If your dream wedding includes dramatic cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and saying “I do” beneath the Northern Lights, Iceland should be at the top of your list.
But when should you go? And where should you say your vows?
As Iceland elopement photographers who’ve shot weddings here in every season, we’re breaking down the best time to elope and our favorite ceremony locations to help you plan your perfect day.
Key Takeaways:
- Why late summer and early fall are the sweet spot for eloping in Iceland
- How to decide between sunrise and sunset ceremonies
- Our 6 favorite elopement locations (and who they’re perfect for)
- What to pack for unpredictable Icelandic weather
- How long you should actually spend in Iceland
Ready to dive deep? Read our full Iceland Elopement guide right here!
Is An Iceland Elopement Calling Your Name?
From left to right: Golden Circle Iceland, Black Sand Beach, Kirkjufell Mountain
Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes: waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches. It’s perfect for couples who want to escape tradition and have an elopement that’s adventurous, intimate, and unique.
During the winter months, you have a chance to see the Northern Lights! Trust us, the elopement photos with the Northern Lights as the backdrop are incredible!
View our gallery of Iceland elopements.
Iceland is a great place to elope for foreigners (residents of countries other than Iceland). It’s not complicated to get legally married, even as a non-citizen. Iceland is also friendly to LGBTQIA couples.
Iceland is one of the most eco-friendly destinations for elopements because you’re utilizing its natural beauty instead of booking a huge venue. Many of the country’s top elopement locations are protected natural areas, encouraging visitors to respect the landscape.
We always love shooting elopements in Iceland! Is it calling your name, too?
When’s The Best Season For Eloping In Iceland?
From left to right: Nicole & Michael dance on black sand beach; Leah & Darin walk in rain gear; Icelandic Northern Lights above a cabin
There’s no bad time to visit Iceland; it all depends on the vibe you’re going for.
Summer gives you endless daylight and easy access to locations. Fall brings moody landscapes and fewer crowds. Winter is your best shot at Northern Lights and ice caves. Spring offers melting waterfalls and fresh greenery.
Our sweet spot? Late summer and early fall (August-September). You get the best of everything: comfortable temps, incredible light, fewer tourists than peak summer, and your first chance at Northern Lights.
August and September are the best months to visit for your Iceland Elopement
The Midnight Sun gives the island 14-16 hours of daylight instead of long, bright “nights” like in June. This shift makes room for deep, dark night skies, perfect for stargazing and watching the Northern Lights.
While the weather is unpredictable year-round in Iceland, temperatures are, on average, very comfortable during August and September.
There are also many activities available during this time of year, from river rafting to sea kayaking, whale watching, puffin spotting, camping, hiking, festivals, and more! You and your partner won’t run out of things to do and places to explore.
Time of Week
Planning your elopement for a weekday will ensure an intimate elopement setting, as crowd levels tend to dip Monday-Thursday.
Time of Day – Sunrise or Sunset?
Joanna & Kili’s sunny Iceland elopement
Truthfully, it’s totally up to you and your partner!
You can plan a Sunrise elopement that starts with a breakfast picnic or a Sunset elopement that ends with a champagne celebration.
Here are some things to consider when deciding between a Sunrise or Sunset elopement:
- What type of lighting are you going for in your pictures? This is a great question to discuss with your photographer!
- What experience(s) do you and your partner hope to share? (ex. Glacier exploration, whale watching, or waterfall chasing)
- Are you and your partner morning or evening people?
- What is the weather like at sunrise/sunset during your elopement season?
- Is ceremony privacy important to you as a couple?
How Much Time Should You Spend In Iceland For Eloping?
We always say the longer the better! Give yourself at least 5-7 days to fully enjoy your elopement and all Iceland has to offer.
We recommend building in buffer days before and after your ceremony. You can adjust to the jet lag, get your marriage license, and plan around the weather.
Adding a few days to your trip after your ceremony gives you time to explore and relax after your big day. You can spend your first few days as a married couple exploring somewhere new together. Think of it as your honeymoon!
We love elopements because you can make it a full experience, not a rushed weekend. Spend time preparing for your ceremony, then celebrate your union.
Here are some fun things you can do in Iceland before or after your wedding ceremony!
Our 6 Favorite Elopement Locations
We’ve shot several Iceland wedding elopements and have a few favorite locations we always recommend to couples! Thinking Iceland might be your place but not sure where?
Here’s a quick guide to our favorite ceremony locations. Read our full recommendations (and where to stay) here!
1. Skógafoss
Skógafoss is best for couples who want a dramatic, storybook waterfall backdrop. It has a romantic vibe, with the iconic 200-foot Skógafoss waterfall, mossy cliffs, and sometimes even double rainbows.
Here’s everything you need to know about eloping at Skógafoss.
2. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Looking for something more moody with dramatic cliffs and coastal views? With basalt columns, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and crashing Atlantic waves on the jet-black sand, Reynisfjara is a perfect location for small ceremonies. This location allows drones, so the photos and videos look straight out of a movie, especially at sunset!
Read our post on how to elope at Iceland’s Black Sand Beach
3. Vík
A quaint coastal town surrounded by Iceland’s most iconic landscapes? Yes please! The vibe here is cozy, yet dramatic. The town is small but attracts visitors year-round, so it won’t be completely private.
Our clients, Michael and Nicole, had an amazing Iceland beach elopement!
4. Southern Highlands
Adventurous couples LOVE the Southern Highlands. Rugged isolation and dramatic and cinematic landscapes make it a true off-grid experience. Explore Landmannalaugar’s colorful rhyolite mountains, black deserts, and hidden waterfalls to feel like you’re on another planet.
