Eloping in Iceland – The Ultimate Guide (2024)

Iceland is one of the most beautiful and scenic countries in the world, and eloping in Iceland can be a magical experience for couples who want to celebrate their love in a unique and unforgettable way.

With its stunning landscapes, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and rugged coastlines, Iceland is the perfect place for couples to say their vows and start their journey on married life together.

In this ultimate guide to having an elopement in Iceland, we will take you through everything you need to know about how to elope in Iceland – from the legal aspects, to the cost, to finding accommodation, to finding an Iceland elopement photographer, to discussing Iceland elopement packages – so you can focus on what’s important – having an amazing elopement day!

So let’s get to it!

The Pros and Cons of eloping in Iceland

The Pros of an Iceland elopement

• Scenic Locations

Iceland offers some of the most breathtaking and unique landscapes in the world, making it an excellent location for stunning elopement photos.

• Minimal Planning

Compared to a traditional wedding, eloping in Iceland requires minimal planning and can be more affordable as well.

• Intimate Experience

Elopements offer a more private and intimate experience, allowing couples to focus on each other without distractions.

• Adventure Opportunities

Iceland offers a range of adventure activities, such as hiking, snowmobiling, and whale watching, making it perfect for adventurous couples.

• Unique Ceremony

An elopement in Iceland allows couples to incorporate unique traditions and elements, such as Icelandic folklore, into their ceremony.

The cons of an elopement in Iceland

• Weather Conditions

Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable and harsh, making it challenging to plan outdoor activities and elopements.

• Limited Guests

Elopements generally exclude family and friends, which may be a downside for couples who wish to celebrate with loved ones.

• Cost

While eloping in Iceland can be affordable, some couples may find the price of travel, accommodations, and other expenses to be a barrier.

• Language Barrier

English is widely spoken in Iceland, but language barriers may still arise, particularly in more remote locations.

• Legal Requirements

As a foreigner, the legal requirements for getting married in Iceland may be more complex, requiring additional paperwork and time to navigate.

Step-By-Step Guide on how to elope in Iceland

If you’re wondering exactly how to plan an elopement in Iceland, we have got you covered. Let’s go through the steps necessary, before talking about them in more detail below.

• Step 1 – Choose a date and time for your elopement

The first step is to determine the date and location. You can’t get married without a date in mind, and you will need to pick where to elope so you can plan around that. Iceland has unpredictable weather, so it’s important to choose a date that will offer the best chance of good weather. For the location, choose a place that is meaningful to you and your partner or represents your individual characters.

• Step 2 – Determine your budget and choose a location that fits within it

Without a budget in mind, costs can soon spiral out of control. Take a look at the section below for an idea on what you might be looking at spending, but it’s up to you as a couple to know what you are comfortable spending on your elopement day. You can also consider an elopement package if you want set costs and know they won’t go over.

• Step 3 – Check the legal requirements for getting married in Iceland, both as a local and a foreigner

We have covered this below, but it’s important to check the legal requirements for you to get married in Iceland, and make sure that the marriage will be recognized in your country.

• Step 4 – Obtain any necessary documents and submit them to the relevant authorities

Further on from the last point, you will need to submit documents to get married, as you must in many countries.

• Step 5 – Work out your guest list

Now you have the legalities covered, it’s time to start planning! You will need to know who (if anyone!) you want to invite to your elopement so that you can plan everything else.

• Step 6- Hire a wedding planner if desired

Hiring a wedding planner who is familiar with the local customs and regulations can be incredibly helpful when planning an elopement in Iceland. A wedding planner can help you find the perfect location, vendors, and services, and can guide you through any potential hurdles along the way.

• Step 7 – Find an officiant to perform the ceremony

You will need someone to perform the elopement ceremony. In order for it to be legal, you will need someone who is licensed to perform weddings in Iceland, so you will specifically need an Iceland elopement officiant Be sure to pick someone who understands you as a couple, and the kind of elopement ceremony you want.

• Step 8 – Plan the ceremony

The ceremony is the most important part of your elopement, so it’s essential to plan it carefully. You can do this with the help of your elopement officiant. You can choose to have a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony, and you can customize the ceremony to reflect your values and beliefs. Consider including meaningful readings, vows, and rituals to make the ceremony special.

• Step 9 – Hire a photographer or videographer to capture the moment

Iceland offers some of the most beautiful and scenic landscapes in the world, so it’s essential to choose a photographer and videographer who can capture the beauty of the location and the emotion of the moment. Look for photographers and videographers who are familiar with the area and can offer creative ideas for your elopement photos.

