Top 16 wedding locations to get married in Iceland
Looking for the best places to get married in Iceland?
Iceland offers some of the most breathtaking and unique wedding locations in the world, from dramatic waterfalls to pristine glaciers. As a local adventure elopement and wedding photographer, I’ve explored Iceland’s most stunning and secluded locations, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. In this post, I’ll share my top choices for where to get married in Iceland, with tips on how to make the most of your adventure-filled wedding day.
Where to get married in Iceland
Hi there, I’m Lisa McWhirter—an adventure elopement and wedding photographer in Iceland.
Planning an Iceland wedding is about creating an intimate and unforgettable experience, and few places in the world match the natural beauty and drama of Iceland's wedding locations.
As a local photographer with extensive experience capturing elopements and weddings in Iceland’s most stunning locations, I’ve curated this list to help adventurous couples find their perfect spot. Each location has been chosen not just for its breathtaking scenery but also for its unique qualities that make it ideal for an unforgettable wedding.
In addition to sharing my favourite spots, I’ll provide tips on respecting Iceland’s traditions and environment. By following these guidelines, couples can create a magical experience while preserving Iceland’s beauty for future generations.
Why choose a local photographer for your wedding?
As a photographer based in Iceland, I’ve spent years exploring its rugged landscapes and hidden gems. My job isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about helping couples craft a seamless experience in an environment that can be unpredictable. From knowing the best times to visit popular spots to having backup plans for sudden weather changes, local knowledge is invaluable.
This list reflects not only my favorite locations but also the insights I’ve gained from working here: places with manageable access, stunning views, and enough privacy to make your elopement feel truly special.
Iceland’s beauty is not just in its landscapes but also in its culture and traditions. Here are some ways to honour the local way of life:
Respect Private Property: Many of Iceland’s most beautiful spots are on private land. Always seek permission before entering and follow any posted guidelines.
Honour Local Customs: Icelandic sagas and folklore are deeply rooted in the land. Tread respectfully, especially in areas tied to local legends or history.
But hey, let’s jump to this list:
Best places to get married in Iceland:
1.) Iceland wedding at Haifoss.
What can we say? This waterfall definitely leaves your jaw open when seeing it for the first time and also offers a chance to have your ceremony in this stunning location.
Haifoss the waterfall is 122 metres (400 feet) tall. You can admire it on the top of a canyon where the parking spots are. Getting down to the waterfall is not the easiest hike to do. The path down is very rocky and in all areas, it doesn’t have a clear path, if you don’t keep your focus, you can slip down easily. It takes about 45 minutes each way to hike back and forth from Haifoss.
The easiest way to reach Haifoss parking spot is by 4x4 vehicle and during summer months.
Benefits of getting married at Haifoss:
Unmatched Intimacy and Privacy: A remote waterfall provides a serene and secluded setting where you can exchange your vows without the distraction of crowds. This creates a deeply personal and intimate atmosphere, perfect for focusing solely on your partner and the moment.
Unique and Memorable Adventure: Hiking to your elopement location transforms the day into a shared adventure, adding a special layer of excitement and meaning to your elopement story. It’s a moment you’ll cherish forever, bonding through the journey as much as the ceremony.
Where to find Haifoss:
Haifoss is located in the Highlands of Iceland, 2 hours and 13 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: 4x4 vehicle to rent to drive the roads
Hiking to the waterfall from the car park is about 45-55 minutes each way depending with the fitness level.
2.) Iceland wedding at Breiðamerkurjökull
The glaciers in Vatnajökull are really out of this world and offer one of the most unique places to get married in the country. What makes it truly unique is that if you get married there, the place might not exist there anymore next year so it truly stays in a once-in-a-lifetime venue for you.
Since Vatnajökull glacier is the largest one in Iceland, it truly offers multiple spot options for getting married. Many of them do require hiking on the glacier itself and you can’t go there without the right equipment and a licensed glacier guide. It takes more to travel from Reykjavik to Breiðamerkurjökull but when I have photographed couples getting married there, they have got the landscapes all to themselves and have the ceremony in privacy.
The best time to get married here is from November to late March.
Benefits of getting married at the glaciers of Breiðamerkurjökull:
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: Exchanging vows on a glacier is an extraordinary and rare opportunity, offering a setting few people will ever experience. It transforms your wedding into a truly unforgettable adventure that will be cherished forever.
Stunning and Otherworldly Scenery: Glaciers provide breathtaking backdrops of sparkling ice, dramatic crevasses, and endless horizons. The ethereal beauty of the surroundings ensures incredible photographs that capture the majesty of your day.
A True Adventure for Thrill-Seekers: Standing on a glacier adds a sense of exhilaration and adventure to your ceremony. It’s perfect for couples who value unique and adrenaline-filled experiences that reflect their adventurous spirit.
