Looking to elope in Iceland? Find answers to your questions here.
The most asked questions from couples that have eloped in Iceland.
Since you have clicked to read this blog post, you might be considering eloping in Iceland and searching for information on how to do it. Eloping in Iceland has become a popular choice who have decided that getting married in the traditional way in their home country is not an option for them.
For this blog post, I did background work with the eloping couples I have helped to elope in Iceland. So you have here real questions that couples have asked regarding eloping in Iceland or regarding the worries they have had.
Read through the top 10 questions couples have asked about getting married in Iceland and having their elopement day.
How do we prepare the timeline for our elopement day?
This is one of the things I will be helping you with. Once you have chosen in what region of Iceland you will be getting married, selected in which spot your ceremony will be and other locations for your pictures or having a special activity for your elopement day, I will be sending a questionnaire regarding the timing and logistics. The questions are for example;
“Do you prefer having your ceremony as the first thing of your day or after adventuring all day, have it as the last thing?”
Based on your answers and the time we have agreed on when the photography would be starting, I will create timeline suggestions which we will go through together and you will see for example how much time is good to prepare to have while travelling from location x to z and so on.
So the timeline preparation will be done by me based on the photography hours you have booked me and also on how we will plan your day to be focused on.
Do we have a backup day if the weather is bad, how do you split your photography hours?
Yes, I always advice having a plan B and C incase bad weather happens or anything else happens that we need to split your elopement day for the day after. If there is too much rain or snowstorm in the locations where you wish to spend your day, I will ensure you will still have me as your elopement photographer even if we need to change the date of your elopement because of the sudden weather change or we need to split your day for the next day.
About splitting the photography hours: for example, if you have chosen the eight hours package and suddenly there is such a huge change in the weather, that we would need to call it a day (and you have only had your day photographed for 5 hours), we can capture the remaining hours on the next day.
I’m worried there will be too many people in a location where we want to have our ceremony. What can we do?
I completely understand your concern about having too many people in the location you've chosen for your ceremony. Ensuring that your special moment remains intimate and meaningful is essential, and there are several strategies we can consider to address this situation:
) Off-Peak Timing: Consider scheduling your ceremony during off-peak hours, when the location is likely to be less crowded. Early mornings or late evenings might offer a more private and serene atmosphere.
Consider more private locations away from the tourist crowds: Even though Reynisfraja and Skogafoss are magical places to visit, they are also heavily over run with tour companies. If you really want to have privacy on your day and want to explore Iceland, consider booking a private tour guide for your day and have access to locations where you can’t get with a regular car.
Professional guidance: Book your free consultation call after filling out my contact form and I will provide you with insights and suggestions for the best sports and times for the ceremony.
Inform Your Guests: If you're concerned about onlookers or passersby, consider informing your guests about the location's potential popularity and requesting their cooperation in maintaining the privacy of your ceremony.
I’m concerned we won’t have enough time to get the pictures we really hope to have.
Your elopement day is a significant milestone, and it's natural to want to treasure every moment through photographs. I want to assure you that I'm dedicated to working closely with you to ensure we have the time needed to capture the images that truly matter to you.
To address this concern, here's how we can work together:
Customized Timeline: Let's collaborate on creating a detailed timeline for your day. This will help us allocate specific time slots for different types of photos, ensuring that we cover all your desired shots.
Prioritized Shot List: Share with me your 'must-have' photo list. This will help me understand which images hold the most sentimental value to you, and I'll make sure we allocate ample time for those.
Efficient Planning: I'm experienced in managing photography sessions efficiently without sacrificing quality. We can plan transitions between different photo setups seamlessly, making the most of our time together.
Candid Moments: While posed photos are important, candid moments often capture genuine emotions. I'll be discreetly capturing these throughout the day, adding depth and authenticity to your album.
Communication: Open communication is key. If you feel that we're falling behind schedule, don't hesitate to let me know. We can adjust accordingly to ensure we cover everything on your list.
Remember, my goal is to provide you with a collection of photographs that capture the essence and emotion of your day. I'm here to support you every step of the way, and together we'll work to create a photography plan that ensures we capture the moments you'll cherish forever.
Do you know an officiant who would hike with us to our ceremony locations or if we plan to have our ceremony in an ice cave?
Yes, I do! I work with a brilliant officiant/celebrant who with I have adventures with hiking elopements, on the glaciers, by waterfalls and on black sand beaches. And we are having ceremonies inside ice caves!
Do we need to drive immediately back to Reykjavik after our ceremony for our marriage licence?
