The Ultimate Iceland Elopement Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Dream Elopement.

Congratulations on deciding or thinking about eloping in Iceland!

Eloping to Iceland has become an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking a unique and breathtaking backdrop for their intimate wedding ceremony. The combination of otherworldly landscapes, stunning natural wonders, and a touch of adventure makes Iceland a dream destination for those looking to celebrate their love in a truly extraordinary way. In this blog post, we'll delve into why Iceland is a top pick for elopements and the crucial role of planning and preparation for a seamless celebration.

Deciding to have an adventure elopement in Iceland is one of the best decisions you can make! The best part about eloping is that you can do whatever you want! Let’s repeat this once again together: you can do whatever you want!

While the allure of an Icelandic elopement is undeniable, the importance of thorough planning and preparation cannot be overstated. A destination elopement involves unique challenges that demand careful consideration and attention to detail.

Firstly, consider the legal requirements. Iceland, like any destination, has specific rules for getting married. Understanding the necessary documentation and legalities well in advance ensures a smooth and stress-free process.

Selecting the perfect location is another critical aspect. Each region in Iceland offers a distinct charm, and couples should carefully choose a setting that resonates with their vision. Obtaining any required permits and ensuring accessibility are crucial steps in the planning process.

Vendor selection is equally vital. Research and communication with local photographers, officiants, and other essential service providers should be done well in advance. This ensures that the professionals involved understand the couple's vision and are prepared to capture the magic of the day.

Planning your elopement, especially to another country might not feel like the easiest task. As a local Iceland elopement photographer, I got you covered. In this blog post, you will get an ultimate checklist to plan your Iceland elopement.

Iceland elopement checklist:

12 months out:

• Decide your elopement date and what time of the year you prefer to get married. If you want to see the highlands of Iceland, they are only open from mid-June till early September. If you want to explore Iceland while it’s wintertime but having still a good amount of daylight, early March can be a good option for you.

• Checking local events or holidays affecting your elopement date.

• Set up your elopement budget: Researching and estimating costs for travel, accommodation, and ceremony

• Check out the legal requirements to get married in Iceland; Understand Icelandic marriage laws and Gather necessary documentation

• Reach out to vendors and talk about what vendors do you need: photographer, videographer, hair and makeup artist, flowers or something else.

• Start to search for your wedding dress. 12 months is the earliest time to hunt for your wedding dress. It can take some time to find the perfect one, make adjustments to it. If you order online, make sure to check how long it takes for your dress to arrive and prepare to have adjustments made for the dress.

• Check when your passport expires. If your U.S citizen, your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of departure to visit Iceland.

• Decide will there be on your day just the two of you or maybe your close family members or close friends.

10 months out

• Plan out your elopement day: what are the things you want to see and experience? What are the locations you want to have in your photos? What are your likes and dislikes for your day? If you can do anything you want to, what would that include?

• Choose your elopement location; Explore different scenic spots in Iceland and obtain necessary permits for specific locations

• Check out your travel insurance.

• Read the blog post: Ideas to make your elopement special and How to have your elopement ceremony.

• Book your car rental and accommodation for lower prices.

6 months out

• A good time to search for the attire or suit.

• Book your flights

• Shop for accessories, cute vow books and other details for your elopement day.

• Considering practical accessories (e.g., warm shawls, comfortable footwear).

3 months out:

• Let your credit card company know you will be travelling abroad. Sometimes credit cards freeze cards if they don’t know you are travelling abroad and you making big card payments (hotel or car rent payments).

• Confirming vendor contracts and details

• Making any necessary adjustments to the plan

• Providing guests with travel information and accommodation details

• Start writing your wedding vows. Check out the blog post: How to write your vows.

1 month out:

• Depending on the time the wedding dress will be delivered, remember to have a dress rehearsal: how to put it on, how to move around with it, how to pick and carry the lace around.

• Creating a checklist of items to bring, including any necessary documents.

• Confirming the day-of timeline

• Assembling a wedding day emergency kit with essentials.

1 week out:

• Do last-minute beauty preparation: hair, nails, lashes.

• Weather Check and Backup Plan: Monitoring weather forecasts for the elopement date and Creating a backup plan in case of adverse weather conditions.

Double-check:

• Passport and documents to travel to Iceland

• Your paperwork to get officially married in Iceland

• Your wedding rings

• Warm socks

• Reconfirming arrangements with all vendors and Providing them with a contact person in case of issues.

Dreaming of eloping in Iceland, but not sure yet how to do it? Let’s fix that!

5 star reviews.

Video testimonial from Kealey & Preston on having Lisa McWhirter as their Iceland elopement photographer. The couple eloped in early September 2021 in Iceland.

In the video Kealey & Preston talk about why they chose Lisa to be their Iceland elopement photographer, what were the biggest concerns on eloping to Iceland and how was it like to work with Lisa.

You can also watch the video from here.