Iceland Elopement Guide for 2025 – All You Need to Know
Iceland Elopement Guide for 2025/2026
Hello! We are Tony & Jane – award-winning elopement experts helping couples craft their unique Iceland elopements for more than 10 years already.
We’re proud to call Iceland our second home and have all the information you may need, from the best elopement locations (including ones to avoid when eloping) to the legal requirements, useful tips, and more. We’ll be happy to share this experience with you!
And what’s the most unique part of this elopement guide? We’re not just a random photographer who has done a few photoshoots in Iceland. We are seasoned and experienced professionals with many international awards and a rich background.
If you need more personalized help, we offer location scouting as part of all our packages (and one of our secret skills!). In 2025, we are focusing on serving couples interested in more off-the-beaten-path locations you won’t find while scrolling Pinterest or Instagram.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any help.
Everything you need to know when eloping in Iceland
why plan to elope to Iceland
5 Reasons to Elope in Iceland
The undeniable beauty of Iceland is probably the main reason! You can choose any kind of elopement location to your tastes and dreams: majestic glaciers, stunning waterfalls, famous black sand beaches, lava fields and so much more.
Not enough to choose Iceland?! Then there are more reasons to elope in Iceland:
- It’s very easy to get legally married as a foreigner, as Iceland has very relaxed marriage requirements in the world. You don’t even need to be a resident!
- Eloping in Iceland, you get the Hollywood movie locations for your elopement portraits!
- LGBTQ+ elopements and weddings are not only legally possible in Iceland – they’re highly appreciated and easy to organize.
- Whatever season you choose for your Iceland elopement – you won’t regret it! In summer you get almost 24 hours of sunlight, and in winter – incredible northern lights as your elopement backdrop!
- Iceland is a perfect adventure elopement destination. You can explore ice caves, hike through lava fields, and relax in hot springs. A wedding here feels like a one-of-a-kind adventure, with epic moments around every corner.
Iceland Elopement Inspiration
Unique Elopement Activities in Iceland
the Best way to elope to Iceland
Iceland offers a vast range of activities depending on your destination and the time of year to make your day unforgettable. Here are a few of our favorite adventure elopement experiences that can make your day truly unique and special.
Helicopter Elopements in Iceland
If you’re dreaming of exploring places few others can reach, an Iceland helicopter elopement tour might be the perfect option. With a helicopter, you can access stunning, remote locations for your elopement photos that are otherwise impossible to get to. Whether you want to visit one spot or multiple, Norðurflug Helicopter Tours does an amazing job. Andri and Fannar, our favorite pilots, are passionate about Iceland and love sharing its beauty with their passengers. Private helicopter tours for weddings and elopements start at $2,000, depending on the tour length and number of locations.
Plan an Ice cave Wedding tour
An ice cave tour during an elopement in Iceland brings a sense of adventure and beauty. These natural ice formations, with their glowing blue walls and unique shapes, create a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photographs. Plan an ice cave tour to add something special to your day and experience Iceland’s unique landscape. For the best experience, we recommend booking Arctic Adventures as the best ice cave tour company in Iceland.
Have a slow morning at Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel
Start your elopement day with a slow, peaceful morning at the Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, as you take in the quiet moments before your big day. It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and set a calm, serene tone for the rest of your adventure.
Have a Scenic Þórsmörk Super Jeep Adventure
A Thorsmork Super Jeep tour by Midgard Adventure offers a thrilling way to explore Iceland’s “Valley of the Gods.” The powerful Jeep crosses rivers and rugged terrain, taking you to remote areas for stunning views of glaciers and valleys. It’s a perfect adventure activity to add to your elopement, providing both excitement and breathtaking photo opportunities in one of Iceland’s most unique destinations.
Chase Aurora Borealis for your Elopement photos
Chasing the Aurora Borealis for your elopement photos adds a magical touch to your adventure. Imagine exchanging vows beneath the vibrant colors of the Northern Lights, with shades of green, purple, and blue dancing in the sky above.
Whether you’re in Iceland or Norway, capturing the Aurora during your elopement makes for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. An experienced photographer like ourselves can guide you through if chasing Aurora is your dream elopement activity!
Best Places to Elope in Iceland
Unique Iceland elopement locations
When choosing elopement locations for your special day you can easily be overwhelmed by their amount and the diversity! One more difficulty you can face is the incredible amount of tourists at some most iconic locations. For instance, the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach saw approximately 133,000 tourists in only the first half of 2022 alone!