No, you don’t. If you're getting officially married in Iceland, you can have your honeymoon started in Iceland right after your ceremony and pick it up before you leave the country. Please make sure to share your travel plans with your officiant or priest in order to talk about how you can get your marriage licence.
How should we pre-plan for Iceland weather?
Planning for the weather in Iceland is crucial, as it can be quite unpredictable. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you pre-plan for the Icelandic weather on your elopement day:
Research Average Conditions: Start by researching the typical weather conditions for the time of year you're planning your elopement. Iceland's weather can vary significantly from season to season.
Layered Attire: Opt for layered clothing that can be easily adjusted based on the temperature. This allows you to add or remove layers as needed.
Waterproof Outerwear: Regardless of the season, having waterproof and windproof outerwear is essential. This includes waterproof jackets, pants, and even footwear. Rain and unexpected weather changes are common.
Warm Accessories: Don't forget warm accessories like gloves, scarves, and hats. These items can make a big difference in keeping you comfortable.
Plan B: Always have a backup plan for your ceremony location in case of extreme weather conditions. This could be an indoor venue or a more sheltered outdoor spot.
Weather Apps: Keep a weather app handy to monitor real-time conditions. But remember, Icelandic weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden shifts.
Stay Flexible: Embrace the adventurous spirit of Iceland by staying flexible with your plans. If the weather turns challenging, consider adjusting your itinerary or exploring alternative locations.
Guest Comfort: If you have guests attending your elopement, ensure they're also well-prepared for the weather. Provide them with similar tips and suggestions.
Emergency Supplies: Pack emergency supplies like snacks, water and any necessary medications. It's always better to be over-prepared.
Remember that Iceland's unique landscapes and stunning beauty often come with the price of unpredictable weather. By planning ahead and being well-prepared, you'll be better equipped to embrace the elements and have a memorable elopement day regardless of the weather.
We don’t want to feel rushed for time and really want to enjoy our experience.
Here are some tips on how we can make this happen on your elopement day:
Extended Timeline: Let's collaborate on creating a well-paced timeline that gives you ample time to enjoy each moment. This includes time for getting ready, capturing photos, and embracing the atmosphere of your chosen location.
Breaks in the Schedule: Incorporate breaks in the schedule where you can pause, reflect, and enjoy the moment. This can also give you a chance to catch your breath and soak in the surroundings.
Meaningful Activities: Infuse the day with activities that hold significance for you as a couple. Whether it's sharing personal vows, taking a leisurely stroll, or enjoying a quiet moment together, these moments can add depth to your experience.
Prioritize What Matters: Identify the aspects of your elopement that hold the most importance to you. This will help you focus on those moments and not get caught up in unnecessary details.
Breathe and Be Present: Throughout the day, take moments to pause, take a deep breath, and truly be present. Mindfulness can help you absorb every emotion and memory.
Trust in the Moment: Embrace the spontaneity of the day. Unexpected moments often become the most cherished memories.
Remember, your elopement is about celebrating your love story and creating lasting memories. By approaching the day with a mindset of relaxation and joy, you'll create an experience that you'll look back on with happiness and fondness.
How can we relax on being in front of the camera?
Feeling relaxed in front of the camera is a common concern for many couples. Here are some tips to help you feel more at ease and natural during your photo sessions:
Meet and Connect: Schedule a meeting or video call with your photographer before the wedding. This helps build a connection and familiarity, making it easier to be yourself in front of the camera. Check if you can meet your photographer the day before. When it comes to elopements outside of Reykjavik, I always try to meet my couple a day before their elopement.
Movement and Action: Incorporate movement into your photos, like walking hand in hand or dancing. This can help distract from camera nerves and create dynamic shots.
Take Breaks: If you start feeling nervous, don't hesitate to ask for a short break. Use this time to relax, take deep breaths, and regroup.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, visualization, or mindfulness exercises can help calm your nerves before and during the session.
Focus on the Moment: Rather than worrying about how you look, focus on the significance of the moment. Your photos will capture the emotions and memories of your special day.
We’re planning to get officially married in Iceland. My concern is whether will we have enough time to submit the paperwork.
I understand completely that this is a big concern for you. When you planning to get married in another country, knowing the timeline for when to submit the paperwork is important. You can talk with your officiant/celebrant about when to submit the papers and most importantly, when you going through on what documents you need, make sure to check with the offices how long the wait times are on getting a certain document.
Read from HERE on what documents you need to officially get married in Iceland.