The Ultimate Iceland Elopement Guide

Let’s take a moment to soak this in—you’re getting married in ICELAND! Cue all the happy dances because this is seriously the dream. You’re my kind of people—skipping the chaos of a big wedding with a long guest list and a thousand opinions isn’t just a choice, it’s your vibe. Instead, you’re all about meaningful, stress-free, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and I absolutely love that for you!



Whether you’re walking behind waterfalls, wandering the black sand beaches with ice chunks, or taking a Super Jeep to canyons and glaciers, every corner of this country feels like it is a different planet that makes your elopement adventure feel epic. But planning an elopement in Iceland can feel overwhelming when you realize the sheer number of stunning locations and endless possibilities. Don’t worry — that’s where I come in! As someone who’s traveled to Iceland and got to document some amazing love stories, I know all the ins and outs of the most breathtaking locations.



But to give you an idea of what’s possible, I put together this Iceland elopement guide covering everything you need to know to plan the best day ever!

Why Elope in Iceland?

Iceland feels like it was made for epic love stories. Just the stunning landscapes alone of puffin-filled coastlines, waterfall rainbows, and green mountainous canyons make it an absolute dream destination. Beyond the views, Iceland is also rich in culture and history.

And then there’s the food! Reykjavík and surrounding areas has some amazing restaurants! Sharing an intimate dinner in a greenhouse garden restaurant after exchanging your vows might just be the most romantic thing you’ve ever done.

Can Foreigners Get Married in Iceland?

Yes, foreigners can absolutely get married in Iceland! And you’ve got two ways to make it happen. You can legally marry in Iceland or handle the legal part at home and save the fun stuff for your Icelandic adventure. If you want to get legally married in Iceland, it’s doable but requires a bit of planning. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can check out the U.S. Embassy page about getting married in Iceland! But the process varies depending on where you’re from, so double-check the specific requirements for your state or country.

If the thought of legalities in a foreign country feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—many couples choose to legally marry at home first. This way, you can skip the paperwork stress and focus solely on your dream day in Iceland. Symbolic ceremonies still allow you to exchange personal vows in a breathtaking location without any red tape.

Best Places to Elope in Iceland

When is the best time to Elope in Iceland?

There really isn't a bad time to elope in Iceland. Each season completely transforms the landscape, from snowy winter mountains and dancing Northern Lights to summer's endless daylight and fields of purple lupines. But if you're planning an Iceland elopement and want the best combination of weather, accessibility, wildflowers, beautiful light, and outdoor adventure, I'd recommend looking at June through September.

The best month for your elopement ultimately depends on what you want your experience to look and feel like.

June: Best for Lupines, Long Days & Waterfalls

June is one of my favorite months for an Iceland elopement. The days are incredibly long, with the midnight sun creating beautiful, soft light well into the evening. It's also when Iceland's famous lupines begin putting on their spectacular purple display. Lupines typically bloom throughout June and July, adding pops of color to the otherwise rugged landscape.

The long daylight hours are especially helpful if you want a full adventure elopement with multiple locations. You can hike, explore waterfalls, visit black-sand beaches, and still have plenty of beautiful light for portraits without feeling rushed.

Best for: lupines, long days, waterfalls, hiking, green landscapes, and maximizing your time outdoors.

July: Best for Summer Landscapes & Accessibility

July is the height of Iceland's summer season and one of the easiest times to plan an adventure-filled elopement. The landscape is incredibly green, the days are exceptionally long, and many roads and hiking routes are accessible that may be difficult or impossible to reach during other seasons.

You'll also still have the chance to see Iceland's purple lupine fields, which generally bloom through July.

The biggest downside? July is also one of the busiest times of year. Popular locations like Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and Jökulsárlón can be much more crowded during the middle of the day. For a more intimate experience, I'd recommend planning your elopement around the quieter hours of the day—something that's much easier to do when you have nearly endless summer daylight.

Best for: accessibility, green landscapes, lupines, hiking, road trips, and couples who want to explore a lot in one day.

August: Best for a Summer-to-Fall Combination

August can be a fantastic compromise for couples who want the benefits of summer without quite as much of the peak-season feeling. The days are still long enough for a full adventure elopement, while the landscape remains green and lush.

As the month progresses, the days begin getting noticeably shorter, which means you're also moving closer to the return of truly dark skies. Iceland's Northern Lights become visible again in late August once there are enough hours of darkness.

If you're dreaming of an elopement that starts with an Icelandic adventure during the day and potentially ends beneath the Northern Lights at night, late August can be an especially exciting option.

Best for: long summer days, green landscapes, fewer crowds than peak summer, and the possibility of Northern Lights toward the end of the month.

September: Best for Northern Lights, Fall Color & Fewer Crowds

September is one of my favorite months for couples who want a little bit of everything. The summer crowds begin to thin out, the days are shorter but still long enough for an adventurous elopement, and the landscape starts taking on beautiful autumn tones.

Most importantly, September marks the beginning of one of the best seasons for seeing the Northern Lights. The aurora is visible in Iceland from late August through early April, with September and October often being particularly favorable around the autumn equinox.

