Table of Contents:
- Why Elope in Iceland?
- Most Beautiful Places to Elope in Iceland
- Best Time of Year to Elope in Iceland
- Legal Requirements of Getting Married in Iceland
- FAQ’s
- Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings
- Iceland Elopement & Wedding Photographer
After daydreaming about Iceland for years, I finally got to go recently and let me tell ya, it lived up to the hype. There’s a hint of magic in literally everything there. I felt like a lil kid experiencing awe and wonder at every single turn. Needless to say, I’m ready to go back—which is why I put together this full Iceland elopement guide for you! I’ve included all the most breathtaking places to elope in Iceland, tips for picking your date, info on legal requirements, and more. Let’s go chase some waterfalls ✨
Why Elope in Iceland?
Eloping in Iceland is a no-brainer, in my opinion—but in case you need a little convincing, let’s chat real quick about why you’d want to tie the knot in this country over all the other amazing destinations around Europe.
We’ll start off with something that’s near and dear to my heart: LGBTQ inclusivity, and just how incredible Iceland is for those of us in the community. Did you know that Iceland actually ranks among the best countries in the world for its LGBTQ rights? In addition to the high tolerance toward LGBTQ folks in Icelandic culture, Iceland also has super strong legal protections for us—registered partnerships have actually been legal since 1996, and same-sex marriage since 2010. Reykjavik especially is known for its visible LGBTQ community! So if you and your partner are looking for an elopement location that will welcome you and your love without hesitation, Iceland is a beautiful beautiful place to pick 🌈
It’s safe to assume that any country that has such a progressive viewpoint toward all people and all relationships would have a pretty friendly + welcoming culture overall—and Iceland does. Although some locals are a little reserved at first, they’re incredibly welcoming to visitors, often teaching them about their culture and recommending all the best places to go. There’s nothing better than visiting somewhere you can really connect with the residents and embrace the local culture!
One thing that pretty much everyone knows about Iceland is that it’s brimming with some of the most amazing natural beauty in the world—but many people don’t realize the rugged landscapes are also incredibly accessible. A majority of the famous waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains are disability-friendly, even for travelers with wheelchairs. You can learn more about accessible travel in Iceland here!
Speaking of the wild and rugged natural beauty Iceland has to offer, there’s truly magic everywhere you go in this spectacular country. You’re able to explore such a diverse variety of landscapes, including volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, lagoons, black sand beaches. . . I could go on forever. There could NEVER be enough time in the world to see everything that Iceland has to offer but you can sure damn try during your elopement! The wide array of different terrain means that essentially everywhere you go will have its own unique beauty to offer—you’ll never see something that looks the same twice. This makes for a magnificent backdrop for any eloping couple who wants to tie the knot amidst vast landscapes and majestic scenery ⛰️
Finally, eloping in Iceland is MUCH more affordable than having a traditional wedding in America. Just imagine all the money you’d save by booking an Airbnb and driving around Iceland, with just a couple (or none) of your closest friends and a photographer + officiant by your side—versus probably spending that much on a venue rental alone in the US. Not only can you save money, but you can put more of it toward the things you actually care about, like an epic helicopter ride over the coast of Iceland instead of hiring a DJ for 4 hours when you don’t actually love to dance. It’s up to you what your unique elopement experience looks like, but know that an amazing world of opportunities opens up when you decide to say f*ck the big wedding and elope in Europe instead!
P.S. Did I mention I have zero travel fees for elopements and weddings anywhere in Europe? Learn more + see my travel schedule here.
Want to see more of the best elopement locations in Europe? Check out my Ultimate Europe Elopement Guide for all my top reccs.
Most Beautiful Places to Elope in Iceland
Note that these locations are all fairly popular and can get pretty touristy, so we’ll be sure to plan the time + date of your elopement with that in mind. Or we can always search for more remote locations if you’d prefer to have more privacy—I’m a pro at location scouting 🙂
Skógafoss
I couldn’t not include Skógafoss at the top of this list, seeing as though it’s one of the most iconic destinations in Iceland AND one of my personal favorite moments of my own recent trip. Located in the south of Iceland, Skogafoss isn’t just a little waterfall like you might find on an alpine trail in the Pacific Northwest; no, it’s a massive, majestic, take-your-breath-away kind of waterfall that cascades over a dramatic cliff into the Skoga River. And there’s no need to hike to get to the falls—you simply walk up to the base! Make sure to wear some water gear, though, since you’ll get absolutely soaked. If you’re craving a little more adventure, you can also opt to hike the over 500-step climb to get to the observation platform above Skógafoss. Sunny days create the most beautiful rainbow at the falls due to the drizzle, sometimes a double rainbow if you’re lucky!
