The Ultimate Iceland Elopement Guide for 2025

Everything you need to plan your Iceland Elopement in 2025

For adventurous lovers looking for eternal views and an unforgettable elopement experience, you’ve made the right choice! Look no further than Iceland!
This guide is for any adventurous souls looking for a complete guide on how to elope in Iceland.

We’re proud to call Iceland our second home, and after traveling the whole island far and wide, we decided to share this 10-year experience with all of you.

What makes this guide so special? We’re not just random photogs who have done a few photoshoots for their friends doing their honeymoon trips. We are seasoned and awarded professionals who have helped hundreds of couples craft their special days in Iceland.
We’re a married couple ourselves, so we know exactly what you need, including the best places to elope, legal requirements, and many pro tips to make your experience truly unforgettable!


Contact us, and we’ll help make your dreams come true!

8 steps of Planning your Iceland Elopement

1. Choose your elopement locations
2. Choose the season for your Iceland elopement
3. Understand the legalities and gather documents to get married (including step-by-step instructions)
4. Create your travel plan (plane tickets, travel tips, currency and more)
5. Book your accommodation or wedding venue
6. Book your activities
7. Understand your budget
8. Iceland elopement packages

Why Should you Elope in Iceland?

3 Reasons for an Iceland Elopement

It’s Easy to Stay Present Eloping here

We believe there’s no place like Iceland to truly feel grounded and present. In spots like Haifoss or Solheimajokull, you’re completely at the mercy of nature, where the elements set the pace, and we become just a tiny piece of the universe. Standing by the Atlantic shore or traveling through the vast lava fields and jet-black deserts, you can feel the raw, untouched beauty of the wild heart of this beautiful land.

It’s a place where everyday worries simply fade away, leaving you with a deep sense of clarity about what truly matters in life. This focus on the essentials is what makes these northern landscapes perfect for an elopement adventure. Far from the hustle of city life, the majestic surroundings make it feel as though everything is focused on you and your partner, allowing for a truly intimate elopement experience—just the two of you, embraced by nature’s grandeur.

Northern Lights or Midnight Sun Magic in the Land of Fire and Ice

Since the island is situated so far north, you have a great chance to experience one of two incredible natural phenomena. If you’ve never witnessed the Midnight Sun in Iceland, it’s an unforgettable experience to live—like watching an endless sunset that lasts for hours, making it hard to fall asleep, and you simply don’t want to!
On the flip side, when the sky is clear, the Northern Lights offer a mesmerizing, colorful dance that adds a magical touch to any occasion. When eloping in Iceland or Norway, see the Northern Lights during your day for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Nature here is incredibly beautiful and unique

Eloping here is like stepping straight into a Hollywood movie set—it’s no wonder the country is a favorite among filmmakers. Few places on Earth offer such a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop. Iceland’s insane beauty provides countless jaw-dropping locations perfect for an adventurous elopement. Imagine exploring crystal-blue ice caves, hiking through moss-covered lava fields, or unwinding in soothing natural hot springs. Every moment of your day here feels like a unique adventure, with breathtaking scenery and epic moments waiting around every corner!

The Best Places to Elope in Iceland

Choosing your ideal place to elope in Iceland is pretty hard! Why is that?! You can easily be overwhelmed by the amount and diversity of out-of-this-world locations here, feeling like a child in the candy shop. Yes, these places are incredibly beautiful, but they can also be crowded with tourists as well. Planning your big day at some popular locations means you can be sharing the place with crowds of Chinese (and not only) tourists or even other couples who choose the same spot for their ceremony!
There is another way to go! Maybe you’d love to do like us, who didn’t follow the easy path and found a very picture-perfect viewpoint overlooking the magnificent Thorsmork we had an adventure hike to? There was no one around and complete silence; we heard only birds and the fresh Atlantic breeze blowing, feeling on top of the world! Our vow ceremony was very intimate, and truly a core memory.

Kirkjufell Mountain

Kirkjufell also known as “Church Mountain” is an easily accessible destination and the most photographed mountain in Iceland.
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 to elope!

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 getting married at Snaefellsnes.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is only 112 miles away from Reykjavik, and it is that black sand beach that is known all over the world.
Here, the beauty of basalt stacks, the waves of the sea, and the black sand meet the local folklore and make this place so special. We photographed there many times, and every elopement was still magical and unique. Reynisfjara Beach saw approximately 133,000 tourists in only the first half of 2022 alone! – and this is the flip side of the popularity of this amazing place. That’s why it’s not the best choice if you’re into planning a secluded vow ceremony here.

