Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Magical Iceland Elopement

If it feels like Iceland is the hottest new tourist destination, that's because it is. Between its otherworldly views and magical nighttime displays, this island is becoming one of the best places to elope or travel. That's why we decided to create this master guide on an Iceland elopement, to make your special day even less stressful while still being exciting. You can choose from daring locations for an adventure elopement or keep it low-key while still basking in the jaw-dropping views. And if you're considering eloping in Iceland, this handy guide goes through everything you need to know beforehand, including the best places to stay, some top elopement photographers and even all the legal paperwork you'll need for your wedding day. So, let's dive right in and help you on your Icelandic journey down the aisle.

Iceland Elopement Planning Tips

Iceland is known for its natural beauty, rich culture and illustrious history. You can see everything from glaciers to lava on this island, and the people are proud of its legends and magical landscape. It's perfect for traditional and nontraditional couples alike, thanks to its many adventurous venues. Even if you're working with an elopement planner, having an elopement checklist is a must to ensure you've got everything you need for your Icelandic ceremony. Here are some top tips for planning your micro-wedding in the land of ice and fire:

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• Take advantage of the natural scenery and unique locations around this island for your ceremony. (Just ensure you get any permits you need to have your ceremony at certain spots.)
• Celebrate your elopement at some of the fine dining locations around the island or try something unique at one of their many food halls.
• Iceland is a one-of-a-kind ceremony spot thanks to its wide range of landscapes. You can find a beach that overlooks the mountains or a lava field with moody black rocks and lush greenery. The options are endless.
• Another fun option: Be adventurous. Exchange vows on a whale-watching tour or under a waterfall.
• You can plan both your elopement and honeymoon in one trip—that's one great perk about planning a destination wedding. And Iceland makes it easy to do a ton in a short amount of time.

How to Get to Iceland

There are many airlines that offer convenient and easy flights to Iceland—Lufthansa, British Airways, Icelandair—to name a few. One of the most convenient is Icelandair itself, which lands you in Keflavik with free stopovers. This is especially handy if you want to spend your honeymoon in another European location like Paris, London, Tenerife and more. Just make sure your baggage is the right size for international flights and you've got your passports on hand. Certain hotels around Keflavik even offer "Nap and Go" rates for those early morning flights so you can safely explore Iceland after a few hours of shut-eye.

Best Months to Elope in Iceland

Summer in Iceland is a popular time for tourists for good reason. The days are sunny, and the island is in full bloom, making it the perfect magical backdrop for your day. Plus, you get almost 24 hours of sunlight, aka the midnight sun, from late May to early August, meaning you can get married at virtually any time of day for the perfect golden hour.

Spring is another great option, especially if you're looking for fewer tourists but still some exciting local attractions and sights. The weather is a bit cool, but things are beginning to blossom and even the puffins start their journey to the island. You also have a better chance than in the summer to catch the Northern Lights.

Fall offers cooler temperatures and the changing of leaves for a charming experience, and the Northern Lights season begins in late September if you want to exchange vows under a luminescent sky. You could get some snow in certain areas, but fall also brings cloudier skies and storms, so be wary when planning during this season.

Winter in Iceland is often what many people picture on this beautiful island—an abundance of snow, ice caves and the aurora borealis. However, as gorgeous as a winter wedding can be, be mindful that it will be harder to navigate roads and certain attractions, so you'd have to be flexible with your venue in this case.

The Best Places to Elope in Iceland

There's no shortage of stunning locations around Iceland to say "I do." With so many natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes, there's something for everyone in this country—waterfalls, rock formations, black sand beaches and more. Here are just a few options to get you started on your ceremony site search, though.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir, or Þingvellir as it's known in Iceland, has plenty of spots where you can have a private ceremony for your elopement. The rocky cliffs, Þingvellir Church and ruins of old stone shelters are just a start for your venue search.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The black sand beaches of Iceland are unforgettable, and Reynisfjara has some unique rock formations that take it to the next level. An elopement at this spot gives you a beach wedding vibe with an ethereal twist.

Skógafoss Waterfall

Skógafoss is one of Iceland's biggest waterfalls, and depending on the season, this lovely venue can have greenery and flowers or snowy fields. You can even explore the Golden Circle during your drive around Ring Road to take some gorgeous post-ceremony photos.

Budakirkja Church

This church is black and white, making it a striking wedding venue on a lava field with snow-capped mountains as its backdrop. It's located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and makes a great religious site for your ceremony while still giving the awe-inspiring views you can expect from Iceland.

Diamond Beach

This black sand beach is made even more magical with the diamond-like iceberg fragments that wash ashore. Just take the Ring Road east to get to this elopement spot for a secluded and sparkly site that'll rival your engagement ring.

Best Iceland Hotels and Resorts

If you're looking for a place to stay in Iceland, there are plenty of convenient and top-rated spots around the island. We've rounded up some of TripAdvisor's favorite hotels and resorts with a wide range of views and things to do, so you're never far from the excitement.

