I first visited Iceland in 2013 and absolutely fell head over heels in love with the entire country. This place is magic personified, and I don’t say that lightly. The misty fog, the rolling bright green hills, the waterfalls everywhere… this corner of the Earth is genuinely unfairly beautiful and totally unforgettable. So when I started getting the chance starting in 2017 to photograph elopements here, I absolutely jumped on it. Since then, I’ve found so many favorite spots for weddings here!
For a location that has a little bit of everything Icelandic, I love Diamond Beach. You get a glacier lagoon at your back washing up clear chunks of ice onto volcanic black sands before they’re whisked away by the open sea as well as huge formations of black columnar basalt and a 7,000 foot mountain!
But there’s a beauty to going for the best of specific types of scenery… for options on hot springs, waterfalls, and high vistas, keep reading! I’m including more of my personally vetted favorites from 12+ years of Icelandic travel in the list below.
(Or, take the shortcut and go right to my searchable location database! Use filters to easily comb through hundreds of locations around the world to find what’s perfect for you. Click here to go there!)
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland
This is genuinely like being on another planet. Clear and bright blue ice chunks float through Jökulsárlón, the deepest lake in Iceland, and vary from the size of an ice-cube to towering above you. It’s part of Vatnajökull National Park, which acts to the landscape as well as the great wildlife in this area, including the Arctic Tern. You can also find Diamond Beach here—so called due to the contrast of bright, glimmering chunks of ice settling on the black sand. Schedule a boat tour from a local company to get out on the lagoon and see the glaciers up close and personal. You will remember an elopement here forever.
Best for: Mountains, Lakes, Glaciers and Icebergs
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating
Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Covered in pebbly black sand and with special features like thick columns of basalt on the Gardar Cliff, it’s not hard to see why Reynisfjara Beach is a popular destination. You can also explore the Hálsanefshellir sea cave, giving you a perfect natural archway to stand under with a view of the ocean behind you. This is immaculate moody Icelandic vibes and would make for an epic elopement spot! Make sure you take caution in this area and are reading signs and obeying local safety rules—sneaker waves can occur here. Read up on it beforehand or bring a local guide!
Best for: Beach, Coast
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
If all you see during your elopement is Vatnajökull National Park, you’ll still have seen an excellent display of Icelandic scenery! Because the park covers all of the glacier it is named after, it weighs in at about 5,500 square miles (that’s 14% of Iceland, for scale). See the bright blue ice of the glacier itself, or head up to the ice cap for streaks of black ash amidst the blue and white for an otherworldly color palette. The highest peak in the country, Hvannadalshnúkur, is located within the park (a dormant volcano that experienced hikers can summit), as are opportunities to explore ice caves, glacier lagoons, and waterfalls. There is so much to explore here!
Best for: Mountains, Lakes, Mountains, Glaciers, Waterfalls and Icebergs
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating
Skógafoss Waterfall, Iceland
Though you don’t need to hike to it, Skógafoss is a great destination for experienced hikers if you want a trail (Fimmvörðuhals) that’s going to leave you feeling accomplished with an outstanding falls as a reward. If you’re not the hiking type, rest assured—it also has its own parking lot with a super short walk. This waterfall was previously part of the Icelandic coastline and is fed from two separate glaciers, giving it a lot of power! The water dives down nearly 200 feet over dark cliffs and bright green hills. This is something out of a storybook.
Best for: Waterfall and Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Iceland
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is an Icelandic park that encompasses incredible geographic features like the rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and the Silfra fissure that’s full of crystal clear water that allows you to go diving between them. This area has history dating back to the 10th century, giving it quite a lot of prominence in Icelandic culture! This is also a super popular spot to go horseback riding, which would be a great elopement day activity.
Best for: Canyon, Waterfalls and Coast
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Snorkeling
Selandjafoss Waterfall, Iceland
200 feet of water plunging off a rocky cliff, Seljalandsfoss is a truly spectacular waterfall. What makes Seljalandsfoss so perfect for an elopement is the plethora of angles you can view it from. Maybe you’ll stand behind it, facing each other in the mouth of the cave, almost like a natural altar. Or maybe you’ll stand on the rocks right by the edge of the pool that it empties into. Or perhaps you’ll go a little further out still, and choose a spot along the Seljalandsá River, with wildflowers in the foreground and the falls in the background. No matter what you choose, this is an incredible example of Iceland’s beauty.
