HIGHLANDS ELOPEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Highlands elopement photography in Iceland.

Iceland is a special country that offers an exciting adventure for experienced travellers. Eloping in the highlands can be a good option to make your elopement in Iceland more interesting. However, how are you going to do it and how much would it cost? In this article, I'll present some essential information about eloping in Iceland and I will also advise you on why you should maybe hire a guide to access some locations.

What to expect from eloping in the highlands of Iceland.

You simply can’t go wrong with eloping in the highlands. Iceland's highlands are a starkly beautiful and wild land. The views are breathtaking and they tend to inspire the romantic spirit. I can hardly think of a more perfect place to elope with a loved one. The photo opportunities are endless and even the act of getting to your feet-on-the-ground wedding site will be memorable.

If you want to elope in Iceland, then you must know by now that it is just not about a beautiful ceremony and party in Iceland. It’s about finding the perfect place for an unforgettable experience. And it shouldn’t be a giant wedding that lasts for days, but the bride and groom have to have time to share this special experience with their loved ones too. So, let’s see what options there are for you and how you can make your elopement in Iceland worth remembering.

What to know about eloping in the highlands.

  1. The Highlands are known for being one of the last untouched natural landscapes in Europe. The dramatic volcanic landscapes are coordinated by an extensive network of hiking trails which lead you through the lava fields. The popular Ring Road (Route 1) circles the edge of Iceland because the highlands are inaccessible for most of the year.

2. To access the highlands, you need to have a 4x4 car. Without that car type, it’s impossible to get to the highlands and it’s also illegal to drive the F-roads without the right car type.

3. Amazing locations to visit in the highlands: Landmannalaugar, Hveradalir, Kerlingarfjöll, Thorsmörk.

4. Some locations do need access with very experienced drivers. For example accessing Thorsmörk, you need to cross over a river. This river is known for busses to get stuck in it.

What to wear in your highlands elopement in Iceland.

Tips for wedding dress and attire.

  • The long-sleeved wedding dress doesn’t only keep arms warm but also hides skin redness from the cold.

  • Layers and a waterproof jacket are the keys.

  • For attire, good materials are tweed or wool because they are from heavier materials.

  • Forget your high heels. Seriously I mean it. If you're planning to have your wedding portraits taken in the highlands don’t wear high heels.


Highlands elopement inspiration.

Read about Anna& Patrick’s elopement story.

Plan out the details for your highlands elopement in Iceland.

  • There are multiple ways to do your elopement ceremony as there are places to get married.

    Just us. This is usually what elopement ceremonies are all about: just you two there and all the moments will be shared by you two. No guests or family members there. The ceremony is still official for you to get legally married.

    Intimate ceremony. This is usually used in the meaning that in the ceremony there can be your parents, siblings or only your best friends involved. If you feel nervous about sharing your vows with your partner in front of your family, you can have a separate moment where you share them and then the moment where your family attends.

    Symbolic marriage. The simplest way to get married. Eloping can happen anywhere. A symbolic ceremony is in most places not legally recognized so you will be needing an officiant to officiate you as a married couple.

    Civil ceremony. Usually happens in a courthouse and you will sign the register. You will mostly need witnesses (usually two) to sign the register also.

    Religious ceremony. If you wish to have a religious ceremony abroad, it’s good to start by contacting your local with necessary requirements. They can have recommendations of the church to get married in.

    Hand-fasting. It's an ancient Irish tradition, where the couple's hands are tied together as a symbol of their union. The celebrant ties the couple’s hands together with several ribbons.

    Unity ceremony: are symbols of the choice you're making to merge your life with your partner. There can be unity candles, planting a tree together, combining two different drinks into one.

  • Warm hiking boots and coat, layers, extra socks, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, Legal documents and others to have your elopement happen legally in Iceland, wedding rings, vows, snacks, the medication you might be needing, wedding flowers, tissues

  • Visting the highlands is mostly a summer activity. The F-roads open in June or July depending how the snow has melt.

Where to stay at your highlands elopement.

Accommodations that are close to highlands

Icelandair Hótel Flúðir

Afternoon Cottages

The Highland Center Hrauneyjar

Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort

Hi, I’m Lisa! Elopement photographer in Iceland.

The fresh air. The hush of silence that can only be heard in nature. That is how it feels to get married in Iceland. You feel a connection with nature as it embraces you and your loved ones. I absolutely love elopements and The highlands are my all-time favourite place. You will have a new Icelandic friend who will make your day an unforgettable experience and help you craft it according to your values and needs. I will do the location scouting for you, create a timeline for your day and show you the local secrets of Iceland.

Ok, it’s time to make your Iceland elopement come true!

Get in touch.

McWhirter elopements

+3546596405

lisa@mcwhirterelopements.com

Iceland elopement photographer

Yes, we are LGBTQ+ friendly and proudly support Black Lives Matter. Eloping is for everyone!

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Thank you so much for thinking about us! We can’t wait to meet you!