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Right in the heart of Iceland's capital is the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, a four-star hotel within walking distance of some of Reykjavik's hottest attractions. This hotel overlooks downtown or the nearby mountains, and they offer on-site breakfast and a hot tub (but you can also take advantage of the nearby Sky Lagoon for a geothermal experience). The Hilton in Reykjavik also has event spaces and hotel blocks for your wedding or elopement.

Sudurlandsbraut 2, Reykjavik, 108, Iceland

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

When you stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, you're getting a VIP experience at one of Iceland's top attractions. The Blue Lagoon is a natural geothermal lagoon inside lava fields for a truly unique experience that focuses on your wellness and self-care. This hotel offers four on-site dining options, exclusive access to private lagoons and even a spa experience so that your elopement weekend is relaxing and stress-free. You can also plan sightseeing adventures and tours around Grindavik to make your stay more memorable.

Norðurljósavegur 11, 240 Grindavík, Iceland

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

ION Adventure Hotel

Located an hour outside of Reykjavik, the Ion Adventure Hotel in Iceland is a private oasis set against majestic mountainous lava fields for stunning views. Its location is right near the Golden Circle, perfect for exploring some of Iceland's most memorable sites or natural wonders. You can even have your wedding at nearby Úlfljótsvatn Church and hold your reception at the Ion for up to 200 guests while enjoying the Northern Lights from the comfort of your hotel room at the end of the night.

Nesjavellir vid Thingvallavatn, 801 Selfoss, Iceland

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Northern Light Inn

The Northern Light Inn in Grindavik isn't far from the Keflavik airport or Blue Lagoon, and it offers a perfect space to try catching the Northern Lights during certain seasons. This hotel gives you mountain views and a secluded area to relax during your elopement weekend, especially when you take advantage of the on-site spa, restaurant or Aurora Floating Tank. With suite options to meet your every need, this is a wonderful choice for your Iceland elopement vacation.

1 Northern Lights Road, Grindavik 241, Iceland

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Iceland Elopement Photographers

Finding a photographer who is local to Iceland can be especially helpful since they'll know the terrain and climate best. Here are some Icelandic elopement photographers who can make your wedding day truly special.

McWhirter Elopements

McWhirter Elopements is a wedding photographer based out of Vik, and Lisa McWhirter specializes in adventure elopements and nontraditional ceremonies. Lisa also offers elopement packages, including helicopter and small plane packages.

Bettina Vass

Bettina Vass Photography is based out of Reykjavik and has lived in Iceland for over a decade. She offers elopement photography packages, including multi-day elopements and adventure elopements.

Zakas Photography

Steph Zakas of Zakas Photography is based out of Reykjavik but grew up in the US. She exclusively documents micro-weddings and elopements with custom packages and planning.

Styrmir & Heiðdís Photography

Styrmir and Heiðdís are a couple based out of Reykjavik and have lived in Iceland their whole lives. They specialize in rustic weddings, intimate elopements and adventurous couple shoots.

Iceland Marriage Requirements

If you're considering eloping in Iceland, then this section will help you figure out the fine-tuned details. To obtain a valid marriage license, Iceland requires preparation ahead of time with all the necessary paperwork and people, so staying on top of these deadlines is key. You can also check out other helpful resources, like the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration, local wedding planners and embassies to provide extra support during this process. Let's take a closer look at what else you need for your Icelandic wedding ceremony.

Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremony

A legal ceremony in Iceland requires bringing specific documentation with you and following certain guidelines, such as filling out a Marriage Notification form, getting a Certificate of Marital Status and providing your proof of legal stay (a visa or airplane tickets). With a symbolic ceremony, you have a little more flexibility. You can fill out all the necessary paperwork at home and make the symbolic ceremony more personalized.

Required Legal Documents and Timeline

To get legally married in Iceland, it's essential to have the required legal documents and submit them to Icelandic authorities, such as the National Registry, at least three weeks before the wedding date. This includes:

• Valid passports
• Original birth certificates
• Certificates of marital status or divorce decrees, if applicable

If the documents are in a non-Icelandic language, they may need certified translations, which you should arrange in advance. Couples from around the world can marry in Iceland without an extended stay since there isn't a residency requirement. Just make sure to follow the document submission timeline for the ceremony to be legally binding.

Steps in Order:

1. Gather necessary documents.

2. Verify if translations or certifications are needed.

3. Find an officiant and venue for your ceremony.

4. Submit documents to the National Registry three weeks prior.

5. Schedule and confirm the ceremony date.

Legal Marriage Cost

To get legally married in Iceland, this includes a small administrative fee for document processing, which typically ranges from $100 to $300 USD. Depending on translation needs or additional certifications, it could cost a little more. If you're hiring any vendors in Iceland, such as a wedding planner, officiant or local services to assist with the process and paperwork, couples should budget accordingly. Price-checking beforehand is important to ensure it fits your elopement budget since Icelandic vendor prices can vary by season.