Having years of experience behind us, we can offer customized off-the-beaten paths where you can enjoy the privacy and beauty of flabbergasting Icelandic nature. To escape crowds, you’ll need to be local and thoroughly plan the ceremony place and time. We’ll be happy to help you with planning, as we know exactly what to expect from each location. Here is the list of our personal selection of locations for eloping in the land of fire and ice.
Kirkjufell Mountain
Kirkjufell also known as “Church Mountain” is an easily accessible destination and most photographed too.
Its striking slopes and the picturesque Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall that is situated in front of the mountain make this whole scene a painted masterpiece you cannot but marvel at.
No wonder, they chose this little paradise on earth to film several episodes from the Game of Thrones. There are plenty of jaw-dropping locations nearby, so it’s an amazing region for elopement.
Arnarstapi Stone Bridge
Gatklettur (“Hellnar Arch”) is naturally formed over the years arch and is located between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. The easiest way to access the arch is to hike from Arnarstapi to HellnarIf. This route is approximately 5 kilometers long and takes two hours to get to the arch. You can enjoy a beautiful rigged coastline and huge basalt caves.
If you want to have stunning pictures that they show in captivating Hollywood movies or some popular travel blogs then we definitely suggest visiting this place. This location is a perfect match when you elope at Snaefellsness.
Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is only 112 miles away from Reykjavik and it is that very black sand beach Iceland is known for in all of the world.
Here the beauty of basalt stacks, the waves of the sea, and the black sand meet authentic Icelandic folklore and make this place so special. We photographed there many times and every elopement was still magical and unique.
Budir Black Church
Or Búðakirkja – is a small black wooden church with white doors and windows. It is not a typical Icelandic church and stands out against rough and virgin natural surroundings. Though it was built in 1848, it is still functioning and many come to have their destination elopement here.
Don’t miss our story of the elopement of Georgia & Max, where we’ve also shared some useful info about Budir black church wedding.
Kvernufoss
Kvernufoss is a 30-meter-high waterfall on the South coast of Iceland. It is not far from the famous Skógafoss waterfall but is more secluded and serene. Coming here at sunset or sunrise makes this place magic for intimate elopements. On the one hand, you will have a perfect backdrop with a cascading waterfall for your wedding ceremony, on the other hand, you will enjoy privacy in the lap of nature.
There is an opportunity to take breathtaking pictures from behind the waterfall.
Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most visited places in the country. The lagoon appeared naturally from melted glacial water and is growing these days as ice blocks crumble from the glacier. This is the deepest lake in Iceland (248 meters deep) and as it is connected to the ocean waters – sea and freshwater are mixed there, forming their unique color. There are also numerous ice caves for your elopement in Iceland.
You can have amazing pictures of glistening like diamonds in the sun pieces of icebergs on the black sand beach near the lagoon.
It takes a five-hour ride from Reykjavik to get to Jökulsárlón.
Mulagljufur Canyon
HIDDEN GEMMulagljufur Canyon is a great place for an elopement if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and naturally beautiful. The canyon has high cliffs and greenery, making it both peaceful and impressive. It’s a bit off the beaten path, so you’ll likely have more privacy for your ceremony. With its scenic waterfalls and trails, it’s perfect for couples who want a mix of adventure and a personal, intimate setting for their special day.
Gunnuhver
HIDDEN GEMIceland is world-known as the land of fire for its stunning volcanoes and geothermal areas like Gunnuhver. It’s located on the Reykjanes peninsula, only 40 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Here, smoking fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and colorful sulfur crystals create a unique landscape and it’s an amazing spot if you prefer to stay closer to Reykjavik when eloping.
Haifoss Waterfall
HIDDEN GEMLocated in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Haifoss, meaning ‘High Waterfall’, is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. Its seclusion makes an intimate ceremony at Haifoss a truly outstanding idea. Ideal for adventurous couples, the area offers scenic hikes and breathtaking landscapes. You can have a ceremony both at the top of the huge canyon or even hike to the foot of the epic waterfall.
Vestrahorn Mountain
On the southeastern coast, Vestrahorn’s iconic peaks provide a stunning setting for an elopement, mirrored in the black sands beneath. This rugged and untamed backdrop is perfect for couples looking to exchange vows amidst nature’s dramatic beauty.
