Everything You Need to Know About Eloping in Iceland
Are you ready to plan your Iceland adventure?
With its otherworldly landscapes (it’s insane) and super accessible flights, Iceland is a dream destination for couples looking for an unforgettable elopement experience.
If your dream day includes puffin spotting, chasing waterfalls, and taste-testing Iceland’s famous hot dogs, you’re exactly where you need to be.
(I will let the photos do the talking here)
WE ARE SO IN, BE OUR PHOTOGRAPHER.
Need some Iceland Inspo? This blog should help!!
BUT FOR REAL
If you’re thinking of getting married or eloping in Iceland, This guide has everything you need to plan your ultimate Iceland Elopement—from epic locations and must-do activities to marriage laws, weather tips, and, of course, finding the perfect Iceland elopement photographer to capture it all.
01. The Best Time of Year in Iceland for Getting Married
02. All you need to know about the regions of Iceland
03. My iceland elopement packages
04. Eloping and Getting Married in Iceland: Legal Stuff and Logistics
05. Wedding Vendors You Might Want to Book
06. Deciding Where to Stay After Your Iceland Elopement
07. Meet your iceland Elopement photographer
Scroll through it all or tap above to skip wherever you’d like.
The Best Time of Year in Iceland for Getting Married
Iceland IN THE SPRING
Iceland IN THE Summer
Temperature/Weather: 30–50°F (0–10°C)
What to Expect: The days start getting longer, the snow begins to melt, and fresh greenery and wildflowers begin to bloom. Waterfalls are at their absolute peak, rushing with power from the melting snow. While the weather can be a bit unpredictable (think sunshine one minute and a light snow flurry the next), the trade-off is fewer crowds and more accessible roads.
Temperature/Weather: 50–60°F (10–15°C)
What to Expect: Midnight Sun means nearly endless daylight, so you can adventure for hours without worrying about sunset! Iceland is at its greenest, puffins are everywhere, and the weather is at its most stable (though rain showers can still pop up). This is also peak tourist season, so expect some crowds at popular spots.
iceland IN THE fall
Iceland IN THE winter
Temperature/Weather: 40–50°F (5–10°C)
What to Expect: A short but stunning season where Iceland turns golden and moody. The Northern Lights start making appearances, and the summer crowds begin to fade. Waterfalls are still going strong, and the weather is crisp but not bitter cold yet.
Temperature/Weather: 20–35°F (-7–2°C)
What to Expect: If you’re dreaming of an elopement straight out of a winter fairytale, this is it. Snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and ice caves make for jaw-dropping scenery. Days are much shorter (hello, 4-hour daylight in December), but that means more time for stargazing and chasing the Northern Lights. Some locations will be harder to access due to snow, but there are still plenty of incredible spots to explore.
"She’s an excellent photographer and a wonderful person who made us feel so comfortable the whole time. She’s the perfect photographer for getting all those adventure shots. Highly recommend!"
Gabby & Adam
All you need to know about the regions of Iceland:
1)The North Region: Remote, Rugged, & Full of Adventure
2) THE SOUTH REGION: WHERE FIRE AND ICE COLLIDE
4) West Iceland: A Bit of Everything!
3) The Eastern Region: Wild Beauty & Hidden Spots
5) Westfjords: A Truly Breathtaking Region
7) Reykjavik: Where Culture and Adventure Collide
6) Reykjanes Peninsula: Volcanoes, Lighthouses & The Famous Blue Lagoon
If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes with lava fields, deep valleys, and stunning peninsulas, the North is calling your name! Here, you’ll find Dettifoss Waterfall (Europe’s most powerful waterfall!) and the Northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. This region is full of charming fishing villages and has a wild, untouched feel. If you’re up for a road trip, drive the Diamond Circle—a scenic route with five breathtaking stops, each offering a completely different experience.
With its rugged ridgelines, alpine meadows, and golden light pouring over the mountains at sunrise or sunset, it’s a place that feels like a scene from a freaking dream!
