Why Choose an Iceland Elopement?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels more like an adventure, then Iceland might just be your place. Eloping in Iceland in 2025 is all about experiencing wild beauty, real connection, and a sense of freedom you just can’t find in a traditional venue back home.

As I’m sure you already know, Iceland is a country famous for its epic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, black sand beaches, massive glaciers, and fiery volcanoes. 

You’ll probably already have pictured saying your vows beside a waterfall like Skógafoss or Seljalandsfoss, or standing together on the edge of a black sand beach like Reynisfjara. Iceland is packed with awe-inspiring places to elope, each one offering a story of its own, and one that you can make your own.

• Magical waterfalls

• Towering, dramatic basalt columns 

• Glaciers, lava fields, and volcanic landscapes

Intimate and Personal Elopement Experience

Choosing to elope in Iceland can be whatever you want it to be.  For some, it is about stepping away from the pressure of tradition and making space for something more personal, an experience you make your own. 

• Your Iceland elopement lets you stay present, surrounded by wild, beautiful scenery.

• The day becomes about just the two of you, creating a more meaningful celebration.

• You can shape a day that fits your interests, without the stress of a big wedding.
  
  
  

Unforgettable Northern Lights and Midnight Sun

One of the most incredible parts of getting married in Iceland is having the chance to witness nature’s greatest shows. Depending on the time of year, you could see the Northern Lights or experience the never-ending daylight of the midnight sun.

• The winter months are the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, as the shorter hours of daylight increase your chances.  

• In summer, the midnight sun shines bright until late into the night, giving you a long ‘golden hour’.

  
  
  

Adventure and Flexibility: Elopement Packages and Planning

Iceland is made for adventure. Whether you want to explore glaciers, hike to waterfalls, or ride in a super jeep across the highlands, elopement packages in Iceland give you the flexibility to plan something that feels like you.

• Your elopement in Iceland can be completely customised. Choose your elopement location, activities, and the season that suits your vision.

• A local wedding planner in Iceland can help you with logistics and recommend the best places to elope in Iceland.

• Your day can be peaceful and scenic, wild and remote, or a mix of both. Iceland offers the perfect setting for every kind of couple.

Accessible Yet Wild: The Ultimate Destination Elopement

Iceland is one of the best places in the world for a destination elopement. Many iconic locations are easy to reach from Reykjavik, yet still feel completely untouched by crowds.  You can jump in a car and be out of the city within 30 minutes.

• Whether you’re planning a simple elopement ceremony or a full wedding celebration in Iceland, the landscapes surrounding you make every moment incredible.

• The cost to elope in Iceland depends on your vision, with options ranging from budget-friendly packages to luxury wedding experiences.

  
  

Eloping in Iceland in 2025 is about more than just choosing a beautiful destination. It’s about stepping into a landscape that feels otherworldly, having a wedding day that feels true to you, and starting your next chapter with an adventure you’ll remember forever.  Whether you’ve visited Iceland before and fell in love with the scenery, or this is your first ever visit.  In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to start planning your elopement in Iceland.

• Step 1: Dream Up Your Wedding in Iceland

• Step 2: Choose the Best Time of Year to Elope in Iceland

• Step 3: Pick Your Elopement Location

• Step 4: Take Care of Legalities to Get Married in Iceland

• Step 5: Book Your Iceland Elopement Planner

• Step 6: Plan Your Trip to Iceland

• Step 7: Finalise the Details and Prepare for Your Elopement Day

  
  

Step 1: Dream Up Your Wedding in Iceland

Start by picturing the kind of wedding day that feels right for you both. Iceland is a land of black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes, so it is calling out for you to let your imagination run wild. Do you want to chase the northern lights in the evening, share vows beside a waterfall, or hike to a remote spot for that once-in-a-lifetime experience?

You might want to plan multiple days of adventuring around the country, and you won’t be short on ideas once you start to research what is possible.

