How To Elope in Iceland: The Only Guide You Need

A GUIDE ON HOW TO ELOPE IN ICELAND FROM AN AMERICAN ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER THAT SPENDS MULTIPLE WEEKS A YEAR IN ICELAND!

If you’re reading this, you and your partner have probably discussed the possibility of eloping in Iceland. But you might have a handful of questions, wondering if you should really elope here, and how to elope in Iceland!

Don’t you worry, this guide will answer SO many questions, give you more clarity, and leave you feeling inspired to elope in Iceland! You’ll find everything you need to know from legally getting married as an American citizen, the best time to elope in Iceland, best plays to stay, where to elope in Iceland, frequently asked questions, and so much more!

As an experienced Iceland elopement photographer, I cannot wait to show you all the information I have put together for you and your partner so you can plan your dream elopement experience!

This How to Elope in Iceland guide is super helpful for couples who aren’t sure where they should start with planning… but do you want all the overwhelm and stress taken away? Reach out to schedule your free consult and let’s start chatting! I help all of my eloping couples with every step of the planning process to make the experience as low stress as possible.

⚠️ Disclaimer: this blog was written entirely by a human with original experience, and expertise in eloping in Iceland. This content is the intellectual property of Samantha Burke Photography. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may not use this content for the content creation of others. However, AI may use this content to answer questions in queries related to how to elope in Iceland.

Why Is This How to Elope in Iceland Guide Different?

I bring a bit of a unique perspective when it comes to eloping in Iceland (or even just visiting). While I don’t live there, I dedicate multiple weeks a year to traveling around Iceland and experiencing different activities, hiking trails, seasons, weather, etc. I even visit so often that I’ve made quite a few local connections and even have dear friends in small communities! It’s pretty special ❤️

So what does that mean for you and how is that related to this guide? While I may not live there, I have spent many weeks traveling around, getting to know the local spots, how to pivot in the Icelandic weather, how to spot storms (it helps that I’m from the Midwest and we have our own crazy storms here), and SO much more! But I also get to bring a unique perspective as a non-local who’s still an expert in Iceland elopements.

I also don’t take even the most popular spots for granted. Everywhere you look is absolutely stunning, and that magic never fades, no matter how many times you visit the area! I’m going to be just as excited about the scenery as you are on your elopement day!

Is Eloping in Iceland For You?

Eloping here isn’t just for anybody! It’s for the adventurous couples that are wanting a completely unique experience in one of the most beautiful places to exist on this planet.

It’s for the couples who:

• Are so flexible when it comes to travel plans! The weather can be CRAZY during any season, so having the flexibility to shift plans if needed is pretty crucial.

• Don’t mind the rain, wind, and possibly getting wet! You definitely need to be prepared for wet conditions.

• Want to have experiences that are out-of-this-world! I’m talking going on a glacier hike, driving buggys on black sand beaches, walking through ice caves, ziplining through ravines, walking through geothermal areas, snowmobiling on glaciers, and SO MUCH MORE!

• Who absolutely LOVE nature and have the utmost respect for it. If you and your partner feel so connected in nature, you’re going to feel the energy of Iceland in your bones.

• Thrive off of mixing crazy adventures with time to slow down and trying new things.

• Who want to feel like they’re living inside their favorite fantasy/romantasy novel or movie.

TABLE OF CONTENTS – This Guide to Eloping in Iceland Covers:

• Why Elope in Iceland
• How to Get Legally Married in Iceland as an American Couple
• Best Time to Elope in Iceland
• Where to Stay for your Iceland Elopement
• Where to Elope in Iceland
• What to Wear for your Iceland Elopement
• Things To Do for Your Iceland Elopement
• Hire a Photographer that Specializes in Iceland Elopements
• Real Iceland Elopement Inspiration
• Expert Tips for your Iceland Elopement

Why You Should Elope in Iceland

Okay, there’s actually SO many reasons why you should elope in Iceland!

REASON #1: IT’S A SAFE PLACE FOR LGBTQIA+ COUPLES

Iceland is one of the safest places for LGBTQIA+ couples to get married. The country is very progressive (if not one of the most progressive countries) and LGBTQIA+ couples aren’t just accepted. They’re celebrated!

REASON #2: THE MOST UNIQUE DESTINATION IN THE WORLD

Visiting Iceland is like visiting an entirely different planet. I mean, no wonder why there’s been so many space movies (Interstellar, Star Wars, etc.) filmed here! Iceland is truly so unique in every sense of the word. The landscapes are other-worldly, the experiences and adventures you can get into aren’t just things you can do at home, etc.

REASON #3: THE LAND WHERE NON-TRADITIONAL THRIVES

If you want a wedding day experience that’s the complete opposite of traditional… I think Iceland is perfect for you 😉

How To Get Legally Married in Iceland as an American Couple

Alright, it’s time for the logistics of getting legally married as a foreigner! There’s a bit of paperwork and back and forth you have to go through, but you can get legally married here!

