How to elope to Iceland in 2025 & 2026 – the ultimate guide for your Icelandic elopement day!

Updated in 2025

Your step-by-step planning guide: everything you possibly need for your dream elopement in Iceland. Best locations, travel tips and more! We hope to answer every question you might have regarding planning your fabulous and adventurous elopement experience in Iceland. And if you’re still looking for some kick-ass photographers to join and help you with the pre-fun of planning and the legendary wedding day? Count us in and contact us via this button!

If you are planning to elope, you’ve probably seen Iceland countless times as the ultimate country to plan that adventurous wedding day! And we can’t blame everyone who wants to go there, because it is amazingly diverse in its landscape. You can count on black sand beaches, dramatic mountains towering in the spooky fog, numerous waterfalls and let’s not forget: the northern lights! Eloping in Iceland won’t disappoint at all. Don’t believe us? We hope to convince you while you read this blog to come and elope in Iceland, and maybe with us as your photographers! Some pros:

So, are we excited yet? This guide is going to teach you a little bit about making a plan for that epic day you’re dreaming of. We hope to lead you through the tougher phase of envisioning everything you want by giving you plenty of ideas and the information you will need. And if you want our guidance and everlasting memories, shoot us an email!

But first…

What is eloping?

An elopement at its core is a very intimate experience between you and your significant other. If you look in the dictionary, you’ll find explanations like “running away to get married” or something along those lines. This is no longer the meaning of eloping! For most full-fledged weddings, you have to deal with a lot of stuff: who is going to be invited? Which vendors matter to us most? Where are we going to get ready, have the ceremony, the dinner and the party? The day is mostly run by a tight schedule to keep the day going smoothly, and at the end of the day, it almost looks like you’re trying to entertain everyone. But wait… Getting married was about you and your love, right?

And here’s where eloping comes into the picture. It’s completely different and it’s fundamentally all about you and your other half. You choose the where, you choose the how, the who, and the what. Not society! This is supposed to be a stressless and hassle-free day where you do what you want. Together with us as your photographer, you choose the perfect location in Iceland or wherever you want in the world so you can experience that wedding day that reflects your vision and values. 

It’s not just a day filled with a photoshoot or just a day with only a small ceremony. It’s a moment filled with adventure and activities. Most couples choose to go hiking on glaciers, chasing waterfalls, kayaking on a glacier lake or go northern light hunting. You do exactly what you like to do!

So… the key is that eloping is all about you and your partner!

Why you should elope in Iceland

If you’ve decided that Iceland is your dream destination, you’re probably eager to learn more about this magical country. We’re here to share some of the biggest reasons why we think eloping in Iceland is an amazing choice. In this part of the guide, we’ll walk you through some key insights to help you see what makes this place so special!

Kind people – a warm welcome to a cold land

One thing we always noticed whenever we set foot in Iceland is that we didn’t come across grumpy people. AT ALL. Never. Icelandic people think highly of hospitality and are often happy to show you around or help you find your way when you ask. 

You’ll notice that when you ask a random stranger something, they will be eager to tell you about their country, the history and the sagas. Because Iceland is so small (less than 400.000 people are living in the whole country – which is 103.000 km2 or 39.769 sq mi. That’s roughly the size of the state of Kentucky and a little bigger than the state of North Carolina!), the population is used to having tight connections with almost everyone in the country (or at least in the town they live in).

Icelanders tend to be down-to-earth, relaxed, and incredibly flexible. If they tell you to stay inside if the weather gets bad, it’s getting bad in a totally different way you know so far. Because they have multiple glaciers in the country and geothermal areas, micro-climates are ruling the weather. The famous Icelandic saying is ‘Ef þér líkar ekki veðrið, bíddu í fimm mínútur’ (If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes). Windspeeds can get totally bonkers and you can even see every season in a day; rain, snow, sun, all of it!

