Spontaneous Decision to Elope in Iceland.

When Phyllis and Christian first reached out for a couple's photography session, little did they know their plans would take an unexpected turn, leading to a straightforward yet unforgettable elopement day in the stunning landscapes of Iceland. Here's a no-frills account of how their day unfolded, featuring hot drinks from Skool Beans, a private black sand beach exploration, and tying the knot by the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Phyllis and Christian contacted me at the start of summer 2021. They had planned to travel from California to Denmark and from there visit Iceland for a while. Suddenly during our consultation meeting, they looked at each other:

“Should we officially get married in Iceland?”

And that is how great adventures are born!

Phyllis and Christian, known for their practical approach to life, saw an opportunity to make their time in Iceland more meaningful. The decision to elope wasn't fueled by grand gestures but by a desire to turn a casual photography session into a significant and memorable milestone.

Cosy Coffee Start at Skool Beans for the elopement day.

We started their day at their cabin close to Seljalandsfoss waterfall where they would be getting married by the end of the day. The cabin was so beautiful with its unique wall texture that I photographed a couple of getting-ready images and took photos of Phyllis & Christian.

We headed to Vik, where we stopped to get some coffee at Skool Beans and were honoured to be greeted by the owner Jeffrey the cat. Skool Beans, a quaint local spot, provided a cosy start to their day. Instead of extravagant preparations, they opted for a warm cup of coffee, immersing themselves in the local flavours and embracing the simplicity of Icelandic life.

Private Black Sand Beach Exploration for the elopement photos.

One of the highlights of Phyllis and Christian's elopement day was having an entire black sand beach to themselves. Choosing a less-travelled black sand beach allowed the couple to enjoy the serenity of their surroundings without the usual crowds. The vast stretch of dark sand and crashing waves created a private and intimate atmosphere.

Intimate Ceremony at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

Phyllis & Christian eloped next to one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland: Seljalandsfoss. Having a private ceremony there needs a lot of preparation: picking up your time is one of them. Some of the tour companies do bring tour busses already at 8 am to the waterfall but there are fewer towards evening. Phyllis & Christian had picked evening time when there were luckily fewer people around and were able to say their vows in private and get married,

Seljalandsfoss, with its cascading waters and awe-inspiring height, provided a majestic backdrop for the couple's official wedding ceremony. The choice of location wasn't based on tradition but on the sheer beauty and power of the natural world. The absence of a crowd allowed Phyllis and Christian to focus solely on each other and the significance of the moment. Their decision to keep the ceremony private highlighted the personal nature of their elopement, steering away from the spectacle of a traditional wedding.

Phyllis and Christian's elopement day in Iceland was a testament to simplicity, practicality, and the beauty found in the unfiltered moments of life. From a spontaneous decision during a consultation call to hot drinks from Skool Beans, a private black sand beach exploration, and exchanging vows by Seljalandsfoss, their choices were driven by a desire for genuine experiences rather than conforming to conventional expectations. Their elopement day, marked by simplicity and authenticity, stands as a reminder that a meaningful celebration doesn't require grand gestures – just the right choices for the right reasons.

Wedding vendors for the elopement day:

Flowers: Thordis

Celebrant: Icelandcelebrant

Coffee place: Skool beans

Ready to plan your own Iceland elopement?