Table of Contents:

• Where is Iceland?
• Why Elope in Iceland?
• Legalities of Getting Married in Iceland
• When to Elope in Iceland
• 6 Epic Iceland Elopement Locations
• 11 Adventurous Iceland Elopement Ideas
• Where to Stay for Your Iceland Elopement
• How to Prepare for Your Iceland Elopement
• Hiring Your Iceland Elopement Photographer

Don’t be surprised if I suddenly pack my bags, leave the US, and spontaneously move to Iceland one day—I fell in love the moment I first set foot in this insanely beautiful country, and have gone back multiple times since. The insanely beautiful landscapes, the welcoming culture, the endless opportunities for unparalleled adventures. . . if there’s a heaven on Earth, Iceland is it. I’ve put together this guide to help you plan your dream Icelandic elopement, covering all the best places to elope in Iceland, marriage license info, tips for helping you choose the right season, and so much more. Fair warning, though—by the end of this, you may want to pack up your things and come right along with me! 😉

Where is Iceland?

Iceland is a remote island in the North Atlantic Ocean, part of the Scandinavian union and often called the Land of Ice and Fire. This Nordic country is an icon of northern Europe, filled with fascinating Viking history, massive glaciers, active volcanoes, and dramatic landscapes at literally every turn. 

How to Get to Iceland

Assuming you’re flying into Iceland, you’ve got a few options when it comes to major airports: Keflavík International Airport (KEF) , Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) , and Akureyri Airport (AEY). Keflavík is the main international airport and is where most international travelers fly into; in fact, it’s actually super close to one of Iceland’s main attractions, the Blue Lagoon. But to reach certain destinations around Iceland, you may want to take domestic flights from the capital city of Reykjavík. In a later portion of this guide where I talk about the most epic Iceland elopement locations, I’ve made sure to include which airport is closest to each!

How to Travel Around Iceland

Because of just how much Iceland has to offer, I highly recommend renting a car to get around! Having a car to drive will allow you the flexibility to explore on your own timeline as you please, and will give you the most opportunities to head into the wilderness + traverse the vast Icelandic landscapes. A small 2WD car is just fine if you’re eloping in the summer and plan to stick to the paved highways, such as Highway no. 1 (aka Ring Road, the most traveled route around Iceland). 

However, if you’re eloping in the early spring, late fall, or winter, and if you want to drive on any F roads (Iceland’s version of high clearance, gravel roads), I definitely suggest renting a vehicle suitable for those roads and river crossings. A large portion of Iceland is only accessible by high clearance, 4×4 vehicles, and river crossings are commonly required to get to many locations—so opting for this type of vehicle will be your best bet for safe travels. 

Why Elope in Iceland?

When I say Iceland is the absolute coolest place to elope, I truly mean it in every sense of the word! Iceland offers such an insanely beautiful array of diverse landscapes that are paradise for outdoor lovers, and create the perfect setting for an adventurous elopement. It’s not just one type of pretty landscape and that’s it. No, Iceland has it all: lush green mountains, majestic glaciers, dramatic lava fields, massive waterfalls, dreamy lagoons, mysterious ice caves, gorgeous cliffs. . . I could literally continue listing all of Iceland’s geologic wonders and I’d probably hit nearly every type of landscape on Earth, lol (except for maybe tropical beaches—there are none of those here). This wide variety of locations, paired with the unparalleled amount of things to do, make Iceland super unique and a literal dream come true for couples craving adventure, natural beauty, and overall, the elopement experience of a lifetime.

P.S. If you’re a big film or television fan, you’re going to LOVE Iceland and all the cool places that have been featured in different media throughout the years. We’re talking Game of Thrones, Star Wars, multiple Marvel movies. . . visiting film locations could be a super fun addition to your itinerary if you’re into that sorta thing!

Legalities of Getting Married in Iceland

Before we dive into planning the time of year + location of your Iceland elopement, let’s chat about the legalities of getting married in Iceland; specifically, as US citizens.

Can Americans get legally married in Iceland?

Yes, American citizens can absolutely get legally married in Iceland as long as they follow the proper procedures! Iceland is a fairly easy country for foreigners to get married in, because the authorities will actually issue you an international wedding certificate that is fully valid in the US.

You’ll need to provide the National Registry Office in Reykjavik with certain documents at least three weeks before your wedding date, but the earlier the better just to make sure you’ve got everything in order. Below is a list of the documents you will need to file before arriving in Iceland in order to get married:

• Birth certificates
• Valid passports
• Notification of marriage from the District of Magistrate in Reykjavík
• Certificate of your marriage status (must be dated within 4 weeks of the date you’re getting married)
• Divorce decree, if applicable

After submitting these documents, you’ll receive witness forms from the Registry Office, which you AND two witnesses need to fill out and return.

