PRE-WEDDING PHOTOSHOOT
Your pre-wedding photos in Iceland’s wild nature.
You’ve been dreaming about stunning pre-wedding photos that feel cinematic, meaningful, and deeply you. And Iceland—with its waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and wild open landscapes—feels like the perfect backdrop for your pre-wedding photos.
But planning something so important in a completely different country? That’s where the stress can start to creep in.
Maybe you’re wondering how to even begin organising a pre-wedding shoot in Iceland. You’re scrolling through endless photos online, unsure where to go, how the weather will behave, or who you can trust to capture your real connection, not just pretty poses.
That’s where you will get all the help from me.
I specialise in working with couples from Asia who are planning their pre-wedding shoot in Iceland, and I know exactly what makes this experience smooth, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.
Most importantly, you will feel relaxed and confident during the photoshoot itself.
And if you’re hoping to use your photos for your wedding invitations, slideshow, or guestbook—I’ve got you covered. Each package includes a clear turnaround time, and if you need your photos faster, you can always add expedited delivery to make sure they’re ready in time.
Meet your pre-wedding photoshoot photographer: Lisa.
I’m Lisa McWhirter, and I have been calling Iceland home for almost four years. Usually, you can find me photographing pre-wedding photos inside ice caves and glaciers, by the black sand beaches and waterfalls.
With nine years of experience behind the camera, you don’t need to worry about posing or knowing what to do. I’ll gently guide you through everything—step by step—so you feel confident, relaxed, and beautiful on camera. Many couples have told me afterwards: “You made us feeling freaking amazing!”
I’ll be your guide, storyteller, and biggest cheerleader. I’ve worked in all kinds of weather (because Iceland loves surprises!), and I always have a Plan B, C, and even D to make sure your adventure is nothing short of spectacular.
“ She listened to all of our requests and ideas, making us feel valued and heard.”
“ Lisa immediately made me feel at ease with her positive energy and eagerness not only in her photography but sharing her joy of such a beautiful country.”
“ When we found Lisa we hit the jackpot! Everything got easier when planning our Iceland elopement day.”
“ From keeping us warm with hot chocolate and hand warmers to updating us on storms, Lisa went above and beyond.”
“We felt safe, like friends, and like she was really invested in our happiness.”
Her warmth and friendliness made us feel like we were in the company of an old friend.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for Lisa's outstanding work as our wedding photographer. Her talent, professionalism, and genuine care have made our special day truly unforgettable, and I cannot thank her enough.
From the moment we first laid eyes on the photographs, it was evident that her skill and passion for photography shone through in every frame. Each image captured the essence of our love and celebration, and we were absolutely thrilled with the results. Her ability to create a consistent and beautiful tone throughout the photos is truly remarkable, and we couldn't be happier with how they turned out.
Beyond her incredible photography skills, I am immensely grateful for the exceptional service her provided on the day of our wedding. Despite the challenges and demands of the day, Lisa and her friend worked tirelessly to ensure that every moment was captured perfectly. Her dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, and we are forever appreciative of the effort Lisa put into making our day so special.
My friends and family, in total 19 people, came all the way from China to Iceland for the wedding. As foreigners getting married in Iceland, we were unfamiliar with the area and logistics involved. Her professionalism and attention to detail were evident from the start, and her thoughtful recommendations regarding the timeline, locations, and other details were incredibly helpful. Lisa's expertise provided us with much-needed peace of mind.
Looking back on our communications with Lisa, I am reminded of her unwavering dedication and commitment to ensuring that every aspect of our wedding was perfect. Despite the time difference between China and Iceland, Lisa was always prompt in her responses and never hesitated to address any concerns or questions we had. Her patience, kindness, and willingness to go above and beyond for us did not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for her exceptional service.
On the day of the wedding, Lisa went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and at ease. Her thoughtful gestures, such as lending me her coat when I felt cold in my wedding dress and providing hand warmers, truly touched our hearts. Her warmth and friendliness made us feel like we were in the company of an old friend.
Additionally, Lisa's attention to safety and preparedness did not go unnoticed. By ensuring that she invited a friend with rescue experience accompany us to various locations for photoshoots, she demonstrated her commitment to our well-being, and we felt safe and secure in her hands.
Working with Lisa has been an absolute pleasure, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have Lisa capture our special day.”
-Echo and Jiafang
Comprehensive Planning & Coordination – We've Got You Covered
Choosing the perfect spot to have your pictures in Iceland can feel overwhelming with so many breathtaking options. That’s where I come in! As a local photographer, I’ve explored Iceland’s most stunning locations—from hidden waterfalls to dramatic ice caves—and I know exactly which spots offer the best experience for your special moment and away from the biggest tourist crowds!
