Best Places to Elope in Iceland

The South Coast

Írafoss

A hidden waterfall on the South Coast near Skálakot Manor, away from the tourist routes – the place where more of my couples have said “I do” than anywhere else in Iceland. Watch the Írafoss elopement.

Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi

The waterfall you can walk behind, and its hidden neighbour tucked inside a narrow canyon just a few minutes away. Come early in the morning or late in the evening to have them almost to yourselves. Watch the elopement at Gljúfrabúi and Seljalandsfoss.

Kvernufoss

A hidden waterfall a short walk from Skógafoss – far quieter than its famous neighbour, and you can also walk behind it. Beautiful in summer and magical in the snow. Watch the Kvernufoss elopement.

Reynisfjara & Víkurfjara black sand beaches

Basalt columns, sea stacks and black sand near the village of Vík. The waves here are powerful and unpredictable, so we always keep a safe distance from the water. Watch the wedding at Reynisfjara.

Dyrhólaey

A huge rock arch and cliffs above the ocean with views along the whole coast – and puffins in the summer. Watch the Dyrhólaey elopement.

Gígjagjá (Yoda Cave)

A cave near Vík whose entrance looks like Yoda’s head – dramatic, sheltered from the wind and rain, and my favourite plan B when the weather turns.

Sólheimajökull glacier

A glacier tongue you can walk on with a certified guide, with crampons, ice axes and blue ice all around you. Watch the glacier elopement.

Katla ice cave

An ice cave under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, reached with a guided super-jeep tour from Vík. Watch the ice cave elopement.

Þakgil

A hidden canyon in the mountains north of Vík, reached by a gravel road – green, quiet and far from the crowds. Watch the summer solstice elopement in Þakgil.

The glacier lagoon and the south-east

Jökulsárlón & the ice caves of Vatnajökull

Icebergs floating in the glacier lagoon and, in winter, blue ice caves inside Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. The ice caves are only safe to visit with a guide in the colder months. Watch the Jökulsárlón ice cave elopement.

Múlagljúfur canyon

A hike to a deep green canyon with waterfalls and views of the glacier – a great choice for couples who want a little adventure. Watch the Múlagljúfur elopement.

Vestrahorn

A jagged mountain rising above black sand dunes near Höfn – one of the most dramatic backdrops in the whole country.

Fjallsárlón

A quieter glacier lagoon next to Jökulsárlón, where the glacier meets the water right in front of you – magical in winter.

Snæfellsnes peninsula

Búðir black church

A little black wooden church standing alone in a lava field by the sea – one of the most iconic places to say “I do” in Iceland. Watch the elopement at Búðir.

Kirkjufell & Arnarstapi

Iceland’s most photographed mountain and the dramatic sea cliffs of Arnarstapi, a short drive apart on the same peninsula. Watch the Kirkjufell elopement.

Þingvellir, Glymur and the West

Þingvellir National Park

The rift valley between two tectonic plates, with mossy lava fields and quiet waterfalls nearby – and an easy drive from Reykjavík. Watch the Þingvellir elopement.

Glymur

One of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, at the end of a beautiful hike in Hvalfjörður with a river crossing on the way. Watch the Glymur elopement.

The Highlands and the Westfjords

Þórsmörk

A green valley between three glaciers, reachable only by super-jeep or a 4×4 bus across glacial rivers – remote, wild and unforgettable. Watch the Þórsmörk elopement.

The Westfjords

Remote fjords, empty roads and tiny villages in the far north-west – for couples who want Iceland without anyone else around. Watch the wedding in Tálknafjörður.

Tips for planning your Iceland elopement

Season. Summer brings the midnight sun, green landscapes and long golden evenings; winter brings snow, ice caves and a chance of northern lights. Spring and autumn offer a bit of both and fewer people.

Time of day. The most famous places are busy in the middle of the day. Early mornings and late evenings give you better light and far fewer people.

Weather. Icelandic weather changes fast, so we always keep a backup location in mind and plan the day with some flexibility.

Legal ceremony. Getting legally married in Iceland needs some paperwork in advance. Many couples have a symbolic ceremony in Iceland and sign the papers at home – your planner can help you choose what suits you best.