Humor is one thing they’re good at; especially dark humor. You have to if in wintertime you only get 5 hours of daylight tops! 😉 One thing that you might need to get used to, is that punctuality isn’t one of their best qualities. The laid-back vibe of the country and the flexibility of its people make it easy to forgive. You’ll quickly adapt to the slower pace and might even find yourself embracing it while you are savoring every beautiful sighting. 

Love Has No Limits

Icelanders are known for their open-mindedness, where diversity is simply part of everyday life. It’s no surprise you’ll find rainbow crosswalks across the country, quietly celebrating inclusivity. LGBTQ+ weddings are legally recognized, making Iceland an ideal destination for same-sex couples to tie the knot. Whether you’re planning a wedding or an elopement, you can do so here with ease. Iceland welcomes you for who you are, no matter where you come from.

In 2009, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir became Iceland’s first female prime minister and the world’s first openly gay head of government. Her leadership paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights, and in 2010, same-sex marriage was legalized without a single objection in parliament. Since then, Iceland has remained one of the top-ranked nations for LGBTQ+ rights and equality worldwide.

Reykjavík Pride has been celebrated annually since 1999, drawing thousands of locals and visitors to its vibrant events. It’s a reminder of how deeply acceptance and inclusivity are embedded in Icelandic values, making the country a truly welcoming destination for everyone.

Travel made easy

As said before, Iceland is incredibly easy to reach – or at least for the Europeans and most Americans. If you are flying in from Asia, Australia, or New Zealand you need to get ready for a journey of at least 20 hours and multiple layovers, sadly. 

When you fly in, you will probably land at the biggest airport in Iceland: Keflavík. It is located about 45 minutes from the capital Reykjavík. Other airports in Iceland are the smaller airports in Reykjavïk itself, Akureyri, Isafjördur, and Egilsstadir. It is not likely you’ll land on one of those if you are doing an international flight. They do offer domestic flights, to make your travels easier and shorter. But, it must be said: driving is the pro tip we’d like to give. The scenery is amazing, even if you’re driving the 5 hours towards the west fjords – it won’t disappoint!

We think renting a car is the way to go. This gives you all the freedom to discover the country at your own pace. There are plenty of rentals, but we’d always choose for either Blue Car Rental or Lotus.  Most of the time a smaller car is more than suitable, but renting at least a middle-sized 4×4 like a Dacia Duster will give you the freedom to drive the F-roads which will lead you to more hidden gems! The ring road 1, leading you past a lot of beauties, is fully paved and gives a smooth drive.

Unsure about driving in Iceland? There are many tour operators who are able to take you on board to experience the scenery! It can vary between just a day tour or a multiple-day tour. Just how you want it to be 🙂

Public transportation is possible, but not ideal. In Reykjavík, you’ll probably find your way (use the Straeto app or website to plan your journey). But if you wish to travel further along the south coast, you have to plan more thoroughly! The bus schedule is quite restricted and will only get you to the bigger cities of Iceland.  

Payment

In Iceland, you can almost everywhere pay with a debit or credit card. Even Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported almost everywhere. No need for cash! One thing that confuses most US people, is that a tipping culture is pretty much non-existent. It’s even considered rude! This is because the loans in Iceland are quite high, compared to other countries. There is no need to top off the amount you’re already paying. 

And yes, Iceland is not considered a cheap country. But you can make it as expensive as you want to! Are you willing to stay in cheaper hotels, or do you like it fancy? Do you consider yourself happy with a pylsur (hotdog) as lunch, or do you want to eat out in a restaurant? Are you content with hiking 1,5 hours to bathe in a warm river for free or do you want to do the full bathing ritual at Blue Lagoon? If you are travelling for your elopement to Iceland or even your honeymoon we’d of course recommend splurging a little – this is your time to enjoy with just the two of you! 