“What are the best locations for pre-wedding photos in Iceland?”
This is one of the biggest questions couples ask. Iceland is filled with epic, dramatic, breathtaking places: ice caves, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, mountaintops, and more.
But with so many options, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. You might be wondering:
How do we know which spot is best for us?
Will the places we see online be too crowded with tourists?
Can we do more than one location in one day?
How do we find somewhere that feels quiet, beautiful, and personal?
“Will our photos be ready in time to use for our wedding?”
Whether you’re dreaming of using your Iceland photos on a giant wedding day welcome board, or want to print your favourite image inside every invitation, I’ll help make it happen, right on time.
ICELAND PRE-WEDDING PHOTOSHOOT
PACKAGES.
Adventure pre-wedding packages.
Are you ready to have your family and friends’ jaws drop to the floor with your pictures? Imagine turning your pre-wedding session into an unforgettable adventure. With our Exclusive Adventure Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Package, you get more than just beautiful images; you get to choose from two different experiences and have the most outstanding pre-wedding pictures there are
HELICOPTER
Available all year round.
A helicopter allows you to reach exclusive and untouched landscapes that are impossible to get to by foot or car. Imagine landing on a spot far away from tourist crowds.
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3 hours of photography coverage, including drone shots.
An online gallery and slideshow of your day.
2-week gallery delivery time
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2 consultation calls
Location suggestions, providing a timeline of your photoshoot, and travel help to Iceland.
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Private helicopter tour with 2-landings
FROZEN LAGOON
Available in January-early February
This secret spot is only available in January-early February, and barely anyone knows it exists! Walk on a frozen lagoon, explore icebergs and discover ice caves.
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4 hours of photography coverage, including drone shots on a frozen lagoon and one other location for pictures.
An online gallery and slideshow of your day.
2-week gallery delivery time
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2 consultation calls
Providing a timeline of your photoshoot, and travel help to Iceland, planning work for the frozen lagoon.
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Private glacier guide with jeep transfer, crampons and safety helmets.
ice caves
Available all year round.
Unlike traditional photoshoot locations, ice caves are constantly evolving due to the movement of glaciers. This means your pre-wedding photos will have a backdrop that no other couple will ever have exactly the same way, making your images truly unique and one of a kind.
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4 hours of photography coverage, including drone shots on a frozen lagoon and one other location for pictures.
An online gallery and slideshow of your day.
2-week gallery delivery time
-
2 consultation calls
Providing a timeline of your photoshoot, and travel help to Iceland, planning work for the ice caves
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Private glacier guide with jeep transfer, crampons and safety helmets.
“The land of fire & ice”
pre-wedding packages.
Picture this: You and your partner have travelled to Iceland for your pre-wedding photos, and you're standing amidst Iceland’s jaw-dropping landscapes—towering volcanoes, shimmering glaciers, roaring waterfalls, and endless black sand beaches. Every step you take feels like a scene from a movie or even being on another planet.
4-hours photo coverage
Available all year round.
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4 hours of photography coverage, including drone shots.
An online gallery and slideshow of your day.
4-week gallery delivery time
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2 consultation calls
Location suggestions, providing a timeline of your photoshoot, and travel help to Iceland.
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Lisa’s travel expenses
2-hour photo coverage
Available all year round.
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2 hours of photography coverage, including drone shots.
An online gallery and slideshow of your day.
6-week gallery delivery time
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2 consultation calls
Providing a timeline of your photoshoot, and travel help to Iceland, planning work for the frozen lagoon.
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Lisa’s travel expenses
We also offer payment plans for the photography packages.
We also offer payment plans for the photography packages.
We can split the payments for example to three or four payments.
She has a gift of making you feel like you’ve never looked better in your life
It all started when we saw her amazing photos on Instagram. The first few email exchanges happened very quickly and soon we were chatting over Zoom to come up with a customizable package that would work well for what we envisioned for our 10th-anniversary photoshoot in Iceland. While we were talking with Lisa, we realized she was truly engaged and wanted to genuinely know about us. We really appreciated her time and effort in finding out what kind of shots we wanted.
Throughout the whole process, Lisa was so organized, professional, and on top of everything. She cared so much about our journey as a couple and how she could make our day amazing: thought of tons of tiny details we might have missed was always available for a quick question and had amazing trip recommendations.
She has a gift of making you feel like you’ve never looked better in your life and producing amazing candid-like shots that aren't overly posed. Our photos are everything we wanted out of our day and she captured all of the emotions perfectly. We have so many great shots, it’s been hard to pick our favourite ones. We can’t recommend her enough. We are beyond grateful and privileged to have you as our photographer! Thank you, Lisa!!!"