• Step 10 – Arrange transportation to and from the location

Iceland is a large country with many remote locations, so it’s essential to arrange transportation for your elopement. Consider hiring a private driver or renting a car to get to your location. You will also want to consider how your guests are going to get there.

• Step 11 – Book accommodations for before and after the elopement

You will need to book any accommodation for before and after your wedding day. You may need to do this far in advance, as popular places can book up quickly. It’s also important to think about your guests – are there enough places for everyone else to stay, is there a range of budget options available, do you want to stay in the same place as your guests?

• Step 12 – Enjoy your elopement in one of Iceland’s stunning locations!

Here comes the most important part – getting married! Be sure to enjoy your special day and take it all in!

The Cost of Eloping in Iceland

The cost of getting married in Iceland varies depending on the location, the number of guests, and the services required. Elopements in Iceland typically cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the services required.

On average, you are looking around $6,000-$7,000 for an elopement in Iceland.

It’s important to consider if you would prefer to get an Iceland elopement package or if you want to plan the elopement yourself.

Elopement packages can make the process a lot easier – after all, you won’t have to stress on thinking about exactly how to elope in Iceland! This can more than make up for the increased expenditure.

Some of the outlays associated with elopements in Iceland include the ceremony, photography and videography services, transportation, accommodations, and food and beverage. It’s essential to work with a wedding planner who can help you navigate the local customs and find the best vendors for your elopement.

Budgeting an elopement in Iceland

Eloping in Iceland can be an incredible experience, but it’s essential to budget accordingly to ensure that you can afford the costs associated with your elopement.

The cost of eloping in Iceland will depend on several factors, including the location, the services you require, and the time of year.

Here are some tips for budgeting an elopement in Iceland.

• Determine your budget

The first step in budgeting an elopement in Iceland is to determine how much you can afford to spend.

Consider your income, expenses, and savings, and decide how much you can allocate to your elopement.

• Consider the location

The location of your elopement will play a significant role in the budget. Popular locations, such as Reykjavik or the Blue Lagoon, can be more expensive than more remote locations.

Consider choosing a location that is meaningful to you and your partner but is also affordable.

• Decide on the services you require

The services you require will also affect the budget of your elopement.

Consider whether you want a wedding planner, a photographer, a videographer, or other services.

It’s essential to choose services that fit within your budget but also provide the level of quality you desire.

• Choose the time of year

The time of year will also affect the cost of your elopement.

Peak season, which is typically from June to August, can be more expensive than the off-season.

However, the off-season can also bring harsh weather conditions, so it’s essential to consider the time of year carefully.

• Factor in additional costs

When budgeting for your elopement, it’s essential to factor in additional costs, such as transportation, accommodations, and meals.

Consider booking accommodations in advance and choosing affordable transportation options to help keep costs down.

Individual Costs Associated with Eloping in Iceland

The cost of eloping in Iceland can vary depending on several factors. Here are some of the costs you can expect when eloping in Iceland:

• Marriage license

The cost of a marriage license in Iceland is approximately 21,000 ISK (about $165 USD).

• Officiant

The price of an officiant can vary but typically ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 ISK (about $157 to $235 USD).

• Photographer and videographer

The price of a photographer and videographer can also vary depending on their experience and services. On average, expect to pay between 60,000 to 100,000 ISK (about $470 to $785 USD) for a photographer and 80,000 to 150,000 ISK (about $628 to $1,175 USD) for a videographer.

• Wedding planner

If you decide to hire a wedding planner, expect to pay between 80,000 to 120,000 ISK (about $628 to $942 USD) for their services.

• Transportation

The cost of transportation will depend on the location of your elopement. Expect to pay between 10,000 to 50,000 ISK (about $78 to $392 USD) for transportation.

• Accommodations

Accommodations in Iceland can be expensive, but there are affordable options available. Expect to pay between 10,000 to 25,000 ISK (about $78 to $196 USD) per night for accommodations.

• Meals

Meals in Iceland can also be expensive, but there are affordable options available. Expect to pay between 2,000 to 5,000 ISK (about $16 to $39 USD) for a meal.

How can I legally elope in Iceland?

If you are planning to elope in Iceland, you are going to want to make the marriage legal!

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Iceland

Before planning an elopement in Iceland, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements for getting married in Iceland.