Fresh and local food 

Being an island in the middle of the ocean, it is no surprise that the main supply of food comes from the sea. Icelanders have perfected hunting and fishing because they were so isolated as a country and as a result, their seafood dishes are on a whole other level! Almost always if you visit a town near the sea, you will eat the catch of the day while looking out over the harbour and its fishing vessels. For those that don’t like fish, they make some good hotdogs as well and you can find them at almost every gas station along the ring road! In restaurants, you can choose lamb as it is most of the time also produced in the country itself. So, prepare for the delicious slow-cooked lamb shanks, the steak, or stews! Icelanders are also quite good at building hamburgers and pizzas are also often found on menus. Are you eating vegetarian or even plant-based? Most menus will have a decent option for you too! 

Debatable Icelandic ‘delicacies’ 

In some restaurants, you might come across Icelandic ‘delicacies’ like puffin meat and whale meat. Both are considered controversial, raising ethical questions for many. Puffins, for example, are iconic birds in Iceland, but their populations have been declining in some areas due to climate change and overhunting. Similarly, whale meat comes from species that are not endangered, but the practice of whaling itself sparks global debate over sustainability and animal welfare. 

Interestingly enough, many Icelanders don’t even consume these dishes regularly—they’re more often offered to curious tourists. 

Stunning scenery is Iceland’s pride and joy

This is in itself a very possible reason why you want your elopement planned in Iceland: it has amazing landscapes. The land of fire and ice is one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever seen. Even after visiting countless times for our travels but surely also for the elopements we photograph, it never tires! The country is extremely beautiful and versatile with landscapes ranging from stunning and rugged mountains to geothermal hot pools, volcanoes and rough coastlines with black sand. Wherever you go, the scenery changes every few miles. With lots of variable adventures waiting for you, Iceland makes the perfect place for your adventure elopement! 

Northern lights

The northern lights aren’t just a bucket list item—they’re a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves you in awe. It’s no wonder they’re one of the top reasons couples choose Iceland for their adventure elopement. Few places in the world offer a better chance to see this natural wonder than Iceland, especially during the long, dark winter months.

From September to March, the aurora dances across Iceland’s skies, with autumn and winter offering the best viewing opportunities. But catching this incredible show isn’t just about luck—you’ll need a few things to line up:

• Darkness: The midnight sun of summer may be beautiful, but it blocks any chance of seeing the aurora. In winter, the extended nights provide the perfect stage for the northern lights to perform.
• Clear skies: Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so clear skies are a must. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and Northern Lights apps to track your chances.
• Solar activity: The magic of the aurora begins far beyond our atmosphere. Electrically charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s magnetic field, creating vibrant ribbons of green, purple, and pink light. It’s nature putting on a show!

For the best experience, leave the city lights behind and venture into Iceland’s remote wilderness. Your eyes will have a hard time adjusting if there is a lot of light pollution around you!

What do you need to get legally married in Iceland?

Getting legally married during your elopement in Iceland is super easy! But there are some things you need to do and take care of before your trip. Most of it needs to be done at least 3 weeks in advance. So let’s get started with the things you need to collect

• Passports for both of you
• Birth certificates for both of you
• The Icelandic marriage notification form (this one: https://www.syslumenn.is/media/onnur-eydublod/A-204-marriage-notification-1-.pdf)
• Widow certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce documentation (if applicable)

And of course, you can’t elope in Iceland without a photographer to capture all the beautiful landscapes and romantic moments of your Iceland elopement adventure.

You need to show up in Iceland at least 2 days before your wedding date to get all the needed documents. I would always recommend using a wedding planner local to Iceland to help you with this process. It’s even easier to get legally married in your own country and have a symbolic ceremony in Iceland as this is the easiest and stress-free process you can get!

You will also need an officiant and at least two witnesses to elope legally in Iceland. That can either be a friend or family member, or we can be your witnesses!

How to get to Iceland for your elopement

Fly to Iceland

The best choice is to fly into Reykjavik, Keflavik Airport. As said, is this the main gateway to Iceland and also a great starting point for your elopement adventure. Daily, direct flights from a lot of big airports around the world will land here: flying in from Boston, Vancouver, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, Chicago or many more cities is easier than ever, without having to have a layover. Well-known airlines are Icelandair (Iceland’s national airline), Play (a budget airline), SAS, Delta, Easyjet and Transavia. 