Consider how your plans will fit the season. Summer in Iceland brings the midnight sun, colourful lupines and longer days, while winter offers cold, snowy landscapes and the chance to see the aurora. Don’t forget to start a budget, factoring in the cost to elope in Iceland, elopement packages, travel, accommodation, and any activities you want to do while you’re here.

Step 2: Choose the Best Time of Year to Elope in Iceland

The season you pick will shape your elopement experience, so take a minute and think about what you prefer.

• Summer (June–August): Midnight sun, full access to highland areas and blooming scenery. It’s peak season, so expect more tourists on the road and at popular locations and higher prices.

• Fall (September–November): Softer light, fewer crowds, and the first chance to see the northern lights.  This season can sometimes be a best of both worlds scenario for couples.

• Winter (December–February): A snowy winter wonderland,  long nights for possible aurora viewing, and peaceful landscapes.  Quieter roads, but some are impassable at times. Weather can be unpredictable, cold and very windy, so plan for flexibility.

• Spring (March–May): Waterfalls are flowing, flowers bloom, and crowds are relatively low, but some remote areas may still be inaccessible and the weather is mostly unpredictable.  You still have the chance of seeing the aurora, especially in March and early April.

Step 3: Pick Your Elopement Location

Iceland is packed with epic places to elope. Some popular ones include:

• Reynisfjara black sand beach

• Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

• Kirkjufell (the most photographed mountain in Iceland)

Think about what matters to you. Would you prefer total privacy, or would you be happy with onlookers in popular spots?  The time of day that you plan your elopement also has an impact on this, and knowing your levels of comfort and where your ideals lie is important to figure out.  

Step 4: Take Care of Legalities to Get Married in Iceland

Iceland welcomes couples from around the world, with no residency requirements and full legal recognition for all couples, regardless of nationality, gender, or orientation. You can choose between a civil or religious ceremony, and your elopement can take place almost anywhere, whether that’s a helicopter to a glacier or the top of a waterfall.

Required documents for your elopement:

• Marriage Notification Form (Hjónavígsluskýrsla), signed by both parties and two witnesses

• Valid passports

• Birth certificates

• Certificate of marital status (issued within 8 weeks of your wedding date)

• Divorce decree or death certificate, if applicable

• Proof of legal stay (airline tickets, passport stamps, or visa)

• Certified translations if documents aren’t in English, Icelandic, or a Scandinavian language

Submit these to the National Registry Office in Reykjavik at least three weeks before your wedding. Originals must be delivered in person or by mail no later than five days before your ceremony. After your wedding, you can request an official marriage certificate in English.

Some couples choose to handle the legal paperwork at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Iceland, which can be a great way to keep things simple if the paperwork feels a little overwhelming.

Step 5: Book Your Iceland Elopement Planner

Having an experienced Iceland elopement wedding planner makes all the difference. They know the best places to elope, local contacts for other vendors, how to work with Iceland’s unpredictable weather, and how to keep your day stress-free.

• A planner can create a custom timeline and work with other vendors like your videographer, photographer and officiant.

• Some planners offer packages which include activities or can be tailored to your needs.

Step 6: Plan Your Trip to Iceland

With your date and location set, it’s time to get practical.

• Book flights and accommodation near your elopement location or wedding venue.

• Rent a car or 4x4 for flexibility, as many of Iceland’s best elopement spots are off the beaten path.  If you want to drive on F roads, you will, by law, need a 4x4.

• Plan some adventure time: visit glaciers, soak in hot springs, or simply hire a car and explore the landscape.

Review your timeline, and make space for quiet moments to really let everything soak in, whether that's spontaneous stops, or even a relaxed celebration dinner.  Your elopement might last a day, but don’t forget to plan your elopement celebration as a whole trip!

Some of the most iconic and breathtaking elopement locations include:

• Kirkjufell: The most photographed mountain in Iceland, with a dramatic backdrop and nearby waterfalls. Perfect for couples wanting epic views, sometimes snow-capped and a stunning road trip on the way.

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Famous for its striking black sand, basalt columns, and moody ocean views.  It feels like you’ve stepped into an old black and white film, muted and dramatic.  

