Everything you need to know about elopements in Iceland
Iceland is an incredible spot for a destination wedding or elopement. It’s known as the land of fire and ice, and perfectly suits those seeking nature, adventure and breathtaking beauty. Filled with lagoons, beaches, waterfalls, mountains and volcanoes - Iceland is a true natural paradise and an exciting place to elope. Your wedding photos (and film) will include some of the most striking and beautiful landscapes on planet earth! Before we dive in, if you’re still looking for wedding gifts ideas, then head over HolyArt for some beautiful gifts for your beloved partner and surprise him/her with a lovely gift on your elopement…
So without further ado, let’s dive straight in. In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about elopements and specifically how to elope in Iceland.
What is an elopement?
Put simply, an elopement (nowadays) is a wedding ceremony that has a huge focus on just you and your partner. There are minimal guests and an elopement is usually all about the location, the couple and sharing your promise to one another, marking a new chapter of married life.
Traditionally, elopements were conducted without the knowledge of family or friends - sometimes because the two lovers were forbidden to marry! Couples would have their ceremony and then run away and elope together, no reception and no celebration with loved ones.
Elopements still carry on that old traditional feeling of romantic freedom and choosing how you both want your special day to go, but memories and celebration are more of a focal point in elopements now.
Many couples choose to elope now for a number of reasons. Number one - the chance to have a once in a lifetime ceremony in a stunning location, such as Iceland! Number two - the amount of stress, planning and cost required to have a wedding is limited with elopements and you will have pretty much the whole day to work with your destination wedding photojournalist or filmmaker to document timeless memories!
Planning an elopement in Iceland
You might have learned how to plan an elopement in the UK and Europe, but what about Iceland specifically?
Iceland is an easy place to get married! Both individuals must be 18 years old and not already married. To get married in Iceland, you are required to have certain documents. These documents must be original and need to have translations if they aren’t already in English or Scandinavian:
Birth certificates of each individual
Certificate of marital status
Divorce decree (if applicable)
Valid passports of both parties
Marriage notifications are Iceland’s version of a marriage license and must be filled out by your officiant as well as you and your partner. You must submit these documents at least three weeks before you choose to get married. You can email documents beforehand and also provide the real documents in person - this must be five days before the wedding date and no later. Documents that do not arrive are void and you must consider your marriage cancelled so be sure to get the paperwork out of the way!
Once you’ve celebrated and had your wonderful ceremony you can obtain an English wedding certificate from the national registry.
Where to elope and what to do in Iceland
Everyone that comes to Iceland comes for the beautiful scenery and adventure. There are so many places to pick from to have your special moment - from meadows and beaches to waterfalls and ice caves - Iceland is like something out of an adventurous fairytale. Think about where you want your ceremony to be captured and where you want to consolidate your love as a couple!
If you’re eager to see the northern lights and love the snowy and desolate landscape then winter is the perfect time to visit Iceland. However, if you’re after long daylight hours and beautiful blooms, stick to summer.
Here are some of the most beautiful locations and landscapes to elope in Iceland:
Beaches
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is one of the most popular landscapes - it’s truly iconic. Famed for its jutting sea stacks, caves and black sand all encompassed by the Atlantic Ocean, it’s dramatic and breathtaking.
Dyrholaey Sea Cliff is another beautiful location - the mighty cliff resembles a small island with a door hole and you can walk across the bridge of the cliff where you can see all the way to Myrdalsjokull Glaciers and sea stacks in the other. See if you can spot any puffins in the summer months!
Iceland also has many caves where you can privately exchange your vows and these can be set up with candles and decorations to add that magical touch.
Waterfalls
Godafoss Waterfall - the Waterfall of the gods - is like something out of a movie. It’s mighty and strong but beautiful all the same - water cascades into the lake below through an ancient lava field into the river. It’s surrounded by beautiful blue rivers and a vast green landscape, perfect to skip along post ceremony.
Kirkjufellsfoss is another beautiful sight nestled amongst miles of lush green fields and the backdrop of Mt. Kirkjufell. It’s a beautiful spot for photos on it’s own - nevermind for an elopement.
It’s hard to pick with so many beautiful options - but there's no denying you’re spoilt for choice.
Lagoons
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a magnificent lake with glaciers surrounded by a national park - it’s like a scene from Frozen. It’s a true natural wonder and a perfect place for any nature loving couple to commemorate their love.
Hveravellir is quite possibly one of the most beautiful spots in Iceland - it’s otherworldly looking. Nestled in glaciers and lava fields this steamy lagoon is said to be one of the last great wilderness areas - why not wed here? There’s even accommodation to stay in overnight.
The Little Black Church
If you’re wanting to keep it slightly traditional you can still get married in a church. And what better church to get married in then the little black church in Budir. It’s in the middle of a lava field and it’s backdrop is a magnificent glacier. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights.
Silfra
Are you a geography lover? Silfra is the spot where the north american and eurasian tectonic plates greet. This makes for a meaningful and memorable ceremony and the ravine is filled with beautifully clear glacial water in the middle of a national park. It’s perfect for an elopement.
Activities to do in Iceland
If adventure is what you’re after post elopement then fear not - there are plenty of must try activities in Iceland:
Ice caving
Visiting the Northern Lights
River rafting
Whale watching
Ice climbing
Horse riding
Snowmobiling
Blue Lagoon Spa
What about wedding receptions in Iceland?
If you have guests for the ceremony and are looking to have a reception there are plenty of places to go in Iceland. Want your reception out in nature?! You can set up tents or marquees to carry on the celebrations where you are or you can venture to hotels, music halls, concert halls or even museums!
Honeymoons in Iceland
There is so much to see and do in Iceland that once you’ve finished celebrating your marriage, you then have the option of carrying on your honeymoon or having a mini moon in Iceland! It would be a missed opportunity not to - make a note of all the potential sights and activities you want to experience so when planning you can make sure you fit them all in.
Hiring a photographer and filmmaker for your elopement
It’s not just big wedding ceremonies that need capturing - elopements are intimate and special and you will want an everlasting memory of your day. My name is Aryan and capturing weddings through photography and film is my livelihood. I’m all about capturing raw and authentic moments and using my artistic skills, turning these into beautiful visual stories using my camera. Take a look at my work and get in touch with me to start discussing your wedding journey!