Rent your car

You NEED a rental car. Iceland is best discovered during a cool road trip and it’s a lot bigger than most people think it is. Make sure you have a rental car reserved before your trip. Summer is the busiest season and prices skyrocket as there are fewer cars available. Most people choose a 4×4 so they can easily conquer the F-roads. But beware: some F-roads are not advisable for tourists! If you want some help choosing which car suits your travel plans best, you can read this blog here! 

Weather

Another very important thing to remember is the weather. No matter what season you visit Iceland, the weather can change in an instant. Icelanders often say: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes”. There are several websites that will help you with weather forecasts, roads closing or opening, etc.

Most notorious is the wind as it can be very strong. So be careful when you open your doors. So in short, always be aware of the weather and watch out! Also: if Icelanders say to not go on the road, don’t be stubborn and ignore that advice!

Leave no trace

Iceland is well-known for its beautiful green moss, wildflowers, and overall uniqueness. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that moss is extremely fragile and can take thousands of years to fully heal. In order to keep the country looking beautiful for years to come, please practice ‘leave no trace’ principles during your elopement. We practice the Leave No Trace principle during all our activities and are proud members of the Leave no Trace community

Aurora borealis

The northern lights can be seen from September to March. This means that autumn and winter are your best chances of seeing them. To see the northern lights you’ll need a few things:

• Darkness, in the summer Iceland experiences midnight sun which blocks seeing the northern lights. In the winter it gets darker every day and less daylight means more time to see the northern lights. This is why the winter period is the best time to see the northern lights.
• Clear skies, Iceland has notorious weather and it changes super fast. For the Aurora Borealis to be visible you need clear skies, so keep a close eye on the weather apps and northern lights apps.

The light show we see from the ground is caused by electrically charged particles from space entering the Earth’s upper atmosphere at a very high speed.

When is the best time to plan your elopement in Iceland?

Honestly, Iceland is amazing all year round! Depending on your wishes, of course, different seasons would fit your elopement better as they all have their unique features and epic activities you can do.

Summer

If you want the best weather, then summer is the obvious choice. Summer is when the flowers bloom, and the days are at their longest (midnight sun anyone?), but it is also the busiest time for tourism. So, there are people everywhere and it will be harder to find those epic locations just for yourself. If you do decide to go in the summer, then think about changing your sleeping schedule as the sun does not go completely under. There is a sunset/sunrise that lasts incredibly long at night. Also, there are fewer tourists during these times as most people follow regular biological rhythms.

Pro: you’ll have the warmest month and in June you can experience the midnight sun! It is a true experience to have a golden hour – the best time for photos with soft light – all friggin’ day long! Most locations as Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjoll, and other spots will be easily accessible. The lupine fields will bloom in June and July as well, which is truly enchanting to see. Also, from April to early September, you can go on an adventure to see puffins!

Con: this season is BUSY. Most tourists will visit in these months. We will guide you to the less touristy spots, but can’t guarantee to have everything to yourself. The best-known spots are also harder to visit because sometimes there will even be buses bringing tourists in.

Be sure to pack…

• Bug spray. Iceland does not have mosquitos, but midges are certainly happy inhabitants of this country 😉
• A sleeping mask, to block out the light and give you a good night’s rest
• Your sunglasses. Snow, glaciers, and wet roads will reflect the sun – if it shines!

Spring & autumn

If you still want decent weather, most roads are still available (yes, a lot closes down in the winter due to the weather) and fewer tourists than the spring or autumn are for you. During these times there is still plenty of daylight for your outdoor activities and as long as it still gets dark at night you have a small chance to see the northern lights! Most tours and activities are still running. So you can go whale watching, and horseback riding and have plenty of daylight for all those epic hikes and photo locations! It goes without saying that these are our favorite times of the year to go eloping in Iceland.

