Ultimate Guide: How to Plan an Elopement Ceremony in Iceland
The Brief Definition of Elopement Ceremonies
Elopement ceremonies, in essence, are intimate weddings that prioritize the couple's desire for privacy and simplicity. Traditionally associated with spontaneity and escaping societal expectations, modern elopements are more about choice than necessity. Couples opt for elopements to craft a deeply personal and meaningful experience that reflects their unique love story.
The Growing Popularity of Elopements.
In recent years, elopements have witnessed a surge in popularity, challenging the conventional norms of elaborate weddings. What was once seen as an alternative for the unconventional is now embraced by couples from all walks of life. This rise in popularity can be attributed to several factors, each contributing to the allure of eloping.
1. Intimacy and Authenticity: Couples are increasingly drawn to the idea of an intimate ceremony that focuses solely on their love and commitment. Elopements provide an opportunity to strip away the external pressures and expectations, allowing couples to create an authentic and deeply personal celebration.
2. Budget Considerations: The financial burden associated with traditional weddings has led many couples to explore more budget-friendly alternatives. Elopements offer a chance to allocate resources more intentionally, allowing for a more personalized experience without breaking the bank.
3. Flexibility and Freedom: Elopements grant couples the freedom to choose a location that holds sentimental value or aligns with their shared interests. Whether it's an idyllic mountain peak, a serene beach, or a bustling cityscape, the possibilities are endless, offering a flexibility that traditional weddings may lack.
4. Redefining Tradition: As societal norms evolve, couples are redefining what constitutes a meaningful and legitimate union. Elopements empower couples to create their own narrative, unbound by traditional expectations, and embrace a wedding experience that resonates with their values.
The Importance of Thoughtful Planning
While the spontaneity associated with elopements remains alluring, thoughtful planning plays a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. Contrary to the perception that elopements are haphazard affairs, intentional planning allows couples to curate a ceremony that is not only intimate but also reflective of their unique connection.
1. Choosing the Right Location: Thoughtful planning begins with selecting a location that resonates with the couple's vision for their special day. Whether it's a secluded forest glade, a historic city square, or a charming chapel, the chosen setting sets the stage for a magical celebration.
2. Guest List and Witnesses: While elopements are characterized by their intimate nature, careful consideration must be given to the guest list. Choosing witnesses who hold significance in the couple's lives ensures that the ceremony is witnessed by those who matter most.
3. Crafting Personal Vows: Thoughtful planning involves the creation of personal vows that encapsulate the essence of the couple's love story. Whether heartfelt, humorous, or poetic, these vows become the soulful centrepiece of the ceremony.
4. Capturing the Moment: Although elopements are intimate affairs, documenting the moment through photography or videography becomes a cherished memento. Thoughtful planning involves hiring professionals who can skillfully capture the emotions and beauty of the day.
As elopement ceremonies continue to captivate the hearts of couples worldwide, the combination of growing popularity and thoughtful planning creates a harmonious celebration of love—one that resonates with the couple's unique melody, forging memories to last a lifetime. In the symphony of matrimony, the elopement ceremony stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of intentional love.
Questions to Ask Yourself as an Eloping Couple
Why Elope?
The opening refrain of this love melody begins with a simple yet profound question: Why elope? Understanding the motivations behind choosing an elopement over a traditional wedding sets the tone for the entire symphony. Whether driven by a desire for intimacy, a longing for authenticity, or a wish to escape the pressures of a large-scale event, identifying the "why" provides a foundation for a ceremony that truly reflects the essence of the couple's love story.
Location Considerations
As the melody progresses, the choice of location emerges as a crucial verse. Elopements offer couples the freedom to select a venue that resonates with their personalities and shared history. Will it be an idyllic mountaintop with panoramic views, a secluded beach at sunset, or a charming cityscape with historic charm? Considering the significance of the location in the love narrative adds a rich layer to the overall composition of the ceremony.
