Winter Iceland Elopement with the magical golden Sunset and the Iconic locations
When Michelle and Matt reached out about their idea of a winter Iceland elopement, we felt right away that this was going to be one of those adventures we’ll never forget. Just because Iceland winter elopements are definitely not for the weak ones – you can get any kind of weather possible. But the tradeoff? The most gorgeous golden hour light – and (spoiler alert!) we had so much of it!
The couple and their IDEA to Plan a Winter Elopement in Iceland
During the initial call, Michelle and Matt told us about their first trip to Iceland together in 2018, when they fell in love with Iceland’s raw beauty and peaceful landscapes. “It quickly became one of our favorite places we’ve ever been,” they shared. So they wanted to start their marriage out in a place with so much natural wonder – it was a return to something meaningful.
One memory in particular stood out to them from that first trip: sitting together in the quiet town of Vík, drinking coffee and watching the waves. “It was just so peaceful,” they said. So peaceful, in fact, that they knew then: this would be the place they’d come back to get married the most epic and peaceful way in the magnificent Iceland. Even though Michelle and Matt chose to elope in Iceland, they knew right away they didn’t want to do it without the people who meant the most to them. They brought along twelve of their closest friends and family, which gave the day this really grounded, intimate feel, like the best parts of a wedding without any of the noise. One of the most memorable parts? Their best friend officiated the ceremony. “It was full of laughter, memories, and everything we wanted it to be,” they said — and honestly, you could feel that in every moment.
And in true Icelandic spirit, they added a symbolic moment that made the day uniquely theirs: “We drank from a Viking horn to solidify the marriage, like a unity candle,” they told us. It was one of those unique Icelandic Viking marriage traditions, that the couple decided to incorporate into their wedding ceremony.
Planning A Winter micro-wedding in Vík With Their Favorite People
Planning any wedding comes with challenges, and Iceland in winter is no exception. “The most challenging thing we experienced was logistics,” Michelle said. Vík is small, and many places close for the season. They were organizing for a group of twelve, so finding one big place to stay and a spot to eat after the ceremony took some extra effort. But they pulled it off, and the result was a cozy, connected winter celebration.
One moment Michelle probably wouldn’t want to repeat? “I would not have cut my finger open using a steak knife before the wedding if I could change anything,” she laughed. “Other than that – I wouldn’t change a thing!”
The Cinematic light you only get once a year
Their wedding took place during the Icelandic winter solstice in December, when Iceland only gets a few hours of daylight. But during these hours, you get the most magical light of the year. It’s like having an endless sunset all day long!
We planned their timeline carefully to catch every bit of it. And even with the cold winds and frost underfoot, Michelle and Matt never stopped smiling, laughing, and leaning into each special moment of the day together.
“We laughed and loved so much during that day and the emotion is overwhelming. It was just so fun.”
Highlights of their Winter Elopement Day
There were so many highlights from their day!
…The golden light glowing on the Reynisfjara black sand beach in Vík.
…The moment Michelle burst out laughing mid-ceremony because of an inside joke only their closest friends would understand.
…The Viking horn toast under the wide Icelandic sky.
…The raw emotion in their hugs and happy tears under the Kvernufoss waterfall.
And yes—there was even a minor injury that became part of the story (Michelle may or may not have had a close call with a steak knife before the ceremony 😅).
But through it all, the day remained perfectly them—beautiful, unscripted, and full of genuine joy.
We can’t get enough of Iceland! Check out other destination elopements, weddings from all over the world
Kind Words from the Couple
Michelle and Matt said it better than we ever could:
“One of the most incredible experiences! Jane and Tony made some first-timers feel incredibly at ease and brought some magic to life that completely blew our minds. We felt so at ease and just had the absolute best day. As two non-camera people, we really relied on some initial instruction and you all were so kind and patient while we learned. Truly the two kindest and most supportive people I’ve ever met. Our Icelandic elopement would not have been the same without them and we are thrilled to have been able to work with such marvelous artists who were so kind and genuine throughout the whole day!“
Michelle + Matt
Jane & Tony’s Winter Elopement Tips
Planning a winter elopement day in Iceland (especially in Iceland!) with immediate family and friends invited may feel very overwhelming. This is where working with an experienced elopement photographer can help.
With such a sheer amount of sunlight, we had to plan this micro-wedding itinerary very carefully to catch every second of light, have enough time to visit all the locations, and of course, not miss anby second of love between Matt & Michelle!
Eventually, thorough planning pays off, but if you don’t want to face this all alone, reach out. It would be a huge pleasure to help you plan your winter elopement in Iceland (or an elopement literally anywhere else in the world!).
- Plan your Itenerary Thoroughly. You only get 3-4 hours of daylight during the winter solstice in Iceland. This is why you need to design your timeline around golden hour, and don’t underestimate how fast the light fades. Plan the most important moments of the day (like your elopement ceremony and portraits) around that window.
- Dress up in Layers. Winter in Iceland is moody, unpredictable, and often windy. Wear thermal layers under your wedding clothes, and bring a good pair of insulated boots (yes, even for portraits!). Capes, faux-fur wraps, or wool cloaks not only keep you warm but photograph beautifully in the Icelandic landscape. And don’t forget hand warmers!
- Don’t miss the Northern Lights. Winter in Iceland means long nights, which hugely increase your chances of seeing magnificent Northern Lights! Yes, you hear us right – you can elope under the northern lights not only in Norway, or the Lofoten!
Pro Tip: Keep your schedule flexible and your eyes on the sky! Book your accommodation aside from towns and cities (farms woudl be an ideal choice!) with low light pollution, and install the amazing Aurora App on your phone to get notifications when you have a good chance to capture once-in-a-lifetime photos under the Northern Lights. - Choose the Winter Month Wisely. We strongly believe that December is the best month to plan a winter elopement – we weather is more predictable with a higher chance of a good clear skies to see this golden light and Aurora shows. January and February are normally more severe with normally several storms hitting Iceland.
Meet the couple of this Winter elopement in Iceland
MEET THE BEST ICELAND ELOPEMENT VENDORS
Elopement Photographers | Jane & Tony ISKRA of ISKRA Photography
Elopement Videography by ISKRA
Elopement Venue | Black Beach Suites
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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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