Pro: both seasons where temperatures are mild and the crowd is less present. Days are relatively short, but give lovely golden hours!

Con: Autumn is known as the rainy season. You will need warm clothes (layers are preferred, (merino) wool will help very well!). In both seasons, some spots will not be easily traveled to, depending on weather conditions.

Be sure to pack…

• waterproof gloves or mittens! It can get cold, even if you don’t expect it to be. 
• a binocular to spot puffins coming back to nest (during the spring) or whales 
• a sturdy tripod for your camera or phone to take sharp as F… pictures of the northern lights

Winter

Wintertime is perfect for winter wonderland lovers and is the best time to see the northern lights. The northern lights are truly a beautiful experience and can make your elopement that romantic! Things to take into account while planning, is that your daylight is very limited. Average daylight time is 5 hours a day, and a lot of roads to the more remote locations are closed and not accessible without special tours with huge 4×4 vehicles.

Pro: two words: WINTER WONDERLAND! Okay, two more: NORTHERN LIGHTS!

Con: It’s quite cold and you’ll have limited daylight hours. Snowstorms are a good possibility, so you need to be flexible! With these storms, it is discouraged to hit the roads because you sometimes can’t see a thing. And there is a very high possibility that your car door will be blown off 😉

Be sure to pack…

• Layers upon layers upon layers of clothing. Especially if it’s Merino wool, this is a breathing fabric that will keep you either warm or cool, depending on your needs.
• Handwarmers! Choose the reusable ones instead of the throwaway option.
• Crampons! The ‘ice’ in Iceland should say enough, but around waterfalls or after it’s snowed, it gets slippery. Do yourself a favour and buy these to keep you safe!
• A headlamp to help you show the way when you go northern light hunting, or if you go for a hike around the winter solstice. 

Best Iceland elopement locations

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland. It’s a huge waterfall that is around 60m high (200 ft). A really cool feature is that you can walk all the way behind the waterfall for some epic photos. It’s a unique experience, but also a very wet one so don’t forget to bring a raincoat! You can find Seljalandsfoss just outside of the Golden Circle, about 2 hours and 15 minutes of driving from Reykjavik. Want to know more about Seljalandsfoss and a waterfall elopement? Read our blog here.

Skógafoss

Just an extra 30-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss you will find probably the most famous waterfall in Iceland: Skogafoss! With a 60m (200ft) drop and a width of 25m (82 feet), it’s also one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland. This impressive waterfall is a perfect location for epic photos of you and your lover, but be aware that this is a very touristic location so getting there at sunrise or sunset is best to get fewer tourists. There is also a path next to the waterfall that allows you to climb up to the waterfall for some really cool views! Want to know more about eloping at Skógafoss? Check our blog

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is translated into ‘golden waterfall’ and is located within the Golden Circle. It’s a dramatic and powerful waterfall about 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Reykjavik. As it is part of the Golden Circle Route it can be very crowded, especially during high season.

Dyrholaey

Dyrholaey aka a hole in the door is another famous location and is the most southern location of Iceland. This epic lava rock cliff is formed by the seawater that is breaking down the rocks for years and years giving an incredible rock formation and heaven for birds and photographers! A gravel road leads you to the top of Dyrholaey where you will find a lighthouse and some of the most epic views of the black sand beaches and Reynisdrangar (another really cool location). If you look inland, you will see the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.

Thingvellir National

This is an amazing national park to hike through. It is located around active volcanic areas. It is surrounded by mountains and features lava fields. A highlight is its natural lake that’s lying towards the south.