Guest List and Witness Selection
In the delicate interplay of instruments, the question of who will witness this intimate exchange of vows takes center stage. While elopements are known for their exclusivity, the guest list remains a poignant consideration. Which cherished individuals will stand witness to this profound moment? Choosing witnesses who hold a special place in the couple's hearts ensures that the ceremony is shared with those who matter most.
Budget Constraints
The financial undertones of any celebration are an integral part of the symphony. Elopements often strike a harmonious chord for couples seeking a more budget-friendly option. Understanding and establishing budget constraints early in the planning process allows couples to allocate resources thoughtfully. From the choice of location to the selection of attire and any post-ceremony celebration, a clear budget composition contributes to a stress-free and harmonious melody.
Legal Requirements
In the score of love, legal requirements form the framework that upholds the sanctity of the union. Understanding the legal obligations associated with elopements ensures that the ceremony is not only emotionally resonant but also legally binding. Researching marriage license requirements, waiting periods, and any specific regulations based on the chosen location are crucial notes in this comprehensive composition.
Questions for creating your elopement ceremony:
Do you want to have a traditional or non-traditional ceremony and will it be a religious ceremony or not?
Will you be reading your vows?
Do you want to elope just the two of you or with your close family members?
Do you need a priest or officiant or will you do the paperwork by yourself and just read vows and exchange rings to each other?
Would we get officially married in Iceland or in our home country?
If we choose to have a symbolic ceremony, will we have someone to talk through the ceremony?
What is the most important thing for us to happen in our ceremony?
The best answer to all of this I can give to you is:
Do it your way and what will make you feel most comfortable with it.
You have already taken a huge and brave step on getting married just the way you want and not doing it like everyone else is doing it. There's no right or wrong way to do this.
Different types of ceremonies to have on your elopement day.
There are multiple ways to do your elopement ceremony as there are places to get married.
Symbolic Ceremony
The poetic elegance of a symbolic ceremony is akin to creating a bespoke melody that encapsulates the couple's unique love story. Symbolic ceremonies are not legally binding but focus on the emotional and spiritual aspects of the union. Couples can choose meaningful rituals and gestures, such as the exchange of handwritten vows, a unity sand ceremony, or the planting of a tree. The canvas is blank, and the couple becomes the artist, painting a vivid picture of their commitment without the constraints of legal formalities.
Intimate Ceremony with Family:
For couples who wish to share the intimate chords of their love with close family members, an intimate family ceremony can be the perfect choice. This rendition involves a select group of cherished individuals who witness the union in a more private setting. Whether it's a serene garden, a cosy family home, or a destination spot that holds sentimental value, an intimate family ceremony allows for a deeper connection with loved ones while maintaining the privacy that elopements are cherished for.
Getting Officially Married Abroad:
Eloping to foreign shores to exchange vows can be a serenade of international proportions. Getting officially married abroad introduces a unique set of notes to the elopement symphony. Whether on a sun-kissed beach in Bali, amidst the historic charm of European cobblestone streets, or under the dancing Northern Lights in Iceland, the destination becomes an integral part of the love narrative. Navigating the legal requirements of the chosen location adds a layer of complexity to the arrangement but results in a harmonious blend of love and adventure.
Getting Married Inside a Church
For couples who seek the timeless beauty of tradition and spirituality, opting for a church ceremony can be a melody that resonates through the ages. While the term "elopement" often conjures images of intimate outdoor settings, exchanging vows within the hallowed walls of a church adds a classic and reverent touch to the celebration. The familiar echoes of hymns, the solemnity of the ceremony, and the sacred ambience create a timeless sonata that transcends contemporary trends.
Unity Ceremony
In the grand composition of elopement ceremonies, the unity ceremony stands out as a poignant duet symbolizing the merging of two lives into one. This symbolic gesture can take various forms, such as the lighting of a unity candle, the pouring of coloured sands into a shared vessel, or the tying of a lover's knot. The unity ceremony adds depth and symbolism to the celebration, emphasizing the harmonious blending of two individuals embarking on a shared journey.