-Kijoo and Allen
What you should know when planning your pre-wedding photos in Iceland.
Iceland’s weather can change in an instant—one moment it’s sunny, the next it’s windy, rainy, or even snowing. Be prepared for all conditions and embrace the elements, as they often add a dramatic and magical touch to your photos.
Even in summer, Iceland can be cold, windy, and rainy. Layers are your best friend! Consider wearing thermals under your wedding attire, bringing a stylish coat, and wearing practical footwear (heels and icy terrain don’t mix!).
Popular locations like Skógafoss and Reynisfjara can be crowded, but as a local photographer, I know hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path places where you can have an intimate, private experience.
Iceland’s weather and road conditions can sometimes make a location inaccessible at the last minute. Having a backup plan (or two!) ensures we can still capture incredible moments, no matter what.
Many stunning locations don’t have restrooms, changing areas, or even roads. If you’re planning an outfit change, we’ll either strategically plan stops at nearby facilities or bring a portable changing tent!
Your pre-wedding session isn’t just about taking photos—it’s about creating an adventure together. Whether it’s hiking to a secluded waterfall, standing under the northern lights, or soaring in a helicopter to a glacier, this is an experience you’ll remember forever, long after your wedding day.
What to wear when having your pre-wedding photos.
1. Layers are key! Iceland's weather is unpredictable, especially when you're at the mercy of it out in the middle of nowhere. Be sure to bring good socks and boots (for hiking), but also remember that having a waterproof coat is also a must!
2. Pro tip: Embrace the dramatic landscape! A white and red dress looks excellent on a black sand beach!
3. You also don't want to wear anything too restrictive. Your outfit needs to be able to move with you as you hike across mountains and traverse glaciers, so don't go for anything tight or constricting—you won't be comfortable, and it will make moving difficult.
4. Consider your footwear. Get waterproof shoes—if it rains, everything will get muddy, and if you're going to do any hiking or climbing, you'll need something sturdy that can handle rough terrain. During wintertime, it’s important that your shoes aren’t slippery, and to access a location you will need to attach crampons to your shoes. Iceland is not made for high heels!
5. If you're going to do your own makeup, make sure your makeup is waterproof! There's a lot of precipitation and wind in Iceland, so you'll want to be able to stand up to that.
“How do we travel with our wedding outfits?”
Bringing your wedding attire all the way to Iceland can feel a little scary, especially if you’ve never travelled with something so delicate or important before.
You might be thinking:
Will my dress get wrinkled or damaged in the suitcase?
What if we lose a bag with our outfits in it?
Where do we change once we’re at the photo location?
How do we keep everything clean and dry in unpredictable Icelandic weather?
I’m ready for this. What happens next?
1.) Choosing the date and narrowing down the area.
Book a call and we’ll have a deep chat about your vision for your day. Having photographed for almost ten years, I’ll share my expertise and help you two pick the absolute best general area in Iceland for your pre-wedding photos.
2. Planning your day in Iceland.
You will be assisting them with the following:
Customised location ideas: All of the photos you’ve seen on our site are in locations the couple had no idea existed until they hired me.. You’ll get a customised, highly curated list of the best photo locations that fit your day.
Local vendor suggestions: Once you’ve narrowed in on the spot, we’ll share our curated list of go-to vendors who can help elevate your day even further: local florists, hair & makeup artists, private chefs, professional 4×4 drivers, ice cave adventure, or maybe enjoying the hot springs?
Pre-wedding Planning Resources: Multiple couples have said that planning their day is like planning a trip with their good friend who knows everything about Iceland! You will always be getting the next steps on what to do and have some of the best local information on having your day in the country.
3. Creating the timeline
Closer to your day, you will be getting a timeline for your day and ensuring that no matter what the time of the year will be, there will be 1.) Outside of the busiest time when tourists will visit the spots 2.) There will be good lighting for the pictures. 3. There is time on your day, so you can relax and enjoy the adventure without feeling rushed.
4. Time for pre-wedding photos
Your day won’t feel like a stressful, rushed, all-day photoshoot. My approach is for you to feel safe and comfortable during your day. Capturing the moments when you are lost in Iceland’s beauty. It’s about just being yourself and having the most meaningful day of your life.
5. Pictures are here!
Within the next couple of days, you will receive your first sneak peek photos, and the rest of your gallery will be delivered within the next 2-6 weeks.
You're going to love your experience in Iceland.
And that is a promise.
Ok, it’s time to make the pre-wedding photos 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!