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach: Love the idea of icebergs floating by while you say your vows?  Find your place on the black sand, and perhaps take kayaks onto the lagoon afterwards?

• Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss: Both are iconic waterfalls—Skógafoss is known for its power, and when the spray and light hit right, the most stunning rainbows, while Seljalandsfoss lets you walk behind the falls for a one-of-a-kind (bring waterproofs!) ceremony.

• Búðakirkja (Budir Black Church): A striking black wooden church set against lava fields and mountains, ideal for intimate weddings with a minimalist, historic vibe.

There are also countless places to choose from, work with your planner who can suggest areas that you might prefer, quiet canyons, sea caves, lava cliffs, and private waterfalls, there is something for everyone.  

Ceremony Details: How It Works

• Officiant: You’ll need an officiant for your ceremony. Iceland recognises civil, religious, and humanist officiants, so you can choose what feels right for you. Many English-speaking officiants are available, and planners can help you find the perfect fit.

• Witnesses: Two witnesses are required for a legal ceremony. If you’re travelling alone, don’t worry, your elopement videographer and photographer can count.

• No Permits Needed: Most outdoor locations in Iceland don’t require permits for elopement ceremonies, but always practice leaving no trace to protect these wild landscapes for future generations.

• No Seasonal Restrictions: You can elope in Iceland any time of year. Each season brings its uniqueness.  Your ceremony can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, and the landscape will always deliver something impressive.

Recap: The Legal Steps to Your Iceland Elopement

1. Pick your wedding date and dream elopement location.

2. Gather and submit all required legal documents at least three weeks in advance.

3. Confirm your ceremony details with your planner, videographer, photographer, and witnesses.

4. Enjoy your epic Iceland elopement adventure.

5. Receive your official marriage certificate after your wedding day.

Summer in Iceland (June–August)

Summer is the most popular season for an Iceland elopement. Expect long, mild days, lush green hills, and the glorious midnight sun, meaning you can have your ceremony late at night at a ‘golden hour’ that lasts for many! All of Iceland’s iconic locations are accessible, from the highlands to all of the most popular spots.

Pros of a summer elopement in Iceland:

• Warmest weather and blooming lupine flowers

• Midnight sun for soft golden light across many hours

• Locations are easy to access

• Many adventurous activities are available to choose from

Cons of a summer elopement in Iceland:

• During peak tourist season, the roads are busier, and you can expect to share the most popular locations with plenty of tourists

• Higher cost to elope.  Accommodation and car rentals can be higher at this time of year due to demand.

• No northern lights due to daylight hours

Fall in Iceland (September–November)

If you’re after a quieter, more intimate wedding in Iceland, then this time of year might be for you. Crowds start to thin out, and the landscape glows with crisp autumn colours, as well as the first northern lights of the season start to appear across the skies. September and early October are especially magical for your elopement adventure and our most popular time of year for elopement videography outside the summer months.

Pros of a fall elopement in Iceland:

• Softer, golden light for your elopement

• Fewer tourists, more privacy

• Opportunity to see the northern lights as nights grow longer

• Lower prices for accommodation and car rentals

Cons of a fall elopement in Iceland:

• The weather becomes more unpredictable (although Iceland always packs an element of this!), you can expect rain and snow, with temperatures dropping quickly.

• Some F roads (highland roads) may close, so options might be limited.

Winter in Iceland (December–March)

Winter elopements in Iceland are perfect for couples dreaming of snowy landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and a chance to see the northern lights together.  You’ll find the most privacy and the lowest cost to elope, but you’ll trade that for short days and more challenging weather.

