No amount of pictures or videos can do Iceland justice. It is a country that you have to experience for yourself to believe that it’s real. Also, the great news is that it’s really easy, compared to other countries, to elope in Iceland, and it’s a very welcoming and accepting country for LGBTQ+ couples.
As an Iceland elopement photographer, Iceland truly lives up to the hype with its stunning nature, diverse landscapes, and friendly and warm people. It is a bucket list destination to plan your elopement.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know on how to elope in Iceland as an LGBTQ+ couple so you can decide if an Iceland elopement is perfect for you.
Please also keep in mind that requirements and information can continually change. So, please use this as a guide, but always make sure you are doing your own research (I’ve even linked some sites here where you can find information) to make sure you understand everything that you need to legally get married before you hop on a plane!
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Elope in Iceland
Can foreigners elope in Iceland?
The answer is yes! Iceland recognizes elopements of any religion or sexuality and same-sex marriage is legal in Iceland. You can choose to get married in Iceland legally or symbolically.
How much does a civil ceremony cost?
A civil ceremony in Iceland costs around $80 USD. To get up-to-date information, go here.
What are the legal requirements to get married in Iceland?
The legal requirements to get married in Iceland are pretty straightforward. All you have to do is:
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You must be 18 years old or older
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You cannot already be married to someone else
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You are required to have proof you are in Iceland legally (a boarding pass or passport stamp will work)
How to get a marriage license in Iceland
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Obtain and fill out the following documents below:
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Marriage notification (also known as hjónavígsluskýrsla). This form is provided by Sýslumaðurinn í Reykjavik. This is something that can be mailed to you and is a document basically stating that there are no legal impediments to your upcoming marriage.
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Birth certificate – these must be original copies.
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A certificate of marital status. This is also known as a no-marriage record. The certificate must be issued within 8 weeks prior to your wedding ceremony.
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A divorce decree – if this applies.
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Passport copies
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An official document showing that the estate (assets and liabilities) of a deceased spouse has been finalized/divided – if this applies.
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An itinerary of your trip (entrance/exit date)
2. Once you have all of the documents filled out, you have to send in all the documents above to the National Registry Office in Reykjavik before your civil marriage can take place.
You’ll want to send in these documents at least 4 weeks in advance, if not earlier, so you can know in advance if there are any issues or if something is incomplete or missing.3. The week of your wedding, you’ll make an appointment with the regional district commissioner’s office. The commissioner’s office where you’ll have your appointment varies depending on your wedding location. You have to bring all of your original wedding documents with you.
For more details, you’ll want to look at Iceland’s District Commissioner’s official site here.
What is the difference between a symbolic and legal marriage?
A symbolic marriage means that you and your partner will get married in your home country before your elopement to Iceland. If you have a symbolic marriage, you can also bring along your own celebrant, and you’ll bypass the government paperwork to obtain an Icelandic marriage license.
On the other hand, a legal marriage means that you will follow the Icelandic government rules and submit the specific government requirements within a designated time frame. If you choose to have a legal marriage you’ll also have a licensed Icelandic celebrant officiate your ceremony.
If you are overwhelmed by the idea of doing all this on your own and the process of obtaining a marriage license in Iceland, I would recommend doing a symbolic marriage in your home country. This will significantly reduce your stress and make things much easier.
However, if you decide to have a legal marriage but know that you need additional help with the process, there are elopement planners in Iceland who can assist you.
Do you need an officiant and witness in Iceland?
Yes, you do need an officiant and two witnesses for your elopement in Iceland. You must either hire an officiant or, if you are having a symbolic ceremony, have a friend or family member who can be your officiant.
How much does it cost to elope in Iceland?
When figuring out how much it will cost to elope in Iceland, you’ll want to keep in mind the costs of travel, accommodation, transportation, vendors, and permit and licensing fees. An Iceland elopement could cost you anywhere from $8000 to $15,000 USD.
Where should you elope in Iceland?
There really isn’t a wrong answer to this question. But, if you’re looking for a few suggestions to get started, here are some great spots:
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Seljalandsfoss waterfall
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Skógafoss waterfall
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Dyrholaey
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Thingvellir National Park
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Reynisfjara – you can check out this elopement I shot at Reynisfjara here.
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Westfjords
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Landmannalaugar
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Víti Lake
This is just a short list of some of my top recommendations on places to elope in Iceland, but outside of this list, there are so many beautiful locations you could choose from in Iceland, depending on which location speaks the most to you and your partner.