Sólheimasandur DC-3 war plane

You probably already know this location from the photos on Instagram. It’s one of those locations that on paper sound pretty boring, but in real life, it all comes together creating an incredible atmosphere. This is a plane wreck dating back from 1973 when a US Navy pilot crash-landed on the black sand shore on the south side of Iceland. Surprisingly, everyone survived the crash. The US collected all the subjects that they needed and left the wreck. In the years it became a very popular location for tourists. This is no surprise when you see this wreckage lying in the black sand in the middle of nowhere creating epic views and images. Please note that to get to this plane wreck requires a 4-kilometer walk one way. You can take a shuttle bus (paid) which drives 7 days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Reynisfjara

The most popular black sand beach in Iceland is located in the south of Iceland close to Vík. Its beautiful black sand makes a great contrast with the waves crashing into the beach. This is one of those locations that is just perfect to combine with an epic wedding dress! It’s very popular among tourists and is therefore a location where you need to pick the right time to visit. But it’s not the only black sand beach in Iceland as there are many all around the country. I can help you find more remote and less populated locations. Keep in mind that it can be very windy and wet in this location so make sure to bring extra layers.

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

Also known as the Justin Bieber Canyon. This beautiful canyon is just off the ring road and offers really cool views and a cool hike leading into the canyon where you can see a waterfall. It’s a great location to take some really cool pictures but beware this location has been very popular ever since JB recorded a video clip here.

Landmannalaugar

One of the most colorful locations in the Highlands of Iceland. It’s a geothermal nature reserve known for its hot pools and colorful mountains that are blue, green, pink, and black. It’s a unique and absolutely gorgeous location. It will take a bit more effort and you need a 4×4 to get there as it includes offroading and crossing rivers but you will be rewarded once you arrive. Good to know is that this is mostly a summer location as the roads to Landmannalaugar close when the weather gets worse.

Vestrahorn

The Vestrahorn, also known as Stokksnes, is my personal favorite location in Iceland. It has everything you could possibly wish for. An epic mountain backdrop, with a beautiful black sand beach and a little Viking village. It’s a small 10-minute drive from Hofn and it’s a private piece of land, so a small fee is charged. This is a great location all year round, with flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, the greens turning brown in the autumn, and the snowy ragged peaks in the winter. It will be an awesome location no matter what.

Westfjords

This is probably one of the most off-the-beaten-track locations in Iceland. In a country this beautiful and full of tourism, it’s hard to find a remote and tourist-free location like this one! In the west fjords you can drive through valleys, stunning glacier landscapes everywhere you look and the best part is that you can wild camp almost everywhere!!! How about we turn your elopement into a camping road trip through wild and remote locations?!

Gljúfrabúi

A little bonus tip: close to the Seljalandsfoss is another cool waterfall that a lot of people skip but it’s really cool. The entrance is a bit further down the road and it’s hidden between the rocks. You need to enter through a sort of cave and get your feet wet inside the cave where you find Gljúfrabúi waterfall. If you’re not afraid to get wet, this is definitely worth a stop!

Kvernufoss

This is probably one of the best-kept secret waterfalls in Iceland. It’s RIGHT next to Skogafoss but overlooked by the big crowds and most tours. As beautiful as Skogafoss is, Kvernufoss is perhaps even prettier and best of all, you are likely to have this waterfall all to yourself! It’s a small hike, but definitely worth the effort. You can even walk behind this waterfall and it is perhaps a better and smaller alternative to Seljalandsfoss.

Are you looking for a unique and secluded location for your elopement ceremony in Iceland? We try and find the unexpected and hidden gems, which are perfectly fitting for your dreams and visions.

What to do after you said yes during your elopement in Iceland?!

So you said yes to the love of your life, you read your vows, and are ready to start your life together… What better way to start that new life than with some epic adventures? Why else elope in Iceland right?!

So the short answer to this question is ‘whatever the F… you wanna do!’. The day is all about you and your other half, so whatever you like is a good choice! Since we are eloping in Iceland, I’ve got some cool activities which you could do.

Ice caving

Did you know it’s even possible to do the Elopement ceremony in a glacier ice cave?! How cool is that? Just a side note on this: Ice caves are ever-changing and are very dangerous for the not professionals, so do not enter them without guides. So if you want to plan your elopement ceremony in an ice cave: contact the locals like Tofa Travel to help set this up for you. And now… back to ice caving!