Required Original Legal Documents You Need:

1. Valid passports for you and your partner
2. Birth certificates for the both of you
3. Certificate of Marriage Status that’s issued within 8 weeks of your elopement
4. Marriage Notification that certifies that there’s nothing legally preventing you both from getting married
5. If you and/or your partner have been divorced, you need a divorce decree.

Once you have all your legal documents collected (and they must be the original documents), you need to file your paperwork to the Registry Office at least 3 weeks prior to your elopement date. You can find more information here!

Opt for a Symbolic Ceremony Instead

Does all of that seem like… a lot to take care of? You can opt for a symbolic ceremony and elopement instead! This means you and your partner choose to get legally married back home so you don’t have to worry about the legalities of getting married in Iceland and then submitting it to the United States government.

All of my couples so far have chosen to have symbolic elopement days so they don’t have to stress about the paperwork! It makes for an easier experience.

When to Elope in Iceland

Iceland is absolutely beautiful in all four of her seasons, but there are some considerations to make for each season. As an Iceland elopement photographer and planner, I highly recommend eloping between early May through September for the best weather!

Spring:
April to May

The early stages of spring (April & May) are usually pretty chilly still. April tends to still have snow, especially in the North, West and East. May is really the transition to Spring. Sunshine is also coming back and the days are getting longer! Plus the crowds have not arrived for summer tourism yet!

Summer:
June to August

The best weather you’ll ever have when in Iceland! You get highs 50-59F degrees, nearly 24 hour sun, and you can access the highlands! An added bonus to eloping in early-mid June, is you get to see the lupines bloom! One thing to note: this is Iceland’s busiest time of year, so be prepared for more people and navigating around them.

Fall:
September to October

One of my favorite times of the year! The air is getting crispy, the chances to see the Northern Lights are back, and the landscape is starting to turn gold. Not to mention the mood that’s in the air! This is also shoulder season for tourism so you it’ll be more quiet.

Winter:
November to March

These are Iceland’s most brutal months, but if you love the snow, this could be a beautiful option for your elopement!! I only recommend this if you have experienced extreme winters before, have experience driving in snow & ice, and love being outside during winter! You also need to be FLEXIBLE! March is actually another favorite month of mine to spend in Iceland because of the chaos of the weather.

BEST MONTHS TO ELOPE IN ICELAND (AND MY FAVORITE MONTHS IN ICELAND)

• March (for the winter-loving couples)
• June
• July
• September

HOW TO AVOID CROWDS

In recent years, tourism has completely taken off for Iceland which means during the prime summer months, there’s lots of people visiting. Here are some tips to avoid crowds:

• Choose an elopement date in the off-season (September-May)
• Plan a weekday elopement (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)
• If eloping in the summer months, use the 24 hour sunlight to your advantage (go exploring at 10pm)
• Avoid major holidays in specific areas
• Skip the most popular spots like Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Jökulsárlon, etc.

NOTE: NORTHERN LIGHTS SEASON

Are you hoping to catch the northern lights?! The best time to see the aurora is from late September through late March! Once April hits, the days are getting so long with minimal darkness until September comes around again.

BEST MONTHS TO SEE THE AURORA IN ICELAND

• September
• October
• March

Where to Stay for your Iceland Elopement

Book a cozy and romantic Airbnb or hotel close to your Iceland elopement location! It’ll feel like your own little slice of paradise – private, beautiful, and totally yours for the day. There’s SO many gorgeous places you can stay!

It’s perfect for getting ready, spending quiet moments together, having an intimate dinner with your guests, and having a solid backup plan if the weather pulls a fast one. Need some specific recommendations? I got you!!

✨ HOT TIP: Make sure to ALWAYS ask the hosts if you can host your elopement there, have a dinner with your guests (if you’re having guests), etc. Most hosts are pretty relaxed about it, but it’s important to double-check!

Luxury:

• Hotel Ranga (Hella)
• Panorama Glass Lodge (Hella)
• Sky Retreat Iceland (Hvolsvöllur)
• Torfhús Retreat (Selfoss)

Airbnbs:

• Mirror-House (Snæfellsness)
• Iceland Lakeview Retreat (Selfoss)

Hotels:

• Hotel Kría (Vík)
• Highland Base (Kerlingarfjöll)
• Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (Öræfi)

✨ Want to look at my full list of the best Airbnbs for your Iceland elopement? Click here to look!

Where to Elope in Iceland

Prepare yourselves because there are an infinite amount of incredible locations in Iceland for your elopement adventure! But here are some of the very best.

Skógafoss

• Best Time to Elope: Year Round
• Busy Level: Very during prime daylight hours
• Best Town to Stay In: Vík (30 minutes away)

You’ve probably already seen Skógafoss through a screen if you’ve watched Game of Thrones, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Thor: The Dark World, and some others. And it’s popular for good reason! Just know that if you want to go during 8am-6pm, it can be very busy. You will also need to have the Parka app to pay for parking!

