McWhirter elopements

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Iceland elopement planning do and dont’s.

Planning an elopement to another can be very exciting, overwhelming and at the same you can feel a bit lost on how to get the most out of your Iceland elopement planning. We put together a guide with everything you need to know before you arrive in Iceland so that you can make the most of your time here!

We want to give you the best elopement experience in Iceland, so we are here to help you plan the most memorable day. With our expert local guides, we will make sure that you will have a story to tell for the rest of your lives in this beautiful country.

Top 3 on what to do with your Iceland elopement planning.


Planning an elopement in Iceland is an unforgettable experience. We know that you’re going to want to enjoy every second of your big day, so we’re sharing our top 3 tips for planning a stress-free elopement.

  1. Decide the time of the year and the region you would get married in.

    All seasons in Iceland are excellent to get married in but if you want to know which season would suit you the best, check the blog post “What is the best time to elope in Iceland.” When you decide the region you will be getting married to (even south or north), this will help in planning the logistics for your day and also in choosing the locations. Before narrowing down to the regions, it comes down to what you want to experience in your day and possible activities for your day. The time of the year also affects it, for example, the highlands will be closed from the earliest in September and open up earliest at end of June. The most accessible places to visit during winter time are usually the Capital region, Snaefellsnes peninsula and South Iceland. Other parts of Iceland (East, North) can be also accessed but it also depends on the possible winter storms and the amount of snow on the roads.

  2. What is your budget for your elopement?

    Budget planning for your Iceland adventure is very important. The worst thing that can happen is that you will suddenly run out of money and you wouldn’t be able to have your elopement day in Iceland or you would even need to cut out the activities you wanted to have or even vendors to have your elopement happen.

  3. Do keep your planning realistic.

    When we talk about eloping in Iceland, you can have everything going as planned on your day or you need to postpone things for a couple of days because of a storm alert. It’s always hard to predict what Iceland will offer each day. Be prepared that there can be sudden changes on your elopement day.


Top 3 on what not to do with your Iceland elopement planning.

When heading to Iceland for your elopement, these are some of the mistakes that eloping couples make. While some may seem minor and others quite obvious, if you avoid making them, it can save a lot of time, a lot of stress and money as well! I am going to share with you my top three things not to do while planning your elopement in Iceland :

  1. Rushing around with your timeline.

    I get it, you are finally in Iceland and you want to see everything and have many locations on your elopement day. But if you do rush from location to location, are you able to enjoy the day? It can be quite stressful if you plan too many locations for your day and if for example, a storm comes and you need to cut down locations or you will fall behind the timeline. Your day is about really enjoying each other and the surroundings around you.

  2. Don’t feel guilty about eloping.

    If you are telling your family you will be eloping and it will be just the two of you, there can be some hiccups on the way. Never feel guilty that you are going to elope. How the two of you say “I do” really matters.

  3. DON’T treat your elopement as ‘lesser’ than any other wedding.

    An elopement should be given all the time, love and attention as a traditional wedding. Create a day that is out of the ordinary, fun and memorable for you and your partner. Elopements are all about CHOICE: celebrate in whatever way feels right for YOU.

More helpful Iceland elopement planning guides:

How to plan elopement ceremony

Choosing a location for your elopement

What is required to get married in Iceland

Elopement planning legalities to consider

A timeline for your elopement

Top 15 questions on eloping in Iceland answered.

Winter elopements in Iceland: what you need to know

Summer elopements in Iceland: what you need to know

Your Iceland elopement outfit