The North Region: Remote, Rugged, & Full of Adventure
The South of Iceland is exactly what people mean when they say “fire and ice”. Here the geothermal heat meets glacial cold and provides the most epic experience! Some of the most famous and beautiful spots include Gullfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – and so much more! Plus, it’s just a 30-40 minute drive from Reykjavik, so it’s easy to get to while still feeling like an otherworldly escape
The South Region: Where Fire and Ice Collide
This region is for couples who want a mix of farmland, rivers, and Iceland’s largest forest. This area is famous for its colorful rhyolite formations and mineral-rich magma deposits that create an almost surreal landscape! If you’re into arts and culture, you’ll love the summer music and art festivals that bring this region to life. And for an absolute must-see? Stuðlagil Canyon—home to insane basalt column formations and a glacial blue-green river that looks straight out of a dream. [Wheeww, I got a little nerdy there, but it’s seriously so incredibly beautiful].
The Eastern Region: Wild Beauty & Hidden Spots
West Iceland is all about variety—think volcanoes, waterfalls, and incredible wildlife, all packed into one region. If you love hiking, Akranes and Hvalfjörður have some of the most scenic trails in the country. And for a truly one-of-a-kind elopement backdrop? Snæfellsjökull National Park—Iceland’s only national park that stretches all the way to the sea. With its glaciers, black sand beaches, and lava fields, it’s a total hidden gem that feels straight out of a storybook.
West Iceland: A Bit of Everything!
If you’re craving untouched, jaw-dropping landscapes, the Westfjords is your dream elopement destination. This region is filled with towering mountains, dramatic coastlines, natural hot pools, and some of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls. It’s remote, yes, but so worth it. You can either take a scenic road trip or catch a quick flight to Ísafjörður, available year-round.
Westfjords: A Truly Breathtaking Region
As soon as you land at Keflavík International Airport, you’re greeted by lava fields and craters that set the tone for Iceland’s wild beauty. The Reykjanes Peninsula may be small, but it packs a punch with its rugged coastline, iconic lighthouses, and the steaming Blue Lagoon! If you want to start your adventure off right, I highly recommend heading straight to The Blue Lagoon after landing—it’s the ultimate way to relax before diving into your Icelandic elopement adventure!
Reykjavik: Where Culture and Adventure Collide
And last, but certainly not least, Iceland’s capital is full of personality—colorful streets, oceanfront music, historic landmarks, and some of the best restaurants in the country – hands down! It’s a perfect place to soak in Iceland’s charm before or after your elopement! Whether you’re exploring the famous Hallgrímskirkja Church, wandering through art galleries, or grabbing a bite at one of the city’s many cafes, Reykjavik offers a totally different kind of adventure!
Reykjanes Peninsula: Volcanoes, Lighthouses & The Famous Blue Lagoon
“Erica is a talent and a treasure. She took the reins in finding the best spots, is a joy to be around, and made us feel special, important, and understood.”
“Her talent behind the lens is unmatched, and her ability to make you feel comfortable is remarkable.”
Stoked on eloping in Iceland?
If you two are a super cool couple looking for a photographer who will support you every step of the way (and deliver a bomb gallery to look back on it all), I’d be super down.
MY Destination Elopement Packages Include:
+ Up to 20 guests
+ A minimum of 6 hours of coverage
+ An online gallery & printing rights
+ Multiple check-in calls
+ An elopement planning guide
+ Vendor recs & timeline support
+ 48 or 72-hour sneak peeks
+ 3-15 Polaroids
+ Travel costs included
Elopement photography packages for Iceland begin at $5,400
SEE Iceland elopement DETAILS
Eloping and Getting Married in Iceland: Legal Stuff and Logistics
Everything you need to know about how to tie the knot in Iceland:
Alright, alright. First thing, try to take care of the legal paperwork at home before heading off for your epic adventure. That way, you can focus on the fun stuff—like saying your vows with a glacier backdrop or beneath the Northern Lights!