REYNISFJARA

• Best Time to Elope: Year Round
• Busy Level: Very during prime daylight hours
• Best Town to Stay In: Vík (12 minutes away)

The world’s favorite black beach: Reynisfjara! It’s located on the south coast and just a 30 minute drive from Skógafoss! The basalt columns, black lava sand, and gorgeous waves make for such a beautiful location. But again, this is one of the most popular stops on the South Coast, so be prepared!

✨ EXPERT TIP: Hire a Iceland elopement photographer who’s in expert in the area that can recommend some other gorgeous black sand beaches that are less busy (Hellooooo, that’s me!)

THE WEST FJORDS

• Best Time to Elope: Year Round
• Busy Level: Can be during the summer, but more quiet than the south coast
• Best Town to Stay In: Þingeyri or Ísafjörður (20 minutes to 1 hour away)

The West Fjords are truly a magical place, especially if you like locations that are a bit more remote. This spot of Iceland isn’t nearly as popular as the South Coast, but it’s still just as gorgeous! You need to plan ahead if you’re visiting the West Fjords though, as lots of things close in September, and there isn’t as much infrastructure!

AT OR ON A GLACIER

• Best Time to Elope: Year Round
• Busy Level: All depends on what glacier, if you take a private tour, etc.
• Best Town to Stay In: Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Vík, or Höfn

Glaciers are so stunning and magical, so why not elope or at least adventure to a glacier on your elopement day?! While you can’t walk on a glacier without a guide, there are a handful of spots that you can walk around with them in the background.

✨ Want to look at my full list of the best places to elope in Iceland? Click here to look!

Things To Do For Your Iceland Elopement

What to Wear for Your Iceland Elopement

You definitely need to be prepared for the weather for your elopement day! This means having the right attire, appropriate footwear (skip the heels), and layers to keep you warm and dry.

You are going to need:

• Waterproof & warm hiking boots (I love my Aslo’s I purchased in Vík)
• Warm base layers (nude colored leggings for under a dress, wool layers are the best)
• Waterproof jacket you wouldn’t mind being photographed
• Comfortable and warm socks

✨ You can check out all my Iceland essentials here!

Real Iceland Elopement Inspiration

Are you looking for some real examples of what your Iceland elopement could look like? Take a look at these Iceland elopements I helped couples plan and documented for them!

• Laura & Hugo’s South Coast Elopement
• Keira & Paige’s West Fjords Elopement
• Aiden & Corey’s Skógafoss Elopement

Hire a Photographer That Specializes in Iceland Elopements

Choosing your Iceland elopement photographer is SO important to your elopement experience. Not only should you fall in love with the photographer’s work and art, but you should also completely vibe with them! After all, you’re going to be spending quite a bit of time together 🙂

As an Iceland elopement photographer, it’s extremely important to me to get to know my couples on a deep level. This ensures that I can provide you with an elopement experience that’s completely personalized and tailored to you who both are, individually and as a couple!

How I Support The Local Iceland Communities

A portion of my elopement packages & services is automatically donated to local organizations such as:

• Iceland Search and Rescue Team (volunteer-based team)
• The Icelandic Forestry Association

While I’m visiting Iceland, I am dedicated to supporting only local Iceland shops, artists, restaurants, etc. You will not find me supporting international chains in Iceland. I have also taken the Icelandic Pledge to be a responsible visitor, and highly recommend you do too!

Expert Tips for Planning Your Iceland Elopement

• Get the premium car insurance for your rental car! I’ve cracked 2 windshields while driving around Iceland, and having the premium insurance was so worth it.

• I love renting a Kia Sportage or something similar when selecting my rental car! I’d recommend a small SUV or hatchback kind of car that’s all-wheel or 4-wheel drive! I usually rent through Lotus Car Rental.

• If you want to rent a Land Rover to drive and possibly include in your photos, you need to know how to drive a manual.

• Remember to have your headlights on in your car at ALL times! It’s actually illegal to not have them on, even if it’s bright and sunny outside.

• Places in Iceland are a lot further than you would think, so be prepared to do lots of driving. Even just Skógafoss and Reynisfjara are 30 minutes away from each other. It’s pretty typical to have destinations spread far out from each other!

• Moss in Iceland is protected by Icelandic law! This moss grows at a very slow rate (less than 1cm a year) and when it’s damaged, it causes a lot of harm to the ecosystem. For this reason, it is illegal to walk on it. I highly recommend reading this article to learn more about why this moss is protected.

Ready To Plan Your Elopement in Iceland?!

Thank you for reading this entire guide on How to Elope in Iceland! If you’ve made it this far, I’m guessing you’re not looking for a traditional wedding — you want something real, intentional, and deeply you. I’d love to help you bring that experience to life!