It’s a super cool experience and most caves are only accessible when it’s cold, so only in wintertime. This is because in the summer the caves melt and become very dangerous. But oh boy, are these caves a beauty to see? When we travelled through Iceland we did one of these ice cave tours and it was an experience to never forget. The deep blue colors and crystal-looking tunnels and caves create an out-of-this-world atmosphere.

With an elopement on a glacier, it is also truly amazing: the melting ice combined with the ashes of – in this instance – the 1918 eruption of the Katla volcano. The contrast is amazing! It looks like a world far away from Earth. And with the right connections, you can have the place all to yourselves.

Northern light hunting

A must-do when you’re eloping in Iceland in the right season, this is a must-do pretty much every chance you have. If you are lucky enough to see this magical natural phenomenon then I would recommend going outside and enjoy!

Helicopter or airplane tour

Helicopter and aeroplane sightseeing flights are a very unique and special way to explore Iceland giving a bird’s eye view. You do not need to sit for hours in a car or a bus and you will have more available time to enjoy the beauty of Iceland. And more quality time with your loved one. Did you know you can also book a helicopter to bring you to your epic and secluded elopement location? Check here for more options: https://adventures.com/iceland/tours/activities/airplane/

Horseback riding

Discover the beauty of Iceland in a unique way, by horse! Imagine you and your brand new husband or wife riding those cute Icelandic horses into the sunset over a black sand beach with some epic mountains or glaciers in the background?! How cool is that? Let’s be honest: have you even eloped in Iceland if you don’t have photos of these horses? You can check out more here: https://guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/adventure-tours/horse-riding

Whale watching

If you’re visiting Iceland during the right season, you might just get the chance to witness one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures: whales! From April to late September (or early October), you can hop aboard a boat and set out in search of humpbacks, orcas, and—if you’re really lucky—even a blue whale. Being up close with these gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and their sheer size and power will leave a lasting impression.

Or… you can simply keep your eyes on the water during these months! Sometimes, you don’t even need a boat—like us, spotting a whale feeding in the Westfjords or catching a glimpse from a black sand beach during an elopement. Nature has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.

Off-roading in a 4×4

Iceland has loads of off-road routes to drive with river crossings and steep climbs. This way you be able to reach more off-the-beaten-path locations and enjoy the pure beauty of Iceland. These Land Rovers really match the landscapes and create very cool photos, so be sure to bring along your photographer to capture the epic adventures.

Road tripping

The perfect way to end your elopement and start your honeymoon is to get a rental car and take 7 to 10 days to make an epic road trip around Iceland following the ring road. All the major sights and things to do are close to the ring road. We have done such a road trip ourselves and it was truly one of the most beautiful and fun experiences we have done! You can find a blog about our trip along the ring road here!

Where to stay during your adventure elopement in Iceland

Iceland can be expensive but there’s good news, there are plenty of options for all budgets. It all depends on what kind of experience you want whilst eloping in Iceland. Would you love to cruise the country in a campervan and camp under the stars? Or do you prefer luxury hotels with hot tubs and great views? Iceland has it all! We have taken the time to gather some cool and unique locations for you to stay at.

THE BLACK HOUSE

Situated at the base of Mount Hafnarfjall right along the shores of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this traditional timber house was built in the authentic 18th-19th century style of country houses of the region and gets the tone and style just right. Just north of Reykjavik on the western side of the island, you are situated in a diverse and peaceful landscape of fjords and volcanic peaks along with vast stretches of rugged coast and sea cliffs in a rare and ancient forest from the time of the first settlers.

Built entirely of timber, the country cottage is painted in a deep black pitch originally derived from natural tar to withstand the elements. The simple clapboard silhouette is dwarfed by the amazing mountains in the background and matches its environment perfectly.

