The only storm on Iceland elopement day guide you'll ever need.
Elopements and Weather: Preparing for the Unexpected.
Elopements in Iceland are a once-in-a-lifetime event that couples want to cherish and remember for the rest of their lives. When you decide to elope in Iceland there is one big thing you need to be aware of; the storms in Iceland and how they can affect your elopement day. While it’s not something anyone wants to think about, it’s important to have a plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
The stormy weather in Iceland is mostly during wintertime when dangerous snowstorms can hit the country. Also spring and autumn can hold some crazy wind and rain when it’s not safe to go outside. So what is there to do if a storm hits on your Iceland elopement day?
Read this guide below and learn how to prepare for your Iceland elopement day if a storm hits with a couple of days of notice.
Things not to do on your Iceland elopement day when the storm is out:
Never ever disrespect the storm alerts when they tell you to adjust or cancel your travel plans. In Iceland, those alerts that only give you the option to cancel your travel plans and stay where you are is to keep you alive. That’s just how crazy the storms in Iceland can be. During those alerts, the roads will be closed and the local rescue teams will be making sure they are being kept closed as long as they need to be and to keep the tourist on not continuing their journey. Storms in Iceland can be so strong that they can even blow out buses off the roads.
Do not go for a short walk around your accommodation or to the nearest food store if the alert is to stay indoors. The cold wind can hit you pretty badly.
Here are video examples of Iceland’s storms and how crazy they can get:
Weather alerts in Iceland.
The storm alerts in Iceland are put into three different colours: green, orange, and red. Green means no storms and you've got to travel and have your elopement day in Iceland. Orange means that there are strong winds and the weather can be dangerous. Usually, during orange weather alerts, they suggest adjusting your travel plans. When they give you a red alert that means a state of emergency; cancel your plans for the day and stay indoors.
Weather alerts are given usually from 4-2 days before the day and sometimes there has been a situation of getting them a day before.
You can check weather alerts by checking from these places:
You can also download them as an app to your mobile phone.
What to do if there's a big storm on your elopement day in Iceland
Have a Backup Plan
The first thing you should do when planning an elopement to Iceland is to have a backup plan and you have to have it. This could mean having a day or two as backup days for your elopement day or having an indoor ceremony if you wish to have your elopement day happening on its actual day.
Talk to your Iceland elopement photographer and other vendors about what options are available to you. Make sure that you have a clear plan in place and that everyone involved knows what to do if the weather turns bad.
If the storm alert appears a couple of days before your elopement day, you need to make the decision on whether will you postpone your day or move it to the area that doesn’t have the storm. For example, if you have planned to have your elopement day in South Iceland, you might want to consider to have at an area close to Reykjavik or to the western part of Iceland if there are weather alerts in the South.
Keep Your Guests Informed
If there is a possibility of a big storm on your elopement day and you will be having guests on your day, keep your guests informed about any changes to the schedule or location. Send out a message or have a phone call with updates on the weather and any backup plans you have in place. You can also consider setting up a phone tree or social media group so that guests can easily stay up-to-date on any changes.
Breathe and enjoy the day.
Lastly, it is important to stay calm and enjoy the day, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Remember that the day is about celebrating the love between you and your partner, and nothing can take that away. Stay positive and make the best of the situation.
In conclusion, while bad weather is not something anyone wants to think about on their elopement day, it is important to be prepared. Have a backup plan in place, communicate with your guests, and stay positive. With these precautions, you can ensure that your special day is a memorable one, regardless of the weather.
Remember that the weather is out of your control and that you have done everything you can to prepare.
If the storm doesn’t allow you to leave your accommodation.
Make sure you have enough food
Check what happens if the electricity is cut out (this can happen during winter storms)
If you are having guests, make sure they are aware of the storm situation your day has been moved and they also stay indoors.
In conclusion, while no one wants to think about a big storm on their elopement day, it’s important to have a plan in place just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Have a backup plan, keep your possible guests informed, and stay positive.
With these tips, you can still have a beautiful and memorable elopement day, no matter what the weather brings.
See you in Iceland!