Moody Fairytale Elopement in Iceland | Morgan & Jared
In November of last year, we received an inquiry: Morgan & Jared had found our website and dreamed of an elopement in Iceland! Their dream of an elopement in Iceland began at Fardagafoss, where Jared proposed to Morgan. Initially, they planned to elope with just the two of them, but soon realized they couldn’t imagine this adventure without their loved ones. So, they decided to bring everyone along for this moody fairytale elopement!
When the true Icelandic weather strikes, the vibe becomes moody
While planning the elopement, we try to find the perfect spot that matches all of the couples visions and dreams. One location was a must-see: black sand beach! To avoid the large crowds that visit mostly during the day, we decided to end our day there.
But then, they still have to pick a ceremony location… Selecting a location for this can be tricky: most of the time you have to choose based on how you connect with a picture because you’re unable to visit! This is why we keep revising and chatting to find the perfect spot for Morgan & Jared. In the end, we found the perfect spot for them: Háifoss, located on the border of the wonderful highlands of Iceland. Its dramatic landscape, the rugged canyon and three towering waterfalls feel otherworldly. At 122 meters (400 feet), this is Iceland fourth-highest waterfall!
We know that this spot can get windy: you’re inland and in the Highlands of Iceland. The weather can go crazy here! But, we’ve hiked this canyon before and it is an amazing location for your ceremony. With their ceremony location chosen and all the plans in place, it was time to hop on a plane and set off on their adventure!
Sh#t weather incoming at the unpredictable highlands
Before every elopement, we closely monitor wind and precipitation forecasts. While low temperatures are manageable with the right gear, wind can be a bigger concern. During a visit to Háifoss last April, Tim was nearly swept into the canyon due to icy surfaces and intense gusts—so caution is always key!
A few days before the elopement day we are notified that a storm is coming and think we might want to find either a backup location or try to push the wedding to another date. We discussed it with Jared and Morgan: we move the day up to avoid the storm. However, Iceland is being Iceland: on the morning of the elopement, the storm is already making its appearance. But, no worries or stress! Tim has some incredible extensive knowledge of Iceland, ensuring that we always have backup locations at hand if we need to find either a plan A, B, C, or D and all the way to Z. We can ensure we’re always prepared to adapt, no matter the circumstances! So, new plan, new adventure: we relocate to a smaller valley with mystical, lush green landscapes and smaller waterfalls. It turned out to be a magical setting, perfect for their ceremony: Morgan and Jared later shared that it exceeded their expectations and was absolutely perfect.
It’s almost like stepping into a fairytale, and Morgan’s dress definitely adds to the vibe. With their family in tow, we walk down into the secluded valley and witness a beautiful ceremony. There’s nothing that can stop us, it’s dry and we are not really experiencing any wind due to the sheltering mountains. It’s perfect!
A big part of the ceremony is handfasting: a tradition where a rope is used to literally ‘tie the couple together’. The rope used for the ceremony contains the friendship bracelets Jared and Morgan gave each other years ago. This is the perfect detail to make the ceremony even more personal! Rings are exchanged, kisses and hugs are given, and family pictures are taken: it’s time to climb up the valley again and have a picnic. The family prepared this and in no time, the picnic tables are filled with plenty of good food. After the meal, the couple say their goodbyes to their family and head back to the valley. Morgan and Jared told us they wanted to exchange their vows in private, so while we capture the moment we give them the space they need.
During the love shoot in the fairytale valley, we capture plenty of beautiful moments, not even bothered by the rain that starts to fall.
To Black Sand Beach on your wedding day
We end the day by going to Reynisfjara, the black sand beach near Vík. There are fewer tourists, but the couple is still the centre of attention! Until……. we spot something in the water. IT’S AN EFFING WHALE! 🐋 He or she is clearly feeding on the shoreline. We stand and watch until the sun’s down, mesmerized by the beauty of this animal. What an incredible day this has been! This was the perfect finale to the magical wedding day. From the rugged terrain of the highlands of Iceland to the most famous location like Reynisfjara is, this was the most unimaginable ending we never thought of!