Pros of a winter elopement in Iceland:

• The highest chance of seeing the northern lights on your elopement day

• Fewer tourists, so you can enjoy your ceremony at popular spots

• Otherworldly Icelandic winter landscapes

• Lower prices for accommodation and car rentals

Cons of a winter elopement in Iceland:

• Limited daylight (as little as 4–5 hours in midwinter), so driving time needs to be planned strategically

• Cold, icy, and unpredictable weather, with some locations and roads potentially inaccessible

• Driving conditions can be stressful for those unfamiliar with winter driving

• Travel and safety considerations need to be taken on board during planning

Spring in Iceland (March–May)

Spring is a wonderful time in Iceland; the country is waking up, and life is starting to return to the winter landscape.  Waterfalls are full of snowmelt, and flowers start to bloom.  Tourists also start to return to popular locations, but gradually in the build-up to summer, so there is a good chance you can have spaces to yourself sometimes. 

Pros of a spring elopement in Iceland:

• Awakening landscapes are still peaceful and private

• Fewer tourists compared to summer

• Longer days and increasing daylight for your elopement

• Still a good chance to see the northern lights in early spring

Cons of a spring elopement in Iceland:

• Weather, as always, can be unpredictable, you might find yourself on a rare sunny day, strong winds, rainy skies or snow - or a combination of all of them is not unheard of

• Some highland roads and remote elopement locations may still be closed in early spring

• Decide what’s most important for your adventure: northern lights, midnight sun, privacy, or accessibility

• Book your Iceland elopement suppliers early, especially for summer dates.

• Consider your budget and how the season will affect prices for elopement packages, accommodation, and travel

• Always have a backup plan for your ceremony location, sometimes a backup day, as weather can change quickly in Iceland

• Practice leave no trace at all at elopement locations to help preserve Iceland’s wild beauty.

Whatever season you choose to elope in Iceland, you can guarantee stunning scenery and an experience that will play on repeat in your mind for years to come.

Before you start to decide what time of year you want to come to elope in Iceland, you might consider where it is you want to visit during your elopement.  

You won’t be short on incredible places to choose from, are you imagining the stunning black sand beaches, waterfalls, glaciers or finding yourself in a remote spot that feels like you are the only two people in the world?

Let’s take a look at some of the top elopement locations in Iceland, with honest tips on what makes each one special.

Kirkjufell, The Most Photographed Mountain in Iceland

Kirkjufell, or “Church Mountain,” is iconic for a reason. Its arrowhead shape, set beside the picturesque Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, creates a scene straight out of a fairytale. This spot is a dream for couples who want dramatic mountain views, waterfalls, and the chance to see the northern lights. It’s accessible year-round, but especially magical in summer or during aurora season. Just know it’s popular, so a sunrise or a weekday ceremony offers more privacy.

Drive time from Reykjavik: 2.5hrs

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Otherworldly and Surreal

Reynisfjara is Iceland’s world-famous black sand beach, lined with towering basalt columns, sea stacks, and often moody skies. The contrast of black sand and wedding attire makes for epic video and photos. Summer and fall offer milder weather, and sunrise ceremonies can help you avoid busy crowds in the middle of the day.  

Drive time from Reykjavik: 2hrs 31mins

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach, Glistening and Magical

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is pure magic, with floating icebergs and deep blue waters. Across the road, Diamond Beach glitters with ice chunks scattered on black sand. If you want a one-of-a-kind Iceland wedding with both glacier and black sand beach backdrops, this is your place. Between June and August is the best time for lagoon boat tours, while winter brings icy landscapes and the northern lights.

Drive time from Reykjavik: 4hr 51mins

Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss : Iconic Waterfalls

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest and most powerful waterfalls, often producing rainbows in the mist—perfect for magical elopement photos. Seljalandsfoss lets you walk behind the falls for a truly immersive experience. Both are easily accessible and offer lush surroundings, especially from spring through fall. If you crave privacy, consider a sunrise ceremony or ask your planner about lesser-known waterfalls nearby.

Drive time from Reykjavik: 2hr 16mins (to both).

Búðakirkja (Budir Black Church)

Búðakirkja, the well-known little black church, stands alone on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, surrounded by lava fields and mountains. It’s a favourite for couples wanting a blend of Icelandic tradition and minimalist style. The church is available for both religious and non-religious ceremonies and works beautifully for intimate weddings year-round.  

Drive time from Reykjavik: 2hr 25mins