5. Kirkjufell
This is the famous mountain that looks like a hat! It’s perfect for couples who want a truly iconic Icelandic landmark that looks straight out of a fantasy film. Between the cone-shaped Kirkjufell mountain and the nearby waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss, the photo ops here are amazing.
6. Glacier Lagoon or Ice Caves (Jökulsárlón / Vatnajökull)
Explore floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón, the nearby Diamond Beach, or the sparkling blue ice caves under Vatnajökull Glacier. You can say your vows on the lagoon shore or inside an ice cave with a guided tour. Imagine those photos! It’s the epitome of “Iceland magic,” with a cinematic feel.
Check out the photos from Leah and Darin’s Glacier Lagoon elopement!
How To Legally Get Married In Iceland?
Can you legally marry here as a foreigner? Yes!
Getting legally married in Iceland as non-Icelandic citizens is straightforward, but there are a few steps and documents you’ll need to prepare in advance.
Most couples need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passports for both partners.
- Birth certificates: Original or certified copies.
- Certificate of Marital Status: Proof that you’re single, divorced, or widowed.
- Divorce or Death Certificates (if applicable): Required if either partner was previously married.
- Application Form for Marriage in Iceland: Provided by the National Registrar or the chosen officiant.
Pro Tip: Non-Icelandic documents may need to be translated into Icelandic and/or notarized.
We recommend submitting documents 4-6 weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for everything. Should you choose to work with us we guide you through this process but more details can be found on our Ultimate Guide To Eloping In Iceland blog.
And if all that feels too complicated or you’re thinking of being more spontaneous, a symbolic ceremony is the best option. You can exchange vows, incorporate meaningful rituals, and create memories just as magical as a legal ceremony.
If you still want your marriage to be legally recognized, you can combine a symbolic ceremony in Iceland with a civil ceremony at home before or after your trip.
What To Pack For An Iceland Elopement
The weather is unpredictable year-round in Iceland. It’s important to pack accordingly and prepare for anything.
You’ll be obsessively checking the weather before you leave for your elopement but here are some items we typically recommend bringing:
- Layers, boots, and thermal base layers
- Waterproof outerwear
- Travel-sized ceremony essentials (vows, rings, etc.)
Iceland is VERY windy, especially at the tops of cliffs and near the water, which are popular elopement locations.
Keep your hair and makeup in check with these tips:
- Choose styles that will hold up in the wind (braids, buns, low ponytails, etc.)
- Use strong-hold products like hairspray or mousse
- Bring accessories like hairpins, clips, or decorative combs to secure hair against the wind
- Use long-lasting, waterproof products
- Wear primer for both your face and eyes to help makeup stay put
- Use a strong setting spray to lock everything in place
- Bring touchups (small comb, lip balm, blotting papers, hairspray, etc.)
The more you plan ahead, the more enjoyable your experience will be. Check out our full packing list over here!
Working With A Photographer Who Gets You
As important as it is to plan ahead, you also can’t possibly know everything about a location when you’ve never been there, or an elopement if you’ve never been married before.
Working with a vendor team that is local or has been to Iceland several times is the key to a smooth elopement experience. You’re not just booking photos—you’re getting a guide, a planner, and an expert.
What’s Included In Our Iceland Elopement Packages
We help plan your entire day from start to finish, filled with the things that are important to you two, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Here’s what you get when you book us as your Iceland elopement photographers:
- Photography and videography
- Local vendor guidance
- Permit and location scouting help
- Planning support for travel, timeline, etc.
- Customized album of your favorite pictures
Whatever your love story looks like, we’re ready to make it a reality for you. Learn more about booking an Iceland elopement with us.
Unsure About Eloping? Real Ways To Make It Feel Like Your Day
You might think eloping means cutting out tradition and rushing the ceremony. Actually, it’s meant to be more intentional without the stress of performing for 1,000 guests. You can spend quality time with your soon-to-be spouse and make the ceremony more meaningful for the two of you.
Here are some ways our clients have made their elopement feel special:
- Read love letters over coffee before your vows
- Explore together before your ceremony
- Bring in cultural or family traditions in your own way
- Celebrate with a dinner for two in a cozy cabin
The possibilities are endless. We’re here to help you make this monumental day uniquely yours.
Eloping In Iceland Is More Than A Wedding—It’s a Story You’ll Tell Forever
Your elopement story deserves more than ordinary. We help you plan an elopement that’s seamless, soulful, and stunning. Explore our Iceland elopement packages, and schedule a call to start dreaming together.
FAQs About Eloping In Iceland
Can foreigners legally get married in Iceland?
Yes! Foreigners can legally get married in Iceland, and the process is relatively straightforward. You’ll need to submit the required documents at least three working days before your ceremony. Many couples choose to submit paperwork a few weeks in advance to simplify things.
Do you need permits to elope in Iceland?
In most cases, you don’t need a special permit for a small elopement ceremony. However, some protected areas or national parks may require permission, especially for photography, drone use, or larger setups. Always check local regulations or work with an elopement planner who can handle those details for you.
Can you do a symbolic ceremony instead?
Absolutely! If the legal paperwork feels complicated, many couples choose to legally marry at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Iceland. You’ll still exchange vows, rings, and create meaningful memories—just without the stress of international documentation.
What if the weather is bad?
Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, but that’s part of its charm! The key is to have a flexible mindset and a solid Plan B. Your Iceland photographer or elopement planner can help you choose backup locations. The most dramatic photos happen right before or after a storm, so a little rain or wind can make your day even more magical.
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