Katla ice cave elopement in Iceland, Lauren + Dave
Ice Cave Wedding Iceland
When Lauren & Dave let me know they wanted to have their ceremony in an ice cave, I knew their winter elopement would be another level! The couple had visited Iceland before in January so they had an idea what the weather could be.
Lauren and Dave's decision to have their ceremony in an ice cave wasn't just bold; it was a testament to their adventurous spirits. Ice caves, with their ethereal beauty, added a touch of mystique to their winter elopement, setting it apart from the ordinary.
Winter elopement in Iceland.
Lauren and Dave stayed at Hotel Kria in Vik town which is almost 2 hours 32 minutes from Reykjavik, in the South Iceland's region where their day was going to focus on. Asthildur did Laurens hair and makeup and also delivered wedding flowers made by Thordis. Laurens wedding dress was from Berta and she had chosen a long-sleeve wedding dress to keep her arms warm. Also having a long-sleeve wedding dress on your winter elopement, you also hide the red skin that comes when you're too much in the cold. Lauren didn’t wear high heels. Even there wouldn’t be snow, the roads can still have ice and in the worst case, you could break your ankle. Wearing only high heels your toes would end up having frostbite.
While having winter elopement in Iceland, it’s good to add extra travel time on your elopement day because cars can break from coldness or there can suddenly be roads blocked from the snow and there would be no option to get around it easily. If you happen to drive in the dark while having snowflakes falling, this mix can easily make eye tricks to believe and see things that aren’t really there and the roads can always be slippery.
Not all roads will be open during wintertime in Iceland. For example, there is no access at all to the highlands. Sometimes even the Ring road can be closed depending on how much snow has fallen and if no one has yet cleared the snow away. Mostly the weather is worse in the North part of Iceland but it’s always super important to be prepared while travelling in Iceland during wintertime.
Ice cave elopement
The road to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier where Katla volcano is located was bumpy. Katla is one of the most explosive volcanoes in Iceland and it has been doing eruptions every fifty years, the last time in 1918. Seems like it's having a long overdue. Because Katla is covered by a lot of ice and glacier, it’s been said that not all eruptions make it to the surface.
Iceland luxury tours and tour guide Sigurdur (from South Coast adventures) helped us to make it to the ice caves and a super jeep was well needed to make it to Katla. After that, we followed Sigurdur and off we were to the glacier and ice cave. The hiking takes place around 20-30 minutes to get to the ceremony spot. But you lose count of time when you get to see the glaciers and blue ice!
Having a winter elopement in an ice cave is a truly magical moment. The whole situation is a very unique experience to have on your elopement day! Against the icy canvas, Lauren and Dave exchanged their vows, capturing intimate moments in the heart of a winter landscape. The cold surroundings didn't deter them; instead, it became an integral part of their unique elopement story. Having this kind of moment while exchanging vows in a private area, Lauren and Daves's ceremony was touching and beautiful.
Their elopement adventure wasn't just a celebration of commitment; it was a bold journey into the heart of Iceland's winter wonderland, where love triumphed over challenges and where the raw beauty of nature became the canvas for their one-of-a-kind celebration.
Why you need to have a guide while visiting the ice caves.
Forbidden Territory: The No-Go Without a Guide:
Safety First: Entering an ice cave without a tour guide is a strict no-go. Why? Safety is paramount. The ever-shifting ice formations, the unpredictable nature of caves, and the potential risks involved make it crucial to have an expert by your side.
Legal Restrictions: Beyond safety, there are legal considerations. Many ice caves in Iceland are protected areas, and entering without a licensed guide is not just unsafe; it's against the rules. Booking a guide ensures that you're not only making the responsible choice but also adhering to the law.
The Guide Knows Best: Navigating the Icy Terrain:
Local Knowledge: Ice caves are not uniform. They come in different shapes, sizes, and complexities. A local guide knows the nuances of the area, including the best caves to explore based on current conditions. Their familiarity with the ever-changing ice formations ensures you get the most out of your experience.
Weather Wisdom: Iceland's weather can be unforgiving, even in the most breathtaking settings. A seasoned guide has an intimate understanding of the climate patterns, ensuring that your elopement isn't derailed by unexpected weather changes. They can adapt and modify plans to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
Ensuring a Safe Experience:
Ice Cave Dynamics: Ice caves are not static. They evolve, shift, and transform. A guide's knowledge of these dynamics ensures that you explore the cave safely, avoiding potential hazards and making the most of the stunning surroundings.
Emergency Preparedness: What if the unexpected happens? A professional guide is trained in emergency procedures, from first aid to evacuation plans. Your safety is their priority, and having someone with the expertise to handle unforeseen situations adds an extra layer of reassurance to your elopement experience.
Why DIY Isn't the Way to Go:
Risk of Collapse: Ice caves are natural formations, and their structural integrity can be unpredictable. Without a guide's assessment of the cave's stability, there's an increased risk of collapse or other hazards that could jeopardize your safety.
Environmental Impact: Iceland's pristine landscapes are delicate and unguided exploration can lead to unintentional harm. A guide follows responsible practices, ensuring minimal impact on the environment and the preservation of these natural wonders for future generations.
Choosing the Right Guide:
Licensed and Certified: When booking an ice cave tour guide, prioritize licensed and certified professionals. This guarantees that they have the training and expertise needed to navigate the unique challenges of ice cave exploration.
Reputation Matters: Research and choose a guide with a solid reputation. Reviews and testimonials from previous clients can offer insights into their professionalism, safety practices, and the overall quality of the experience they provide.
Iceland elopement vendors
Hair and makeup: Asthildur
Florist: Thordis
Videographer: Kaco Films
Grooms suit: R. Douglas Custom Clothier
Wedding dress: Berta
Tour by: Iceland luxury tours
Guide: Sigurdur from South coast adventures
Hotel: hotel Kria
Iceland elopement videographer
I couldn’t help myself not sharing Kaco Films’ work on capturing Lauren & Daves's elopement day and pre-wedding day into the film. Make sure to have a look and get inspired by winter elopements in Iceland!
