EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PLANNING AN ELOPEMENT IN ICELAND
Iceland is the perfect destination for a wild and unique elopement, its majestic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and snow-covered mountains provide an impressive backdrop for your intimate ceremony.
But keep in mind that the magic of Iceland goes beyond its natural landscapes, you’ll also find charming fishing villages, a rich culture, and unique traditions that add a special touch to your experience.
Additionally, the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights in the night sky adds a magical and romantic element to your elopement.
Whether you dream of an elopement at a waterfall, on top of a mountain, or on a secluded beach, Iceland has everything you need to make your wedding a magical and unforgettable moment.
Depending on the time of year, daylight hours vary from 4 to 22 hours.
The Northern Lights are not visible all year round, the best opportunity to see them is on a cold and clear night from October to March.
The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable, especially in winter, couples who want to get married in Iceland should be aware of this and understand that they might have completely different weather than expected.
Make sure to obtain permission from the National Park if you plan to get married in an outdoor ceremony.
Generally, it is cheaper to have a wedding ceremony an hour away from the city and then have the reception in the city. This gives guests the opportunity to stay wherever they want.
GOOD TO KNOW
For those with a larger budget, there is the option of renting an entire hotel in the countryside, you also have the option of having the ceremony in the area and the reception at the hotel, keep in mind that Iceland has some very beautiful hotels in different locations throughout the country, which will add a very different touch to your elopement.
The average price of a wedding menu in Iceland without wine is ISK 9,000-12,000 (€80) per person, similar to a regular meal at a restaurant, however, high-end wedding venues can be more expensive.
Most alcoholic drinks are imported, making them expensive, and fresh flowers can also be costly, so consider alternatives.
Make sure to have a Plan B if you plan to have your ceremony outdoors.
THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY SOMEONE WOULD WANT TO HAVE AN ELOPEMENT IN ICELAND. HERE ARE A FEW:
01
Iceland is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, from majestic waterfalls and imposing glaciers to black sand beaches and lava fields, every corner of the island offers a unique beauty that will make your elopement truly unforgettable.
02
An elopement in Iceland provides the opportunity to escape the crowds and enjoy an intimate moment with your partner in the midst of nature, the serenity and tranquility of the Icelandic landscapes create the perfect setting for a romantic and personalized wedding.
03
In addition to its natural beauty, Iceland offers numerous activities and exciting adventures, you can explore ice caves, hike on glaciers, bathe in natural hot springs, or even take a snowmobile tour, your elopement in Iceland will be a unique combination of love and adventure.
04
Iceland is known for its unique natural phenomena, such as the Northern Lights and the midnight sun, getting married in Iceland gives you the opportunity to witness these incredible natural spectacles, adding a touch of magic and mysticism to your wedding.
BUT WHICH ARE THE BEST PLACES FOR AN ELOPEMENT IN ICELAND?
Reynisfjara Beach, with its charming landscape and magical atmosphere, is the perfect setting for an elopement in Iceland. Its stunning cliffs, black volcanic sand, and basalt formations make for a magazine-worthy photo shoot.
Imagine exchanging vows in the intimacy of this remote beach, surrounded by the roaring ocean and the majestic rock formations of Reynisdrangar, every corner of this beach offers unique opportunities to capture photos that will leave you speechless.
An elopement at Reynisfjara Beach allows you to connect with Iceland's wild nature and create a personalized and intimate experience, the sea breeze, contrasting colors, and natural elements add a special touch to the ceremony.
Whether you choose a sunset ceremony or one under the Northern Lights' glow, Reynisfjara Beach provides a unique and romantic backdrop to celebrate your love in an elopement that will be remembered forever.
reynisfjara beach
63.4045° N, 19.0183° W.
Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is a stunning glacial lagoon located in southeastern Iceland, which has become a dream destination for couples looking to celebrate an elopement surrounded by unique natural beauty. The surroundings of Jökulsárlón offer a magical and romantic setting with its crystal-clear waters and presence of floating icebergs.
This place is perfect for nature and adventure lovers. You can exchange your wedding vows on the shores of the lagoon while watching icebergs detach from the nearby glacier and peacefully float in the water. The tranquility and serenity of the surroundings create an intimate and unique atmosphere to celebrate your elopement.
In addition to the scenic beauty, Jökulsárlón also offers opportunities for spectacular photography.
