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HOW TO PLAN YOUR ICELAND ELOPEMENT IN 2024 [INCLUDING ELOPEMENT PACKAGES]
RAE ANN PHOTO | ELOPEMENT & DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | NEW ENGLAND & BEYOND
Iceland is a breath-taking country and huge, vast landscapes full of mountains and glaciers. It's one of my favorite places in the world and such a cool elopement destination. Iceland is a popular location to say your vows at and also doubles as a cool spot to honeymoon at! It's also an easy first country to visit if you've never been out of the United States!
I created this guide to help you learn about how to elope in Iceland. It includes all information relating to where to stay, transportation, marriage laws, best spots to elope, Iceland elopement packages and vendor recommendations.
ICELAND ELOPEMENT CHECKLIST
Choose when you're going to elope
Choose your elopement location
Get your marriage license
Book your lodging, flights and transportation
Book your photographer
Plan your activities
Book any other vendors: HMU, Florists, Videographer etc.
Finalize all travel details
Best time of year to plan your elopement in Iceland
SUMMER: JUN-SEP
The Summer months in Iceland are by far the most popular time to travel to this beautiful country. F-roads will be open during summertime - F-roads are unpaved gravel tracks that only open during the Summer and are only accessible in a 4×4 vehicle.
4X4 & HIGHLAND TOURS IN ICELAND - If you want to explore the interior highlands and f-roads renting a 4x4 costs between $250-$300 USD/day
June 1: Sunrise at 3:30am and sunset at 11:30pm
July 1: Sunrise at 3:05am and sunset at 11:55pm
August 1: Sunrise at 4:35am and sunset at 10:30pm
FALL: SEP-DEC
Fall is one of the best times to elope in Iceland as there are less crowds in popular spots. You will start to see daylight fade a bit faster. I recommend a 2 day elopement to maximize your experience in Iceland!
September 1: Sunrise at 6:10am and sunset at 8:45pm
October 1: Sunrise at 7:35am and sunset at 7:00pm
November 1: Sunrise at 9:10am and sunset at 5:10pm
WINTER: DEC-MAR
Winter is one of the coldest times to visit Iceland and temps are very similar to the Northeast such as Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Temps can drop below 30 in some locations so make sure to pack warm items and be prepared for anything.
F-roads will be closed
It does snow in Iceland! December and January give the most snow out of the Winter months. Daylight during wintertime in Iceland is a LUXURY. I recommend the Iceland Ice Caves.
To elope on glaciers you will need to first choose which glacier you want to elope in.
Get any necessary permits (I will help you!)
Choose the right time to elope - Summer months are best because ice conditions are more stable
Safety first! Hire a tour guide for your glacier elopement, it is illegal to enter a glacier without one. You will be provided with crampons and safety helmets and private tours start at $1000 USD.
December 1: Sunrise at 10:45am and sunset at 3:45pm
January 1: Sunrise at 11:20am and sunset at 3:40pm
February 1: Sunrise at 10:10am and sunset at 5:15pm
SPRING: MAR-JUN
Spring is such a beautiful time for elopements but especially in Iceland depending on the time of year you decide on. March through April will still have some snow sticking around in some spots but come May you will start to see greener hills, blooming flowers and birds migrating back home. At the end of Spring - tourism will start to come back.
March 1: Sunrise at 8:35am and sunset at 6:45pm
April 1: Sunrise at 6:45am and sunset at 8:20pm
May 1: Sunrise at 5:00am and sunset at 9:55pm
MY TOP FAVORITE LOCATIONS TO ELOPE IN ICELAND
WATERFALLS:
Gullfoss Stigafoss
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Gljúfrabúi
BLACK SAND BEACHES:
Reynisfjara - famous black sand beaches stretching along the southern coast of Iceland
WESTFJORDS - one of the least traveled to and remote parts of the country with hot springs, rolling mountains, beaches and of course, fjords
CANYONS
Fjadrargljufur Canyon - This canyon is in south east Iceland and the Fjaðrá river flows through it. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, this was one of the locations where they filmed!
What is a fjord?
It's a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland.
HOW TO ELOPE IN ICELAND IN 2024 IF YOU LIVE IN THE US
As a US citizen Icelandic authorities will issue an internationally recognized wedding certificate that is valid in the US.
You must submit the necessary documentation:
Birth certificates (original copies)
Hjónavígsluskýrsla - stating there are no legal impediments to your marriage
Certificate of marital status
Document stating if either party is a widower (if applicable)
Divorce decree (if applicable)
Valid passport
Itinerary of your trip (legal stay)
Send all of these documents to the National Registry Office in Reykjavik 3 weeks prior to your wedding date.
On the week of your wedding, you will need to make an appointment at the regional district commissioner office so they can look over all of your paperwork and give you the marriage license. It’s a quick 5 minute appointment. You must have original documents with you.
