TOP TIPS FOR PLANNING DESTINATION WEDDING IN ICELAND
Getting married in Iceland? Read here how to plan stress free wedding in Iceland!
Why to elope in Iceland?
No wonder Iceland, this full of magic place, has become one of the magnetic spots for people getting married.
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement or a bigger wedding on this island, the fairy like landscapes of Iceland are for sure going to take an enormous part in your Big day!
It might sound quite overwhelming to plan destination wedding in such a remote place, as you need to choose a vendors you trust, scout locations, find officiant and so many more…
Andrea & Devan:
“Nataly and Max go beyond just being photographers. They really know their stuff and pay close attention to the little things. Thanks to their advice, our whole trip went smoothly. Our elopement day turned out just as we hoped, and even so much better! We felt so relaxed and worry-free. NO STRESS. The pictures and video at the end were beyond amazing!
They’re truly experts at what they do.”
Some real stories from Iceland:
These top tips will lead you through every step, ensuring your Icelandic wedding adventure is as epic as the land itself!
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Choose the right season for your adventure wedding in Iceland:
The weather in Iceland can be quite unpredictable, yet it has its charm in any season!
In summer, long days with up to 24 hours of daylight would give you a lot of time to make really good Iceland wedding photos without haste.
On the other hand, winter might offer the magical snowy backdrop and chance to see Northern Lights!
To this end, plan and decide on the natural features that you will include in your wedding.
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Plan ahead:
Have at least 5-6 months to organise your destination wedding in Iceland. When thinking of eloping in Iceland, start planning at least 3-4 months in advance.
And to be sure to secure the best vendors in Iceland, you should plan your wedding 12 months in advance.
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Hire local experts you can trust:
A local knowledge is the key to plan a destination wedding in Iceland. It is very crucial to hire an Iceland Elopement Photographer and Videographer who understand the unpredictable nordic conditions and constantly changing Icelandic weather and knows best locations for your Iceland wedding photos!
It will take the stress away during the planning process of your Iceland wedding.
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Budget for an Iceland wedding videographer:
Having a videographer in your wedding budget means being able to capture the landscapes and ambiance of the day in a way photography can’t. Gorgeous, yes, but photos capture only one moment of time. But a video is a breathing, living archive of your wedding.
Only a Iceland wedding videographer has the ability to weave the sights, sounds, and emotions of your day together into a cinematic story. This, besides just adding up to your still photos, will capture those fleeting moments—your vows, the laughter during speeches, your first dance—that you will treasure for life.
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Plan for the weather:
Since the weather in Iceland can change from sunny to rainy in a matter of minutes, we suggest preparing for all kinds of weather (take your rain jackets!)
Go for wedding clothes that fits to your style but are also appropriate in such harsh Icelandic weather. Think layers, long sleeves, and, who knows, maybe a stylish cloak or robust boots!
Waterproof make-up and a hairdo that stands the wind sound sensible for keeping up the look through the wedding.
- Make sure to land at least 2 days before your Iceland wedding or elopement. So you have wiggle room in case of any flight delays.
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Invest in good footwear:
Comfortable and solid shoes are the first things you need for walking in the changing surfaces of Iceland, and if you are going to take lots of pictures in remote places, even more so.
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Learn local Icelandic traditions
You can incorporate Icelandic music, local flowers, or the traditional Icelandic wedding cake in your ceremony, for added value. The general local cuisine would naturally be the Icelandic delicacies such as lamb and seafood, while the decorations, in general, would be based along the Icelandic nature theme.
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Document your Iceland wedding day:
Your Iceland wedding photos and video will be literally out of this world because the landscapes are to die for!
The Iceland photo and video team will help to bring the essence of your day from different angles to make sure you’ll remember every moment of your adventure wedding day against Icelandic backdrops.
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Legal requirements:
Ensure you understand the legal requirements for getting married in Iceland.