Kind words
From the moment we began planning our wedding, Tim and Julianne were nothing short of extraordinary! Their communication during the entire process was amazing; they routinely checked in on us, ensuring we felt supported and excited as our big day approached. They expertly guided us in building a timeline that not only fit our vision but also alleviated any anxiety we had about the day’s flow.
As a couple who cherishes our privacy, having Tim and Julianne with us while we got ready in the morning was a delightful experience. They created a warm and inviting atmosphere that made us feel completely at ease. Their professionalism shone through when they seamlessly managed communication with our officiant on the day of the wedding, ensuring everything went smoothly despite some last-minute changes.
Now, let’s talk about the photos! They are simply breathtaking! Tim and Julianne’s keen eye for detail and their dedication to scouting the perfect locations ahead of time truly paid off. The images they captured encapsulate the essence of our day beautifully. Even though my husband and I often feel a bit awkward in front of the camera, Tim and Julianne’s gentle direction made the entire experience enjoyable and natural.
To top it all off, they went above and beyond by staying later than expected to capture those special end-of-the-night moments. And as if that wasn’t enough, we were fortunate enough to spot a whale off the beach during our shoot, and Tim and Julianne expertly included that magical moment in some of our photos!
In short, I can’t recommend Tim and Julianne enough! Their talent, warmth, and dedication made our wedding photography experience unforgettable. We are beyond grateful to have found them, and I would happily recommend them a million times over. If you’re looking for photographers who will make your day even more special, look no further!
Our tips for your moody fairytale elopement in Iceland
With a couple years of specialising in the Icelandic adventurous weddings, we learned a great deal about the things that are important if you travel to this unique country, whether it’s for your elopement, engagement or for *just* travelling here!
Preparation is key!
Always prepare before you go somewhere! Are there F-roads on your route? Rent a 4×4 and get full insurance if possible (it can get very expensive if you don’t!). Do not try to drive those roads with a normal car. If you get stuck, it can either be ‘just’ very expensive or can end fatally. Just don’t risk it, the people who come and save you when you’re in need are volunteers and want to get home to their families later that night as well! Consider a tour or a guide if you’re not 100% sure whilst driving other road conditions than you’re used to at home.
Come rain or come shine
Speaking of being prepared: check the weather! As you read in this blog, the weather can either be your friend or your worst nightmare. Don’t let it scare you away though, a little rain is not your concern if you’re wearing rain gear or if you’re bringing a new set of clothes! Better be over-prepared than under-prepared: layers are best!
Backup your map!
Back up your map! When you’re exploring Iceland’s remote landscapes, losing cell signal is not just a possibility—it’s almost guaranteed in some areas. Make sure to download offline maps or carry a physical map with you. Getting lost in these regions can be not only stressful but also dangerous, especially in poor weather conditions or on unfamiliar terrain. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your adventure stays safe and enjoyable! Are you going somewhere completely off grid? Consider sharing your travel plans to SafeTravel.is and wear a Personal Location Beacon (PLB) which you can rent via safe travel.
Leave no trace – at all!
The most important part of all: leave no trace. Iceland’s landscape is fragile. Stay on the marked paths and behind any boundaries made. Respect the signs that tell you not to go anywhere – it can either be unsafe terrain or be there for the protection of flora and fauna. Did you know it takes decades to grow moss back? Oh, and if nature calls, there is no toilet available and you can’t hold it, please please please take your tissues or toilet paper with you in a Ziploc and try to relieve in a spot that’s not visible to the public, or dig a small hole in the ground and bury the human waste (not the tissues!). We religiously follow the leave-no-trace principle and it’s maddening how often you find sh#t and tissues along our hikes. Not even naming that it’s gross, although I can understand emergencies. If you have an irritable bowel, consider wag bags!
Want to read more about eloping in Iceland? Read our blog on how to elope in Iceland! And if you want more information and want to know our pricing, visit this page or send us an e-mail!