What are some elopement ideas to try in Iceland?
When it comes to eloping, Iceland has so much to offer with a never-ending list of activities and so much variety, whether you are looking for big city vibes, a wilderness experience, or want to learn about history!
Some ideas you could try are:
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Go horseback riding on Icelandic ponies
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Pop champagne
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Snorkel between tectonic plates at the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park
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Stargaze
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See 23 life-sized whale models at the Whales of Iceland Museum
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Bake an elopement cake together
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Hire a private chef
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Visit the Ghost Centre to learn about the supernatural phenomena of Iceland
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Go heli-skiing
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Explore the landscape by canyoning
For even more Iceland elopement ideas check out my blog post here.
When to elope in Iceland
When to plan your Iceland elopement is dependent upon what you would like to see! There is no wrong time to elope in Iceland. However, there are considerations to take into account. With the changing weather of the seasons, some locations/activities are only accessible/available in certain months.
Here is a little overview of what each season holds:
Summer
Iceland experiences summer weather typically June through August. Temperatures average between 10-13º C (50-55º F).
Summer in Iceland is actually wild in the best way. In late June, you can experience the Midnight Sun when there are basically 24 hours of sunlight – perfect for photoshoots and exploring. In the summer you experience lush green landscapes and can access areas that are inaccessible during other seasons.
This is Iceland’s high season. With that comes more people, higher prices, and less availability with popular locations/activities. Make sure to keep this in mind and plan enough in advance (or plan for a midnight ceremony!).
Fall
Iceland experiences fall weather typically September through November. Temperatures average between 4-10º C (39-50º F).
Iceland only kind of does transition seasons (fall and spring). Summer weather can extend into September at times. In other times, autumnal conditions can begin as early as late August. Rain and wind are always around in Iceland, but they start amping up this time of year. (Bring your raincoat and pants but leave the umbrella at home!)
This time of year won’t be as busy as the summer. As the days get shorter, your likelihood of seeing the northern lights goes up!
Winter
Iceland experiences winter weather typically December through February. Temperatures average between 0-2º C (32-36º F) in the south and often drop down to -20º C (-4º F) in the north.
Winters in Iceland are dark and snowy! Because of this, elopements can be more difficult to plan in this season. However, when timed well, a winter elopement in Iceland can be absolutely magical. As the days are so short, this is the ideal time to see the northern lights. This time of year is not as busy, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s!
Spring
Iceland experiences spring weather typically March through May. Temperatures average between 3-7º C (~37-45º F).
Spring in Iceland is kind of like a hidden gem. You get a little bit of everything: snow in the highlands, green fields appearing in the lowlands, and fewer tourists. It’s a great balance if you want both winter and summer vibes for your elopement.
General Weather Considerations
Regardless of the time of year you choose to elope in Iceland, the weather can be unpredictable and vary significantly from day to day! While the views are sick and all, it is essential to prioritize safety and follow weather warnings.
As your Iceland elopement photographer, I provide you with comprehensive resources to keep you aware of changing weather conditions. You will also receive timely communication and updates from me throughout your time in Iceland. That way you can enjoy your elopement while staying informed and therefore safe! Don’t worry – I always have backup plans for you when the weather starts acting up.
What else should you know about eloping in Iceland as an LGBTQ+ couple?
Iceland is one of the most tolerant and progressive countries in the world regarding LGBTQ+ rights. When it comes to choosing a location for your elopement, I encourage you to choose a place that values inclusivity and is welcoming because this will make you and your partner feel more comfortable.
It will also reflect your love for each other and celebrate your identity. Iceland supports and protects LGBTQ+ individuals and is a very open-minded and accepting country.
Also, if you decide to elope in Iceland, I recommend hiring LGBTQ+ vendors. Part of my Iceland elopement experience includes vetting and recommending only LGBTQ+ inclusive, affirming, and supporting local vendors.
Finding wedding vendors who are not only great at what they do but also will celebrate who you are and who you love is so important.
Now You Know How to Elope in Iceland
I hope you found this guide on how to elope in Iceland as an LGBTQ+ couple helpful. Also, if there’s anything here that I didn’t answer, the best first place to look for up-to-date answers is on Iceland’s District Commissioner’s official site.
Now, all you need is the perfect photographer! As an Iceland elopement expert, it is my job to listen to all your ideas and all the things you love so I can turn that into the elopement of your dreams!
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! And I’ll take some great photos for you as well, of course. To learn more about my Iceland elopement experience, go here or you can get in contact with me here.
