Best waterfalls for elopement in Iceland
Imagine a waterfall flowing between frosty mountains. The waterfall roars above you and the ground shakes with each burst of water, but the spray makes it feel like it is all nothing but mist. You are dressed either in your wedding dress or in a suit. An officiant is standing before you. You are exchanging your vows on top of this majestic natural wonder and about to get married. Iceland is one of the most popular destinations for romantic elopement. The rugged landscapes and unspoiled nature are the perfect backdrops for your special day.
There are over 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland, but they all have something in common: their beauty. Some of Iceland's waterfalls have become so popular there's hardly a need to search for others. The list below however contains some of the lesser-known and most beautiful destinations for elopement.
The list below is my favourite list as a photographer.
Iceland’s best waterfalls for elopements.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of Iceland's major tourist attractions. Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall that can be fully encircled, dropping 60 meters (200 feet) in height. It is quite spectacular. Imagine standing behind a waterfall. That's what you get when visiting Seljalandsfoss in Iceland. This Icelandic waterfall should be on the top of every travel list and bucket list. It's beautiful, fascinating and full of adventure.
Situated in the south of Iceland, it is a popular tourist attraction and is pictured in many brochures. This waterfall is an easy walk from the parking lot and you don’t need to worry about taking your car down a bumpy trail to see it (other waterfalls in Iceland may require that). It is said that the waterfalls got their name when an old outlaw hid in a cave behind them. After being caught and arrested, he swore revenge. Soon after he was released he came back to the Skógafoss with shackles on his feet. After chaining himself to the very same rock from which he had been freed, the waters began to rise. In an act of remorse, the old man drowned himself and it is said his ghost still haunts the waterfall.
Dettifoss is a waterfall located in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland. It is one of the most visited falls in Iceland and has been described as the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. The name Dettifoss means something like “the collapsing waterfall”.
If you're planning to get married in Iceland, you might want to consider Goðafoss waterfall. Even it’s located in the North of Iceland (45 minutes drive from Iceland's second-largest city, Akureyri) you can get to Akureyri by flying and it’s a location you won’t forget.
The knowledge of Gljúfrafoss waterfall has grown in the last years and more people have been visiting it, even it’s still one of the best-kept secrets in Iceland. Located in South Iceland, close to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, to visit the waterfall you must enter a narrow canyon where the waterfall is. The access is not always doable depending on how much the water is coming down since you have to walk by the river made by the waterfall.
Öxarárfoss is a waterfall in Þingvellir National Park, Iceland. It flows from the river Öxará over the Almannagjá. The pool at the base of the waterfall is filled with rocks and is often extremely icy during winter.
Very close to Skogafoss is this absolutely beautiful hidden gem waterfall which is a lot overlooked by the visitors in South Iceland. During summertime you can walk behind it but don’t do it during winter when there is snow and ice, you might fall and slip straight to the waterfall.
Hjálparfoss is one of several waterfalls in the south of Iceland situated in the lava fields north of the stratovolcano Hekla near the point where the rivers Fossá and Þjórsá join together.
Fagrifoss is an awe-inspiring waterfall situated in Southeast Iceland near the Lakagígar region. Fagrifoss is located along the 4x4 road F206 approximately 24 km (15 mi) from Kirkjubæjarklaustur and 40 km (25 mi) from Laki. Access to the waterfall requires the crossing of a river ford, for which a 4x4 vehicle is needed. There are no track drives or any marked paths so it's very important you have local knowledge before going there.
Hengifoss is the third-highest waterfall in Iceland, 128 meters. It is located in Hengifossá in Fljótsdalshreppur, East Iceland. It is surrounded by basaltic strata with thin, red layers of clay between the basaltic layers.
Iceland waterfall elopements inspiration
Elopement at Seljalandsfoss | Michelle + Alex
Michelle & Alex had their elopement ceremony at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most visited waterfalls. Read more about the elopement in Iceland here.
Elopement at Hjálparfoss | Robyn + Nick
Robyn and Nick exchanged their rings and vows at Hjálparfoss waterfall and continued their wedding day in the magical highlands. Read more about their elopement in Iceland here.
Elopement at Kvernufoss | Kealey + Preston
Kealey and Preston eloped by the Kvernufoss waterfall in South Iceland. After their ceremony, they exchanged gifts and read letters from their loved ones. Read more about their elopement in Iceland here.