Are you considering eloping, but you don’t know quite where? There are an endless amount of beautiful locations around the world, but I’m here to convince you to head to one of the most unique and gorgeous countries in the world, the Land of Fire and Ice.
Reason #1 There are endless location options, Everywhere you look is breathtaking.
Whether you are thinking of getting married in a church, by a waterfall (there are thousands), on a beach, glacier, or even inside a volcano, the options are endless in Iceland! There are hundreds of beautiful churches across Iceland that are absolutely perfect for a destination wedding.
One of my favorite churches is the Black Church of Budir, which also sits next to the gorgeous Hotel Budir. Both the hotel and church sit on the edge of the sea and under the shadow of the snowcapped mountains.
Reason #2 It’s the perfect place to de-stress
Like most people, big crowds are not my “cup of tea”. Luckily in Iceland, there are not very many people, which makes it the perfect place to experience the gorgeous landscape and de-stress! While it has become a popular spot to explore for tourists, the population is only about 340,000 for the entire country, which means it is pretty easy to find a beautiful spot to elope and be alone with your love!
Reason #3 Get a head start on your honeymoon
By getting married in Iceland, you can get started with your honeymoon right away with endless adventures. Snowmobiling, hiking, horseback riding on adorable Icelandic ponies, or if you feel like relaxing you can relax in a cottage, or even head over to the world famous Blue Lagoon. If you’ve already explored the majority of Iceland, it is also super cheap and easy to pop on over to England!
Reason #4 EXpect some Amazing wedding photos!
With the spectacular scenery and endless locations, you can definitely expect some amazing wedding photos! Glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, vast lava fields, Icelandic horses, and mountains, the landscape in Iceland is the perfect backdrop! It is any photographer’s dream to photograph an elopement in Iceland, as the landscape provides endless opportunities to be creative!
Reason #5 Their food is amazing, and they eat a lot of ice cream
Even when the temperatures are well below zero, you can expect Icelanders to be eating homemade ice cream, which is AMAZING. There are also countless restaurants that serve all sorts of food, I never had one bad meal while I was there. The only downside is that it is a tad pricey to eat out. A few of my favorite restaurants that are decently priced were Saeta Svinid Gastropub, Sandholt Eatery & Bakery, and Café Babalu in Reykjavik. Icelandic coffee is also some of the best in the world!
If you’re trying to stick to a budget, the best thing to do is to pack your suitcase with granola bars and dried fruit, and then go to the grocery store once in Iceland and stock up on sandwiches and fruit.
Reason #6 Most everyone speaks English
One of the most intimidating aspects of traveling is going to a country where people speak a completely different language. It is always an adventure, but it is definitely a perk when visiting a country where just about everyone speaks English. The Icelandic language is complicated and one of the most beautiful languages to listen to, and has been preserved perfectly over time. Because the Icelandic language is so complicated, the people there are excellent at learning new languages, and English is actually taught in their schools.
Reason #7 Iceland is beautiful year round
There is not really a “best” time to elope in Iceland, as it is spectacular year round. The most popular time to visit Iceland is when it is slightly milder as far as the weather goes, which is from May through August. Visiting during the fall and winter times is just as amazing, as you have the opportunity to get married under the Northern Lights or next to a frozen waterfall!
reason #8 it is easy for overseas couples to get married
It is super easy to get married in Iceland, even if you are from a different country. Check out the legal documents required here!
reason #9 you’ll save a whole bunch of money
The average American wedding costs around $30,000 (not including the honeymoon), and while traditional weddings are absolutely stunning and are just as special, elopements are becoming a popular option to save money. Considering travel expenses, food, accommodations, wedding attire, hiring a photographer, makeup artist, officiant, and any extra expenses, you can easily stick to a budget below $10,000.
reason #10 There are countless reasons why you should elope to iceland
Iceland is a dream, that is all. Go book your ticket!