Best for: Waterfall and Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Troll Peninsula (Tröllaskagi), Iceland
Tröllaskagi (or the Troll Peninsula) is named after legends that Trolls could (and, according to some, still do) live in pockets of the mountainous landscape. Full of snow-crusted ridges, deep valleys, and hills that are equally rocky and green, the mindset makes sense—this place is of mythical proportions. Seated on the northern side of the island and in a more remote area, the northern lights viewing opportunities here are also bountiful. Cap off your time here with fjords and historic lighthouses to really feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Best for: Beach, Coast, Canyon, Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Kvernufoss Waterfall, Iceland
This is a lesser known waterfall tucked away in a gorge not far from Skógafoss (which also makes it an easy add-on if you’re going there anyway!). You’ll need to embark on a short hike along the river to get over here, but the mossy rocks and scenic gorges you’ll see along the way make it an easy task. When the falls is at its most powerful, you can technically walk behind it—but only do so if you’re okay with getting damp or have a raincoat handy.
Best for: Waterfall
Best months to get married here: July and August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Gullfoss is a massive waterfall that was formed by runoff of a nearby glacier. This is a two-tiered waterfall that clocks in at over 100 feet. It’s no wonder that it makes up a corner of the “Golden Circle”—a path for tourism through some of Iceland’s most beautiful stops. The powerful river Hvítá runs into a gorge underneath the falls, adding to the sheer power of this spot. You can approach the falls from either the west or east side and get a great view from both spots. As an added bonus, there’s also a cafe here so that you can pop inside and warm up with a hot drink or soup. This is gorgeous year-round, depending on your preference for scenery!
Best for: Waterfall, Canyon and Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of those spots that, no matter how many photos you see of it, it’s never going to come close to communicating what it’s like to be there in person. Stay in one of the two hotels on site and be greeted with lagoons right outside your balcony door so that all you have to do is step in and soak. There are multiple pools on site, but the namesake is in the center, where you can float, get a massage, swim up to a juice bar, or don a natural face mask made out of silica. After your lagoon time, you can relax even further with a trip to the sauna or on-site spa. An elopement here would be all about treating yourself to time together to kick back in an unbeatable and unforgettable location.
Best for: Hot Spring
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Kirkjufell Mountain, Iceland
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may recognize this as “Arrowhead Mountain.” In real life, Kirkjufell is just as iconic, as it’s one of the most photographed peaks in all of Iceland. That’s due to its stand-out shape, rising directly out of the ground into a sharp peak of stacked stone that you can spot from miles away. Come during Iceland’s mild summers for lots of greenery and plenty of hours of light to hike in. This is one of the most recognizable spots in the entire country and definitely gives quintessential Icelandic vibes.
Best for: Mountains and Waterfall
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Dynjandi Waterfall, Iceland
The rocks that this waterfall tumbles over form lots of crevasses and tiers, making for a seriously impressive terraced waterfall. It pours out of a ridge which rises up behind a green valley, forming a solid backdrop of jaw-dropping beauty. It’s surrounded by other, smaller falls, which also give you great spots to stop at along the way on the hike in. You could easily dedicate an entire afternoon to this area!
Best for: Waterfall
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Vestrahorn Mountain, Iceland
Vestrahorn is a mountain on privately owned land in Iceland (one of the few sites in the country you’ll have to pay to access), but oh man, is it worth it. It’s worth it to get to this spot early or late (depending on your vibe) to catch sunrise or sunset here. Not only are there way less crowds, it’s also crazy beautiful. You’re also right next to Stokksnes Beach, which has black sands and will put the peaks right in the background of all of your photos there! This is a great 2-in-1 punch if you want all the Icelandic scenery but don’t have a ton of time on your hands.
Best for: Mountains, Beach and Coast
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Diamond Beach. Iceland
Diamond Beach is named after the small chunks of ice that wash up on the black sands from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This is the land of fire and ice at its most juxtaposed, with chunks of cold, clear ice laid out against volcanic beaches. This kind of dramatic scenery is so unique to this country and is a genuine must-see before you leave Iceland. It would also make for INCREDIBLE wedding photos. There are also less sneaker waves here than at Reyinsjara if safety is a concern. Not to mention, if you’re here, you’re also super close to other great glacier sites!
Best for: Glacier, Mountains, Lake, Beach and Coast
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking
Svartifoss Waterfall, Iceland
Svartifoss is a perfect pairing of two of Iceland’s most iconic features—its waterfalls and its geometric vertical basalt columns. Svartifoss juts out from the top of them, forming a dramatic natural backdrop that will stand out in both your photos and your mind for the rest of your life. It’s located in Vatnajökull National Park, so this area is protected wild lands. It also puts you super close in proximity to other great Icelandic features, like glaciers and the sea. You do have to hike a bit to this spot (about 2 miles roundtrip), but the view is motivating.