The changing colors and light throughout the day provide the perfect backdrop to capture unforgettable moments of your elopement, whether on the lagoon's shore or in the surrounding areas, you'll find numerous corners and breathtaking panoramic views.
64.0481° N, 16.1795° W
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is an iconic tourist destination in Iceland, located on Solheimasandur Beach on the country's south coast. The plane, an old Douglas DC-3, crashed in 1973 and has since become a popular attraction due to its surreal appearance and remote location.
The abandoned plane is surrounded by a vast volcanic landscape that looks like it's straight out of a movie set, surrounded by black sand and nothing else, it really feels like being on Mars.
Reaching the site requires a 4-kilometer hike from the nearest parking area, as vehicles are not allowed on the beach, however, you can always take the bus that departs every 30 minutes, it’s worth it, especially if you're dressed as newlyweds.
63.4912° N, 19.3638° W
Seljalandsfoss is an impressive waterfall located in southern Iceland. It is situated on the Seljalandsá River and is known for its unique feature, visitors can walk behind the curtain of water falling from a height of approximately 60 meters.
This experience allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views and an immersive feeling as they venture inside the waterfall.
The natural surroundings of Seljalandsfoss are also stunning. Surrounded by cliffs and rock formations, this place is perfect for an elopement.
The natural beauty and grandeur of the waterfall create a romantic and magical atmosphere, perfect for an intimate and heartfelt ceremony.
It's important to note that to fully enjoy the experience at Seljalandsfoss and avoid crowds, it's recommended to arrive early in the morning, during the early hours of the day, the waterfall tends to be less crowded, allowing you to appreciate its beauty in a more peaceful and serene setting, this ensures you have an intimate and special moment during your elopement, surrounded only by nature and the tranquility of the location.
Seljalandsfoss
63.615° N, 19.988° W
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GET MARRIED IN ICELAND?
IF YOU ARE A FOREIGNER AND WISH TO GET MARRIED IN ICELAND, YOU NEED TO MEET CERTAIN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. HERE ARE SOME OF THE DOCUMENTS AND PROCEDURES REQUIRED:
01
Before the ceremony, you must submit a marriage application to the District Commissioner in Iceland, this process may involve document submission and payment of fees. You can do it here.
02
You need to provide a birth certificate issued by the authorities of your country, which must be translated into Icelandic or English.
03
Typically, the presence of two witnesses is required during the ceremony, these witnesses must be of legal age and have valid identification.
04
Both parties must be legally present in Iceland when the wedding is held, proof of this must be provided, such as a residence permit, visa, or confirmation of the arrival date (passport stamp or plane ticket). You can obtain information about residence permits and visas on the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
It's important to note that the exact requirements may vary depending on nationality and individual circumstances. It's recommended to contact the District Commissioner in Iceland or consult a legal advisor to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on the specific requirements for getting married in Iceland as a foreigner.
Most people get legally married in their home country and then have a symbolic ceremony in Iceland, keep that in mind.
Here is more information on how to get married in Iceland:
IT'S ALWAYS A GOOD TIME TO GET MARRIED IN ICELAND, BUT HERE ARE SOME TIPS:
WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON TO GET MARRIED IN ICELAND?
SPRING / SUMMER
During the summer months, Iceland experiences the phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun, with incredibly long days and almost 24 hours of sunlight, this provides ample time for outdoor ceremonies and stunning photography opportunities with the golden and ethereal light.
Spring and summer in Iceland bring milder temperatures compared to the colder months, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). This makes outdoor activities and celebrations more comfortable.
With long daylight hours, you have more time to explore and enjoy the beauty of Iceland, you can plan a full-day elopement adventure, taking advantage of the daylight for a romantic ceremony, exploring iconic locations, and capturing unforgettable moments within Iceland's natural wonders.
AUTUMN / WINTER
Iceland is famous for its spectacular Northern Lights, the autumn and winter months provide a higher chance of witnessing this fascinating natural phenomenon.
Iceland's landscapes take on a dramatic and otherworldly beauty during the autumn and winter months, with snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls, and icy coasts adding an even more spectacular touch to your wedding photos.
Additionally, the unique combination of fire and ice in Iceland's landscapes adds a touch of magic and charm to your celebration.
Autumn and winter are considered low seasons in Iceland, which means fewer tourists and a quieter atmosphere, this allows for more exclusive access to popular wedding locations and destinations, creating a more intimate and personal experience for you and your partner.