KATLA ICE CAVE ELOPEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Katla Ice Cave elopements photography
Iceland is a special country that offers an exciting adventure for experienced travellers. Eloping in an ice cave in Iceland can be a good option to make your elopement in Iceland more interesting. However, how are you going to do it and how much would it cost? In this article, I'll present some essential information about eloping in an ice cave in Iceland and I will also advise you on which tour company is the best one to choose.
What to expect from eloping in Katla ice cave in Iceland.
You simply can’t go wrong with eloping in an ice cave in Iceland.
When I say “ice cave,” you probably think of the ones you see on National Geographic at the Poles. No, this is something entirely different and you won’t find these exotic tunnels anywhere else but in Iceland..
Iceland has many outstanding ice caves and in this post, I will introduce you to the Katla ice cave that is located in the South Iceland region. I’m here to help you to make the most out of your ice cave elopement!
Yes, you can get officially married in a ice cave! I work with a brilliant officiant who does ceremonies in a ice cave!
If you want to elope in Iceland, then you must know by now that it is just not about a beautiful ceremony and party in Iceland. It’s about finding the perfect place for an unforgettable experience. And it shouldn’t be a giant wedding that lasts for days, but the bride and groom have to have time to share this special experience with their loved ones too. So, let’s see what options there are for you and how you can make your elopement in Iceland worth remembering.
What to know about eloping in a ice cave.
The road to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier where Katla volcano is located was bumpy. Katla is one of the most explosive volcanoes in Iceland and it has been undergoing eruptions every fifty years, the last time in 1918. Seems like it's long overdue. Because Katla is covered by a lot of ice and glacier, it’s been said that not all eruptions make it to the surface.
2. Many of the glaciers in Iceland are told to be over 2000 years old. Because some ice caves also change (due to melting) you can be the first person to visit an ice cave and even the last one! They change so much that even if you have seen some pictures of some ice caves, they might not be there anymore!
3. Iceland's ice caves should only be visited with a professional guide and appropriate gear. The professional guides know the areas best, they know the glaciers and ice caves, also drive in bumpy road conditions. Ice caves are forever changing and they shape themselves. During summertime, there is a higher risk of ice cave melting and falling ice on you. This is why you should never visit a glacier alone.
4. I highly recommend having a private tour, this way you will get privacy for your ceremony and not get married with a large tour group watching your ceremony and when your pictures are being taken.
What to wear in your ice cave elopement in Iceland.
Winter wedding dress.
There are many types of wedding dresses that can work in the snow, BUT there is a big difference. Is it a wedding dress that keeps you warm at + 5 Celcius and then at -10 Celcius? If you're doing your wedding dress shopping in bridal stores, I would recommend telling the store where you will be eloping so they can help you find the wedding dress with the right material. I also recommend getting proper layers to have under your wedding dress just to keep you warm and also under the groom's attire.
Tips for wedding dress and attire.
The long-sleeved wedding dress doesn’t only keep arms warm but also hides skin redness from the cold.
For attire, good materials are tweed or wool because they are from heavier materials.
How to dress warmly for your ice cave elopement.
Forget your high heels. Seriously I mean it. If you're planning to have your wedding portraits taken in the snow or have some winter activities, don’t wear high heels. Even snow will be thick and good to walk on, there can be ice type which we call black ice in Iceland. This ice type is the one where people slip the most and can break their ankles fast. I can’t even count on my fingers how many times I have slipped because of black ice or because of any different type of ice. Secondly, it’s super cold and that’s why high heels won’t cover you and you can get frostbite. With proper winter boots, you can stay warmer and move more safely. I recommend checking shoes that are waterproof and have a texture at the bottom that would help you not to fall on ice.
Invest also in hand and toe warmers, scarf and layers, and don’t forget about your head and ears!
Katla ice cave elopement inspiration.
Read about Lauren & Dave’s ice cave elopement story.
“It’s an adventure which can be amazing but also comes with unexpected things. It’s important to be realistic and flexible with your surroundings. Iceland weather can be unpredictable and planning for that is your best bet to a successful elopement.” -Lauren
Plan out the details for your Ice cave elopement in Iceland.
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There are multiple ways to do your elopement ceremony as there are places to get married.
Just us. This is usually what elopement ceremonies are all about: just you two there and all the moments will be shared by you two. No guests or family members there. The ceremony is still official for you to get legally married.
Intimate ceremony. This is usually used in the meaning that in the ceremony there can be your parents, siblings or only your best friends involved. If you feel nervous about sharing your vows with your partner in front of your family, you can have a separate moment where you share them and then the moment where your family attends.
Symbolic marriage. The simplest way to get married. Eloping can happen anywhere. A symbolic ceremony is in most places not legally recognized so you will be needing an officiant to officiate you as a married couple.
Civil ceremony. Usually happens in a courthouse and you will sign the register. You will mostly need witnesses (usually two) to sign the register also.
Religious ceremony. If you wish to have a religious ceremony abroad, it’s good to start by contacting your local with necessary requirements. They can have recommendations of the church to get married in.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, combining two different drinks into one. -
Warm hiking boots and coat, layers, extra socks, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, Legal documents and others to have your elopement happen legally in Iceland, wedding rings, vows, snacks, the medication you might be needing, wedding flowers, tissues
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During wintertime, we have specific hours of daylight in Iceland Around December the daylight can last for 4 hours and in the northeast part of Iceland, it can be less! From January the daylight starts growing from 6 hours and by the middle of March, it’s already 11 hours in some parts of Iceland. Because of this, you need to choose which month you would elope in Iceland, know about how many hours of daylight you will be having.
Where to stay at your Katla ice cave elopement.
Accommodations that are close to Katla Ice Cave:
Hi, I’m Lisa! Elopement photographer in Iceland.
The fresh air. The hush of silence that can only be heard in nature. That is how it feels to get married in Iceland. You feel a connection with nature as it embraces you and your loved ones. I absolutely love elopements and Katla Ice Cave elopements are my happy place! You will have a new Icelandic friend who will make your day an unforgettable experience and help you craft it according to your values and needs. I will do the location scouting for you, create a timeline for your day and show you the local secrets of Iceland.
Ok, it’s time to make your Iceland elopement come true!
Get in touch.
McWhirter elopements
+3546596405
lisa@mcwhirterelopements.com
Iceland elopement photographer
Yes, we are LGBTQ+ friendly and proudly support Black Lives Matter. Eloping is for everyone!
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Thank you so much for thinking about us! We can’t wait to meet you!