Best for: Waterfall
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Seljavallalaug Hot Spring, Iceland
This natural pool is one of the oldest in the entire country. Even if you don’t want to hop in for a dip, the simple stone walls and rectangular shape can make this a beautiful reflecting pool for your wedding portraits. It’s also totally free, which makes it an easy stop to incorporate into your elopement!
Best for: Hot Springs and Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hot Springs
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
On the far northwest corner of the island, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve stands as a protected habitat for Arctic foxes and rugged wilderness in the Arctic Circle. This remote area is uninhabited due to its location and is accessible only via backpacking or by ferry (arguably the more time efficient choice for an elopement). But on the other hand, that means you can find places around here totally to yourself, where you and your spouse are completely alone in the wilderness. Picture saying your vows on a grassy cliff overlooking the sea with no onlookers except the wildlife.
Best for: Coast
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Gamla Laugin/The Secret Lagoon, Iceland
“Secret Lagoon” is not really a secret, but it kind of feels like one. As the oldest natural pool in the country, this is a truly serene soaking spot, pumped out by 100% natural springs. If you want to stay on site, the guest houses ensure that after you’re nice and relaxed, you don’t have to go far to reach your pillow. This would be an out-of-this-world place to stay during an elopement. It’s also super close to nearby sites and the city of Rekjavík, making it nice and accessible.
Best for: Hot Springs
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hot Springs
Hellulaug Hot Spring, Iceland
Right off the sea in the northwest corner of the island, Hellulaug’s location could hardly be more scenic. This is the Icelandic version of sitting in a hot tub and looking at the ocean in a tropical country. Soak in a stone spring at about 100 degrees and stare out at the fjords and rocky coastline and feel totally relaxed and immersed in nature on your wedding day. This would be an amazing pre-ceremony stop to get out all the jitters and go into your marriage with your best foot forward.
Best for: Hot Springs and Coast
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hot Springs
Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
This waterfall is set in front of the mountain of the same name, giving you the opportunity to get beautiful cascading falls and the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain all at the same time. Picture roaring water, sloping valleys, basalt cliffs, and towering peaks rising vertically up out of the ground. This otherworldly area is iconic Icelandic scenery at its finest and would make the perfect stop for portraits. There’s a reason so many photographers love it here!
Best for: Mountains, Coast and Waterfall
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Rauðasandur Beach, Iceland
Is there anything more quintessentially Icelandic and moody than getting married near the sea with a little black chapel in the background? This beach is famous for its red sand, tinted varying warm hues from ground up shells coming in from the sea. At low tide the ocean forms interesting swirls and shallow tidal pools on the beach, which look gorgeous up close or from the cliffs around the area.
Best for: Coast, Mountains and Beach
Best months to get married here: July and August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
This is one of the most well-known hikes in Iceland. It’s 34 miles long, which means it’s a serious trail, but if you embark on it you’ll also be treated to some untouched stretches of Icelandic scenery that you won’t find anywhere else. You can brave the entire stretch as a unique pre-wedding challenge, just hike part of it, or even go with a guide!
Best for: Canyon, Mountains and Glacier
Best months to get married here: July and August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Hrunalaug Hot Spring, Iceland
While tourists flock to popular spots like the Blue Lagoon, you can feel more immersed in true Icelandic culture at spots like Hrunalaug. Go for a dip in any of the three stone pools that are embedded in the countryside—open whether it’s bright green or covered in snow. You can also grab a snack and drink here to make your soak extra rejuvenating. Want the place to yourself? You can also rent it out for private sessions.
Best for: Hot Springs
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hot Springs
Iceland can pose some unique challenges when it comes to picking an elopement location. Everything is beautiful but ideal seasons here can also be short and hard to time. That’s why I made this interactive map where you can filter by the exact time of year you’re thinking of eloping in along with what activities you like and what scenery you’re looking for to get a short list made just for you!
I love Iceland and Icelandic elopements, and I’m always here to bring my travel expertise and photography experience to your day so that you can have the day you’ve been hoping for. I believe that elopements should feel like the best day of your honeymoon, and I want those vibes to start during the planning process!
Click here to be taken to my contact form and let’s chat! I want to hear all about your vision and how I can craft you a day that you will never forget.