This makes September an incredible choice for couples who want to spend their wedding day exploring waterfalls, canyons, glaciers, and black-sand beaches—and then stay out late to watch the sky come alive with green and purple light.

Best for: Northern Lights, fewer crowds, moody landscapes, fall colors, and a mix of adventure and nighttime magic.

Where to Stay

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a great option for couples who want restaurants, cafés, nightlife, and a little city life before or after their elopement. It’s also a convenient starting point for exploring the south coast, especially if you're planning to spend part of the trip around waterfalls and black-sand beaches. For couples who want a little more privacy on their wedding day, I’d recommend staying outside the city and using Reykjavík as a pre- or post-elopement stop.

Vík

If you're planning a South Coast elopement, Vík is one of the most convenient places to stay. You’ll be close to Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey, and several incredible waterfalls, making it easy to spend less time driving and more time exploring. Vík is especially nice for couples who want to wake up surrounded by dramatic Icelandic scenery.

Hella & Hvolsvöllur

The area around Hella and Hvolsvöllur makes a fantastic home base for exploring Southern Iceland. It's farther east than Reykjavík but still within easy reach of many popular South Coast locations. Staying here can also put you in a great position for exploring Þórsmörk, waterfalls, and other inland adventures.

Hveragerði

Known for its geothermal activity and beautiful surrounding landscapes, Hveragerði is a great option for couples who want something quieter than Reykjavík while remaining relatively close to the city. It's also home to the Reykjadalur hot spring valley, so you can turn your stay into its own little adventure.

Höfn

If your elopement plans include Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, or Múlagljúfur Canyon, consider staying farther east around Höfn. This lets you explore the glacier region without having to make the long drive back toward Reykjavík after a full day of adventuring.

A Countryside Cabin or Cottage

For couples who want their Iceland experience to feel a little more romantic and secluded, look for a cabin, cottage, or countryside guesthouse outside of the major towns. Imagine waking up to mountains outside your window, making coffee together, and ending the evening in a private hot tub while watching the Northern Lights.

This can also be an amazing option for getting-ready photos on your elopement day. A cozy Icelandic cabin gives you a beautiful place to slow down, have breakfast together, exchange letters, or get ready before heading out for your adventure.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Iceland is deceptively large, and driving times can add up quickly. I wouldn't recommend choosing one accommodation for your entire trip if you're planning to explore the South Coast all the way to Jökulsárlón. Instead, consider creating a road-trip-style itinerary and staying in a few different areas.

For an elopement day specifically, I also recommend choosing accommodation based on where you're actually getting married, rather than automatically staying in Reykjavík. After spending 8–12 hours hiking, exploring waterfalls, and running around Iceland's coast, the last thing you want is another several-hour drive back to your hotel.

And if seeing the Northern Lights is important to you, look for accommodation outside major towns with minimal light pollution. A remote cabin or countryside hotel can turn an evening of aurora hunting into an experience all on its own.

What to Eat

Your Iceland elopement doesn't have to be all hiking, waterfalls, and epic landscapes. Food can be part of the adventure too! One of my favorite things about traveling around Iceland is how easy it is to turn meals and little food stops into part of the experience.

Whether you're grabbing cinnamon rolls before hitting the road, stopping for an Icelandic hot dog, enjoying lunch inside a greenhouse, or sitting down for a celebratory dinner after your elopement, here are a few of my favorite places to eat.

Vínstofa Friðheimar

If you're exploring Iceland's Golden Circle, make a stop at Vínstofa Friðheimar. This wine bar and restaurant is located inside one of the oldest greenhouses on the Friðheimar estate, making the setting just as memorable as the food. Their menu features homegrown tomatoes, fresh herbs, pasta, seafood, and other seasonal dishes. Their famous tomato soup and freshly baked bread are especially worth trying.

I love this as an elopement-day lunch spot because it feels like more than just grabbing a meal—you're sitting inside a working Icelandic greenhouse surrounded by plants while enjoying a leisurely meal together. It truly feels like a magical place to be and I personally loved the raviolis I got!

Lóla Restaurant

If you need a break from traditional Icelandic food, Lóla Restaurant in Reykjavík is a fantastic option for Italian food. It's located downtown on Tryggvagata and is a great choice for a romantic dinner before or after your elopement.

Sometimes after several days of Icelandic road-trip food, there's nothing better than sitting down to a delicious plate of pasta, enjoying a glass of wine, and having a slower evening together. The ambiance makes it feel especially fitting for a celebratory date night.

Brauð & Co.

No Iceland road trip is complete without stopping at Brauð & Co. for their famous cinnamon rolls. This Reykjavík bakery is known for its freshly baked sourdough, pastries, and incredibly good rolls, with several locations throughout the city.

This is an easy one to incorporate into an elopement morning. Grab coffee and cinnamon rolls before heading out for the day's adventure, or pick some up for a picnic later. There's something pretty perfect about eating a warm cinnamon roll while driving through Iceland's incredible landscape.

