How to Elope in iceland in 2026
want to elope in iceland
So you
Imagine glacier-carved valleys, otherworldly black-sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic plateaus, Northern Lights dancing in the sky — Iceland offers drama, contrast, and wild beauty that makes any elopement feel like an epic adventure.
If you're longing for a place that feels remote, elemental, and that makes you feel tiny in the best way, then Iceland is the perfect place for your elopement.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by where to start, it's a great thing you're here!
This guide walks you through everything you need to plan your dreamy Iceland elopement.
M & L
When I tell you that Kasey brought the magic to our elopement, I mean it. First of all, she is the sweetest person you'll ever meet. Our elopement was in two parts, one day was the elopement and the next was the reception. Her turn around time was incredibly quick... she sent us sneak peek photos the next day, and as soon as we got them we knew we had made the right choice. Every photo captured the magic of the day, and I am so grateful that we had her on our team. If you choose her to be a part of your elopement, I promise you will be so glad you did. We really felt like we gained a friend in this process. Thank you Kasey, we love you!
"If you choose her to be a part of your elopement, I promise you will be so glad you did."
the best places to elope in Iceland
Iceland is packed with jaw-dropping locations. Waterfalls, mountains, cliffs, and glaciers all within a few hours’ drive! Here are some of the most magical spots to consider venturing for your elopement.
Black sand beaches, basalt columns, glacier lagoons, glaciers and mountains as far as the eye can see and more waterfalls than you can count. The South coast of Iceland is popular for a reason, it has an endless amount of epic experiences to be had!
The south coast
Elope On
Remote and rugged! Think colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal valleys, and otherworldly views. Best for adventurous couples up for hiking and 4WD travel. Eloping in the highlands is only possible in the Summer months.
The highlands
Elope In
Wild and untouched, with fewer tourists. Towering sea cliffs, dramatic fjords, puffins, and endless solitude. A great choice if you want to feel like you’re the only people in the world.
the westfjords
Elope In
A beautiful part of the country that is often overlooked! From heart shaped stoplights in Akureyri to whale watching in the Arctic ocean, this part of Iceland is just as magical as the rest! You can take day trips to some epic places that are too far to day trip from Reykjavik, making it less crowded as well.
northeast iceland
Elope In
how to plan your Iceland elopement
eloping in Iceland is magical, but it does require some logistics - that's where I come in!
Hire an elopement specific photographer who knows how to help you plan an elopement to get the most out of your day and of course get the best photos! Your photographer will be able to help with every step of planning your day, so it's a great place to start even if you have nothing else decided yet. I love brainstorming with my couples and coming up with the perfect elopement adventure that feels like you.
After getting to know you and we chat about your elopement vision, I will send you a locations guide so we can pick your perfect ceremony spot, and adventure spots for your elopement experience.
Do you imagine hiking to a waterfall? Trekking across a glacier? Or exploring black-sand beaches and ending the day with a cozy cabin dinner?
Now that you know the location you'll be eloping in, you can book your lodging! Iceland has some amazing and unique places to stay. I can help give you ideas and specific spots closest to your ceremony site.
Once you know where you'll be staying it's time to book your other vendors! I'll send you a curated list of vendors for whatever you need. Officiant, hair and makeup artist, private chef? I've got you.
Your day is here! Everything you planned all comes together and you get to enjoy your epic, stress-free day marrying your best friend in Iceland!
- Cool temperatures (32-45 degrees F)
- Some potential for Northern lights
- Most south coast roads open
- Highland roads closed
- Fewer crowds
- Beautiful light
spring
- Coldest season (28-40 degrees F)
- Northern Lights
- Snow dusted landscapes
- Dramatic, moody atmosphere
- Least crowded
- Limited daylight
- Unpredictable weather
- Highland roads closed
winter
the best time of year to elope in Iceland
My favorite time of the year for Iceland elopements is the end of summer and early fall. August and September are beautiful months to visit Iceland. Temperatures are moderate and there may be rain, but as they say in Iceland, just wait for 5 minutes and the weather will change. The seasons in Iceland vary a lot, and the best time to elope in Iceland depends on what kind of experience you want.
(November - March)
(April - May)
summer
- Warmest season (60-75 degrees F)
- Driest season
- Peak tourist season
- Endless daylight
- Mildest weather
- Highland roads open
(June - August)
fall
- Mild temperatures (30-50 degrees F)
- Fewer crowds
- Some remote roads closed
- Variable weather
- Beautiful light
(September - October)
WHERE TO STAY FOR YOUR Iceland ELOPEMENT
Rustic farms, cozy Airbnbs, glass igloos, luxury retreats —there’s a stay for every style. Where you stay has a big role to play in the experience of your elopement, so I send you a custom curated list as part of the planning process!
Best Areas to Stay:
Reykjavik - The capital of Iceland. Lots of restaurants and nightlife, and you can easily day trip to the Golden Circle and Þingvellir National Park
Vik - A great town to stay in while adventuring around the South Coast of Iceland.
Hofn - My favorite town to visit in Southeast Iceland. There is a famous restaurant here you must book far in advance that is very much worth visiting!