Where to find Breiðamerkurjökull:
Breiðamerkurjökull is located in the South-East of Iceland, 5 hours and 40 minutes away from Reykjavik.
You can get to the car park with any vehicle, but you need to book a glacier tour in order to visit the glacier and you will be transported in a super jeep, cause no regular car can make it due to the road.
Depending on how you will build your day, the glacier tour usually lasts 3-hours.
3.) Iceland wedding at Katla Ice Cave.
If Vatnajökull is too far away on your list and you prefer to have town services on where you're staying; look no further than Katla ice caves at Mýrdalsjökull glacier! Katla is only a 40-minute drive away from Vik town and to get there, you need to book a tour to get there. Like Vatnajökull, you can only visit it with a licensed glacier guide.
Katla is all year round open and the ice caves are constantly moving and shaping themselves into new forms.
Benefits of getting married at Katla Ice Caves:
A Rare and Exclusive Experience: Ice caves are rare and constantly changing, offering a one-of-a-kind venue that few couples in the world experience. It ensures your elopement is unique since the ice cave might not exist in the next six or twelve months.
An Intimate and Private Setting: Ice caves are remote and secluded, providing a peaceful and private space for an intimate ceremony. This isolation allows you to fully immerse yourself in the moment without distractions.
A Memorable Adventure: Reaching an ice cave often requires an exciting journey, such as a glacier hike or a super jeep ride. This shared adventure adds an extra layer of meaning and excitement to your wedding day, making the experience even more memorable.
Where to find Katla ice caves:
Katla is located in South Iceland. First, you drive to Vik town, which is 2 hours 32 minutes away from Reykjavik. Then you hop on an ice cave tour and drive to the ice caves is about 45 minutes.
You can get to Vik town with any vehicle, but you need to book a glacier tour in order to visit the glacier and you will be transported in a super jeep, cause no regular car can make it due to the road. Depending on how you will build your day, the glacier tour usually lasts 3-hours.
4.) Iceland wedding at Landmannalaugar.
Oh, the Highlands. This is truly something that makes Iceland Iceland. Sure, it takes more travel time to reach to there, but it’s a place like none other. In the highlands, there is a place called Landmannalaugar that is excellent for mountain lovers.
Benefits of getting married at Landmannalaugar:
Otherworldly Landscapes: it offers surreal, Mars-like terrain with vast lava fields, colourful rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal vents, and glacial rivers. It’s the perfect setting for couples who want their wedding to feel like an otherworldly adventure.
A Paradise for Hikers and Adventurers: For hiking enthusiasts, Landmannalaugar provides an unparalleled opportunity to combine your love for adventure with your love for each other. Trekking to a remote ceremony spot adds a shared sense of accomplishment and makes the experience even more special.
Dramatic Backdrops for Stunning Photos: From the vibrant hues of Landmannalaugar to the rugged expanse of volcanic deserts, the Highlands provide dramatic, cinematic backdrops that make for extraordinary wedding photos unlike any other.
Where to find Landmannalaugar:
Landmannalaugar is located in the Highlands of Iceland, 3 hours and 13 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: 4x4 vehicle to rent to drive the roads
Landmannalaugar offers different hiking trails, all the way from 1-hour hike to 4-hours hiking adventure.
5.) Iceland wedding at a canyon
Do you want to feel like you're completely lost in Iceland’s landscapes, have green scenery around you and love to hike? There’s a canyon in Iceland that is next to a glacier and offers a hidden gem to get married at. During the 50-minute long hike to the top, you get to witness different sceneries and be away from the most busy tourist crowds. The hike itself includes narrow paths and loose rocks.
This is truly a place which whispers the mythology of Iceland.
The best option is to visit during the end of May-September. During wintertime, the hiking trail can be closed due to the large amount of snow on the path. This canyon is not known well and it doesn’t even have signs to it or to the parking lot. That’s why I also want to keep its name hidden.
Benefits of getting married in this secret canyon:
Seclusion and Serenity: A secret canyon offers an escape from the hustle of popular tourist spots, allowing you to enjoy an intimate and tranquil ceremony surrounded only by nature and your closest loved ones.
Unique adventure elopement experience: The remote location and hiking adventure make your wedding a truly one-of-a-kind experience, ideal for couples who value privacy, uniqueness, and a connection to the natural world.
Stunning Photography in Untouched Nature: The canyon’s untouched beauty, framed by the vivid greens of the moss, offers unparalleled opportunities for capturing breathtaking, storybook-worthy wedding photos. It’s a location few others will ever experience.
Where to find this canyon:
Keeping it secret ;)
The recommended vehicle is 4x4 due to it’s gravel road.
