Ultimate Iceland Elopement Guide

Are you dreaming of an epic adventure to begin your life together in Iceland but now your asking yourself how do we make that happen. Well here’s the ultimate Iceland elopement guide to make sure you have an adventure of a lifetime.

Iceland is full of dramatic landscapes from rugged mountains, to magical waterfalls, crystal blue ice caves, vast lava fields, and everything in between. Plus the weather can be pretty extreme here at times and you want to make sure you’re prepared for everything. So it’s very important to have a photographer whose been here before and knows how to navigate the weather and take you to the best locations (that includes the hidden ones that aren’t overflowing with tourists).

Meet Your Adventure Elopement Photographer

Hey, I’m Marcus! I’ll be your go to resource for all your Iceland elopement planning. I traveled to Iceland for the first time in 2019 when I was only doing landscape photography. I spent ten days traveling around the country covering everywhere from the west side through the south and the east side. I instantly fell in love with the dramatic landscapes and diverse landscapes this country offered.

I learned so many tips and tricks on how to make an unforgettable experience here. I know so many incredible locations including ones that are hidden from all the crowds. I’ll help you plan an adventure of a lifetime and come prepared with back up plans as well just in case that crazy weather happens.

Ultimate Iceland Elopement Guide to Epic Iceland Elopement Locations

1. Vatnajökull National Park: offers a stunning landscape of ice caves, towering glaciers, and rugged mountains, making it a dramatic and unforgettable setting for an adventurous elopement.
2. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beaches: is a striking landscape where black sand beaches meet powerful waves, framed by towering basalt sea stacks and dramatic cliffs.
3. Snaefellsnes National Park: is where volcanic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier create a stunning backdrop for your photos.
4. Vestrahorn: perhaps my favorite place in all of Iceland. Where rugged mountains rise from the Atlantic Ocean and black sand dunes cover the beach.

I know plenty more locations that I can share with you as we plan that are super popular and also more hidden. Regardless you can guarantee they are all EPIC!

Ultimate Iceland Elopement Guide: Where to Stay in Iceland

1. Grundarfjörður: this small town on the west peninsula sits right next to the famous Kirkjufell mountain.
2. Arnastapi: this quiet small town is the perfect place to explore the Snaefellsnes National Park.
3. Vik: is a small town village on the south coast of Iceland is the perfect home base to explore some of the most iconic locations Iceland has to offer. With some of the best locations within 5-20 minutes.
4. Hofn: is a little coastal town that’s surrounded by some of the most epic mountains.

Ultimate Iceland Elopement Guide: How to travel through Iceland

1. Rent a car: this is a must when traveling to Iceland. It’s a pretty vast country to cover and if you want to see a lot of incredible locations you’ll have to be ready to do some driving.
2. Guided tours: if you want the convenience of someone else bringing you to locations, you can do guided tours. There’s a wide variety that are offered here. I highly recommend booking an ice cave guided tour. It’s an incredible experience.
3. Helicopter flights: you’ll want to see Iceland from above. The glacial blue water streams against the dark landscape is a sight to behold.
4. Camper Van: are you ready to have the ultimate freedom. Rent a camper van and be able to explore and sleep in any location.

You will need to rent a car for your elopement and I highly recommend renting an off road vehicle like a Defender or Jeep. That way we can explore some off the beaten path locations. You won’t regret it especially if you want to explore into Iceland’s iconic Highlands.

When is the Best Time of the Year to Elope in Iceland

The best time to elope in Iceland is during their warmer months from June-October. You’ll have warmer weather and the ability to explore further into locations with the snow gone. Plus the days are longer and on their longest days the sun sits right at the horizon and beautiful sunset/sunrise light glows all night. You’re more likely to see the Northern Lights during the fall/winter time. If you’re dreaming of exploring ice caves for your elopement, I recommend considering late fall or early spring.

What to Pack for Your Iceland Elopement

• Passport, driver’s license, and other ID you need
• Light puffy jacket, rain jacket, and lightweight layered clothing
• Hiking boots and plenty of socks
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Headlamp
• Sentimental items for your elopement
• Vow books
• Wedding rings
• Light gloves
• Dress pants, suit jacket, belt, pocket square, and anything you want to wear
• Wedding dress, earrings, necklace, leggings for under dress
• Marriage license (if applicable)
• Bathing suits for hot springs
• Light gloves/hand warmers

How to Get Married in Iceland

Legal Marriage

In order to legally get married in advance of your Iceland elopement, you will need to submit documentation (passport info, birth certificates, etc.) to the government so that your marriage may be made legal in Iceland. Read more about the details here!

Symbolic Marriage

I’m a huge fan of the symbolic marriage… There is a lot less stress in planning, a lot less forms, and the legality of it is such a small part of your day you’re bound to not even miss signing a piece of paper. You get to choose which wedding day is truly yours to celebrate and not the legal paperwork. Don’t let this hold you back from planning an international elopement.

Iceland Elopement Ideas

Here’s a great list to give you some ideas on what you can plan for your Iceland elopement to make it extra special:

• Helicopter ride over Iceland
• Off road in the Icelandic Highlands
• Hike to waterfalls
• Find hot springs to soak in
• Hike the mountains
• Explore ice caves (only in the colder months)
• Hike to the plane crash on the beach
• Go horseback riding on Icelandic horses
• Drive the ring road
• Explore the epic cliffs on the coast
• Visit the West Fjords
• Chase the Northern Lights
• Hike to a canyon

Iceland Elopement Packages

Let’s make your Iceland elopement process easy so you can have an epic adventure!

Having been to Iceland before and explored all over the beautiful country, I know how to create a day that is full of epic adventures and photos. I’ll create a full timeline for you so you don’t have to worry about planning any logistics. I’ll be your go to resource for everything. Just tell me what your dream day looks like and we’ll collaborate on creating an unforgettable elopement. I also include back up plans just incase the weather decides to get crazy.

My all-inclusive Iceland elopement packages are created with all this in mind! The packages include – all day photo coverage, timeline and location planning, vendor recommendations, optional videography add on, and all of my travel fees to Iceland!

Packages range from $6,500 to $15,000!

Ready to Plan Your Epic Iceland Elopement?

Fill Out My Contact Form Below the photos or click here to send me an inquiry!

You can also visit my Iceland Elopement Photographer page for more info.