This includes necessary documents and paperwork process, which a local officiant or wedding planner can typically help you to manage.
Getting this sorted well in advance will help you focus on other aspects of your wedding planning.
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Talk to your celebrant:
Give the celebrant a bit of your story and relate to him or her how you see the ceremony. If a notion of adding some tradition to your ceremony seems appealing, let the celebrant know about it too.
If you would like to write your own vows or include a unity ceremony, tell your officiant ahead of time. Keep in mind, most Icelandic priests and magistrates will not be very well-versed in North American wedding customs.
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Share your vision of the day to booked vendors:
Be sure to talk to all of your vendors. Share with each one what you envision for the day, making it an open conversation that will leave you with the utmost assurance that your day will unfold exactly as expected.
Share your inspiration board if you have one!
- Personalise your ceremony by including of important details. A reading, a song, or maybe even an old tradition, whatever it is, it would be yours!
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Plan for privacy:
Most of Iceland’s beautiful spots are becoming quite full. If privacy is one of the priorities of the day, then maybe a lot of more secluded or out-of-the-way places would do better for the ceremony. As Iceland Elopement Photographer, we offer to our couples hidden gems for the ceremony. -
Make a custom wedding website:
If you have guests, think of creating a custom website about your Iceland wedding containing such important information as location for the ceremony in Iceland, itinerary, and travel schedule, address of the restaurant, and venue booked. It could actually make it easier for the navigation of your guests.
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Think about details:
Take your wedding dress off the rack from the bridal shop and replace it with a personalized wood hanger, an engraving of your future new surname (something like “Mrs.”), or other cute wood inscriptions that say “The Bride, ” “Love, ” “I Do.” It is a pretty detail your Iceland wedding photographer and videographer will be glad to capture. -
Take time to explore nature beauty on your Iceland Wedding Day
Make your wedding trip a memorable one with the further exploration of Iceland. Explore all, from the Skogafoss to black sand beach in Vik. Add visiting some of the stunning places to your wedding itinerary, therefore allowing you and your guests to get the feel of the land of fire and ice.
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Check locations accessibility:
Host the event or celebration at a venue in which all the favorite guests feel comfortable, especially the oldies and those with lesser mobility.
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Pre-wedding meetup
Organise a meeting with all guests before the wedding. This may be some kind of icebreaker and an opportunity to talk through the plan and all urgent details.
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Relaxation before the Big Day
Schedule some downtime or a relaxing activity the day before the wedding, like a visit to a geothermal spa, to ensure you’re rested and full of energy. -
Embrace the weather!
Be prepared that the weather on your wedding day or elopement in Iceland might not be perfect and embrace it. Your special day could feature rain, sleet, snow, clouds, or even non-stop sunshine—the possibilities are endless! That unpredictability is part of Iceland, and it adds a unique beauty. Storms can come and go swiftly, so a short wait might just clear the skies. Most importantly, ensure you have a “Plan B” for an outdoor ceremony. We suggest having an indoor venue ready or providing umbrellas for all guests, just in case.
And the most important… Enjoy the process!
Planning your destination wedding in Iceland, with all stunning landscapes and unique culture, will surely be an unforgettable journey! Choosing the right team will help you to embrace this journey and enjoy it.
Carefully pay attention to these tiniest details to make sure your day is nothing less than pure magic.
And as your local Iceland elopement photographer and videographer we will make sure every moment of your day is captured amidst some of the world’s most beautiful backdrops, so your memories can last forever!
Contact us to learn more.
Ready to dive into the excitement of eloping in Iceland?
This beautiful land, where the weather loves to surprise you, offers a fun and unforgettable experience!
Picture saying your vows in hidden spots or in front of the stunning views of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon or Reynisfjara black sand beach.
We’ve got it all sorted for you — from officiant contacts to fashion tips for Iceland’s changing weather!
Have questions? We’re here to help!
Reach out today! 🥾❤️📸