*Iceland recognizes same-sex marriages
District Commissioner of Greater Reykjavik:
Hlíðasmári 1, 201 Kópavogur, Iceland
Tel.: 354 569 2480
E-mail: gifting@syslumenn.is
The National Registry Office:
Borgartún 24, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
354-569-2950
E-mail: thjodskra@thjodskra.is
DO I NEED AN OFFICIANT AND WITNESSES?
Yes, you will need an officiant and two witnesses for your Iceland elopement.
*Photographer recommended officiant - Inga Straumland
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ELOPE IN ICELAND?
This will depend on where you're traveling from! Many factors will be considered when you're creating your budget so keep in mind travel costs, vendors, paperwork fees, permits, transportation and accommodations.
Start out by creating a list of priorities for your elopement in Iceland including any activities you'd like to do!
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ICELAND
Reykjavik, Iceland
This is where you will fly into at Reykjavik International Airport and is where most couples stay during their elopement. It's the largest Icelandic city and is close to amenities like the grocery store, restaurants and gas stations.
TOP PICKS:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
This town is about 2 hours from Reykjavik and is closer to Vik where you'll find the famous black sands Reynisfjara Beach. You'll also find its close to glaciers if you're hiking a glacier for your elopement!
Akureyri, Iceland
This town is in Northern Iceland and sits at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord. Because it's so far North it's less traveled to but don't let that deter you! It's near some of the best locations.
TOP ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES TO DO IN ICELAND
Eat crepes at Eldur og Ís
Explore Reykjavik
Take a horse riding tour
Soak at the Blue Lagoon
Go waterfall hopping!!
Rent a 4x4 and explore the F-roads - this will also give you freedom to go almost anywhere
Say your vows by one of Iceland's many waterfalls
Picnic at Kirkjufell
Hire a tour guide to hike a glacier
Soak in the Seljavallalaug Pool
Tour the ice caves
Go northern lights hunting - If you visiting during the Winter head outside the city to view the Northern Lights (light pollution). Check the aurora forecast and be patient, as clear skies are essential for visibility.
Take a helicopter tour on a glacier, volcano or crater!
Visit and say your vows at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
TRAVEL TIPS - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR ICELAND ELOPEMENT
Airports and flights:
Fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Rent a Car:
Renting a car is one of the easiest ways to explore Iceland on your own. The country's landscapes are vast and varied, and having a vehicle allows you to access remote areas and scenic viewpoints. Recommended cars to drive around in Iceland would be a 4x4 to drive the F-roads and Highlands.
Make sure that you have a valid driver's license, and check the age requirements of the rental company. Most companies require drivers to be at least 20 to 23 years old, depending on the vehicle.
Most rental companies provide your rental with a full tank of gas, and you're expected to return the car with a full tank. Gas stations are available in major towns, but they can be sparse in rural areas, so plan accordingly.
Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, and the terrain challenging. Make sure that your rental includes comprehensive insurance coverage, including CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and Gravel Protection. Additional insurance, such as Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) or Sand and Ash Protection, may be available.
Currency and Payments:
The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to have some cash, especially in more remote areas.
Experience Icelandic Cuisine:
Traditional dishes include lamb, fish, and Skyr. Explore local restaurants, cafes, and farmers' markets for an authentic taste of Icelandic flavors. Some of my favorites included:
Eldur og Ís - best crepes
Café Babalú - best goat milk ice cream
The language of Iceland
The official language of Iceland is Icelandic (íslenska). Icelandic is a North Germanic language. While Icelandic is the primary language, many Icelanders also speak English as a second language. Iceland is a very English-friendly country!
Leaving No Trace
As with all outdoor locations it's very important to follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace. Iceland has a ton of moss, wildlife and wildflowers so it's important to keep the country beautiful for years to come!
Pack Layers
Even in Summer you should still bring warm clothes as temperatures may get lower at night and weather is unpredictable.
Iceland elopement packages
To check out more of who I am, my portfolio and packages you can head here! Below I'm going to show you what I include in all of my packages!
8 hours starting at $6000
Iceland elopement guide
Includes all necessary permits
Local vendor, lodging and activity recommendations
Custom elopement location suggestions
24/7 access and support
Travel fees included anywhere in Iceland
Permit assistance
Custom elopement timelines
24 hour sneak peek gallery delivery
Online gallery of high-resolution photos
Album credit included
How to book me as your Iceland Elopement Photographer
I'm Rae an I'm a destination elopement photographer and planner that travels all over the world documenting intimate moments in big landscapes. I aim to capture timeless, epic and and unforgettable experiences for my couples. I am here to help you plan your dream Iceland elopement!
Just head to my contact page and fill out a form or you can email me at raeannphoto056@gmail.com when you're ready to start planning.