Examples of different elopement ceremonies - with or without an officiant.
How to make your elopement ceremony more unique.
Write your own 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 what 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.
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.
Choose a meaningful location: The backdrop of your elopement ceremony plays a pivotal role in shaping its uniqueness. Choose a location that holds sentimental value or reflects your shared interests
Incorporate symbolic rituals: Enhance the depth of your ceremony by incorporating symbolic rituals that hold meaning for both of you. Whether it's a unity ceremony, a handfasting ritual, or the planting of a tree, these gestures add layers to your love story. Select rituals that resonate with your values and bring a unique aspect to the ceremony, making it a reflection of your shared vision.
Embrace Cultural Traditions: If you come from different cultural backgrounds, consider weaving elements from each into your ceremony. This infusion of diverse traditions creates a global melody, showcasing the beautiful tapestry of your union. Whether it's incorporating traditional attire, rituals, or music, embracing your cultural heritage adds a unique touch to the celebration.
Intimate Guest Participation: While elopements are often synonymous with privacy, consider involving a select group of loved ones in a unique way. Perhaps they can share readings, perform a song, or contribute to the ceremony in a manner that reflects their connection to you. This intimate participation creates a choir of voices celebrating your love, making the ceremony more memorable.
How to make your marriage official in Iceland.
One of the most asked questions is: can a foreigner get married in Iceland? The answer is yes.
There are some laws on getting married there and paperwork to be filled. So what do you need to know if you want to elope in Iceland? You and your partner need to be at least 18 years old. If your partner has been married before, you need to deliver divorce papers.
The documents are good to submit around 3-4 weeks before your big day and you can email them.
The documents you need to have and send them 3-4 weeks before the wedding.
Marriage notification from Hjónavígsluskýrsla District of Magistrate in Reykjavík. This form needs to be filled out and signed by both of you plus two witnesses ( I have been sometimes as one!)
“Notifications of marriage ceremonies are received from heads of religious associations or their representatives, priests or district commissioners to be registered in the National Registry” is written on the Iceland registry website.
The birth certificates of both parties are attached with the Marriage application form. Originals can be returned after the wedding ceremony.
Only originals or officially authorized (stamp or seal) are accepted.
Certificate of marital status, that needs to be issued within 8 weeks before the wedding date. This document is also referred to as a CNI or "no impediments" in some countries
A divorce decree, if either party is divorced. If the bride/groom is a widower, a document detailing the estate of the deceased has been divided/finalized.
Valid passports of both parties and possible visas. You can check from here if you will be needing a visa. This is super important so you can officially stay in the country and get married.
Airline ticket (showing entry/exit of the country)
Passport copy of trustworthy person 1
Passport copy of trustworthy person 2
If documents do not arrive within this timeframe, the marriage is considered cancelled.
Also:
All documents must be handed in as the original paperwork and not a photocopy.
Your birth certificates and other original certificates handed in can be picked up after the wedding ceremony.
After the ceremony, it is possible to obtain your marriage certificate in English.
Same-sex marriages have been allowed in Iceland since 2010 and the LGBTQ+ culture in Iceland is thriving. Iceland was one of the first countries that allowed same-sex marriage. Many same-sex couples travel to Iceland to get married since getting married in their home countries isn't allowed.
IF THE PARTNERS ARE CITIZENS OF DENMARK, SWEDEN, NORWAY OR FINLAND OR RESIDING IN THESE COUNTRIES, PARTIALLY DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS APPLY
Citizens of Denmark, Sweden, Norway or Finland are required to present a certificate from their country, to confirm that there are no impediments to marriage. "Hjónavígsluskýrsla" (1.) and passports (7.) must be presented, but the documents mentioned under items 2., 3., 4., 5. and 6 are not required. A resident of Denmark, Sweden, Norway or Finland may, in the same way, submit such a certificate issued in their country of residence, confirming that there are no impediments to marriage.
