.
- Hvitserkur: The basalt sea stack off the coast of northern Iceland looks a lot like a dragon and provides a spectacular view well worth the drive.
- Aldeyjarfoss: This spectacular waterfall located 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!
- Kirkjufell Mountain: Located in northern Iceland, this iconic mountain is one of the country’s most photographed features – and for a very good reason!
- Hjorleifshofdi Historical Promontory: The rolling hills and fantastic rock formations make this spot just gorgeous for your special day.
- Friðland að Fjallabaki: Hikers love this beautiful natural reserve with hidden hot springs and multi-colored rocks.
Of course, this list has only a few possibilities for your elopement location. I’m down to help you find the best spot for your elopement – just 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 really special and intentional by planning an adventure around your wedding day that speaks to you. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Ride Icelandic horses across the rolling meadows and towering mountains of Iceland.
- Rent a Land Rover and go off-roading on Iceland’s awesome maze of 4×4 roads.
- Take a helicopter tour to a remote location for a secluded and romantic wedding day.
- Elope under the multicolored Northern Lights during the winter months.
- Take a private Glacier hiking tour, or kayak through a glacier lake
- Tour a Crystal Ice Cave.
- Spend the morning of your wedding day relaxing at the Seljavallalaug Pool.
- Book a campervan or car and take an epic road trip along Iceland’s Ring Road – and elope at one of the beautiful spots along the way.
- Experienced backpackers, tackle the one-of-a-kind Laugavegur Trail and explore Iceland’s stunning backcountry.
- Rent ATVs and explore Iceland’s Black Sand Beach!
- Snowmobile on Langjokull Glacier and tour the epic ice caves.
- Raft the Hvita River.
If there’s something you want to see, but you don’t see it on my list, don’t stress – I am up for any and all adventures! Plus, I can help you plan ahead 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 will all depend on the type of elopement you want!
No matter the weather you want, though, 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 geographic position of the island, the hours of sunlight will fluctuate depending on the time of year.
Iceland’s peak season is June to August, where the weather is most similar to 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 really gets dark, and you have hours of magical, golden hour light (which makes for outstanding photos!).
The unique lighting situation also gives you plenty of time to explore the country. But if you do plan to visit during the Midnight Sun, make sure to prepare and bring things like eye masks or even melatonin if you struggle with sleeping.
Outside of the peak season, you should consider visiting in 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. Some of the downsides of the winter season, though, include much shorter days and extreme wintery conditions. You’ll need a 4WD vehicle and some roads may be closed, too, 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. There will be far fewer visitors, of course, but fluctuating amounts of snow and ice may make your trip unpredictable.
Where to Stay in Iceland
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, keep in mind the type of experience you want: do you want to car camp through 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/Boutique/Etc
Hotels
Wildly Unique
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 have to 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 that U.S. citizens can enter Iceland for up to 90 days as a tourist. However, make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after your date of departure 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 personally recommend getting legally married in the U.S. to make it easier on you both and then have the symbolic ceremony in Iceland.
But if you want to legally get married in Iceland, 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 prior to 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, licensed spiritual pastor, an Icelandic civil officer, 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.
Feel free to shoot me an email or schedule a free consult via phone, I can help answer any questions you may have.
Cheers, Jayne