But if you’re set on making it official in Iceland, no worries! As a non-resident, you’ll just need to go through the legal process to get married there. It takes a little extra planning, but I’ve got you covered with all the details to make it as smooth as possible.
While we’re on the page of legalities, unlike some places, Iceland has pretty strict rules about who can perform ceremonies—so unfortunately, a friend or family member can’t legally officiate. But don’t worry! You have options. You can either hire a registered officiant or go the symbolic route [that I mentioned above], where a loved one leads the ceremony while you handle the legal paperwork separately.
next step >>
- Marriage Notification Form (hjónavígsluskýrsla) – Confirms no legal impediments to your marriage.
- Certificate of Marital Status – Issued within 8 weeks before your wedding.
- Divorce Decree (if applicable).
- Birth Certificates (original copies).
- Proof of Estate Settlement (if widowed).
- Passport Copies.
- Travel Itinerary (entry/exit dates).
1. Gather Your documents
- Send everything to the National Registry Office in Reykjavik at least 3 weeks before your wedding (earlier is better in case of errors).
2. submit your documents
- The week of your wedding, schedule a 5-minute appointment at the local District Commissioner’s Office (location depends on your ceremony site).
- Bring all original documents to receive your marriage license.
- That’s it—once you’ve got your license, you’re all set to get married in Iceland! For more information about this process, head to their website, here!
3. final appointment before your wedding
- Iceland officiant (look at the section above!)
- Iceland florist
- Iceland hair and makeup person (if you want, you can totally do your own, I did!)
- A photographer (heyyy, me.)
- Private chef/restaurant that caters
Wedding Vendors You Might Want to Book
What to Know about Wedding and Elopement Dresses and Fits
(One little tip, if you’re both planning on wearing white, try for the same tone of white, it looks more cohesive in photos!)
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING YOUR DRESS OR SKIRT
- Go for whatever color you want
- If you’re doing an outdoor elopement, consider how the breeze will flow through your dress
- For longer hiking elopements, avoid heavy dress materials like corsets, tulle, puffy skirts, etc. (they’re challenging to pack in a backpack!)
- Make sure you can move in it freely so you can jump, dance, skip, and swish as you please
PLACES TO BUY WEDDING DRESSES AND SKIRTS:
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING YOUR SUIT OR TUX:
- Your top doesn’t have to match your bottom, and mixing and matching colors can be a fun way to spice up your attire
- Ditch the black (if you want) and go for fun patterns or cool materials (hell yes to leather jackets or shirts with dogs on them)
- Add more personality with unique accessories like vests, bolo ties, scarves, belts, pocket watches, and more!
- Consider layering options for temp changes (vests, jackets, etc.)
PLACES TO BUY WEDDING DRESSES AND SKIRTS:
Deciding Where to Stay After Your Iceland Elopement
Combine your love of travel with adventure and enjoy all the things Iceland has to offer while you are there getting married!
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BOOKING YOUR iceland LODGING:
- Are you using it as a getting-ready space? If so, are there good windows? Does the decor match your vibe?
- How close is it to the activities you want to do and to your ceremony spot?
- Do you want privacy or would you prefer a place that includes food and activities nearby (like a B&B or hotel)?
- Do you want guests to be able to stay nearby?
- Are you bringing pets?
Epic Hotels in Iceland
Gorgeous Air Bnbs in Iceland
- Entire Mountain Villa (7 guests)
- Geothermal Villa (4 guests)
- Traditional Earthen Home (5 guests)
- Cozy Cabin (4 guests)
- Cabin in the heart of the Fjords (8 guests)
I’m Erica, by the way—a New Hampshire elopement and wedding photographer
I probably should have introduced myself wayyyyy earlier, but I was too pumped about sharing all these New Hampshire wedding and elopement tips. (Sorry.)
I’m the kind of person who cares a lot about the people in my life (clients included). The type of wedding and elopement photographer who helps create the feel-good moments and captures the candid. And the kind of vibe picker-upper who knows what to say, when to step in, and the best dad joke to crack to keep you two having a good time always.
Sound like your vibe?