Vestrahorn is less crowded compared to other popular tourist spots, offering a more private and immersive experience. It’s an ideal choice if you’re seeking a vast, open space to explore and wander with your partner. This is by far, one of our favourite spots in the whole of Iceland.
Dyrholaey Cliff
For breathtaking coastal views, consider eloping at Dyrholaey Sea Cliff. This spot offers stunning panoramic sights of endless Iceland’s coast, with the jaw-dropping backdrop of the huge Katla Volcano. However, be aware that it can get busy in peak seasons, but don’t worry too much – we know how to escape crowds. For example, a great solution is to plan a sunrise ceremony here, giving you a quieter, more intimate experience with the spectacular scenery.
Katla Ice Cave & Glacier
Planning your Iceland elopement, definitely think about Katla Geopark in Iceland. It’s got Katla, a big active volcano, and a mix of ice and mountains. The place is really special with its black sand beaches, incredible green moss volcanoes, and of course the legendary glacier with the huge Katla Ice Cave. It’s perfect for an adventure wedding, but be ready for changing weather and surroundings to make the most of this amazing spot.
Places to Avoid When Eloping in Iceland
When planning an elopement in Iceland, it’s wise to avoid some of the more popular tourist spots to ensure privacy and intimacy. Fjaðrárgljúfur, with its breathtaking canyon views, often attracts large crowds, making it difficult to find a quiet moment. Similarly, Seljalandsfoss, known for its unique walkway behind the waterfall, is constantly bustling with visitors. Thingvellir National Park, a significant historical and geological site, is another location that’s usually packed with tourists. Even the remote and striking rock formation of Hvitserkur can be crowded. For a truly private and serene elopement, seek out less famous locations that offer the same stunning landscapes without the disruption of large tourist groups. Or if thinking completely out of the box, maybe you should think about choosing another destination to elope? For example, a Lago di Braies private elopement or eloping in the Dolomites could be the best choice for you to have even more privacy and secludedness.
Getting Married in Iceland
Iceland elopement – legal part
Can You Legally Elope In Iceland?
Absolutely yes! But it’s a long process that needs time and preparation. We advise hiring a local wedding planner who helps you at every stage of this process.
How to Get Legally Married in Iceland?
To legally get married in Iceland and get a marriage license, you’ll need to prepare a short list of documents:
You can find more legal information on the matter on Iceland’s District Commissioner official website.
Do I Need an Officiant and Witness in Iceland?
Iceland ceremony tips
Unfortunately, you cannot legally marry in Iceland without the officiant. However, it’s pretty easy to organize and we’re ready to recommend you the trusted officiants we worked with. You’re able to change the price for the wedding officiant in Iceland here in the article we’ve prepared as well.
Who Can Legally Elope You in Iceland
- Ordained Icelandic Religious Pastor
- Licensed Icelandic Spiritual Pastor
- Icelandic Civil Officer (District Commissioner)
- Ásatrú Goði
- Humanist Organization
LGBTQ+ marriage in Iceland
Love is love – we completely support this! So we’re happy to tell, you that Iceland is a very liberal country, where gay marriage (and same-sex marriage) has been legally allowed since 2010. It’s very important to keep in mind the position of the country towards LGBT weddings. It doesn’t matter what gender or sexual orientation you are – Iceland would be an ideal destination for your elopement.
What’s the Best Time for your Iceland Elopement?
Fall elopement in Iceland
We strongly believe that Fall – from September to the end of October is the best time for elopements. Especially talking about September which we think is the best month to elope in Iceland. Tourists are no longer so numerous so you can enjoy more privacy and have amazing pictures of your memorable day. The weather is not so cold yet as in winter, but it is more damp, so consider layers and a raincoat when packing your suitcase. It’s easily possible to have stormy conditions on your elopement day, so be prepared to be flexible.
Winter Iceland elopements
As we say, Iceland enchantes at all seasons but winter is a bit more challenging. There is more snow and roads are often icy and dangerous. Consider checking road conditions before every road trip toward your discoveries of Icelandic beauties. Winter is the right time to come to experience glorious pictures of northern lights or aurora borealis paintings in the sky. In Iceland you can see more colors and shades of northern lights than in other places, so be sure to see this amazing wonder of nature while visiting Iceland.
Summer Eloping in Iceland
This is the most popular season as the weather is warm (an average temperature is 13 degrees Celsius) and the sun barely sets giving you long days to enjoy Icelandic sceneries to the fullest (this phenomenon is also known as the midnight sun). Summer however is considered to be the busiest season in Iceland as a lot of tourists come here. So if you are planning an intimate elopement, we would advise you to make it at midnight or during the night and start for more isolated places to avoid crowds.
