Waterfall Elopement in Iceland

Where

Mostly along the South Coast, 1.5–2.5 hours from Reykjavík

Best for

Elopements and small ceremonies close to the water

When

Lush and green June–September; icy and magical in winter

Good to know

Mist and spray – bring a towel and shoes with grip

Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss is hidden in a gorge just east of Skógar, a short walk from the car park of the Skógar museum. The path starts at a small ladder over the fence and takes about twenty minutes along the river to the gorge. Because it is unsigned, far fewer people find it than its famous neighbour, and you can walk behind the waterfall. In winter the rocks are icy and crampons help.

The gorge is narrow, so Kvernufoss suits elopements and very small groups. Caitlin and Clifford said their vows here with a handful of friends and family, and then we spent the afternoon with Icelandic horses and in the lupine fields along the coast.

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls: sixty metres high, twenty-five wide, with a staircase of around five hundred steps up to a viewpoint at the top. It is about two hours from Reykjavík and right beside the Ring Road, which is exactly why it is busy for most of the day. I avoid it for ceremonies and use it for portraits early in the morning or in the evening, when the spray and the light do something special.

Skógafoss is a protected natural monument. Since May 2026 drones may be flown there only with a professional permit from the Nature Conservation Agency, and commercial filming also needs permission – something I take care of before the day.

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

Seljalandsfoss, about 1 hour 45 minutes from Reykjavík, is the waterfall you can walk all the way around. The path behind it is usually closed in winter because of ice, and between about ten in the morning and four in the afternoon it is crowded. Early or late in the day, standing behind the falling water with the whole valley in front of you is unforgettable.

A five-minute walk north, Gljúfrabúi hides inside a narrow canyon. You wade through a shallow stream to get in, and the light falling through the water inside is beautiful – but there is a risk of falling rocks, so we never stay long.

Glymur and the waterfalls near Reykjavík

If you would rather stay close to the city, Glymur in Hvalfjörður is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, about an hour from Reykjavík. It is a proper hike – a loop of six to seven kilometres and three to four hours, with a log bridge over the river that is usually in place only from June to September – so it suits couples who love the outdoors. Closer to Þingvellir, Þórufoss is an easy waterfall to reach by car; I write about it in my Þingvellir wedding guide.

Tips for a waterfall ceremony

• Mind the spray. Close to the falls everything gets wet within minutes. We do the ceremony a little further back and come closer for a few photos and shots at the end.
• Sound. A big waterfall is loud. Small waterfalls like Kvernufoss or Írafoss are much easier for vows; for bigger groups your officiant may need a microphone.
• Shoes. Paths are muddy, wet or icy. Wear hiking boots for the walk and change at the spot.
• Time of day. At the famous falls, before nine in the morning and after six in the evening are the quietest times. In summer that still means beautiful light.
• Parking. Most car parks on the South Coast are now paid, usually by app or online.

For the legal side and everything else couples usually ask, see my guide on how to elope in Iceland.