ELOPING TO ICELAND GUIDE
Iceland is a mystical magical ethereal wonderland and it is one of my top favourite places to elope to in Europe. I’ve put together a little guide to help you with your elopement planning 🙂
VENUES
Iceland accepts all weddings, no matter what religion and LGBT friendly. Iceland has hundreds of churches and they are often small, intimate and tucked away in the middle of beautiful landscapes. These could be a good option for weather protection, especially if your ceremony is in the winter.
The Black Church of Budir
A famous black church located on the south coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula set in beautiful surroundings.
The Lakeside Church
This lovely picturesque church is not too far from Reykjavík and sits on a hill.
The Aurora Lounge
Housed in the Aurora Basecamp, this geodesic dome is already furnished with tables and benches, making it an ideal wedding venue. Plus, this unique venue is the perfect place to watch the Northern Lights after the sun goes down in the winter.
Ion Adventure Hotel
This stunning iconic hotel is close to all of Southern Icelands beautiful locations. Making it a great base to stay, or have your reception.
The Glacier
Something so unique – an ice cave.
THE BEST ELOPEMENT WATERFALL LOCATIONS
Skógafoss Waterfall
A beautiful waterfall located in Southern Iceland. It is on route to Vik beach too, if you wanted to visit both.
Seljalandsfoss
My favourite of all the waterfalls in Southern Iceland. It’s one of the tallest and you can walk behind it too.
Goðafoss waterfall
Located in the north of Iceland and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland reaching 12ft.
THE BEST ELOPEMENT BEACH LOCATIONS
Reynisfjara Beach (black sand beach)
This is a stunning dramatic beach but can get very busy, especially during the summer months.
The Diamond Beach
This beautiful beach, located in the south is full of large lumps of ice offering a beautiful contrast against the black sand.
Jökulsárlón
Filled with icebergs located in the South East of Iceland
The Plane Wreck
The plane wreck is close by to Vik and Skógafoss Waterfall and is well worth a visit if you’re up for a 4 mile track there and back.
THE BEST OUTDOOR LOCATIONS AND AREAS
Þórufoss
Fancy somewhere offbeat? This place truly rocks and you can check out an elopement styled shoot here in that very spot!
Not to mention it was also a Game Of Thrones filming location! It’s peacefiul, beautiful and only a 30 minute drive from reykjavik
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
In the West of Iceland Snæfellsnes has some of the most dramatic landscapes, you can find many places off the beaten track and a great place to see the Northern Lights.
The Westfjords
Be cautious of the driving as there are heights involved & you will need to rent a 4X4. If you want to experience iconic fjords then this place is way off the radar!
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
With beautiful views across a huge valley and waterfalls, you really can’t beat a tranquil spot to say your vows!
Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell, or ‘Church Mountain’, is a distinctly shaped peak found on the north shore of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, It’s also another Game of Thrones filming location.
ACCOMODATION
Hotels
Frost & Fire
Panorama Glass Lodge
Ion Adventure Hotel
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Hotel Geysir
Campsites
Glamping
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL
Iceland is stunning no matter what time of year you visit. If you go in the summer months, you will experience the midnight sun and milder weather for your elopement.
The spring you will have better driving conditions and you might be lucky to capture the northern lights still!
In the winter, Iceland is covered in snow which brings its own unique beauty and the Northern Lights will be out so you’ll have a good chance of seeing them.
Check out different times to travel in Iceland here.
LEGAL
Iceland makes it relatively straightforward for couples who are overseas to get married. You will of course need to be over 18, but you can check out the legal info here. Make sure you get your documents back 3 weeks before your wedding.
LOCATIONS TO VISIT ON YOUR TRIP
You really don’t have to travel too far to come across a variety of amazing spots. The south in particular seems to have it all, from waterfalls like Skógafoss, amazing black sand beaches like Reynisfjara, and canyons like Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyons. Great places to visit while you’re there is Reykjavík; the city itself is well worth exploring, with great restaurants and plenty of cool things to do like visiting Elliðaárdalur park with friendly rabbits hoping around everywhere. You could work your way round to The Golden Circle, Skógafoss Waterfall , then end in Vik .
BEST HOT SPRINGS
Secret lagoon
Located near the Golden Circle, this hot spring is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland.
The Blue Lagoon
One of the most famous lagoons in Iceland. Booking in advanced is advisable, but well worth it.
Grotta lighthouse footbath
This is a free lagoon in Reykjavik & is popular with the locals.
Reykjadalur
About a 40 minute drive from Reykjavik and a bit of a hike to get to. It’s well worth it though.
TRAVEL
Airports
The best international airpot to fly into is Keflavík International Airport near Reykjavik.
Car hire
The best car hire option would be to hire a 4×4 and definitely go for full cover insurance as the roads can be quite icy at times, it’s best to be fully protected. You can find a car hire company here.
I hope this guide has been helpful and has inspired you to plan an elopement in Iceland. If you would like to get in touch about your elopement photography, I would love to hear from you.