Eloping in Iceland’s Westfjords: An Intimate Icelandic Wedding | Rachelle & Perry

Everyone’s elopement planning starts differently! In Iceland, we now know that most couples will choose a location on the south coast, but sometimes we are in for a treat! After some consideration, Rachelle & Perry chose the privacy of the Westfjords. A secluded, intimate and breathtaking part of Iceland where mass tourism isn’t really a thing yet, apart from the cruises that visit for a day to see Dynjandi for instance. If you are longing for nature, stunning views, adventure and maybe even a pod of whales: the Westfjords are perfect for your elopement!

The Westfjords can be found in the – you probably guessed it – western part of Iceland. The travel time from the capital of Reykjavík is about 5 hours and takes you through epic landscapes like mountains and fjords. This is definitely an elopement location off the beaten path! This is exactly why this couple chose the Westfjords: because of its quietness and privacy.

Preparing for an elopement in the Westfjords

We met Rachelle & Perry during a video call. They told us about themselves and about what they envisioned for their elopement day. Privacy was a very important part of their vision! After the call, they quickly let us know that we were chosen to capture this special day for them and after all the formalities it was time to start planning! While Tim worked on drafts for the day, the couple found a cottage they wanted to rent and use as their wedding venue. The views were amazing, so why not? Oh, and it was in the Westfjords. Okay! And so the planning process for their intimate elopement changed towards the West. Quite soon, we had a plan and in July it was finally time to set foot on the airplanes that would bring us to Iceland!

The road trip towards the Westfjords was absolutely gorgeous, marking the start of our work as photographers! We’re always spotting those picture-perfect spots to take couples to.

It’s elopement day!

On a beautiful day, it is finally time for Rachelle & Perry to tie the knot. It is sunny and it is warm, which is also known as ‘Icelandic Summer’: one day of good weather 😉 but hey, we could walk around in just our T-shirts! Together but apart, Rachelle & Perry get ready for their day. Where she curls her hair, he re-writes his vows in the sun. They haven’t travelled to Iceland all alone but brought some friends so Rachelle is dressed by her friend.

The final touches are being done and it’s time for the first look, followed by the beautiful ceremony performed by Gylfi, who as a celebrant in the West Fjords only performs about 2 weddings per year! Lots of laughs and memories are shared, next to the mountains with eternal snow. The views during this Westfjords elopement are indescribable; this may be the most beautiful setting we’ve ever seen! Rings are shared, as well as the first sip of champagne as husband and wife. They Facetime with loved ones back home, and then it’s time to go waterfall hunting for the love shoot. As the end of the day approaches, we drive towards Ísafjörður to meet up with the friends of Rachelle & Perry and share a dinner with them at restaurant Logn.

Kind words of Rachelle & Perry

Thank you so much for helping us create a magical day and then capturing it so beautifully on film. We can relive this day over and over again thanks to your visual documentation of the day. You were truly able to see who we are through the camera lens. We enjoyed your company, direction, and counsel on creating a memorable experience that we will cherish always.

Forever grateful,

Rachelle and Perry

Some tips for planning your elopement in the Westfjords

• We believe this hidden gem is a must-visit! Its vastness makes you feel incredibly small in the best way possible. During our road trip here, I, Julianne, witnessed a whale for the very first time in my life. I might have cried a little 😉 The tranquil atmosphere of this area is very soothing and we highly recommend considering this as your elopement location for those who seek untouched landscapes, fewer tourists and adventure!
• The Westfjords can be reached by car or car ferry and you can go by air.
  • By plane
    Your flight either lands in Ísafjörður, Bíldadalur or Gjögur. You have to keep in mind that these flights can get cancelled or delayed because of weather: the airports are very small and 2 of the 3 are nestled next to mountains. This is, however, the quickest way to travel from Reykjavík to the West fjords, taking a maximum of 50 minutes.
  • By ferry
    The ferry operates twice daily during peak season (mid-June to late August) and once a day during shoulder season. The passage takes about 2,5 hours, stops in Flatey halfway through the journey and gives you plenty of time to enjoy the fjords and the rest of the incredible nature!
  • By car
    If you’re up for the adventure, driving is what we recommend! The views are otherworldly and you can stop whenever you want. Good to know: a couple of the roads here are (well-maintained) gravel roads. They were doing a lot of roadwork last summer to lay down asphalt and make the journey as smooth as possible. You don’t really need a 4×4 car, but it is comfier and a smoother drive. The roads are generally easy to navigate, though you may encounter occasional bumps and some potholes. If driving next to a steep edge isn’t really your thing, road-tripping here might feel a little bit challenging! We love road trips and have seen steeper cliffs than this, but we know that not everyone likes this. If you keep your speed, take care of yourself and get plenty of driving breaks (which you’ll probably already do because of the views), you’re absolutely fine! The travel time is about 5 hours if you keep on driving uninterrupted.
• During the winter months, most roads are either closed or not regularly maintained. There are plenty of winter activities to enjoy here, such as skiing. Be aware that the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. Gather all information available before you go! Tourism quiets down more during the winter, and many hotels/restaurants may be closed.

Frequently asked questions

What to do after you elope in the Westfjords?
There are plenty of wonderful and adventurous activities to make this trip even more special. Explore the stunning landscapes during your scenic road trip along the fjords, go on a hike on one of the many hike routes, go on a whale-watching tour or swim in one of the many natural hot springs.

Why should you get married in the Westfjords?
The Western area of Iceland offers a unique and serene setting for your elopement. With dramatic cliffs and breathtaking fjords, it’s the perfect destination for couples seeking privacy and insanely stunning natural beauty. Unlike more tourist-heavy areas of Iceland, the Westfjords provide quiet and intimate locations where you can celebrate your love without the crowds. The Westfjords offer an unforgettable backdrop when you elope!

When to elope in the Westfjords?
It completely depends on the experience you’re looking for to decide what is the right time to head to the Westfjords. Summer (June to August) offers you long days, mild weather and lush green and vibrant landscapes but also more tourists. Compared to the rest of Iceland, it’s still relatively quiet though! For a magical winter elopement with activities like skiing, you should consider visiting between December and February. The mountains will be snowy, there is a high possibility of seeing the Northern Lights and there will be fewer tourists. The only thing to keep in mind is that weather can be unpredictable with temperatures dropping quite low and limited daylight.

Want to read more about eloping in Iceland? Read our blog on how to elope in Iceland! Connect with us via our contact form or e-mail if you want to create that epic elopement experience with us!