MODERNHOUSE WITH EPIC VIEWS – AKUREYRI

This two-bedroom home is located in Vaðlaheiði, near Northern Iceland’s capital city of Akureyri.

With accommodation for up to four guests, this house for rent is the perfect countryside getaway. After a long day of adventuring, guests can sit back with a glass of wine on the private patio and take in breathtaking bay views of Akureyri.

LAKEHOUSE IN MOSFELLSBAER

View the sunset over the lake or see the Aurora Borealis, when the conditions are right, from the wooden deck wrapping around the house or even from the hot tub. This secluded home situated in a mountain valley offers wooden accents throughout, a hot tub with geothermal water, and comfortable amenities. It feels far away from any city, and yet it is only 40 min. drive from downtown Reykjavik.

THE GLASS HOUSE

Located in the south of Iceland near the town of Hella, this glass cottage offers the ultimate stargazing and Aurora viewing experience. And bonus, there’s also a hot tub!

THIS REYNISFJARA BEACH COTTAGE

This cozy cabin on a farm is just a ten-minute walk from a black sand beach. Close to some dramatic basalt columns, its remote south coast location makes it a great place to hole up away from the crowds.

With no light pollution nearby, there’s also a good chance of getting some great views of the northern lights in winter.

THE ION ADVENTURE HOTEL

Less than an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavík and set against a backdrop of majestic mountainous lava fields, ION Adventure Hotel is an unforgettable experience. Whether you are seeking a quiet, soulful soak beneath the Northern Lights, a challenging trek across an ancient glacier, or a day of fly-fishing in plentiful icy rivers

THE FOSSHOTEL GLACIER LAGOON

A luxury 4-star hotel you will be close to Fjallsarlon and Skaftafell offering great views from their hotel rooms and relaxing hot tubs where you can chill and take in the adventures of your day.

THE BUBBLE HOTEL

Forget the city, forget work, and enjoy being out in pure nature. Listen to the birds and see the butterflies fly by. Enjoy the Northern lights and stars scenery or if it rains then listen to the drops falling on the bubble.

THE BLUE LAGOON HOTEL

If you’re a spa lover, then this is the perfect hotel for you. The famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal hot pool with beautiful surroundings, now has a great and luxurious hotel. It’s close to Reykjavik and a great place to explore the Golden Circle from. A luxury experience with a dreamy atmosphere.

Iceland adventure elopement packages

We are Tim & Julianne of Tim Wouters Photography, specializing in adventure elopement and intimate wedding photography. We assist couples in planning and experiencing elopements and small weddings worldwide. For more about us, click here, and for details on our packages, click here. Below is a brief summary of what to expect when booking us for your elopement.

What we offer

• Photography coverage by Tim & Julianne
  We strike a balance between capturing epic shots and candid moments, ensuring your wedding doesn’t feel like an extensive photoshoot.
• User-friendly online gallery
  Access, download, print, and share all your photos with full printing rights. Some packages include a complimentary luxury album custom-made for you.
• Personalized location recommendations
  We’ll share our curated list of vendors and accommodations, along with tailored activity suggestions like hiking, off-roading, or ziplining. Northern lights hunting, anyone?
• Custom-made timeline recommendations
  We’ll help craft a timeline ensuring you’re at your chosen locations during optimal times for light, weather, and minimal crowds, maximizing your special day.

Standard in an Iceland elopement package:

• Coverage from 4 hours to full-day or multi-day elopements
• Photography by Tim & Julianne
• Private online gallery
• Personalized location recommendations
• Vendor & lodging recommendations
• Tailor-made elopement timeline

Starting at $4,699

How it works

1. Get Started:
   Fill in your details on our contact page. We’ll have a call to understand your plans and guide you in choosing the perfect package. After signing the contract and paying the retainer, you’re booked!
2. Planning and Dreaming:
   We’re with you every step of the way, offering advice and sharing our favourite vendors. Through questionnaires and chats, we’ll help plan your vision and make your epic elopement day a reality.

For more details, visit our pricing page here.