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Iceland is known for its many photo-worthy locations, one of the most recognizable being Reynisfjara—aka the crazy beautiful black sand beach that you’ve definitely seen in an Instagram post or two. With its towering basalt columns, massive sea stacks, and glistening black sand volcanic landscapes, it’s easily one of the most unique and jaw-droppingly gorgeous places in Europe, as well as one of the most dangerous. Because the waves can be really unpredictable, it’s important to take precautions when you visit the beach and to be aware of the conditions when you go, such as keeping a good distance from the shoreline and watching for hazard signs. Safety is key when seeing this world-famous landmark with your own eyes!
Vatnajökull Glacier National Park
Vatnajökull Glacier National Park is home to, well, Vatnajökull Glacier itself—which just so happens to be the largest glacier in Europe! It covers a whopping 80% of Iceland’s land mass (insane) and boasts absolutely insane landscapes of ice caps, mountains, and outlet glaciers. This park is a phenomenal elopement location for any couple, but especially for those who love the idea of going on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure during their trip; the park is known for its epic boat tours through the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, ice caving tours, and glacier hiking from Skaftafell. No matter if you explore these rugged ice-covered landscapes by foot or boat, you’ll be in for the most magical experience of your life.
Westfjords
The Westfjords are one of the more underrated locations on this list, located a lot further from some of the more popular destinations—so the region is perfect for couples who want to escape the tourists. Full of undeveloped landscapes and charming little coastal towns, the Westfjords are super remote, enchanting, and tranquil, offering many opportunities for wilderness adventures and scenic drives. There’s even a pink sand beach in the Westfjords called Raudasandur that most people don’t know about, but that’s just as beautiful and unique as Reynisfjara!
Blue Lagoon
Another super famous destination that you’ll probably find on most traveler’s bucket lists, the Blue Lagoon is one of the 25 wonders of the world and is a must-visit during your trip to Iceland (IF you’re okay with tons of tourists). It’s this crazy cool lagoon + geothermal spa located in a lava field in southwestern Iceland, home to a luxurious resort that offers dreamy spa treatments and endless opportunities for some unique R&R. The volcanic waters are abundant in a variety of minerals that are said to nourish skin, and people come from all over the world to experience this magic for themselves. How amazing would it be to book a full day of incredible spa experiences before or after your actual elopement day in Iceland?
Thingvellir National Park
Just east of the capital city of Reykjavik is Thingvellir National Park, a historic park that’ll make you feel like you’ve been transported into another world entirely. It holds quite a lot of historic and geological significance as Iceland’s first national park, now listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. If you’re into geology and want to learn more about how this park played an important role in forming the country of Iceland, check out this cool article I found! Among the dramatic gorges you can enjoy beautiful hiking trails, take in the views via horseback, go swimming in the glacial water, visit Thingvellir Church, even check out a little waterfall that was featured in multiple seasons of Game of Thrones. It won’t take you too long to explore the main highlights of this park, making it a must-add to your Iceland itinerary!
Seljalandsfoss
Last but not least is Seljalandsfoss, an unbelievably stunning waterfall along the South Coast of Iceland, about 2 hours from Reykjavik. What makes Seljalandsfoss unique is that there’s a path that stretches around the entire waterfall, so you can actually walk behind the waterfall in the summertime for a super magical experience. The waterfall is easy to get to from a parking area on the road, though the full path around the falls isn’t wheelchair-accessible. However, it’s easy to get gorgeous views even from the parking lot if you aren’t able to make the full trek! This is another location that gets very crowded, so it may not be the best choice for a vow exchange if you’re looking for privacy.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Iceland
Oh man, Iceland is honestly beautiful all year round—which can make it kinda difficult to pick the right time of year for your elopement. How do you choose just one season when they each offer their own unique charm and beauty?
