How to Elope in Iceland

Updated for 2024

ICELAND ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

ICELAND ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Why You Should Elope in Iceland

Iceland has quickly become one of the more popular destinations for adventure elopements and seasoned travelers alike. It makes perfect sense! It’s no surprise that Iceland is gaining popularity - take a few minutes to do some Google image searching and you’ll see why! From epic waterfalls, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, stunning lupine wildflower fields, luscious green rolling hills and jaw-dropping canyons and cliffsides. The location is perfectly situated for easy access from Europe, and most American based flights to Iceland offer the option to do a “stop over” in the country for a few days before continuing onto Europe - these are usually pretty great flight deals!

Getting There & Rental Cars

You’ll want to fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF).

A 4x4 rental car is a MUST for the true adventurous Iceland experience! There is so much more to explore on Iceland’s F-roads (mountain roads that are not regularly maintained) which get you off the beaten path and away from the tourists swarming the “ring road” which is the main road loop around the country. Due to the risk of these roads that aren’t as maintained, you’ll have to book a rental car through a specific company that has 4x4 vehicles like Saga Rental Cars or Thrifty. These companies have a different kind of insurance than your standard rental car in order to cover the risk of these F-roads. Many of these mountain roads have river crossings, but be careful because your rental car insurance does not cover you for river crossings and if you incur any vehicle damage you can expect a big bill coming your way.

How to Get Married in Iceland

You have two options for legally getting hitched - either IN Iceland, or back at home. Either option is totally doable and up to you guys, but if you’re aiming for the most stress-free experience, I recommend getting married at home beforehand and then doing your symbolic ceremony (exchanging of vows and rings) while IN Iceland. This option will save you money and the hassle of needing to follow strict protocol for getting married internationally. Do the paperwork at the courthouse at home, then elope and celebrate in Iceland!

If you ARE interested in taking the extra steps to make the marriage official while in Iceland, I recommend you check out the U.S. Embassy’s website and check local authorities to follow all the necessary steps and to make sure you plan accordingly and pack all the items needed.

When to Plan Your Elopement 

Spring

Spring comes to Iceland during the months of April and May. Snowfall is still a possibility this time of year and you can expect a good amount of rain, but wildflowers will begin to bloom during these months as the higher elevation’s snow melts. It will be chilly during these months, but you can expect less tourists because of this. Puffins start to migrate back to Iceland in April, so keep your eye out!

Summer

The best time of year to elope in Iceland is June, July and August. The temperatures become more comfortable - usually in the 50’s to 60’s, the “midnight sun” gives you almost full days of light (which is awesome for elopements - we can flip our sleep schedules and do your elopement in the “middle of the night” when everyone else is sleeping!) It’s a photographer’s dream that sunset meshes into sunrise, creating several hours of glowy golden light. Usually by the beginning of July the Highlands roads will reopen after being closed for winter road conditions. Mid summer is also the best time of year to see whales!

Fall

September can also be a good time to plan your elopement too because heavy tourist season will be slowed down by this point and prices for accommodations tend to decrease around this time. You can expect mostly comfortable temperatures, but strong wind and potentially a lot of rainfall.

Where to Elope in Iceland

  • Stokksnes Beach

  • Landmannalaugar Highlands

  • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

  • Kerlingarfjöll

  • Stuðlagil Canyon

  • Kirkjufell Mountain

  • Reynisfjara Beach

  • Westfjords

  • Skógafoss Waterfall

  • Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon

  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

What to Pack

  • Waterproof hiking boots

  • Rain jacket

  • Waterproof pants

  • Puffy coat

  • Hats

  • Swimsuit

  • Quick dry towel

  • Wool socks

  • Gloves

  • Backpack

  • Adapters

Your Iceland Elopement Photographer

Hey I’m Andie! Click here to learn more about me.

I can’t wait to adventure with you guys around this magical country! You could spend two weeks here and still not see and experience all there is to do! But during our time together we will do our best to explore some phenomenal, breathtaking places here.

Iceland Elopement Packages

  • Full Day $9,000

    7 hours of coverage

    3-5 locations + capturing any activities you do

    Split or consecutive coverage

    Includes any necessary photography permits

    Includes ALL TRAVEL FEES to get here

    Vendor referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline

  • Half Day $6,500

    4 hours of coverage

    2-3 location

    Consecutive coverage or $250 extra for split

    Includes any necessary photography permits

    Includes ALL TRAVEL FEES to get here

    Vendor referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline

Let’s work together.

Fill out this form as detailed as possible and we’ll be planning together in no time!