How to Elope in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know
Iceland is by far one of the most magical and jaw-droppingly beautiful places I have ever been and I could not recommend it enough for an elopement! It is the least populated country in Europe meaning that so much of the land is untouched. Whether you want a moody elopement on a black sandy beach or an adventurous waterfall elopement surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Iceland has it! This is truly an adventurer's dream!!
After getting the opportunity to capture an elopement in Iceland, I knew that I needed to share all of the details on how to elope in Iceland so that you can plan your dream day there too! In this Iceland elopement guide, I included everything you need to know: best locations, Iceland marriage laws, best activities, my Iceland elopement packages, & so much more!!
Table of Contents
Where is Iceland?
Iceland is a small isolated island in the North Atlantic Ocean. When looking at a map, it is found North-West of Scotland, Ireland, and Norway. It is also known as the land of ice and fire because of its volcanic and glacier terrains that have created the most epic landscapes.
Best Time of the Year to Elope in Iceland
Summer (June-August)
Summer is by far the most popular time of the year to visit Iceland. This is when the weather is the best, there is no snow, and the sun doesn’t set until almost midnight and rises around 4 a.m. But, with nice weather comes lots of tourists so it is much busier at the popular spots like the hot springs and prices tend to increase quite a bit. So, while this is a great time of the year in terms of weather if you want a more intimate and private elopement, this probably isn’t the best time.
Fall (September-November)
While the temperatures do start to decrease quite a bit in the fall months, September and early October aren’t too bad yet. And the crowds have left and prices tend to decrease so this is a great time of the year to elope in Iceland. The only downside to eloping in the fall is that the sun starts to set a bit earlier and it will be dark out by 5:30 pm. But, if you’re flying all the way to Iceland to elope, you might as well spend several days there anyway so the sun setting early shouldn’t be too big of a deal.
Winter (December-February)
Eloping in Iceland in the winter months can be tricky as the weather is much colder and a lot more unpredictable. But this is the best time of the year to see the Northern Lights and soak in the hot springs. You can also enjoy lots of winter sports like snowboarding/skiing, snowmobiling, and exploring ice caves.
Spring (March-May)
The spring months are another beautiful time of the year to visit Iceland as the snow is melting! This means that the lush vegetation is beautifully green, the waterfalls are abundant, and the mountains are snow-capped. While it can still be quite snowy during this time of the year, it really only makes it that much more magical. Oh, and the wildlife tends to be out and about much more during this time of the year.
How to Elope in Iceland as a Foreigner
Can you Elope in Iceland as a foreigner?
Okay, the most important thing to know is that YES you can elope in Iceland as a foreigner. In fact, it happens to be one of the easiest countries for foreigners to elope in. There will be a couple of more steps necessary though so it’s important to make sure that you don't miss anything.
Getting Your Iceland Marriage License
Below, I give you all the steps necessary to get your Iceland marriage license. If you decide to hire a local wedding planner, they will walk you through this process and give you all the necessary documents.
Download and fill out the necessary documents.
Marriage notification. This is a document stating that there are no legal impediments to your marriage.
A certificate of Marital Status to prove you are not currently married (can be obtained here). This can be no older than 8 weeks.
Divorce papers, if either party is divorced.
The original copies of your birth certificate.
Death Certificate of a previous spouse if applicable
An itinerary of your trip (entrance/exit date) + flight information.
Send the required documents to the National Registry Office at least three weeks in advance.
You need to be in Iceland at least two days before your wedding to obtain your Iceland marriage license. You will need to set an appointment at the regional district commissioner's office (whichever one is closest to where you are getting married).
You must bring all original documents with you to this appointment.
For more information on how to obtain your Iceland marriage license, check out Iceland’s official marriage site.
13 Epic Locations For Your Iceland Elopement
Kirkjufell Mountain
Kirkjufell Mountain is a very well-known destination in Iceland that is known for its distinctive conical shape, which resembles an arrowhead or church steeple. In front of Kirkjufell Mountain is Kirkjufell Waterfall which adds to its picturesque appeal. With the green landscape and beautiful waterfall, I’m sure you can understand why this is one of Iceland’s most photographed destinations. With the ever-changing weather and light conditions, the photo opportunities here are epic and would make for the most magical elopement location.
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull National Park, located in western Iceland on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is known for its abundance of epic landscapes. It encompasses a wide range of beautiful views, including lava fields, coastal cliffs, black sand beaches, rugged seashores, and lush valleys. A day spent here for your elopement would mean that you get the chance to have several different scenic backdrops for your photos! The area also holds lots of history, with remnants of old fishing villages, lighthouses, and ancient settlements scattered throughout the park.
Svörtuloft Lighthouse
Svörtuloft Lighthouse is an iconic bright orange lighthouse found along the coastal black lava cliffs of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. You can only visit when the weather is calm and the tide is low so that is something to consider if you want to elope here. Because it is often cloudy, this location is super moody and dramatic with the dark cliffs which I think so amazing for photos!
Búðakirkja
Búðakirkja is a historic black wooden church dating back to the 19th century. It is located in a beautiful grassy area with a lava field with black sand beaches nearby, and the Snæfellsjökull Glacier in the background. If you want a more traditional church wedding surrounded by the most idyllic views, then the Black Church of Budir is a great wedding venue option!
Berserkjahraun
Berserkjahraun also known as Berserk lava field, is a striking and historically significant lava field located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. Its dramatic volcanic landscape, rugged terrain, green vegetation, and unique rock formations provide you with an iconic backdrop for your elopement.