Skool Beans

If you're passing through Vík, make time for a stop at SKOOL BEANS. This cozy little café is literally inside a converted American school bus, tucked against the mountains outside of town. They roast their own coffee, make specialty teas and hot chocolates, and have a selection of sweet and savory snacks.

It's such a fun stop during a South Coast road trip, especially if you're heading toward places like Reynisfjara, Skógafoss, or other locations around Vík. Grab a coffee or one of their specialty hot chocolates, warm up by the little wood-burning stove, and take a few minutes to enjoy the quirky atmosphere before getting back on the road. And if you're lucky, you might even meet the resident cat!

I especially love recommending places like this for an Iceland elopement because not every part of your day needs to be epic or perfectly planned. Sometimes the best memories are stopping at a tiny café in a school bus, grabbing a coffee together, and laughing about your adventure so far.

Ströndin • Pub

If you're spending time around Vík and the South Coast, check out Ströndin Pub. It's conveniently located in Vík and makes an easy stop between exploring places like Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, and the surrounding waterfalls.

The menu has classic pub food along with Icelandic favorites like fresh Atlantic cod, Arctic char, Icelandic lamb, and fish and chips. There's also an ocean-and-mountain view from the pub, making it a nice place to sit down and relax after a day of exploring.

This is the kind of place I'd recommend after a long hiking day when you want something hearty, casual, and unfussy. You can show up tired, hungry, and still wearing your adventure clothes—exactly as it should be.

Pylsuvagninn

You can't visit Iceland without having an Icelandic hot dog! Pylsuvagninn in Selfoss is a fun stop if you're road-tripping through the South Coast. It's a casual spot that's been serving hot dogs and other quick meals for decades.

Don't think of this as your fancy wedding dinner—think of it as the fun, spontaneous food stop that becomes one of your favorite memories from the trip. Grab a hot dog, eat it in the parking lot, and get back on the road for your next adventure.

Have a Picnic Somewhere Beautiful

One of my favorite ways to incorporate food into an Iceland elopement is to skip the restaurant entirely for a meal and have a picnic somewhere incredible.

Stop at a local grocery store or bakery and pick up bread, cheese, fruit, pastries, chocolate, and whatever else sounds good. Then find a beautiful spot along your route and have lunch with a view.

You could even make this part of your actual elopement day. Imagine hiking through the Icelandic landscape, finding a quiet viewpoint, opening a bottle of champagne, and sitting down together for a picnic while taking in the mountains around you.

It doesn't have to be perfectly styled or Pinterest-worthy. In fact, I think it's even better when it feels spontaneous and completely yours.

Celebrate with Cake

And yes—you can absolutely bring cake along for your Iceland elopement!

Pick up a small cake or pastries in Reykjavík and bring them with you for the day. You could cut your cake beside a waterfall, enjoy it during a picnic, or bring it back to your cabin for a cozy celebration.

Your wedding day doesn't need a traditional reception to include all the little traditions that make a wedding feel like a wedding. Sometimes all you need is a tiny cake, two forks, and an incredible Icelandic landscape.

Make Dinner Part of the Experience

For couples spending 8–12 hours adventuring, I'd recommend intentionally building a meal into the timeline rather than treating food as an afterthought.

Maybe your day starts with cinnamon rolls and coffee, you stop for lunch at Vínstofa Friðheimar, grab hot dogs during your road trip, and finish with a romantic dinner in Reykjavík. Or perhaps you pack a picnic and eat beside a waterfall before heading to your final location for sunset portraits.

Your elopement day should feel like a day you'd actually want to spend together—not just a photoshoot. Eating, exploring, stopping for snacks, trying new foods, and celebrating over a long dinner are all part of the story.

Iceland Elopement Activities

There are so many things you can do in Iceland! Especially if you choose to elope AND stay there for your whole honeymoon! That would definitely give you plenty of time to travel around and explore more than one city or explore one city but more in-depth! Here are some ideas of what to do in Iceland:

• Visit the puffins!
• Check out the stops along the Golden Circle
• Explore the whole country along the Ring Road in a campervan
• Take a Super Jeep tour to locations that you can only get to from off-roading
• Hike to mountain tops and waterfalls
• Relax at a spa - Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon (my personal fave) are wonderful spots to do so
• Hunt for the Northern Lights between September and April
• Stay up late and explore when everyone else is asleep - some days in the summer the sun never fully sets
• Eat an Icelandic hot dog
• Go horseback riding with Icelandic horses
• View glaciers up close at Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, or many other spots in Iceland

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Iceland?

An Iceland elopement can cost between $8,000 and $25,000+, depending on factors like location, accommodations, length of stay, season, and experiences. All these prices are approximate but give you a good idea of what to expect.

• Flights: $1,000–$2,500 per person
• Accommodations: $150–$600 per night
• Photographer/Planner: $6,000–$15,000+
• Food and Activities: $1,000–$2,000+
• Rental Car & Transportation: $500-$1,500
• Other Vendors (flowers, makeup): $1,000–$3,500+ (flowers can get very expensive depending on what you envision!)