Magical Northern Lights Elopement in Iceland
Jay + Amanda
We wish we could tell that we planned this Northern Lights elopement from start to finish! Truth is – we’d be lying to you, Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that cannot be planned for your day. For Jay & Amanda, it was a truly deeply emotional, raw, and soul-connecting experience. This story of their magical day was filled with authenticity, adventure, and unforgettable moments beneath the dancing Northern Lights in the Icelandic skies.
Story of the Couple and Their Plan to have a Northern Lights Elopement in Iceland
Both Jay and Manada had always felt a deep connection to Iceland. In fact, it was during a solo trip there eight years ago when Amanda secretly slipped a letter into his bag — a letter where she told him for the first time that she loved him. “I opened it while standing near a waterfall,” he remembered, “and I just stood there, thinking… this place is going to matter to us, and it’d be pretty cool to experience this place together,” Jay shared. And they did — in the most personal and breathtaking way imaginable – eloping in Iceland under the Northern skies.
One more fun story is how Jay first inquired about their Icelandic elopement. He told a story that a completely stranger woman recommended us on the flight from NY to LAX. I mean, what an epic and mysterious way to find your elopement photographer, right? In the end, everything turned out “chef’s kiss” just amazing, and the only thing we still haven’t clarified – who this woman was?! Lady luck, I guess!
Of course, Jay and Amanda’s elopement plan didn’t include Northern Lights. September is still too bright to see the Auroras in Iceland. They surely may happen, but you have to be very lucky, and it’s not something you can plan. In the end, it turned out incredibly unique and beautiful!
Choosing the Perfect Northern Lights Elopement Location
Amanda feels most at home in the mountains and rolling green landscapes. Jay is drawn to water — rivers, oceans, waterfalls. Iceland gave them all. With the help of experienced local elopement photographers (hi, that’s us!), they explored a route that matched their personalities perfectly. We ended up having a tour of secret waterfalls and experiencing the golden hour at the iconic Black Sand Beach followed by a fantastic Aurora show later at night.
“Everywhere we spent time on our elopement day felt very authentic and symbolic of who we are as people.” — shared Amanda
One of the most magical moments happened far from crowds — at a hidden location only accessible with the guidance of locals who know when and where the auroras dance best.
Amanda & Jay’s Magical Northern Lights Elopement Day
It was one of the sunniest and brightest days in September, which almost guaranteed us a super long golden sunset and gave us a chance to see a Northern lights show at the end of the day. We quickly checked the Aurora forecast app for the night – the application that we use all the time, shooting in European elopement destinations such as elopements in Norway and Iceland, to predict Northern Lights. We were super optimistic as the forecast was pretty good, so we planned a shoot after sunset on the way to the cabin.
A SLOW MORNING by Thingvallavatn
They began their day in the cutest little Airbnb lodge by the famous Thingvallavatn lake in Thingvellir National Park, where the windows opened up to volcanic soil of different colors, beautiful yellow pines, and the sounds of the countless rivers. Amanda and Jay got ready together, drank coffee, and gathered some flowers to make their wedding bouquets shine even more. No rush. No pressure. Just the joy of being with each other on their big day.
Personal Touches that Made the Day Theirs
Incorporating a handfasting Viking ceremony with pagan elements, Jay and Amanda literally tied the knot as they exchanged vows — a nod to Amanda’s spiritual side. As if that weren’t personal enough, they gave each other matching, deeply personal gifts the morning of the wedding: Jay received a pin with his grandmother’s photo; Amanda got a locket with her grandfather’s portrait, tied to her bouquet.
“She gave me a pin with my grandmother’s photo. And I gave her a locket with her grandfather. We didn’t even plan it that way — it just happened.” — Jay
“I’ll never forget turning around and seeing Amanda in her dress for the first time in the middle of the wild grass. She looked so beautiful. I didn’t doubt eloping for a second.” — Jay
From the Iconic Black Sand Beach to Dancing Auroras
Amanda feels most at home in the mountains and rolling green landscapes. Jay is drawn to water — rivers, oceans, waterfalls. Iceland gave them all. With the help of experienced local elopement photographers (hi, that’s us!), they explored a route that matched their personalities perfectly. We ended up having a tour of secret waterfalls and experiencing the golden hour at the iconic Black Sand Beach followed by a fantastic Aurora show later at night.
Our Tips for Planning a Northern Lights Elopement
- Timing is everything. Plan between late September and early April. This is when nights are dark enough for the aurora to appear.
- Choose the right destination. From our experience, the best countries in Europe for the Northern Lights elopement are Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands.
- Choose remote locations. Avoid light pollution by staying away from cities. The more secluded, the better and brighter the Aurora will look.
- Be flexible. Nature doesn’t work on a schedule. Leave an extra 2-3 days in your itinerary to chase the best conditions to see Northern Lights.
- Dress smart. All the best destinations to see the Auroras are very cold and windy. Bring layers, warm boots, and extra warm jackets, and prepare for the cold!
Meet the couple & Their Northern Lights Elopement Photographers
Meet The Best Northern Lights Elopement Vendors:
Elopement photographers | Jane & Tony Iskra of ISKRA photography
Florist | Thordisz
Together with Tony Iskra, they are ISKRA Photography - a husband & wife duo shooting in Iceland and beyond.
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Such an amazing story of my niece. I felt as though I was there. Beautiful photography and an epic story.