Every season in Iceland has its advantages & disadvantages, so I’ve made a list below to help you identify which one might align best with the vision you have for your dream Iceland elopement adventure. In general, the main things you’ll want to consider are the weather, crowds, activities, and the locations you want to visit!
Summer
Pros:
- Warmer temperatures
- More light/longer days (midnight sun!)
- Access to all trails in the mountains
- All roads are open
- Great for hot springs
Cons:
- Busyyyy landmarks/tourist attractions—much harder to find privacy
- Higher travel/accommodation costs
- No northern lights
Fall
Pros:
- Vibrant colors
- Great for seeing the northern lights!
- Fewer crowds than summer, but still comfortable temperatures
Cons:
- Cooler than summer
- Unpredictable weather
- Lack of greenery in the valleys
Winter
Pros:
- Magical winter wonderland
- Amazing for ice cave tours
- Best time to see the northern lights!
- Perfect time to visit geothermal spas
- Ideal for glacial cave exploring
- Least busy season
- Cheaper travel/accommodation costs
Cons:
- Short and dark days
- It’s cold!!
- Many roads are closed
- Limited trail access
Spring
Pros:
- Vibrant wildflowers and green landscapes
- Good for whale watching
- Fewer crowds than summer, but still comfortable temperatures
- Best time to see the waterfalls
- Gorgeous sunsets/golden hour
Cons:
- Unreliable weather—certain roads/trails may still be closed
- Cooler than summer
If you’re having a hard time deciding when to elope in Iceland, don’t worry! I’ll be there to help ya out and figure out the perfect time to make all your Icelandic dreams come true.
Legal Requirements of Getting Married in Iceland
Looking to get married in Iceland as foreigners? Here’s what ya need to know!
Iceland Marriage FAQ’s
Can US citizens get married in Iceland?
Yes, US citizens can get married in Iceland! In fact, Iceland is actually one of the easier countries for foreigners to get married compared to many other European destinations. Iceland issues an international marriage license that’s totally valid in the US, which is pretty handy and makes the process fairly simple.
There are a few documents you’ll have to prepare before your trip, if you want to get legally married in Iceland, all of which must be mailed in 3 weeks before your wedding date OR emailed in 5 days before your wedding date:
- File a notification of marriage with the Iceland Registry
- Valid passports
- Valid birth certificates (for both partners)
- Certificate of marriage status (must be dated within 8 weeks of your ceremony date)
Learn more about getting legally married in Iceland as US citizens here via the US Embassy in Iceland.
Do I need to register my marriage in the US if I elope in Iceland?
No! The US recognizes marriage licenses from abroad as long as all the proper processes + protocols are followed.
Is it expensive to get married in Iceland?
If you want to hire an officiant to marry you in Iceland, it can add a significant cost to your wedding (typically around $400-$800 USD in Iceland). You may also need to pay certain fees as you file your paperwork and complete the application process. This is why a symbolic wedding is the way to go, in my opinion—more on that next!
Legal vs. Symbolic Weddings in Iceland
To keep your Iceland elopement as simple and stress-free as possible, I recommend opting for a symbolic ceremony instead of a legal one. This means that you’re not actually going through the process of getting legally married in Iceland—you’re simply having a ceremony where you maybe exchange vows, gifts, etc. and do whatever is meaningful to you, WITHOUT the legal aspect. Trust me, it takes a lot of stress off your shoulders if you don’t have to deal with all the complex documents, filing processes, etc. Plus, you won’t need to hire an officiant, which means your ceremony can be completely private if you want it to be! It’s totally up to you what feels right, and again, Iceland is one of the easier countries to get married as US citizens, so it’s absolutely possible.
Iceland Elopement & Wedding Photographer
I’ve still been dreaming of the vibrant lupine fields, the epic waterfalls, and the vast wilderness ever since the day I left Iceland. . . I’d go back in a heartbeat. Want to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime Icelandic adventure elopement with an experienced Iceland elopement photographer by your side? I’d love to be the one for you; fill out my contact form here and we’ll get to dreamin’ together 💕
Open to other elopement destinations in Europe? Italy is one of my ultimate loves—below is a full guide just like this one, but for Italy.
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