Budir Black Church

Or Búðakirkja – is a small black wooden church with white doors and windows. It is not a typical Nordic Christian 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 special day of Georgia & Max, where we’ve also shared some useful info about Budir black church.

Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss is a 30-meter-high waterfall on the South coast of Iceland. It is not far from the famous Skógafoss but is more secluded and serene. Coming here at sunset or sunrise makes this place magic for intimate celebrations. On the one hand, you will have a perfect backdrop with a cascading waterfall for your 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.

Just imagine having a glacier lagoon ceremony among icebergs lying on the black sand beach!

It takes a five-hour ride from Reykjavik to get to Jökulsárlón.

Mulagljufur Canyon

HIDDEN GEM

Mulagljufur Canyon is a great choice 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 wedding day.

Gunnuhver

HIDDEN GEM

Gunnuhver is a geothermal area 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 GEM

Located in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Haifoss, meaning ‘High Waterfall’, is one of the tallest waterfalls on the island. 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 to get married.

Katla Ice Cave

The ice cave offers a magical backdrop with its ethereal blue hues and stunning natural structures, providing a memorable experience unlike any other.

Couples are drawn to this unique location not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for the intimate atmosphere it creates. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by ice formations that have been sculpted by nature over centuries—the allure is undeniable.

Best Iceland Wedding Venues

We’ve compiled a list of the best Icelandic wedding venues, ranging from old charming Airbnbs and hotels, boutique camps, and rustic warehouses to chick Michelin restaurants or unique glass lodges ideal for Aurora watching. You hardly need an experienced planner to make it happen!
And the best part of it? We’ve worked at almost each of these venues, and we’ll be happy to share our insights and impressions with you.
Here are some of our favorite wedding venues in Iceland:

HOTEL BÚÐIR & BUDIR BLACK CHURCH

MATUR OG DRYKKUR, REYKJAVIK

PANORAMA GLASS LODGE

HOTEL RANGA

SKÁLAKOT MANOR

THE RETREAT AT BLUE LAGOON

Ion Adventure Hotel

What is the Average Cost of a Wedding Reception in Iceland?

You can find many venues here to fit any budget. They range from 0 ISK (literally!) up to 1.000.000 ISK (about 7500 USD), plus the wedding reception price will be around $150 per guest invited.

Legal requirements For your Wedding

To get married, both Icelandic and foreign couples must meet specific criteria. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Age Requirement:
  Both parties must be 18 years or older.
• Residency Requirement:
  Foreigners are not required to be residents but must have spent at least 2 days in Iceland before the wedding. It can be proved by a stamp on the passport, visa, or plane ticket.
• Original Documents Required:
  1. A filled-out marriage notification form with the Iceland Registry.
  2. Birth certificates for both parties.
  3. Valid passports.
  4. Certificates of marital status (no impediments to marriage) dated within the last 8 weeks.
  5. Divorce or death certificates (if applicable).
• Submission Process: All documents must be submitted to the National Registry at least 3 weeks before the ceremony. Processing may take a few weeks, so it’s advised to start the paperwork well in advance.
• Language of Documents: 
  If documents are not in English or Scandinavian languages, they must be accompanied by an official translation.
• Post-Wedding Paperwork: After the ceremony, the officiant submits confirmation of the marriage, and the National Registry issues your official marriage certificate.

Traditional Asatru Wedding Ceremonies

Icelandic Ásatrú ceremonies are deeply rooted in Norse pagan traditions, celebrating nature and ancient gods. These ceremonies often take place outdoors in stunning natural settings, connecting the couple to the elements of earth, water, air, and fire. A key feature is the blót, a ritual offering to the gods for blessings.
The ceremony is typically officiated by a gothi (priest) and includes such symbolic elements as drinking from a horn, and handfasting ceremonies, which represent unity, love, and commitment in the eyes of the old gods. This type of elopement ceremony offers a unique and spiritual connection, deeply tied to Iceland’s cultural heritage.

What’s the Best Time For Iceland Elopement?

Summer Elopements in Iceland

So, summer in Iceland is almost a flawless season for eloping, with its mild warmer temperatures and flourishing lupine fields covering the vast hills going straight to the horizon. If you’re dreaming about the blooming lupine magic being the backdrop of your ceremony – plan between the end of June and July.

