Iceland Elopement Timeline Examples

While an elopement timeline might seem like an easy task to check off your to-do list, it actually requires a bit more planning than you might realize. For instance, you’ll need to consider travel time, knowing exactly when the sun rises/sets, how long you want to spend at each location, etc. 

As an Iceland elopement photographer, I wanted to give you three different Iceland elopement timeline examples so that you and your partner can decide how much time you actually want/need for your elopement day. 

Also, when making your timeline, my advice is to don’t try to cram everything into every moment of the day. You’ll want to have some extra time to just breathe and relax, and you won’t want to feel like you have to rush from place to place. 

Let’s dive into some Iceland timeline elopement examples so you can start planning your epic Iceland elopement! 

Iceland Timeline Elopement Examples 

Here are some sample Iceland elopement timelines just to give you an idea of what you could do be sure to add activities to your timeline, such as going horseback riding on Icelandic ponies, snorkeling between tectonic plates at the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, going stargazing, going heli-skiing, etc. 

Since it’s your elopement you can add in whatever activities you want – just make sure you adjust your timeline to accommodate your activities so you have time for everything. Also, for even more amazing Iceland elopement activities, check out my blog post here. 

6-Hour Elopement Timeline

Even though 6 hours is significantly less time than a 9-hour, 12-hour, or multi-day elopement, you can still do so much in that amount of time. This is a great fit for you if you want a short and sweet day that includes your ceremony, time for couple portraits, and a short adventure together. 

Check out this 6-hour elopement timeline: 

12:00 – 12:45 | Get ready 

1:00 – 3:00 | Drive to Kirkjufell or ‘Church Mountain’

3:00 – 3:30 | Arrive at the waterfall and explore 

3:30 – 4:45 | Ceremony and portraits 

4:45 – 5:30  | Drive to Djúpalónssandur Beach

5:30 – 6:00 | Explore Djúpalónssandur Beach and take photos 

9-Hour Elopement Timeline

A 9-hour elopement timeline is ideal if you want to have a stress-free, balanced day across multiple locations while still having plenty of time to relax and take the day at your own pace. 

Here are TWO sample 9-hour timelines: 

Timeline 1 

1:00 – 2:30 | Start getting ready and make coffee/tea/matcha together 

2:30 – 4:30 | Drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

4:30 – 6:00 | Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

6:00 – 6:15 | Drive to Diamond Beach

6:15 – 7:00 | Explore Diamond Beach 

7:00 – 7:30 | Drive to Múlagljúfur Canyon 

7:30 – 9:00 | Hike and have an intimate ceremony at Múlagljúfur Canyon

9:00 -10:00  | Drive back to your cabin and make s’mores around a campfire 

Timeline 2 

1:00 – 1:45 | Get ready at cabin

1:45 – 2:15 | Drive to Vik

2:15 – 2:45 | Stop for coffee at Skool Beans or stop for a drink at one of Iceland’s craft breweries 

2:45 – 3:00 | Drive to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

3:00 – 5:30 | Ceremony and portraits at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

5:30 – 6:00 | Take a pit stop in Vik to pick up Icelandic hot dogs

6:00 – 6:45 | Drive to Kvernufoss

6:45 – 8:15 | Short hike to Kvernufoss, exploring and enjoying Icelandic hot dogs

8:15 – 8:30 | Head to Skogafoss

8:30 – 9:00 | Portraits and exploring at Skogafoss

9:00 – 10:00 | Head back to your accommodations and soak in a hot tub together 

Want to see real-life examples of what two of my previous clients used as their elopement timelines? If you want to plan your timeline so that it includes glacier lagoons and hidden canyons, read about Bella and Tess’s elopement here. 

Or, if you want to include in your elopement timeline iconic locations such as Reynisfjara black sand beach, Kvernufoss waterfall, and Skogafoss, learn more about Abby and Colby’s epic elopement here.

12-Hour Elopement Timeline 

If you’re wondering if you should have a 12-hour elopement, start by asking yourself if you want to celebrate both the sunrise and sunset and have a full day of adventures. If you’re nodding your head “yes,” then a 12-hour elopement would be perfect for you. 

I also have a multi-day elopement timeline here that you can check out as well! 

Take a look at a sample 12-hour elopement timeline and everything that it includes: 

12:00 – 1:45 | Get ready together 

1:45 – 2:45 | Drive to Yoda Cava 

2:45 – 3:30 | Explore Yoda Cave 

3:30 – 4:00 | Drive to Vik 

4:00 – 4:30 | Stop for coffee at Skool Beans or stop for a drink at one of Iceland’s craft breweries 

4:30 – 5:00 | Drive to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach 

5:00 – 6:00 | Portraits and exploration at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

6:00 – 7:00 | Drive to Kvernufoss

7:00 – 8:20 | Short hike to Kvernufoss, private ceremony 

8:20 – 8:30 | Head to Skogafoss 

8:30 – 9:00 | Portraits and exploring at Skogafoss

9:00 – 10:45 | Drive back to your cabin 

10:45 – 11:00 | Get changed into comfy clothes

11:00 – 12:00 | Cook a cozy breakfast for dinner 

To see what a 12-hour elopement in Iceland looks like, check out Lacy and Henry’s elopement here.

What Comes Next After You’ve Figured Out Your Elopement Timeline

I hope you found these Iceland elopement timeline examples helpful and that they’ve helped you decide whether you want a short and sweet Iceland elopement or a much longer elopement day. 

When it comes to figuring out an elopement timeline, you’ll want to make sure you and your partner have both included the things that are most important to you so that you can have the best experience possible. 

Also, be sure to check out my other Iceland content for more info and inspiration when it comes to planning. For a guide to 40+ epic Iceland elopement ideas, go here, or go here for an in-depth guide on how to elope in Iceland. 

Or, if you want to learn more about planning a multi-day Iceland elopement, check out my blog post here. 

Ready to start planning your Iceland elopement? Whether you want to hike a glacier, say your vows under the spray of a waterfall, or dance down rainbow-painted streets (or all of the above!), I am here for it! I offer 6, 9, and 12-hour elopement packages which you can learn more about here. Let’s plan something totally for you! 

Check out these posts next:

• How to Plan a Summer Elopement in Iceland

• Your Guide on How to Elope in Iceland as an LGBTQ+ Couple