Akureyri - A great home base if you're exploring the North east parts of Iceland. This adorable town even has heart shaped stoplights!
Lodging Ideas:
Boutique hotels in Reykjavik for stylish comfort
Guesthouses or farm stays for authentic Icelandic hospitality
Remote cabins or glass igloos for privacy and stargazing, or Northern Lights gazing!
Adventure stays like mountain huts or glamping pods in the highlands
Pro tip: Book early—availability is limited, especially in summer and fall.
To have a legal ceremony in Iceland, you need the proper paperwork including birth certificates, certificate of marital status to prove you are not currently married, proof of legal stay, and a marriage notification form.
legally elope in Iceland
How to
Imagine waking up in a cozy cabin tucked away in the Icelandic countryside, just you and your love starting the morning slow with coffee as the sun rises over mossy lava fields. From there, the rest of your day can be absolutely anything you dream of. Maybe you’ll exchange vows at the base of a roaring waterfall, wander across black sand beaches, or trek across a glacier. Here’s an example of what a full adventure elopement in Iceland could look like...
Day 1 - A Slow + Scenic Start
8:00 am - Wake up in your cozy cabin surrounded by mossy lava fields. Share a slow breakfast and coffee together before your adventure begins.
10:00 am – Head out to explore a black sand beach, wandering hand-in-hand along the dramatic coastline.
12:00 pm – Picnic lunch near a cliffside overlook, with sweeping views of the Atlantic.
2:00 pm – Visit a waterfall to take photos and soak in the magic together.
5:00 pm – Warm up with dinner in a local town, trying Icelandic dishes together.
8:00 pm – Soak in a hot spring to end your evening and head to bed, excited for what's to come.
Day 2 – The Big Adventure + Vows
7:00 am – Sunrise first look at the base of a waterfall.
8:00 am – Exchange your vows in a quiet, intimate spot surrounded by Iceland’s raw beauty.
9:00 am – Celebrate with pastries + coffee from a local bakery.
11:00 am – Adventure to a glacier lagoon, walking along the shore or kayaking between the icebergs.
2:00 pm – Find a spot for lunch and road trip to hidden spots - mossy lava fields, volcanic craters, or a geothermal hot spring.
6:00 pm – Enjoy a private chef dinner at your Airbnb.
8:00 pm – End the day with a golden-hour hike and one last round of epic photos as the sun dips below the horizon.
The beauty of a multi-day elopement in Iceland is that you don’t have to choose between intimate connection and big adventure. you can have both! A relaxed day of exploring, plus a full wedding day where every moment is intentional, meaningful, and stress-free.
Iceland Elopement Timeline
The cost of eloping in the Iceland varies quite a lot depending on the kind of experience you want. A simple ceremony with just the two of you and your photographer is going to cost much less than a full adventure with a private chef, florals, multiple locations, adventure experiences, and a small guest list.
A lot of couples choose to elope in Iceland because they want a day that feels deeply personal, meaningful, and adventurous - not necessarily because they’re trying to have the cheapest wedding possible. Elopements can vary from $8k to $30k+ depending if your budget is mostly photography or if you're including other pieces in your day.
Below, I’ve put together a few sample budgets, from simple to luxury, so you can get a feel for what Iceland elopements can look like at different price points. Most couples fall somewhere in between, splurging on the pieces that mean the most and keeping the rest simple.
For my photography pricing, see my Iceland elopement packages.
how much does it cost to elope in Iceland?
Photography (full day coverage): $8,000
Lodging: $150-$800+/ night
Flights: $600-1200+/ person
Florals $300–$600+
Officiant: $300–$600+
Dinner or catered meal: $200–$1,000+
Hair & Makeup: $300–$500+
Rental Car: $80-200/ day
Iceland Elopement Budget
Luxury Iceland elopement budget
Photography (multi-day): $11,000
Upscale Lodging: $600–$2,000+/ night
Flights: $1200+/ person
High-end floral design: $1,000–$2,500
Officiant: $300 - $600
Private chef dinner or catered meal: $1,500–$3,000+
Hair & Makeup: $500–$1,200+
Transportation: $800–$1,500+
Adventure add-ons (glacier hikes, super jeep tours): $100 – $500+ each
This kind of elopement is a full experience. Elevated, intentional, and completely centered around your love story with some epic adventures together.
This is a great balance between intentional simplicity and a little extra magic. You get to slow down, take it all in, and celebrate in a way that feels completely “you.”
Traveling Tips for Eloping in ICeland
Flights: Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the main entry point.
Driving: Renting a car is the best way to explore Iceland. Check road.is daily for closures.
F-roads: These highland roads are only open in summer and require 4x4 vehicles.
Weather: Expect sun, rain, wind, and fog. Sometimes all in the same day!
leave no trace in Iceland
Key LNT Principles for Elopements:
- Stay on designated trails and don’t trample plant life (Icelandic moss takes decades to recover).
- Respect wildlife and nesting areas
- Avoid using props or décor that could disturb the natural area.
- Don’t scatter petals, confetti, or rice, even if biodegradable.
- Pack out everything you bring in, including food scraps.
Choose vendors who respect LNT practices and park rules.