The legal age for marriage in Iceland is 18, and both parties must be unmarried. If one or both parties have been previously married, they must provide proof of divorce or death of their previous spouse.

Couples will have to file a notice of marriage with the National Registry at least three weeks before the wedding date. This notice must be accompanied by a certificate of marital status and a birth certificate.

If either party is a non-Icelandic citizen, they must also provide a certificate of no impediment to marriage from their home country.

The ceremony can take place at the district commissioner’s office, a church, or any other location approved by the district commissioner.

The ceremony can be performed in Icelandic or English, and two witnesses must be present.

Can foreigners get married in Iceland?

Yes! Foreigners can get married Iceland! But you will have important steps to follow.

Legal Requirements for a Foreigner Getting Married in Iceland

Foreigners who wish to wed in Iceland must follow the same legal requirements as Icelandic citizens.

They must provide a certificate of no impediment to marriage from their home country, which can take several weeks to obtain.

They must also file a notice of marriage with the National Registry at least three weeks before the wedding date.

If a foreigner wishes to get tie the knot in Iceland but does not have a certificate of no impediment to marriage, they can apply for a certificate from the district commissioner in Iceland. However, this process can take several months, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

Where to have an elopement in Iceland – The best places to elope in Iceland

Iceland offers numerous beautiful locations for elopements, including waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and national parks. Here are some of the most popular places to say “I do” in Iceland:

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland and offers a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.

• Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell National Park offers stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains and is a popular location for elopements.

• Vik

Vik is a charming village located on the southern coast of Iceland and offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the black sand beaches.

• Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa and a popular location for elopements. The warm, milky blue water and the steam rising from the water create a romantic and otherworldly atmosphere.

• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a breathtakingly beautiful location, with icebergs floating in the water and the glacier in the background.

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is a dramatic beach with towering basalt columns and a stunning sea stack in the background.

• Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular location for elopements. The park offers beautiful views of the landscape and the Northern Lights.

• Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss is another stunning waterfall in Iceland and a popular location to choose. The waterfall is over 60 meters tall and creates a beautiful mist that adds to the romance of the location.

• Hveragerdi

Hveragerdi is a small town located in a geothermal area and offers hot springs, geysers, and beautiful landscapes for a backdrop

• Kirkjufell Mountain

Kirkjufell Mountain is one of the most iconic locations in Iceland and offers stunning views of the Northern Lights and the surrounding landscape.

What is the best month for eloping in Iceland?

The best month to elope in Iceland depends on your preferences and priorities.

Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, but generally, the summer months (June-August) are the most popular due to the milder weather and longer daylight hours.

However, if you prefer less crowded locations and don’t mind the colder weather, the winter months (December-February) can be a magical time to elope in Iceland, with the chance to see the Northern Lights and enjoy snowy landscapes.

It’s important to note that the weather can still be unpredictable during any month, so it’s essential to be prepared for any conditions.

Is a marriage in Iceland valid in the US?

Yes, a marriage in Iceland is valid in the US as long as the legal requirements for marriage in both countries are met.

The US recognizes marriages that are legally performed in foreign countries, as long as the marriage was conducted according to the laws of that country.

After getting married in Iceland, it’s recommended that you obtain a marriage certificate from Icelandic authorities, which can be used as proof of marriage in the US.

It’s also important to check with your state’s government to ensure that all necessary steps have been taken to legally recognize the marriage in the US.

Should you elope in Iceland?

If you want a quick answer – yes! Iceland should definitely be on your list of potential places to elope!

Eloping in Iceland can be an unforgettable experience for couples who want to celebrate their love in a unique and stunning location.

By understanding the legal requirements for getting married in Iceland, choosing the right location, hiring the right vendors, and planning carefully, couples can create a magical and unforgettable elopement in Iceland.

Whether you choose to say your vows at a waterfall, a glacier, or a black sand beach, Iceland offers some of the most beautiful and scenic locations in the world for your elopement.

Other Resources

Check out our ultimate guide to getting eloped if you want to read more about planning an elopement, no matter where you are going.

See our guide on how much it costs to elope for more budgeting tips!

If you are unsure where to elope and getting ideas, check out all our guides on where to elope, or why not consider…

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• How to elope in Ireland
• Eloping in Utah
• Eloping in Montana
• Eloping in California
• Eloping in Tennessee
• Eloping in Texas
• Eloping in Banff
• Eloping in New York City
• Having an elopement in Bali