Deildartunguhver
Deildartunguhver is an amazing natural hot spring located in western Iceland that is well-known for being the most powerful hot spring in Europe. There are wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms that allow visitors to get a close look at the hot spring without getting too close to the scalding water. The hot springs are surrounded by lush vegetation and are definitely a must-see in Iceland.
Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach
Víkurfjara, aka Vík Beach, is a stunning black sand beach located in the small coastal village of Vík í Mýrdal, in the southern part of Iceland. This beach is known for its unique and dramatic beauty, with its jet-black sand, basalt rocks, and striking sea stacks. This is definitely one of the most unique and breathtaking elopement locations in Iceland. A white elopement dress against the black sand and dark ocean creates the perfect contrast in your photos!
Dyrhólaey Beach & Lighthouse
Dyrhólaey is another iconic Iceland beach and lighthouse located on the southern coast of Iceland, near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. It offers beautiful views of the Icelandic coastline, with the dramatic cliffs, black sand beaches, and the jagged basalt columns along the shore.
Gljufrabui
Gljufrabui is a hidden and enchanting waterfall located in the southern region of Iceland near the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall. What makes this specific waterfall so special is that it is not just out in the open. It is hidden by super tall cliffs that surround it making it a bit more difficult to access. To get to the base of the waterfall you will have to get a little wet and walk through the stream but the view is definitely worth it!! The moss-covered rocks, high cliffs, flowing waterfall, and stunning lighting create the most whimsical setting!
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is the first main attraction when you drive along Ring Road. It is a super accessible waterfall and you can literally park your car right next to it. You can walk in the waterfall or opt to stay dry and take some photos in front of it, but either way, it is definitely worth a visit. And it’s a pretty epic place to take some photos on your elopement day!
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is one of the most historic and visited sites in all of Iceland. One of the most remarkable geological features of Thingvellir is the fact that it is situated within the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The park is one of the few places on Earth where you can see the divergent boundary between two tectonic plates on land. As well as the tectonic plates, you will also have insane views of lush valleys, meandering rivers, lava fields, moss-covered rocks, and rugged cliffs. There is a ton to do and see in this park making it a great location for an elopement.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a majestic canyon located in Southeast Iceland that is definitely a must-see. The canyon was created by long-term erosion by flowing water from glaciers through the rocks over a long period of time, some say 9000 years ago. It is so insanely beautiful and a great place to enjoy some hiking. It is super accessible to easily get great views of the canyon without hiking too much as it is not too far from the main road and the gravel road that leads you there is in great condition.
Reykjadalur Valley
Reykjadalur Valley is a must-see while you are in Iceland! Whether you decide to spend some of your elopement day there or visit it on another day, it is definitely worth it! Throughout the valley, there are tons of hot springs, mud pools, and even a hot river which you can get into. The steam rises up from the light blue water surrounded by lush vegetation and rolling hills making it the most beautiful sight!
Best Activities to do in Iceland
If you’re eloping in Iceland then I’m gonna go ahead and guess that you and your partner are definitely adventurous people! And Iceland is an adventure and nature-lovers dream. There is so much beautiful scenery here and so many different ways to enjoy and appreciate it. So here are some fun activities you can do on your elopement day or while you are in Iceland:
Go to Hvammsvik Hot Springs
Soak in the iconic Blue Lagoon
Enjoy a spa day to start off your honeymoon at the Sky Lagoon
Explore Iceland’s epic landscapes on horseback at Eld Hestar, Equitours, or Riding Iceland
Rent and stay in a campervan to explore Iceland
See the Northern Lights in the winter
Take a Helicopter Tour for the best views
Take a tour of the Ice Caves in the winter months
Hike a Glacier with a tour guide
Visit the waterfalls
Go on a whale-watching tour
Have a Night Out in Reykjavik
Visit Lake Myvatn in North Iceland
Tour the Golden Circle and Go Snowmobiling or Snorkeling
Best Places to Eat in Iceland
Oh and of course, we can’t forget the food! Here are some amazing restaurants for you to try while in Iceland:
Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (The best hot dogs)
Best Places to Stay in Iceland
Iceland has some of the most incredible Airbnbs and hotels. From cozy cabins to more luxury hotels, there are tons of options. Below are some great places to stay in some of Iceland’s most popular cities:
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and the largest city in Iceland. This is the most common place for visitors to stay as it has lots of options, is close to lots of epic locations, and has tons to do nearby!
Selfoss & South West Iceland
This is the best place to stay in Iceland for geothermal pools & Iceland’s newest volcanic eruption. You are also close to the Golden Circle which is a drive that visits Þingvellir National Park, the geothermal geyser at Geysir, and the waterfall at Gullfoss.
Vik & Southern Iceland
Vik and Southern Iceland is the best place to stay for lots of adventurous activities, puffins, and black sand beaches.
Iceland Elopement FAQs
Can foreigners elope in Iceland?
Yes, foreigners can elope in Iceland and the process is pretty easy.
How much does it cost to elope in Iceland?
Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world so that means eloping here will not be cheap. You can expect to spend a minimum of $7,000 and up to $20,000 depending on where you choose to stay and what photographer you hire, etc…
Do we need an officiant and witnesses to elope in Iceland?
Yes, you will need an officiant and two witnesses to elope in Iceland.
Do most people know English in Iceland?
Yes, they are taught English in school for several years so most people are pretty easy to communicate with.
Meet Your Iceland Photographer
Hi, I’m Devin - your Destination Elopement Photographer! As a lover of anything and everything that involves nature and adventure, I’m here to support you in planning your perfect elopement.
My destination wedding and elopement packages are specially curated for you to help make your wedding day go smoothly – from permit processes to making a timeline, you can count on me to make your elopement a breeze!
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