6.) Iceland wedding at Stokksnes
This one is far out from my favourite beaches in Iceland. You have the absolutely gorgeous black sand beach on it and Vestrahorn mountain in the background. And you are able to get married in this place all year round. Over the years it has been advertised much more on social media, but since the beach is wide, you can get there more privacy to get married or have pictures taken than at other beaches.
The peninsula is private property, so you need to pay an entry fee in order to get there.
Benefits of getting married at Stokksnes:
Secluded and Intimate Setting: A private black sand beach provides a serene and romantic atmosphere, free from crowds and distractions. This ensures your ceremony feels deeply personal and focused solely on your love.
Dramatic and Unique Natural Backdrop: The contrast of the dark sand against the ocean, cliffs, and sky creates a strikingly beautiful setting. It’s a unique and unforgettable location that adds a touch of drama and elegance to your wedding day.
A Peaceful Escape into Nature: The soothing sounds of the waves and the vast open space create a tranquil environment, allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in the significance of your vows and the surrounding beauty.
Where to find Stokksnes:
Stokksnes is located close to the East of Iceland, 6 hours away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: 4x4 vehicle
7.) Iceland wedding at
Black sand beach
My second favourite beach is in the South of Iceland and it’s actually super close to where I’m located!
If you want to get married on a black sand beach without huge tourist crowds around you and still have wedding portraits taken in the most iconic spots in Iceland, this beach is for you!
Benefits of getting married on this black sand beach:
Romantic sunrise backdrop: The dramatic tones of a black sand beach make sunrises even more breathtaking, casting golden or pastel hues across the sky and sand for a magical atmosphere during your vows.
Easy Accessibility with Remote Feel: Many black sand beaches are relatively accessible yet feel secluded, offering the convenience of reaching your elopement location without compromising on privacy or exclusivity.
For ocean lovers, the combination of crashing waves, coastal winds, and dramatic vistas creates a deeply emotional and sensory-rich experience, enhancing the beauty and significance of your wedding day.
Where to find this beach:
Keeping it as a secret ;)
Due to it’s bumpy road, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
8.) Iceland wedding at Loftsalahellir
It is one of the well-kept secret locations in Iceland that is constantly overlooked. Loftsalahellir cave is located in the South of Iceland and offers a unique viewpoint from the cave. In the cave itself, there is not much to explore due to its small size.
Benefits of getting married at Loftsalahellir:
Privacy. No matter how many times I have been photographing in the cave with my couples, no one else has come to the cave.
Close to multiple locations where to have your pictures taken like Reynisfraja and Dyrhólaey.
Also offers protection from the rain so you will still be able to have your ceremony even if it is a rainy day.
The play of light and shadow within a cave creates a dramatic and unique environment.
Where to find Loftsalahellir:
Loftsalahellir is located in South Iceland, 2 hours and 22 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: You can get there with any vehicle.
9.) Iceland wedding at Nauthusagil
Nauthusagil Canyon absolutely screams the vibes of the Lord of the Rings. Visiting Nauthusagil is possible all-year around, but it’s easiest during the summer months.
It takes around 30-45 minutes to walk to the end of the canyon and the old stories do tell that while walking you might see some elves!
Benefits of getting married at Nauthusagil:
Do you want to have some adventure on your elopement or wedding day? Then Nauthusagil might be for you! First; you need a special car (jeep or 4x4 vehicle) to drive there since the road is mostly open during summertime and you need to drive through small rivers. Secondly, when walking to a location, wellington boots are highly recommended cause you will be following a river and hopping on small rocks to reach
the location.Privacy. Not so many people visit this due to hopping on rocks by the river and needing a special car to reach it.
By the end of the canyon, there is a waterfall.
Where to find Nauthusagil:
Nauthusagil is located in South Iceland, 2 hours away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: 4x4 vehicle or bigger due to its roads.
9.) Iceland wedding at Budakirkja
Budarkirkja, more commonly known as the Black church, located in Snaefellnes peninsula is the most popular church to get married in Iceland for destination weddings. The church is not open to the public on a daily basis, making it an excellent choice to get married at.
Benefits of getting married at Budarkirkja:
If you're looking to have a church ceremony when getting married in Iceland and having your loved ones joining you, very close to Budarkirkja is Hotel Budir which offers beautiful hotel rooms and also a unique venue to celebrate the marriage.
The church provides a meaningful and spiritual atmosphere, perfect for couples who value tradition or want a solemn and sacred environment to exchange their vows.
Architectural Beauty and Historic Charm. Also offers a timeless and elegant backdrop for your ceremony and photos.
Where to find Budarkirkja:
Budakirkja is located in the Snaefellsnes peninsula, 2 hours and 28 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: You can get there with any vehicle.
10.) Iceland wedding Kvernufoss
Beautiful 30-meter high waterfall located in South Iceland has grown in popularity for wedding couples to get married at it and no wonder when you look at it.
