Today I’m sharing my complete Iceland Wedding guide so you can get started on your plans for an enchanting and magical Destination Wedding or Elopement in this incredible country.
Where in the world is Iceland?
You’ll find this magical, large and sparsely populated island right up in the far North of the European continent, actually about half way between North America and Europe. Iceland is surrounded by the freezing waters of the Atlantic, lying just below the Arctic Circle.
Why should we say “I do” there?
Who wouldn’t want to get married in this incredible country? You’d get to experience the land of ice and fire, explore the dramatic landscape of volcanoes and geysers, crystal glaciers and breath-taking waterfalls. Something that sets Iceland apart from the rest of the Wedding world is that you can get married anywhere on the island. ANYWHERE! As long as you’ve got permission from the land owner, you can say I do wherever your Icelandic dreams take you.
Decisions, decisions…do you go for an outdoor wedding in the wilderness in the midst of Iceland’s other-worldly scenery, or a traditional ceremony in an iconic Icelandic church?
Iceland ignite your imagination
This country is beyond breathtaking, and there’s so much to see and do. If you’ve got children (or restless adults!) in your wedding party, they’ll never get bored. Here are a few ideas to whet your appetite for adventure!
Super-Jeeping is an incredible way to see the country’s rugged. Let experienced drivers navigate the volcanic slopes and frozen glaciers! Or go quadbiking across lava fields with your wedding party! Just grab snow suits, helmets and some ski-gloves, and jump on the back of a quad bike! A guide will lead you safely across the rocky lava fields, you’ll enjoy seeing the wilderness first hand.
For slightly less exhilarating fun but just as “wow”, take your wedding party to see the phenomenal geothermal wonders that are the geysers at Bláskógabyggð, Arnessysla and watch in awe as they bubble and explode spectacularly into the air! This activity is accessible and there’s a lovely visitor centre too. Or visit on of the many waterfalls that Iceland has to offer. Your guests can hike up the footpath at Seljalandsfoss and explore behind the waterfall for the ultimate Icelandic foss activity.
And for the ultimate pampering experience to entertain your party, go to the geothermal lagoon, where freshwater and seawater combine at extreme temperatures to create a naturally super-relaxing experience for you. The Blue Lagoon = Heaven on earth.
Travelling to Iceland is easy!
Iceland is easily accessible from all over the world, with a variety of global airlines scheduling regular flights to and from Keflavik International Airport. There are several daily non-stop flights to Iceland from North America and Europe and you can now find many at a lower cost. It’s 3 hours 15 minutes from London to Reykjavik, and once you’ve landed, it’s a short drive into the capital city.
Facts
– Iceland harnesses its natural resources of hydro and geothermal energy to power more than 80% of the country.
– The most popular food in Iceland is hot dogs. But they have bizarre foods you can sample across the country: puffin, dried fish, fermented shark…
– Its proximity to the Arctic Circle means Iceland experiences almost 24 hours of darkness/twilight in December & nearly 24 hours of daylight in June. This means it’s a fab place to see both the Northern Lights and experience the Midnight Sun.
Wedding Ideas for you intimate wedding in Iceland
Say “I do” in a traditional Icelandic church. Oddi Church is a romantic red-roofed white church, boasting spectacular views, and is one of the oldest on the island. It’s a mere stone’s throw from Hotel Rangá. Búðakirkja is an iconic black church on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you can have a traditional ceremony with a priest, and is next to the luxurious Hótel Búðir so very convenient for your guests.
For the more adventurous couples, there are so many options! You can exchange vows in a shallow cave on the beautiful black sand beach at Reynisfjara and have your wedding photographs with a backdrop of geometrically fascinating basalt formations. Or why not have your ceremony beneath a waterfall? Can you imagine anything more romantic? You’re spoiled for choice – Skógafoss, Godafoss, Kvernufoss, Seljalandsfoss or Gluggafoss to name a few! All of those are open to the public, however with a Wedding Planner who’s in the know, there are a great many other private and secret locations too!
If you’re into Nordic mythology, you could hold your intimate ceremony and reception drinks in the beautiful underground cavernous venue of Ægissíðuhellir.
My bespoke destination wedding planning service in Iceland covers a huge range of elements of your dream luxury wedding abroad, including wedding planning and on-the-day coordination by Nadia, photography, celebrant, florals, booking of activities and much more.
If you’re ready to embark on a truly unforgettable adventure and plan your wedding in Iceland, get in touch!
– Nadia
Images by Chris & Ruth Photography
