How to elope in Iceland
It’s common knowledge that the land of fire and ice has likely claimed a well-deserved spot on the must-visit lists of many travelers and adventurers. Many couples have decided to jump on this Icelandtrain as well as marrying in Iceland is booming in the last few years.
It’s not hard to see why, with Iceland’s beauty that’s unlike anything else!
Imagine exchanging vows against a backdrop of awe-inspiring landscapes, such as majestic waterfalls, grand glaciers, or idyllic green fields. Perhaps you can picture yourself saying 'I do' on a black sand beach adorned with crystalline diamonds made out of ice or in the highlands surrounded by mountains as far the eye could see.
The options for creating your special day amidst stunning scenery are endless.
Before diving into the details on how to elope in Iceland, let's first equip you with some extra knowledge on the subject. Making sure that your dream Iceland elopement becomes a reality, is my priority so I'm here to offer you guidance to make your vision come to life.
First step in that guidance is this blog, where I listed everything you need to know when you want to elope in Iceland.
Why would you elope in Iceland?
Iceland constitutes an enchanting destination for elopements. The pristine nature that characterizes the land is something that captivates many people's imaginations. Iceland offers a natural beauty that serves as the perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding.
The unique feeling of complete seclusion in the world, where only the two of you stand amidst the beauty of Iceland, speaks to the imagination. The tranquility and serenity of Icelandic landscapes create an atmosphere of exclusivity, making your love story even more special.
Eloping in Iceland gives you the opportunity to have the freedom to shape your marriage entirely in the way that you and your partner cherish most. Whether it's a ceremony on the black sand beaches, on a towering cliff overlooking the sea, with an impressive backdrop of basalt columns, or by waterfalls providing the only background sound there is, the choices are endless and can satisfy so many different types of couples and their preferences.*
What makes Iceland even more unique for eloping, is the fact that you are capable of getting married pretty much anywhere and to any one. You are not bound to a town hall so this flexibility allows you to get married at locations that resonate with your idea of tying the knot.
As Iceland is among the highest ranked countries in the world regarding LGBTQ+ rights, it speaks for itself that same sex weddings are possible.
There are also no religious restrictions to get married so basically, everybody is welcome to get married in Iceland.
What a friendly and inclusive country, isn’t it?!
* even though most locations don’t require a permit, you do need a permit for some of them to be able to get married there. This is something we will go through together, so you won’t have to deal with this by yourself.
What to expect?
During your research you might have come across the saying, "If you don't like the Icelandic weather, just wait 5 minutes!"
If not, consider it your first introduction. Icelandic weather is unparalleled because it is so unpredictable. It often feels like you're experiencing all four seasons in a single day, with constant fluctuations. While this variability can be both a blessing and a challenge, especially for outdoor weddings, it's essential to be aware of the forecast. I, as an elopement photographer, always have an eye on Vedur.
Sidenote: write down this website because it is also a good tip if you decide to add a little - or big - honeymoon to your elopement. It’s the holy grail of forecasts in Iceland, as you can follow the weather by the hour.
Anyway: although you may have a rough idea of what to expect, Icelandic weather can change rapidly within minutes. However, with adequate preparation, you'll be equipped to handle whatever weather surprises Iceland may throw your way on your special day
What to wear?
Considering the ever-changing weather, it is advised to bring layers to adjust to temperature drops. Weather can change during the trip so take this advise by heart. Also: when you’re hiking, you will get warmer but once you arrive at the your destination, the cold can kick in quite fast.
It's wise to bring more layers than you think you'll need; it's easier to remove them if necessary than to be uncomfortably cold on one of the most beautiful days of your life. I also advice to foresee gloves and make sure your footwear is adapted to the rugged landscape. Designer high heels can be a “go” during the ceremony but they might not be so handy while exploring. But, if you’re a natural who can run marathons on high heels, feel free to proof me the opposite! In that case: I bow for you, woman!
(Well, I promise to bow for you nevertheless if you choose me to be your companion on your elopement, ghe ghehe)
It takes some thinking and preparing beforehand, but I promise you won’t regret the time spent on your preparation. In Belgium, they have a saying “A good preparation is half the work” and even though it won’t make you fly up that mountain magically so you don’t have to hike (believe me: I wish this was possible), it helps a lot with making the whole experience as comfortable as possible.
Who says getting married in Iceland wouldn't be an exciting adventure?
Where to elope in Iceland?
Like I’ve told a few times: Iceland equals beauty and it shows around every corner and every turn. Discovering remarkable and photogenic spots is so easy and makes the quest for beauty such a rewarding journey. You also don’t need to hike enormous distances or burn your legs with a gazilion altitude meters. There are also breathtaking locations that are easy accessible.
In the upcoming blogs, I’ll present 5 locations per wind direction, that would be a great fit for an elopement.
Last but certainly not least:
what do you need to elope in Iceland?
As I understand this like no other, paperwork isn’t the most exciting thing to deal with. Unfortunately, it’s something you have to go through in order to elope in Iceland.
You are obliged to present the necessary documentation to ensure the legal validity of your marriage. You'll also need a celebrant, officiant, or priest to conduct the ceremony, and this individual will assist you in organizing all the required paperwork.
One crucial requirement is that both parties must be at least 18 years old. If either of you have been previously married, documentation confirming the divorce is necessary. It's important to note that original documents are required, and if they are not in English or any of the Scandinavian languages, a verified translation will also be accepted.
In terms of timing, the documents must be submitted at least 3 weeks before your ceremony. If you don’t feel comfortable in going through this by yourself, I advise you to hire a planner who can handle these things effortlessly.
Documents needed:
Marriage Notification - Hjónavígsluskýrsla
( you, your partner and an officiant needs to fill this in- you can find it HERE)Birth certificates
Marital Status Certificate
with an Apostille Seal - (8 weeks prior to the date)Divorce decree
(if you have been married before)Valid Passports
(both parties)Airline tickets
to prove entry to and exit of Iceland
After your elopement, you can collect your marriage certificate at the National Registry, Þjóðskrá.
Þjóðskrá (The National Registry Office)
Borgartún 24
105 Reykjavík
Iceland
E-mail: thjodskra@thjodskra.is
