8 reasons why you should elope in Iceland.
Have you been thinking about different options where to get married but haven't really found yet the best option for you? Here are reasons why you should consider eloping in Iceland.
1. You've got amazing ceremony and wedding portrait options for your elopement in Iceland
Iceland is full of beautiful and breathtaking landscape options and no wonder it's called the "land of fire and ice". There are waterfalls, lava fields, craters, icebergs, mountains, etc. Iceland offers many different spots to elope and in a short distance, the landscape can change a lot. This brings so many beautiful and outstanding pictures to your wedding photos!
2. Enjoy untouched lands.
One of the reasons Iceland's lands are so beautiful and raw is that it’s still untouched by humans in many places and you can still find spots where the tourism hasn’t made damage.
3. Iceland has clear marriage requirements to get married.
One of the most asked questions is: can a foreigner get married in Iceland? The answer is yes. However, there are some laws on getting married there and paperwork to be filled. So what do you need to know if you want to elope in Iceland? You and your partner need to be at least 18 years old. If your partner has been married before, you need to deliver divorce papers.
The documents are good to submit around 3-4 weeks before your big day and you can email them. Even if you send them by email you still need to hand the originals in person.
The documents you need to have and send them 3-4 weeks before the wedding.
Marriage notification from Hjónavígsluskýrsla District of Magistrate in Reykjavík. This form needs to be filled out and signed by both of you plus two witnesses ( I have been sometimes as one!)
“Notifications of marriage ceremonies are received from heads of religious associations or their representatives, priests or district commissioners to be registered in the National Registry” is written on the Iceland registry website.
Birth certificates of both parties attach with the Marriage application form. Originals can be returned after the wedding ceremony.
Only originals or officially authorized (stamp or seal) accepted.
Certificate of marital status, that needs to be issued within 8 weeks prior to the wedding date. This document is also referred to as a CNI or "no impediments" in some countries
A divorce decree, if either party is divorced. If the bride/groom is a widower, a document detailing the estate of the deceased has been divided/finalized.
Valid passports of both parties and possible visas. You can check from here if you will be needing a visa. This is super important so you can officially stay in the country and get married.
Airline ticket (showing entry/exit of the country)
Passport copy of trustworthy person 1
Passport copy of trustworthy person 2
If documents do not arrive within this time frame, the marriage is considered cancelled.
Also:
All documents must be handed in as the original paperwork and not a photocopy.
Your birth certificates and other original certificates handed in can be picked up after the wedding ceremony.
After the ceremony, it is possible to obtain your marriage certificate in English.
4. Same-sex marriage in Iceland.
Same-sex marriages have been allowed in Iceland since 2010 and the LGBTQ+ culture in Iceland is thriving. Iceland was one of the first countries that allowed same-sex marriage. Many same-sex couples travel to Iceland to get married since getting married in their home countries isn't allowed.
5. Northern lights.
Iceland is one of the rare countries where you can also witness the northern lights. From September till early April is a good chance to see them and as a tip: it’s good to see them outside of Reykjavik’s and other town lights.
6. The sun never sets in summer.
On June 21 midnight sun phanenom is one to witness. The sun doesn’t go down at all. In other times of the summer, the sun will be down for max 3 hours and then will come back up.
7. Iceland’s food is fresh and pure.
Iceland’s food is always made fresh and common food is lamb, fish, and lobsters. The water is always drinkable from the water taps.
8. Activities you can do on your elopement day.
Everything from ice cave exploring, kayaking around glaciers, taking a hike to a volcano, horseback riding in the highlands, taking a helicopter ride to a location that can’t be otherwise entered, snowmobile on glaciers and so many more things to do! The activity on your elopement day doesn’t need to be extreme activity, you can enjoy a picnic after your ceremony or visit natural hot springs.
Best Iceland elopement locations.
Highlands of Iceland.
Robyn & Nick’s elopement in the highlands of Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
Izzy & Stephens elopement at Seljalandsfoss
Phyllis & Christians elopement at Seljalandsfoss.
Kvernufoss waterfall
Kealey & Preston’s elopement at Kvernufoss.