There’s SO many different landscapes to choose from if you want to elope in Iceland— from wild mountains to lush canyons… waterfalls, volcanic rock fields covered in moss, hot springs, colorful hills, cute scandanavian cottages… I mean, it doesn’t get much dreamier than this place. Whether you choose to hike into a spot and say your vows, have the most unique wedding in an ice cave, or have a ceremony with your family at the cutest little black church you’ve ever seen…getting married in Iceland is such an amazing adventure to begin the rest of your lives together!

 

So let’s break down the layout of the country and I’ll then list some of the most incredible places you could choose to elope in Iceland!

 

REGIONS OF ICELAND:

 

— North:

Massive waterfalls and geothermal regions that feel like you’re on another planet!

Views: waterfalls, geothermal region

Getting there: ~6 hours from Reykjavik in a 2WD car

When to visit: Any time

 

— South: 

This region is probably the most famous because it houses the most iconic spots that Iceland is known for! You can find Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (one of my fave places in the world), glaciers, Diamond Beach, amazing waterfalls, a plane wreck, ice caves, wild mountain landscapes, moss covered lava fields, black sand beach coastline, and so much more all within a reasonable drive!!! The best part is that it’s all pretty accessible with a 2WD rental car.

Views: canyons, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, ice caves, black sand beaches, cliffs, lupine fields, moss covered lava rock fields, place wreck, hot springs

Getting there: ~2-6 hours from Reykjavik in a 2WD car

When to visit: Any time (ice caves open November-March + lupine fields are blooming June-July)

 

— Highlands: 

Oh man… this region has some of the most insane views in the world. Colorful mountains, active volcanoes, steam vents, and tons of hot springs. It doesn’t even look real! If you’re looking for an adventurous, remote place to say your vows with the most incredible views you can find, the highlands might be for you!

Views: colorful big mountains, volcanoes, steam vents, hot springs, glaciers, ice caves

Getting there: ~several hours from Reykjavik in a 4WD car 

When to visit: Summer (June-Sept) or hire a super jeep tour 

 

— Snaefellsnes Peninsula:

This little peninsula in the west of Iceland really shocked us with its beauty when we visited! Everything I found online made it seem pretty, but wow— we felt that it was so underrated! We passed some of the most gorgeous views just driving around (which is the case in all of Iceland, but we really loved the views from this peninsula). This is where you’ll find the little black church that’s famous in Iceland, the Gatklettur arch, and Kirkjufell mountain. 

Views: mountains, cliffs, black church, arch

Getting there: ~2+ hours from Reykjavik in a 2WD car 

When to visit: Any time

— Westfjords:

If you want seclusion, the Westfjords have it! You’ll find sprawling open mountains, fields, and cliffs that feel like the edge of the world. There’s also a lot of wildlife here since it’s less inhabited— including puffins and arctic fox.

Views: huge coastal cliffs, mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife

Getting there: ~3+ hours from Reykjavik in a 2WD car 

When to visit: Spring, Summer, Fall

 

— West:

This area is the most accessible, which is why I’m including it. There’s some beautiful places not far from Reykjavik, the capital and largest city in Iceland. This area is also relatively close to the airport if you have guests coming in.

Views: moss covered lava fields, waterfalls

Getting there: 20 mins – 1 hour from Reykjavik in a 2WD car 

When to visit: Any time

 

So now that we’ve broken down the regions, let’s dive into specific locations within each region:

 

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30+ Places to Elope in Iceland—

northern region:

 

1. Godafoss Waterfall

2. Námaskard

3. Dettifoss Waterfall

 

Bonus— Myvatn Nature Baths

I wouldn’t get married here, but it’s an awesome hot pool in the area that would be a fun activity to add to your elopement day!

 

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southern region:

 

4. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

 

 

5. Glaciers

There’s several different glaciers in southern Iceland alone (Jökulsárlón + Sólheimajökull being two of them.)

 

6. Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

 

 

7. Skógafoss

There’s a ton of waterfalls around Iceland to choose from, but this one is super famous and accessible. It’s an incredible spot, but it’s also usually crowded. I know of some secret falls in the area though, which would be less crowded!

8. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Another popular spot that can be crowded, but this waterfall is cool because you can walk behind it! Beware, you’ll be soaked— but it’s worth it for the experience. 😉

 

 

9. Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon

One of the most beautiful places I’ve been, highly recommend!

 

10. Svartifoss waterfall

Requires hiking—  just under 2 miles round trip

 

11. Vatnajökull Ice Cave

Only open November-March.

 

 

12. Diamond Beach

A black sand beach covered in ice right across the road from Jökulsárlón Glacier.

 

13. Dyrhólaey 

Cliffs + arch near Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

 

14. Vestrahorn

A super dramatic mountain on the coast that’s an incredible backdrop for photos if the clouds aren’t covering it!

 

15. Lupine Fields

Blooming around June-July.

 

16. Moss Covered Lava Rock Fields

These beautiful fields are everywhere in Iceland! We just have to make sure we don’t stand on the moss and stay on the trails.

 

 

Bonus: Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

I don’t know that I’d recommend saying your vows here, because it can be crowded. But it’d be an awesome spot for an early morning dip before hiking out in the evening for your ceremony/vow exchange. 🙂

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the highlands

Reminder: all of these places are accessible all year, but easier to reach in the summertime (June-Sept). In the winter months, you’d have to hire a Super Jeep to get there. If you go in the summer and choose to drive yourself, you’ll need a 4WD.

 

 

17. Landmannalaugar

A geothermal area with bright, colorful mountains and lots of hot springs! The views here are other-worldly!!! 

 

18. Thórsmörk

This spot is located relatively close to some of the other spots I mentioned in the South along the coast— however, I included it in the highlands sections because it’s a trek to get there, whereas the rest of the spots in the South are right off the ring road. You can also hike to Thórsmörk, but it’s a 2-day 19mi hike for the shortest route. If you’re not up for the hike, you can take a 4×4 bus.

 

19. Kerlingarfjöll

 

 

20. Langjökull Ice Cave

An ice cave with a wedding chapel inside!

 

 

21. Kverkfjöll Ice Cave

 

 

22. Askja

An active volcano in the highlands with a crater filled with insanely blue water surrounded by mountains!

 

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Snaefellsnes Peninsula

 

23. Gerduberg Cliffs

 

 

24. Kirkjufell

25. Búdakirkja Black Church

 

 

26. Gatklettur 

 

 

27. Londrangar

 

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westfjords

 

28. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

 

29. Raudisandur

 

 

30. Dynjandi

31. Látrabjarg

 

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western region

 

32. Glymur Waterfall

One of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. Hike: 4.6 miles roundtrip

 

33. Thingvellir National Park

Part of the Golden Circle, this park is very accessible and very well-known to tourists. If you’re looking for a place that’s close to Reykjavik and easy to navigate, this is a good option. Although not the most epic views Iceland has to offer, it’s still very pretty!

 

 

Also within this park is Silfra, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. It’s a bucket list experience to snorkel/dive it and I highly recommend it if you’re in this area! You’re literally in between two continents!!!

 

 

 

34. Luxury Hilltop Lodge Airbnb

with private hot spring tub

If you have guests coming in, renting an airbnb or lodge could be a nice option so that everyone can stay together! I happened upon this place and thought I would include it as a great option for a group of travelers coming over for a wedding. This is part of the description on Airbnb:

The Panorama Lodge was originally built by the British Navy as their communication headquarters in Iceland during WWII and was recently completely renovated. When Churchill came to Iceland in 1942 to meet with FD Roosevelt Junior they sailed into the Whale Fjord and had secret meetings at the Panorama Lodge which was code named Falcon Crest. Several scenes in Game of Thrones were also shot on the property highlighting the incredible landscape all around the Fjord.

 

Bonus: Blue Lagoon —

I wouldn’t recommend saying your vows here because it’s not very private and is usually crowded, but it’d be a fun and memorable activity to add to your elopement day!

 

 

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This list is nowhere near comprehensive, but I hope you found a spot where you could imagine saying your vows! If we’re able to work together, I’ll find more private, secret, and remote places that fit the environment you love!! I have a huge list of secret hot springs and gorgeous places that you probably won’t find by searching the internet.

 

Iceland is incredible and the options are endless! If you’re considering eloping in Iceland, email me and let me help you further! I’ve been there twice and I’m still dying to go back, explore more, and capture your elopement there!

 

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