Iceland Elopement Guide
Anyone who has gotten married in Iceland will tell you that there’s a special kind of magic to an Iceland elopement! This amazing country truly has it all: a unique and bewitching landscape that makes you feel like you’ve entered a whole other world, a rich and unique cultural heritage, and a romantic atmosphere perfect for weddings and elopements of all kinds. There are also tons of opportunities for epic adventures and thrilling exploration.
If you’re considering an elopement in Iceland, it can be hard to figure out where to begin — there’s simply so much to do and see that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Fortunately, this comprehensive Iceland elopement guide has got you covered!
From the best time of year to plan your Iceland elopement to tips for eloping near Iceland’s waterfalls, here’s everything you need to know about how to plan an elopement in Iceland!
Who Should Elope In Iceland?
An Iceland elopement is perfect for any couple with a love of nature and a thirst for adventure! If you’re looking for natural beauty, Iceland has it in spades.
If you’re looking for once-in-a-lifetime exploration and epic outdoor activities, you’ll find that here as well. If you love striking out into the unknown to discover that next unforgettable vista or breathtaking landscape, then an Iceland adventure elopement will be perfect for you!
What’s The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Iceland?
Iceland is beautiful all year, so the time that you choose to visit for your Iceland adventure elopement depends entirely on what kind of experience you’re looking for and what kinds of activities you’re planning to do during your visit. Each season offers something special.
Spring
Spring is the perfect time to elope in Iceland if you’re hoping for mild weather, gorgeous scenery with tons of blooming wildflowers, and vibrant green fields. Spring is also when the crowds of tourists start to thin out, so you can find plenty of secluded, intimate spots for the perfect elopement ceremony!
Summer
Have you ever been somewhere where the sun never sets? That’s the kind of otherworldly experience you can expect when you elope in Iceland in the summer. During the summer months, the sun in Iceland simply does not set. If you’re planning on chasing the midnight sun, you should definitely plan on coming to Iceland in the summer.
If you’re planning an Iceland elopement in the summer months, keep in mind that this is the country’s peak tourist season, so you’ll have to do a bit of planning ahead in order to beat the crowds at some of the more popular tourist spots.
Autumn
During the autumn months, Iceland’s natural beauty is elevated to a whole other level as the leaves start to change and the entire country erupts in a panoply of stunning colors. Late fall is also when the Northern Lights start to become especially visible in Iceland’s night sky.
One thing to be mindful of if you’re planning an Iceland adventure elopement in the autumn is that the fall weather can sometimes be a bit unpredictable. You’ll want to pack plenty of warm layers just in case the temperature dips unexpectedly during your visit!
Winter
It probably won’t shock you to learn that winter in Iceland can get pretty cold. That being said, if you pack accordingly and don’t mind bundling up, you can expect to encounter some of the most stunning natural beauty on Earth.
As the weather gets colder, Iceland becomes blanketed with snow, transforming the country into an ethereal, otherworldly landscape that will absolutely take your breath away. Winter is also one of the best times of year to see the Northern Lights (along with late autumn)! To read more about eloping with the northern lights, check out my How to Elope With the Northern Lights blog post.
What Do You Need To Elope In Iceland?
Great news: Getting legally married in Iceland as a foreigner is really quite easy! The process is streamlined and efficient, with only a small amount of necessary paperwork. That being said, there are a few legal requirements in order to make your Iceland elopement official. Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need:
Marriage Notification: One thing you will need is a Marriage Notification document, which you can apply for here. In order to receive this form, you’ll just need to enter some basic information and provide documentation proving that neither of you are currently single and eligible for marriage.
Valid Birth Certificate: In order to provide proof of identification for your Iceland adventure elopement, you’ll need to bring an original copy of your birth certificate. Your birth certificate is also a necessary document for your Marriage Notification application.
A Copy Of Your Airline Ticket: You’ll need to provide this to document your legal arrival to and departure from Iceland.
A Copy Of Your Passport: As with your birth certificate, you’ll need to provide an original copy of your passport — photocopies or digital photos will not be accepted. You’ll need to provide passports for everyone involved in the wedding ceremony, so this will include both you and your party, your wedding officiant, and anyone else involved in the ceremony.
Leave No Trace: Anyone who has the amazing opportunity to visit Iceland knows what a special and beautiful place it is. In order to preserve the natural beauty of this wonderful country, it’s important to practice Leave No Trace protocols during your adventure elopement in Iceland. This means doing everything you can to minimize your environmental impact such as cleaning up after yourselves, sticking to approved paths and campsites, and keeping a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife you encounter.
Top Locations For Elopement Ceremonies In Iceland
There are so many incredible spots for an elopement ceremony in Iceland, that it can be hard to figure out where to even begin. The country is a treasure trove of gorgeous landscapes and breathtaking views, and selecting the place that’s perfect for you can sometimes seem a bit daunting.
Still, even among the seemingly endless perfect elopement spots in Iceland, there are a few highlights that you’ll definitely want to consider.
Reynisfjara Beach
An Iceland elopement at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is absolutely guaranteed to be completely unforgettable. Imagine exchanging your vows on the shore of the sea as the golden hour tones of the sunset dapple the water with bewitching shades of dusky orange and red.
Natural beauty and thrilling adventure come together perfectly at Reynisfjara Beach! In addition to the breathtaking views, you’ll also find plenty of natural caves and awe-inspiring cliff faces to explore.
Skógafoss Waterfall
On the southwestern coast of Iceland, you’ll find one of the country’s greatest natural treasures: the Skógafoss Waterfall.
Everything about eloping at Skógafoss Waterfall is amazing — with its staggering, awe-inspiring size and its incredible hiking trails, it serves as a backdrop to some truly epic elopement photos!
By the way, according to local legend, there’s a Viking treasure buried somewhere in Skógafoss, and I’m not saying you’ll definitely find it, but let’s not rule anything out!
Kirkjufell Mountain
Many people say that there are fairies living in Iceland, and if that’s true then they definitely spend a lot of time on Kirkjufell Mountain. This lush, green mountain covered in surging rivers and towering waterfalls looks like it came straight out of a children’s story. If you’re aiming for some truly unique elopement photos in Iceland, this is definitely a spot to consider.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
This glacial lake is the deepest lake in Iceland, and its sheer size and otherworldly beauty leaves me awe-inspired every single time I visit!
The massive scale and many different types of terrain Jökulsárlón is a particularly great spot for an Iceland adventure elopement. There’s so much to see and do, so many things to discover, that you’ll feel like each moment is its own opportunity for unforgettable discoveries and once-in-a-lifetime thrills.
In the winter months, Jökulsárlón is a particularly great spot for a Northern Lights elopement experience in Iceland. Since the lagoon is so far off the beaten path and so far away from any city lights, you’ll have a perfect view of every detail of the night sky, and when the aurora borealis are shimmering over Iceland, there are few places in the entire country that offer a better view!
Let The Adventure Begin!
If you’re considering an adventure elopement in Iceland and are looking for an Iceland elopement photographer with an eye for excellent imagery and a tireless dedication to customer satisfaction, then we should definitely have a chat!
I’d love to hear about what you’re planning and start working with you to create the Iceland elopement of your dreams. Get in touch any time and we can get the ball rolling. I can’t wait to meet you!
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
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