So, you’re dreaming of an epic wedding in Iceland—a place where you can say “I do” under the Northern Lights, by a roaring waterfall, or on a black-sand beach that looks straight out of a fantasy movie. Iceland is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking places to get married. But before you start planning your windswept elopement, there’s one crucial question:
👉 Will your Iceland wedding be legally recognized in your home country?
Short answer? Yes! (Most likely.) Long answer? You need to do some paperwork first.
But don’t worry—I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, throw in some Icelandic magic, and even share a few pro tips to make sure your wedding isn’t just legally binding, but also stress-free and unforgettable.
✅ Is a Wedding in Iceland Legally Binding?
The good news: Icelandic marriages are legally recognized in most countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. Iceland follows international marriage laws, and as long as you follow the required steps, your marriage will be valid when you return home.
However, some countries (like Canada) require additional legalization steps, so always double-check with your local authorities.
👉 The key to international recognition? Getting an Apostille stamp on your Icelandic marriage certificate—more on that later!
📜 Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Iceland Wedding Legal
1️⃣ Prepare Your Documents in Advance
Iceland’s marriage laws are refreshingly simple compared to other countries, but you must submit your paperwork at least 3 weeks before your wedding.
💡 Pro Tip: Start this process at least 2 months in advance to allow time for translations and official approvals.
Here’s what you’ll need:
✔️ Marriage notification form (available on skra.is)
✔️ Passports for both of you
✔️ Birth certificates (translated if not in English or a Nordic language)
✔️ Certificate of marital status (to prove you’re not already married)
✔️ If divorced/widowed: Proof of divorce or a death certificate
Send these documents to The National Registry of Iceland (Þjóðskrá) for approval.
2️⃣ Choosing the Right Type of Ceremony
Iceland lets you get married practically anywhere, but you need to decide whether you want:
💍 A civil ceremony – The easiest legal option, held at the District Commissioner’s Office in Reykjavík.
💍 A religious or symbolic ceremony – Conducted by a priest, celebrant, or Norse pagan chieftain (yes, really).
If you’re dreaming of saying your vows under Seljalandsfoss waterfall (check it out here), you’ll need to arrange for an officiant who can legally marry you on location.
3️⃣ Getting Your Marriage Certificate & Apostille
Once you’re officially hitched, you’ll receive an Icelandic marriage certificate.
🔹 If you’re from a country in The Hague Apostille Convention, just get an Apostille stamp from the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs (official site). This makes it instantly valid abroad.
🔹 If your country isn’t part of the convention (like Canada), check with your embassy for additional legalization steps.
📍 Best Wedding Locations in Iceland (+ Legal Considerations)
Want your wedding to feel like a scene from Game of Thrones? Iceland delivers. Here are some top locations for your special day (with legal tips included!).
1️⃣ Vík (Black Sand Beach Wedding)
🌊 Why? Unreal black sand, crashing waves, and dramatic basalt cliffs.
📜 Legal tip: Outdoor ceremonies need officiants approved by Icelandic law.
2️⃣ Seljalandsfoss (Waterfall Wedding)
💦 Why? You can stand behind the waterfall while saying your vows!
📜 Legal tip: The mist is no joke—waterproof makeup is your friend.
3️⃣ Skaftafell (Glacier Wedding)
❄️ Why? A wedding on a glacier? Yes, please!
📜 Legal tip: Some locations require permits—check with local authorities.
For more stunning locations, check out Guide to Iceland.
❓ FAQ: Everything Else You Need to Know
📌 Can Foreigners Get Married in Iceland?
Absolutely! No residency required. Just show up, submit your paperwork, and say “Já” (Yes) in Icelandic!
📌 How Long Does It Take to Process the Marriage Certificate?
Usually a few days after the wedding. If you need it faster, ask for an expedited process.
📌 What’s the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Iceland?
🌞 Summer (June-August) – Midnight sun, warmer weather, and easy access to outdoor locations.
❄️ Winter (November-March) – Northern Lights and a magical snowy backdrop.
📌 Can I Bring Guests to My Iceland Wedding?
Of course! But keep in mind:
- Some locations are hard to reach in winter.
- Iceland’s weather is wild—plan for sudden changes.
📸 Capture Your Iceland Wedding with Breathtaking Photos
Let’s be real—if you’re getting married in one of the most stunning places on Earth, you need a photographer who can capture the raw beauty of Iceland and the emotions of your day. That’s where I come in.
✨ I’m Serg, the heart and soul behind Your Happy Moments Photography. Whether you’re eloping on a glacier, saying “I do” beneath the Northern Lights, or braving the elements for that perfect black-sand beach kiss, I’ll make sure your memories last forever.
📖 See real Iceland wedding stories here: Your Happy Moments Blog
📷 Check out my wedding photography packages: Investment Page
💌 Let’s plan your dream wedding together: Contact Me
Your Iceland wedding adventure is waiting—let’s make it unforgettable! 💙