Access to the waterfall is easy with walking on a path all the way to the waterfall itself.
Benefits of getting married at Kvernufoss:
You can get married at Kvernufoss all year round.
Outside of the winter months, you can walk behind the waterfall.
The area where the waterfall is located is quite big, meaning that there are different options on where to read your vows and have pictures taken.
Where to find Kvernufoss:
Kvernufoss is located in South Iceland, 2 hours and 10 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: You can get there with any vehicle.
Walk from the car park is about 10-minutes.
11.) Iceland wedding at Svinafellsjökull
Svinafellsjökull is part of Vatnajökull glacier which is the largest ice cap in Europe and also part of the Skaftafell nature reserve. It’s also a known filming location for Batman Begins and Game of Thrones.
There are also glacier hikes arranged at Svinafellsjökull so if your are up for a unique ceremony location, this could be it!
Benefits of getting married at Svinafellsjökull:
A very unique location to get married at: a glacier lagoon where the icebergs do float after cracking up from the glacier. And having snowy mountain tops in the background.
The popularity of visiting Svinafellsjökull has grown, but you can still find there privacy to exchange your vows.
A glacier wedding is ideal for couples who love adventure and the outdoors, adding an exciting and unforgettable element to your special day
Where to find Svinafellsjökull:
Svinafellsjökull is located in Southeast Iceland, 4 hours and 15 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: You can get there with any vehicle.
From the car park, it’s about 20 minutes walk.
12.) Jökursarlon
Jökursarlon is the most known glacier lagoon in Iceland and no wonder why. when you look at the pictures. The icebergs fall off from the glacier, making their way into the lagoon by the ocean waves. Jökursarlon is also home to wildlife where you can even meet up with some seals popping on the icebergs!
Jökursarlon is an extremely popular spot to visit by tourists, which is good to know if you're planning to have your ceremony in the spot.
Benefits of getting married at Jökursarlon:
A glacier lagoon filled with floating icebergs creates a breathtaking and ever-changing backdrop, offering a surreal and otherworldly setting for your wedding ceremony.
The shimmering icebergs, reflective water, and dramatic surroundings provide stunning visuals, ensuring your wedding photos capture the beauty and uniqueness of the moment.
Where to find Jökursarlon:
Jökursarlon is located in Southeast Iceland, 4 hours and 50 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: You can get there with any vehicle.
13.) Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandfoss is a 60-meter-tall waterfall and one of our most popular waterfalls. The most amazing feature is a pathway that goes all the way behind the waterfall and you get to walk there.
Benefits of getting married at Seljalandsfoss:
If you plan to get married in the summertime (especially in the middle of June), you can have the sunbeam reflecting the waterfall (see the pictures below) making it a more unique location to get married. Please note that for this to happen, it needs to be during midnight.
Where to find Seljalandsfoss:
Seljalandsfoss is located in South Iceland, 1 hour and 50 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: You can get there with any vehicle.
14.) Thingvellir national park
Thingvellir is the birthplace of Iceland’s nation - Iceland’s very first parliament was assembled there. Thingvellir is also known for the geographical setting of a rift valley in the divide between the North American and European continental plates.
Benefits of getting married at Thingvellir:
Excellent choice when you want to keep the ceremony within an hour's drive from Reykjavik.
The park features dramatic landscapes, including tectonic rift valleys, lava fields, crystal-clear springs, and lush greenery.
Where to find Thingvellir:
Thingvellir is located in the capital region, 45 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: You can get there with any vehicle.
15.) A secret waterfall
This waterfall is a 70-meter-tall less-known waterfall. It’s constantly over-looked even you can see it from the road on a bright day. In order to reach the waterfall, you need to hop on rocks on the river in order to reach it. There is also another path, but the river will split your access to the waterfall.
Benefits of getting married at this waterfall:
A secret waterfall provides privacy and tranquillity, allowing you to exchange vows in a serene, untouched setting far from the crowds and distractions.
The cascading water, lush greenery, and misty atmosphere create a stunningly romantic setting, making your ceremony feel magical.
Where to find it:
Keeping it as a secret ;)
You can reach it by any car type, but you will need to walk about 20-25 minutes to reach it.
16.) Hjalparfoss
Hjalparfoss is a marking where two rivers (Fossa and Pjorsa) meet. The lava field around Hjalparfoss has made its shape from eruptions from the Hekla volcano close by.
Benefits to get married at Hjalparfoss:
You kind of get a double waterfall in one spot.
It also has a picnic area where you can have a picnic afterwards.
Where to find it:
Hjalparfoss is located in the Highlands and is 1 hour 46 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Recommended vehicle: 4x4 vehicle.
Did you find your favourite elopement location? Read more about elopement planning tips below.
Ready to start planning your Iceland elopement? Let’s chat about the best elopement locations in Iceland and make your dream elopement a reality!