There is a big misconception that elopements are supposed to last for only a couple of hours or you couldn’t include anything extra besides your ceremony and wedding pictures were taken! You can do whatever you want on your elopement day. Let’s repeat together: you can do whatever you want on your elopement day.

For some, it might be enough just to go around and have pictures taken but others might want to have something included especially if you have travelled all the way to Iceland.

I got you covered and listed things you might want to do on your elopement day and make it more special for you.

1. A first look with each other and with your parents.

Nothing gives me more chills than photographing couples’ first look. It’s such an intimate and exciting moment when the couple gets to see each other for the first time in their wedding look. There you are now, all dressed up. Soon to be Mr & Mrs Or Mrs & Mrs or Mr & Mr A first look doesn’t spoil the ceremony moment, it brings a unique moment to connect, feel the excitement with each other, and breathe before having your ceremony. Having a first look also calms the nerves before walking to the ceremony which also is a super exciting and long-awaited moment!

This couple had their families witnessing the first look and it really hit the feelings.

2. Write your wedding vows.

Your own personal written vows are one of the most beautiful moments during a wedding ceremony. What would be more lovely while getting married to get to read your personal vow to your partner and to hear your partner reading their vow to you? Writing your vows might not be the easiest part at all. How could you be telling your partner how you really feel and how it feels to be finally able to say "I do." And how to make sure that the words mean you're about to read and not just words without meaning. It will bring more meaning when you both commit to writing your own vows. Also, make sure from your officiant or minister (if you are having one) that it's okay to read your vows during the ceremony.

3. Celebrate with the first dance.

Yes, you can have your first dance even while you're eloping. Feel like dancing after your ceremony? Do it! Or would you perhaps want to dance while it’s getting darker in a unique venue or spot? To have a moment together while having your dance and to get lost in the moment. So why not celebrate that you got married?

4. Enjoy unique activities in Iceland.

• Husky rides

• Scuba diving

• Ice cave exploring or ice wall climbing

• Enjoy time in the hot pools

• Play your favourite game together

• Hike to get the most epic locations

• Horseback ride

• Take a helicopter to your ceremony location

• Take a cooking class

• Create an anniversary capsule

• Pack for a picnic

• Lava cave tours

• Whale watching

• Snowmobile
  

5. Read some letters or notes from the people you love.

If you want to somehow include your family and close friends in your elopement, you can ask them to write you a letter. Have a private moment after the ceremony to read the letters from your loved ones. This can really be a sweet, intimate, and special moment. It can bring so many laughs and happy tears to your day and this is a beautiful way to keep them part of your day.

6. Unique ideas for your elopement ceremony.

On your elopement day, you just don’t need to say “I do”, exchange rings, and read your vows. Many couples love to have other things included in the ceremony and it’s good to talk about it also with your priest, officiant, or minister so it will be included. Here are some ideas couples love to do:

• Hand-fasting. It's an ancient Irish tradition, where the couple's hands are tied together as a symbol of their union. The celebrant ties the couple’s hands together with several ribbons.

• Unity ceremony: are symbols of the choice you're making to merge your life with your partner. There can be unity candles, planting a tree together, or combining two different drinks into one.

• If one of you is musical, have the one playing an instrument (that is easy to have around) or sing a song.

• Record a message for your future selves: share something you are looking forward to in your marriage, why you want to marry your partner, talk about where you see the two of you in the next 10 years, and tell reasons why you love him/ her. Play it on your first wedding anniversary.

• Live-stream your ceremony for your families.

7. Wear a non-white wedding dress.

Who says a white wedding dress is a must? If white doesn’t fit your character, pick up your favourite colour and have it as your wedding dress. Like I said before: you can do whatever you want on your elopement day.

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.