Everyone loves summer, right?! So sometimes it feels like half of the world travels north every summertime, making the hotels and Airbnb prices skyrocket. Another downside is how busy all the iconic locations are in summer – for example, the famous Reynisfjara or Skogafoss are literally swarmed with hundreds of tourists, making it impossible to feel secluded and intimate at such marvelous locations.

But you know what?! We have an idea! What about going nocturnal and having a unique vow ceremony under the midnight sun?! We’ve done that before, and oh boy, that was in-cre-di-ble!
Imagine the softest, hazy sunlight going through the low clouds, the whole of Reynisfjara Black Beach we’ve been alone at, and the tears of the couple during the vow ceremony with not a soul around! You won’t feel tied or sleepy at all, as the Mighlight Sun phenomenon affects your sleep cycle in a good way.

Pros: Midnight sun, lupines in bloom, warmer temperatures.
Cons: Huge amount of tourists, highest prices of the year.

Winter elopements in Iceland

Dreaming about winter eloping in Iceland? I won’t lie—it’s not for everyone. Daylight is scarce, with sometimes only four hours of daylight, and it gets chilly, although not as freezing as you might expect Nordic winter to be. The wind, however, can change the game completely, and you’ll likely find yourself getting warm in the car between taking your beautiful wedding photos just to stay warm. Don’t forget to check the road conditions eloping in winter, as some roads may become impassible.

Despite all the cold, winter holds its kind of magic: the sun never fully rises, instead hovering very low on the horizon, bathing the surroundings in a dreamy golden glow. It’s like an extended golden hour that lasts through the brief daylight.

Want more winter perks? All the landscapes and locations are completely changing. Snow blankets the terrain, especially in the Highland regions, and some of the most iconic waterfalls, Skogafoss or its smaller bro – Kvernufoss, become covered in breathtaking blue and white ice formations. These frozen scenes make the scenery even more dramatic and beautiful than in summertime.

Icelandic winters also equals fewer tourists, which means you get to enjoy the iconic locations in peace. With the crowds thinning out, it’s easier to capture the intimate moments of your day without interruption. Plus, everything becomes far more affordable—accommodations, car rentals, and others are cheaper during the wintertime.

Don’t forget about the ultimate wild card: the northern lights. There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to see the Northern Lights, but if you do, it’s nothing short of magical. Just imagine exchanging vows beneath the aurora borealis as it dances across the sky! To increase your chances, download an Aurora App which will notify you when the Aurora shows up.

Pros: Fewer tourists, lower prices, Aurora shows.
Cons: Very short daylight, can be very cold.

Fall and Spring elopements in Iceland

Spring or Fall elopements are on your plan? Both seasons are true wild cards. Predicting the weather on the island in the center of the Atlantic Ocean is like guessing a twist in your favorite crime show—nearly impossible. Spring can feel like winter, and fall might bring early snow, but here’s a tip: you still have a shot at seeing the Northern Lights, especially in late September.

Spring brings a calm before the tourist rush, giving you more space to explore. However, both seasons can be incredibly windy—but speaking honestly, you have to be ready for that at any season! Weather-wise, expect anything from sunshine to snow, sometimes within the same day. May is our favorite month in spring when it’s such a joy to shoot and explore: all the locations are almost empty even in prime time, while the daylight is up to 16 hours long!

We believe that fall, especially from September to the end of October, is an ideal time to elope in Iceland. September stands out as the best month, with fewer tourists allowing for more privacy and incredible photo opportunities. The weather is cooler but not as harsh as winter, though it can be damp, so packing layers and a raincoat is a must. Stormy conditions are possible, so being flexible with your plans is essential to making the most of your special day.

To sum up, all said above: if you’re up for unpredictability and adventure, they might be the perfect time to elope.

Pros: Fewer tourists, lower prices, Aurora shows.
Cons: Storms and super unpredictable weather.

The Best Iceland Wedding Planners

Pink Iceland

Pink Iceland is a premier LGBTQ+ elopement planning service based in Reykjavik, known for creating memorable and personalized experiences. Specializing in destination weddings, this company ensures a stress-free process, handling everything from legal paperwork to finding stunning venues like glaciers or waterfalls. With a strong focus on inclusivity, they collaborate with LGBTQ+-friendly vendors, making every couple feel celebrated and supported. Our personal experience in working with Pink is rich, and we highly recommend them.

Amulet Events

Amulet Events is known for creating unforgettable and stylish celebrations and bespoke planning services. They focus on chick elegance, blending authenticity and natural beauty with refined details, and offer a range of services from venue selection to day-of coordination. We’ve worked with Nadia from Amulet Events numerous times and had an amazing experience.