Now if this all sounds like a lot, I get it—foreign marriage laws can be overwhelming! You do have an alternate option if you’d rather not go through the process of getting your Icelandic marriage license: having a symbolic ceremony instead. This simply means that you complete all the legal stuff back home before your trip, and then you have a symbolic, non-legal ceremony in Iceland. It’s a much easier option for couples who want to minimize stress and not have to worry about all the paperwork in the weeks leading up to their elopement!

When to Elope in Iceland

Choosing the right time of year is one of the most important parts of planning your Iceland elopement, as the season and weather will determine what activities you’re able to include in your trip. 

When is the best time of year to elope in Iceland?

I wouldn’t say that there is one BEST time of year to elope in Iceland; it really just depends on what you want to do, the places you want to see, and how long you’d like to stay for. 

Here are the pros and cons of each season in Iceland:

Summer (June-August)

Pros:

• Warmer temperatures
• Long days + lots of sunlight (midnight sun!)
• Best for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking
• Fun art + film festivals
• Highland roads are open

Cons:

• Most crowded time of year
• Higher travel + accommodation costs
• Lowest chances to see the Northern Lights

Fall (September-November)

Pros:

• Gorgeous fall colors
• Best time to see the Northern Lights
• Least crowded season; more peace and quiet

Cons:

• Chilly temperatures
• Unpredictable weather

Winter (December-February)

Pros:

• Magical wintry landscapes
• Lower travel + accommodation costs
• Fewer crowds
• Christmas is dreamy!
• Higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights
• Great for winter activities such as glacier hiking, 4×4 ice drives, and ice cave exploring

Cons:

• The coldest time of year (obviously)
• Road closures
• Very short days + limited daylight
• Limited access to natural areas

Spring (March-June)

Pros:

• Vibrant wildflowers and lush green mountains
• Best time to see waterfalls
• Lots of wildlife
• Gorgeous sunsets
• Fewer crowds
• Lower travel + accommodation costs

Cons:

• Unpredictable weather
• Landscapes aren’t as dramatic as winter/summer
• Rainfall
• Highland road closures are still often in place until the very end of spring

When is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

I know that if you’re eloping in Iceland, you’re probably dying to see the Northern Lights—so when is the best time to elope if you want to see the breathtaking aurora borealis light up the Icelandic skies?

The best time to visit Iceland if you want a chance at seeing the Northern Lights is between September-March, when the nights are long and dark enough to see them. September/November and February/March tend to provide optimal viewing due to the calmer weather compared to December and January, during which you’ll get a whopping 14-ish hours of dark skies every single night. The more opportunities you can give yourself to see this beautiful light show, the better.

It’s important to account for light pollution just as much as the weather; while the aurora borealis can actually still be visible in cities like Reykjavik, they’re always going to be wayyy more vibrant in remote locations. I highly recommend downloading the Aurora app for your trip, which will notify you if there’s a chance of seeing the Northern Lights!

Seeing the Northern Lights is an absolutely magical, bucket list experience for sure, but just remember that there’s no guarantee you’ll see them. Make sure to plan other activities you’ll love so that you still have other amazing things to do, even if you don’t end up seeing them!

6 Epic Iceland Elopement Locations

Let me just start by saying that there are SO MANY cool places to elope in Iceland. You could literally drive anywhere and be met with jaw-dropping landscapes that you’d never see elsewhere. This is just going to be a small list of the endless options you have, because I have to save some locations for my couples—so if you’re interested in eloping in Iceland and want to know where else to go, reach out here!

1. Landmannalauger

Closest Airport: Reykjavik (RKV)

Landmannalauger is a breathtaking part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, located in Iceland’s Highlands on the edge of the Laugahraun lava field. It’s wild to think that this lava field was formed over 500 years ago and is now an iconic destination in the Highlands, best known for its geothermal hot springs, colorful mountains, and wildly scenic views. The unique coloring of the mountains comes from the minerals present in the rocks, and make for SUCH a one-of-a-kind scene! 10/10 recommend exploring the area via Jeep, horseback, or hike—whatever floats your boat.

There are two ways you can get to Landmannalauger by car: by F225 from the west, or F208 from the south. Both of them have a few river crossings, so I’d recommend having a 4×4 vehicle if you’re planning to drive on F225, and a larger vehicle for F208. 

2. Skógafoss

Closest Airport: Reykjavik (RKV)

Obviously Skógafoss had to be included in this list, seeing as though it’s one of the most well-known landmarks in the south of Iceland. This massive waterfall is one of the biggest in the country, located on the Skóga River about 2 hours from Reykjavik. It’s completely free to visit this majestic centerpiece of the South Coast, and there are multiple ways to experience the stunning cascade + lush surrounding landscapes: you can either walk to the bottom of the falls, trek over 500 steps to the top of the falls, or embark on a lengthier hike along the Fimmvörðuháls trail. Summer is the best time to see this waterfall and get all that beautiful, green moss, as well as the chance to see rainbows reflected in the mist coming off the falls!

3. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Closest Airport: Reykjavik (RKV)

You probably know that Iceland is famed for its unique and ever-dramatic black sand beaches, with Reynisfjara being the most famous of them all. Located on the South Coast, the mysterious rocks made black by volcanic activity, towering basalt columns, and majestic coastal scenery create one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the country—a MUST visit during your trip to Iceland. Despite its grand beauty, it’s important to know that Reynisfjara can be a pretty dangerous place due to powerful waves that can easily overtake beachgoers and pull them out to sea, so no swimming is allowed. 

4. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Closest Airport: Reykjavik (RKV)

Have you heard of Iceland’s Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon? It’s by far one of the most famous destinations in the country, but Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a close second, offering equally picturesque scenery and, often, fewer crowds than Jokulsarlon. The lagoon is definitely a hidden gem located just off the ring road, with the incredible Vatnajökull Glacier towering above. Whether you embark on a tranquil boat ride across the lagoon, take an epic glacier hike, or take an incredible overnight adventure to stay in the AuroraHut, the beauty of this lagoon will blow you away and provide you with the elopement experience of a lifetime.

5. Thórsmörk

Closest Airport: Reykjavik (RKV)

If you and your partner are searching for an epic hiking destination to visit during your Icelandic elopement, you’ve found it with Thórsmörk! This nature reserve in the southern highlands is absolute heaven for outdoor lovers who crave an adventure among some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Throughout the area nestled between massive glaciers, you’ll find hidden waterfalls, vast valleys, and panoramic views at every turn. Note that because Thórsmörk is fairly remote and hard to get to, you’ll need a 4WD car to get there—or you can book a Jeep/hiking tour of the area instead. If you want to spend a little more time in this glorious reserve, you can book a stay with Volcano Huts in one of their cozy cottages, private rooms, or glamping tents!

6. Stokksnes

Closest Airport: Reykjavik (RKV)

Stokksnes is this unbelievably stunning peninsula on the South Coast of Iceland, most known for its black sand, spectacular headland scenery, and striking views of Vestrahorn mountain. I’d say it’s a bit more off the beaten path than some of the other iconic destinations in Iceland, so you’re more likely to have some privacy and to enjoy the landscapes in the peace and quiet. It’s honestly an otherworldly place to visit, with many spots that seem to be completely untouched by humans, and powerful coastal scenery that’ll leave you feeling so inspired + in awe. You’ve got to spend some time at Stokksnes Black Sand Beach, where you’ll see spectacular reflections of Vestrahorn in the lagoon!

11 Adventurous Iceland Elopement Ideas

I’ve rambled about all the wildly amazing opportunities for adventure that Iceland has to offer—so now that you know a few of the best locations to visit, let’s go through some of my favorite Iceland elopement ideas + activities for an epic trip!

1. Tour ice caves

2. Kayak through icebergs

3. Go whale watching

4. Go surfing (if you’re really hardcore!)

5. Eat a Michelin star meal

6. Drive F roads across rivers into the highlands

7. Scuba dive between tectonic plates

8. Soak in a hot spring

9. See puffins

10. Ride Icelandic horses

11. Get a massage at the Blue Lagoon

Where to Stay for Your Iceland Elopement

Where you stay in Iceland for your elopement really depends on where you’re having your ceremony, and the places you’d like to visit. Reykjavik is a great jumping off point as it’s within driving distance of many of the Iceland hotspots, but Hella, Vik, Höfn, and Akureyri are all cute little towns that make for great locations to stay. This is something that I can help you with as your Iceland elopement photographer once we start planning your timeline!

How to Prepare for Your Iceland Elopement

I wanted to end this guide with a few final tips on how to prepare for your Iceland elopement, including practical travel advice, essential items to pack, and what to wear when you’re out exploring.

1. Make sure to pack layers and warm clothes! You never know what you’re going to get with the weather in Iceland, even in the summer.
2. Wearing sturdy footwear is a must—the terrain varies across different parts of Iceland, so you’ll want to be sure you have solid footing wherever you go.
3. Bring rain gear with you no matter the season. Again, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable (especially in the fall/spring), and it’s best to be ready for anything.
4. Iceland has its own official currency called the Krona, but some places will take US Dollars or Euros. The current exchange rate is 138.47 Krona to 1 USD. The vast majority of businesses do accept card though!
5. Monitor travel and weather alerts before and during your elopement to make sure you’re aware of any delays or changes that need to be made in your itinerary. You can do this via Safe Travel, a website run by Iceland Search & Rescue!

Hiring Your Iceland Elopement Photographer

So, was I right? Are you ready to grab your passport and head off to Iceland for your next magical adventure just like I am? It would be such an honor to tag along on your trip and capture your adventurous spirit, celebrate your marriage, and create unforgettable memories with you. Whether you want to hike across a glacier, relax in a lagoon, or ride horses through the highlands (or all of the above!), I’d love to be your Iceland elopement photographer and document it all for you—reach out here and let’s start planning!