Highlands of Iceland elopement planning guide
Are you aware that there is a huge area in Iceland that is away from massive tourist spots and where you can have much more privacy in your ceremony and completely enjoy the untouched lands? Is hiking close to your heart or are you ready to hike for landscapes that will just drop your jaw? In this blog post, you will get to know this area known as the Highlands of Iceland.
The Highlands do cover most of Iceland's interior land and it’s known for its uninhabitable volcanic desert and its most outstanding and beautiful mountains in the country!
The Highlands are also an area in Iceland where there are no towns or villages, but this is the area the nature is raw and wild.
In this guide you will learn about:
Planning your trip to Highlands
Locations in Hihglands,
Cool activities to do on your elopement day in Highlands
Planning your elopement to the Highlands of Iceland.
How to get to the Highlands
You can get to the Highlands from the south, east, north and west. Road 1, more commonly known as the Ring road goes around the Highlands since it would be hard to cut through the mountains in the Highlands. The roads to the Highlands are F-roads and that does require a 4x4 car. Depending on the road you will choose, some roads do have deep river crossings and for that, you would be needing even a jeep! Any smaller cars would not make the river crossings and camper vans have no chance to go through an F-road. The roads are gravelly.
Remember to fill up the car before leaving for the Highlands. There are no petrol or gas stations in the Highlands.
When to visit the Highlands
The Highlands are only open during summertime. The opening of the Highlands can change each year, depending on how the snow has melted. The closing of the Highlands depends also on how the winter will start. Only a couple of tour companies have permission to operate in the Highlands during wintertime.
If you are considering seeing the snowy landscape of the Highlands, you need to book a tour company that has the right super jeep and experience of the Highlands in the winter. Do not enter the Highlands on your own during wintertime!
How to get married in the Highlands in Iceland.
Marriage laws in Iceland
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.
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.
The birth certificates of both parties are attached to the Marriage application form. Originals can be returned after the wedding ceremony.
Only originals or officially authorized (stamp or seal) are 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 timeframe, the marriage is considered canceled.
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.
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.
If you are planning to get officially married in the Highlands, please make sure that your officiant, celebrant or priest can travel or hike to the specific location you have in mind.
Locations for your Highlands elopement in Iceland.
Iceland's highland is the top jam of the most outstanding land parts in the country! Some of these locations don’t even require hiking but be ready to do a bit more driving. It’s going to be worth it!
Accommodation for your Highlands elopement in Iceland.
Activities to do at your Highlands elopement.
Snowmobiling
Hiking
Helicopter ride
Enjoy natural hot springs
Super jeeps tours
Hiking mountain Hekla
What to pack for your Iceland Highlands elopement.
Icelands Highlands is really a land of outdoor activity and adventure. What to pack for your Iceland elopement that will be held in the Highlands?
Energy bars
Plenty of layers
Waterproof hiking boots
Headlamps
Warm, windproof and rainproof coat
Good and warm socks that fit with hiking boots
Gloves and scarf (the wind can be quite cold)
Reusable water bottle: in Iceland, you can drink the water anywhere, it’s safe.
Sleeping bag (if you planning to camp in the Highlands, remember you can only camp in the official camping areas)
Makeup bags and hygiene products
Medication (if you need one)
Travel emergency kit (bandaids etc)
Legal documents and paperwork to have your elopement come legal
Wedding rings
Your vows
Wedding dress and suit
Flowers
Travel mirror
Do you want to have a head-start on your special day in Iceland? Schedule a free consultation call below.
Step 1: Find a spot in the calendar and book the call. It will be on Google Meet.
Step 2: Check your email as I will reply within 24 hours.
Step 3: Bring your ideas and questions to the online call and let’s make a plan. These calls typically last 45 minutes, so book time into your calendar.