In Sweden, the required document is "Intyg hindersprövning" or "Marriage licence" issued by "Skatteverket".
In Denmark, the required document is "Ægteskabsattest" or "Certificate of marital status" issued by "Kommunen".
In Norway, the required document is "Prøvingsattest" or "Certificate of no impediment to marriage" issued by "Folkeregister"
In Finland, the required document is "Intyget över prövning av hinder"/"Certificate of the examination of the impediments to marriage" issued by "maistraatti / magistrate"
Elopement ceremony script.
This one changes all the time with the couple themselves. Depending on which type of ceremony you choose to have and also whether will you be having someone make the marriage official in Iceland or not. There are many places on the internet where you can search for elopement ceremony script and it’s good to check especially if you are having a symbolic ceremony and there will only be the two of you - plus your Iceland elopement photographer ;)
The usual things to consider in your ceremony are:
Reading out your wedding vows
Exchanging wedding rings or a special gift instead of the rings.
The first kiss
The celebration of your elopement ceremony
Yes, you did it! You're married! Many people want to have a small celebration at the end of a ceremony. It can be throwing confetti in the air, popping champagne, planting a tree together, exchange. Just remember to follow the leave no trace policy; nature should not be hurt or have rubbish left around.
Tips to celebrate your elopement afterwards with family and friends:
Now, what is a post-elopement party? It looks different to everyone but generally, it’s a party held for your family and friends to celebrate that you eloped. For some couples, they announced they eloped at the party and some couple’s families have already known about the plans but weren’t in the elopement. It’s an opportunity to tell about your elopement and to show the photos and the video of your elopement.
Why go through a post-elopement party? The choice to have a party is up to you two. Some of the reasons couples have had a party are that they wanted to have an elopement where only they attended, they had a destination elopement or the adventure elopement was too difficult for someone to attend.
And now for the tips to celebrate your elopement!
Decide the date and where you would through the party. It can be anything from a barbecue party to a garden party or renting a fancy Airbnb apartment (make sure with the host you can have the celebration there!).
Send invites to the party: “We got married! Come celebrate with us!” It’s good to tell already in the invitation that’s it’s a celebration of your marriage. Because elopements are still not so known like traditional weddings, some family members or friends might think they were only invited to the party and not to witness the ceremony.
Consider entertainment. This can be anything from telling about your Iceland elopement to showing the photos and video, giving a speech to your family and friends, and playing games together - this is up to you two!
Dress how you want to. Throwing a post-elopement party doesn’t mean you need to be wearing your wedding dress and suit (but if you want to, go for it!). Dress just the way you want to or throw a theme party!
Bonus! What to ask from your officiant or priest.
Having the right person to officiate your elopement is one of the most important aspects of your ceremony. This person sets the whole tone for the mood of your ceremony. I got you covered with this while choosing your officiant or priest and what to ask from him or her.
Questions to ask:
How far are you able to travel to Iceland for our ceremony?
What types of weddings or elopements have you officiated?
How many weddings or elopements have you performed?
What is your ceremony style?
Will we get meetings with you before our ceremony?
Do you have samples of ceremonies to show us in a video?
How much can we personalise the ceremony to look more like us?
What happens if you get sick or would be late for our ceremony?
What is the paperwork to get officially married in Iceland and would you help us through the process?
Do you have a script or do you personalize it to each couple?
Can we write our own vows?
How long is a typical ceremony?
What do you wear to the ceremony?
What does your contract include?
Hey, I’m Lisa McWhirter Iceland adventure elopement photographer. Nice to meet you!
You're planning to elope or have a wedding in Iceland. Planning overseas can feel overwhelming. I’m here to make sure it will feel exciting and photograph the day that will make you laugh, emotional and cry happy tears.
Here is how we can get started with your elopement to Iceland:
