Are you wondering where in Iceland you want to elope? In this guide we will go over some of our favourite locations for elopements in Iceland based on our experiences over the years.
This is by no means a complete list of all the amazing locations Iceland has to offer, it merely scratches the surface. But hopefully this list will help you find the perfect spot for your elopement in Iceland.
If you want more information on any of these locations or some of the other numerous options Iceland has to offer, please book a shoot with us here. We can then start planning things out in more detail.
1. Búðir - little black church & boutique hotel
On the southern shore of the picturesque Snæfellsnes Peninsula, only a 2 hour drive from Reykjavík but still in the middle of nowhere, sits this little elopement paradise. You have the world famous black church perched on top of a small hill surrounded by moss covered lava rocks on one side and the shores of the Atlantic ocean on the other. A short walk from the church, down by the sea, you’ll find Hotel Búðir. A small but luxurious, boutique hotel with beautiful design inside and out. Cozy atmosphere with some of the best views and food in the whole of Iceland. The rugged landscapes and the ever changing weather set the perfect scene for both adventurous elopements and destination weddings. We have shot here countless times, all year round and it never gets tired or boring. This might be the perfect elopement location in Iceland.
2. Snæfellsjökull National park
At the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula you’ll find the Snæfellsjökull National Park. It’s full of rugged landscapes, shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions and the harsh sub-arctic weather with the Snæfellsjökull glacier/volcano looming above. The park and surrounding areas come with a special kind of energy that leaves no-one untouched. Here you can find some of the most dramatic shorelines in Iceland, perfect for a small elopement ceremony. You can then head up into the mountains for some epic adventures and views. There are no accommodations or restaurants with in the park itself but nearby you can find plenty of isolated cabins or hotels to stay at. There is also a remarkably good selection of restaurants dotted across the peninsula.
3. Reynisfjara - south coast black sand Beach
The south coast of Iceland, around the village of Vík, has become a tourist hotspot and with good reason. The landscapes and nature down there are one of a kind and there is nowhere else in the world where you can see such epic and diverse landscapes along the same short stretch of coastline. The glaciers feed countless rivers with a boundless supply of fresh water, the rivers creating magnificent waterfalls as they plunge down towards the sea through rolling green hills and cliffs. The sea then meets the rivers on the banks of the black volcanic sand beaches that stretch on for as far as the eye can see. All this creates the perfect playground for adventurers to explore and get lost in. The most famous black sand beach is Reynisfjara, with it’s basalt columns and sea stacks but there are also other less crowded beaches close by if you don’t want to share your unique wedding experience with too many other travellers. Because even though many of the locations on the south coast see tourists by the bus loads everyday, there are ways to experience some more privacy for wedding ceremonies and photoshoots. Either by picking a time of day where fewer people are around or choosing locations that are not on the day-trip bus schedule. The good thing about the popularity of this area is that it’s now full of great restaurants, excellent coffee joints and all kinds of accommodations so you have everything you need to plan either a lowkey adventure elopement or a luxurious wedding.
4. Skógafoss - South Coast Waterfalls
The Icelandic word for waterfall is “foss” and we have a lot of them! On the south coast on the way to the village of Vík there are two giant, epic waterfalls just sitting right off the ring road, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. They have become very popular in recent years and with good reason because they are truly a sight to behold and walking up to them and hearing the thundering water and feeling the spray is an experience you will not soon forget. Although they are very picturesque and look amazing in photos we don’t recommend them as a ceremony spot due to the big crowds that gather there, it’s more of a late night visit for photos when the crowds have gone home and you can enjoy them in more privacy in the dreamy late night light. There are however other less known waterfalls dotted across the mountains close by that make far better ceremony locations if your dream is to get married right next to a waterfall.
5. Glaciers
Embark on an unforgettable journey to declare your love atop a majestic glacier in the southeast of Iceland. Picture this: you and your partner standing hand in hand, surrounded by shimmering ice formations and vast, untouched beauty. An elopement atop a glacier promises not just a ceremony, but a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Imagine exchanging vows in a place where time stands still, where the only sounds are the whispers of the wind and the distant crackling of glacial ice. The sheer awe-inspiring majesty of the glacier becomes the backdrop for your commitment to one another, creating a moment that will be etched in your memories forever.
Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring that your elopement is as seamless as it is magical. From arranging transportation to the glacier to providing expert guidance on safety and logistics, we take care of the details so you can focus on each other.
After your ceremony, capture breathtaking photos against the backdrop of the glacier's icy expanse, immortalizing your love in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty. Then, retreat to cozy accommodations where you can celebrate your new union under the stars, surrounded by the tranquility of Iceland's stunning landscape.
An elopement atop a glacier isn't just a wedding—it's an adventure of a lifetime, a celebration of love in one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. So dare to dream, and let us help you turn that dream into reality as you embark on this extraordinary journey together.
6. Reykjanes
The Reykjanes Peninsula in south west Iceland is where the international airport is located. Even though it’s so close to the capital area it has for some reason not garnered much popularity from the locals or the tourists. So it still remains somewhat of a hidden pearl in plain sight. Although that might be about to change with the ongoing volcanic eruptions, that have been going on and off in recent years, and are bound to draw much more attention to this beautiful and underestimated peninsula. The landscapes here are all shaped by volcanic activity and the rugged lava fields are the most prominent feature in the landscape. It’s also full of geothermal activity that create steam and interesting color palettes, that are found all over the area. The coastline is especially beautiful with towering sea cliffs, moss covered lava stretching all the way to the sea, numerous picturesque lighthouses, quaint fishing villages and one of Iceland’s largest lakes surrounded by mountains, jagged rocks and black sand beaches. This is the perfect place for anyone that doesn’t want to venture too far from the comforts of the capital but still wants to adventure in rugged, otherworldly landscapes.
7. The Highlands
Ahh the fresh mountain air and the untamed wilderness. The Highlands stretch across the whole middle of Iceland and is the largest uninhabited wilderness left in Europe. This vast, desolate and hard to reach area may at first glance not seem like a place you would want to get married at but if you start looking closer, you can find amazing locations that provide an absolutely unique background for your elopement. We have places like Landmannalaugar with it’s breathtaking, colorful mountains, lava fields and hot springs. Then Kerlingafjöll is a similar yet totally different location with a very active geothermal, mountain range, creating an out of this world landscape shrouded in steam. Dotted through out the highlands we have great lakes, green hills, giant waterfalls, glaciers, black volcanic deserts. This area is so wast and diverse that a short text like this will never do it justice. Just contact us for more info, if you are feeling super adventurous!
8. The Westfjords
When we are asked about our favourite location in Iceland, the Westfjords are our go to answer. This remote, mountainous area in the north west of the country is where we go when we want a brake from it all and just get lost in the wild. The landscapes up there are like nothing else in Iceland. This is truly where the mountains meet the sea, the flat topped mountains all stretch to the shore with deep valleys in between, the whole region is carved out with deep fjords and in every fjord you’ll find one tiny fishing village. You can find many wonders awaiting you in this magical part of the island; one of the more impressive waterfalls in Iceland, crazy, cliff hugging roads, hot springs by the sea, best seafood restaurant in the country, one of the best puffin lookouts at a giant bird cliff and last but not least peace and quiet in a remote, wild part of the world.
9. Þórsmörk
We feel like this locations deserves a special mention as it’s a mix of the highlands and the south coast. Þórsmörk or the Valley of Thor is a big valley under the glaciers on the south coast. It boasts some of the most beautiful views in Iceland, a mix of glacial rivers, gorges, canyons, mountains and birch forrest all surrounded by glaciers on all sides. This area is a hikers paradise and avid outdoors enthusiasts will love this place. It doesn’t offer much in terms of infrastructure, mostly campsites and a few cabins for hikers but it’s relative proximity to the south coast means that restaurants and more luxurious accommodations aren’t too far off. The valley is only an hours drive from the south coast ring road but please take note that the road is an F-road with multiple river crossings and is not passable on regular rental cars, not even the ones that have 4x4 written somewhere on them, you need a truck with larger tires to safely pass those rivers. There have been multiple accidents over the years, resulting in ruined rental cars, serious injury or even death in the worst cases. So please be careful when visiting this place.
10. The south east
The southeast of Iceland offers an exceptional setting for couples seeking a unique and adventurous elopement experience. With its diverse terrain of glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and rugged coastlines, this region provides an unparalleled backdrop for hiking elopements. Imagine exchanging vows atop a glacier, beside a roaring waterfall, or overlooking vast expanses of untouched wilderness. The opportunities for intimate ceremonies and breathtaking photoshoots are endless, making the southeast of Iceland an ideal destination for couples looking to celebrate their love amidst nature's grandeur. Whether trekking through volcanic valleys or exploring hidden canyons, eloping in this captivating region promises an unforgettable and truly magical experience. This region is quite far from the “civilised capital area” so you can’t expect the same infrastructure or services. Getting there also requires a quite a bit of driving. But there are some really nice hotels and restaurants if you know where to look.