Lux Weddings

Lux Wedding specializes in planning luxurious, high-end marriages in some of the most breathtaking spots. Known for their attention to detail, they focus on creating elegant and sophisticated events that blend natural beauty with personalized touches.

Unique Iceland Elopement Experiences

Iceland offers a vast range of unique experiences 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.

Book a Helicopter tour for your Elopement

If you’re dreaming of exploring places few others can reach, a helicopter elopement tour might be the perfect option. With a helicopter, you can access stunning, remote locations for your 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 start at $2,000, depending on the tour length and number of locations.

Experience a Scenic Þórsmörk Super Jeep Adventure

A Thorsmork Super Jeep tour by Midgard Adventure offers a thrilling way to explore the “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 live, providing both excitement and breathtaking elopement photography opportunities.

Have a slow morning at Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel

Start your day with a slow, peaceful morning at the Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by otherworldly landscapes. It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and set a calm, serene tone for the rest of your adventure.

Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know

The main and only airport to fly in is Keflavik International Airport (KEF) located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. This airport handles the majority of international flights. 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 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
Traveling from the European mainland is fairly easy. 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 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 is Icelandic, but no worries – 98% (but it literally feels like all 100%) of Icelanders speak English.

Car rental

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore not only the most popular spots, 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 are just huge (no joke!). 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

The national currency is the Icelandic krona. However, you will be fine paying by your credit, or 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 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.

LET’S PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT!

best Airbnbs for Your Elopement in Iceland

Trust me, having a decade of experience of traveling around Iceland, we’ve seen it all. No joke: we’ve tried all kinds of holiday homes, lodges, villas, and huts. That’s why we’ve decided to help you in planning and creating our top 5 Airbnbs to stay during your elopement. All of them are very different in style but have amazing light for the perfect getting-ready photos and portraits. They are spread around the whole of Iceland, so you can pick the best for you despite the region you’ll choose.
Here is the list of our favorite Airbnbs in Iceland:

Iceland Lakeview Retreat

Villa with ocean and mountain view

Villa North in Akureyri

Svartaborg Luxury Villa

Villa Between the ocean and mountain

How Much Does it Cost to Elope and Get Married in Iceland?

You might imagine that an elopement here costs a fortune, but it’s very often more affordable than a traditional wedding in the USA! A typical price of a wedding in the USA in 2024 will be between $33,000 and $35,000, and in big cities, it can be an even larger sum.
Instead, the average cost of a destination elopement in Iceland is approximately $20,000 USD and you can even continue your elopement trip with the epic honeymoon.
Below, you’ll find a rough estimate of the costs of getting married or eloping (based on the expenses of just you two).

Iceland Budget Elopement Cost

The average cost of a budget elopement in Iceland is $7,600USD, which includes:

• Marriage license (symbolic ceremony): $0
• Accommodation: $500
• Car rental: $200
• Hair + make-up: $0 (DIY)
• Attires: $1000
• Bouquet: $200
• Dinner at the cafe: $200
• Photographer (6 hours coverage): $5,500

Iceland Luxury Wedding Cost

The average cost of a luxury destination wedding in Iceland is $28,100USD, which includes:

• Officiant: $700
• Accommodation: $1500+
• Car rental: $700+
• Hair + make-up: $800+
• Attires: $3000
• Bouquet: $400
• Venue: $2000+
• Wedding Planner: $2000+
• Helicopter private tour: $2500
• Photographer (12 hours coverage): $9,500+
• Videographer (12 hours coverage): $5,000+

Iceland Elopement Packages

Prices for our Iceland Elopement Packages start at 4900 Euros and depend on the amount of working time & add-ons you will choose. All of the packages include:

• Planning guidance
• Handcrafted elopement locations
• Custom itinerary of the day
• Best local vendors recommendations
• Digital photography with full printing rights
• Drone photography coverage
• All fees included

Prices START at €4.900

REACH OUT TO INQUIRE

Storytellers
Adventurers
Your Friends

We are Jane & Anton Iskra – an award-winning elopement team in Iceland and beyond.

Here on our website, you can see our vision, and if our tastes match – then we will be happy to share the emotions of your special day and create beautiful memories of it!

LET’S PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT!

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Jane Iskra

Photographer & elopement expert at ISKRA photography

Jane Iskra is an awarded wedding & adventure elopement photographer in Iceland.
Together with Tony Iskra, they are ISKRA Photography - a husband & wife duo shooting in Iceland and beyond.

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