Iceland Elopement in Spring
Another season that we love a lot is spring in Iceland. Imagine you two exchanging vows in a field of blossoming lupines and majestic mountains at your back bathing in the golden light of the setting sun – what a scene to remember! You also may travel on a budget as early spring is not a season in Iceland yet and prices are lower than in summer. However, be prepared for non-stable weather conditions!
Iceland Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know for Your Elopement
Where to Fly Into for Your Iceland Elopement
For your elopement in Iceland, the main entry point is Keflavik International Airport (KEF) located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. This airport handles the majority of international flights and offers convenient access to Iceland’s stunning landscapes. Airlines like Icelandair, Delta, and Play Airlines provide direct flights from the US and Canada, while European travelers can find flights through carriers like Wizz Air, British Airways, and Lufthansa.
Travel Times and Connections
From the US
Traveling from the US to Iceland is relatively convenient, with several direct flights available. A typical flight from New York (JFK) to Reykjavik (KEF) takes around 5-6 hours nonstop. Other major cities like Boston, Washington, D.C., and Seattle also offer direct flights. Airlines like Icelandair, Delta, and Play Airlines frequently operate these routes. For travelers coming from the West Coast, flights from Los Angeles (LAX) or Seattle (SEA) to Reykjavik take approximately 7-8 hours.
From Europe
Iceland is well connected to Europe, with many direct flights available from major cities. A flight from London (LHR) to Reykjavik takes about 3 hours, while from cities like Paris (CDG), Berlin (BER), or Amsterdam (AMS), it’s typically around 3-4 hours. Budget airlines like EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Ryanair offer affordable flights, while Icelandair remains a top choice for direct, comfortable flights.
From Australia/New Zealand
Traveling to Iceland from Australia or New Zealand involves longer travel times and multiple layovers. For example, a journey from Sydney to Reykjavik typically starts with a 9-hour flight to Asia or the Middle East (e.g., Singapore, Hong Kong, or Dubai), followed by a 2-3 hour layover. From there, a 10-12 hour flight to a European city such as London, Amsterdam, or Copenhagen is common, with a final 3-4 hour connecting flight to Reykjavik. The total travel time usually ranges from 24 to 30 hours, depending on layovers.
Language
The national language of Iceland is Icelandic, but no worries – 98% (but it literally feels like all 100%) of Icelanders speak English.
Car rental in Iceland
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore not only the most popular spots in Iceland but also some extraordinary off-the-beaten paths, so be sure to rent a 4×4 vehicle. You should follow the general driving rules and not speed up, as fines in Iceland are really expensive. We strongly support local businesses and can recommend Blue Car Rental, as our go-to car rental for more than 10 years already. No hiccups or issues at all!
Payment and currency of Iceland
The national currency in Iceland is Icelandic krona. However you will be fine paying by your credit, debit card or conducting transactions via mobile payment as it is widely spread in the country.
Leave No Trace
As the number of tourists visiting Iceland is growing every year, it is important to preserve the unique Icelandic environment as it is. Leaving no trace policy means you don’t waste, don’t go off roads, don’t take anything but pictures from the land, and don’t bother the wildlife. We practice Leave No Trace on our tours through the whole island and kindly ask you to do so.
What to Pack When Eloping in Iceland
Planning your visit to Iceland, remember that Iceland is the 8th most expensive country in the world. So our advice on how to cut expenses a little bit is – to take a reusable bottle (you can fill it up with tap water almost anywhere in Iceland), cook yourself, and bring sandwiches and high protein bars with you. Be sure you have powerbanks to charge phones, an aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain killers, swimsuit and towels, change clothes, and passport and ID.
Are you ready to start planning your elopement or destination wedding in Iceland? If so, why not start with your photographer and videographer in Iceland? You can view our packages here, or contact us for a more detailed pricing guide.
We always guide each of our couples couple through the whole elopement process to make sure they get the most epic coverage their special day truly deserves!
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We are Jane & Anton Iskra – an award-winning elopement team in Iceland and beyond.
Here on our website, you can see our vision of elopements and if you like it and our tastes match – then we will be happy to share the emotions of your special day and create beautiful memories of it!
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Together with Tony Iskra, they are ISKRA Photography - a husband & wife duo shooting in Iceland and beyond.
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