So, you’ve decided to get married in Iceland—congratulations! 🎉 Imagine saying “I do” in front of a roaring waterfall, on a black sand beach, or even atop a glacier. Sounds like a dream, right? But before you get swept away by the magic of Iceland’s landscapes, there’s one crucial step: finding the perfect Icelandic wedding celebrant to officiate your big day.
Whether you want a traditional ceremony, a Viking handfasting, or something uniquely personal, this guide will help you navigate the process of hiring a wedding celebrant in Iceland. Let’s dive in!
1. Why You Need an Icelandic Wedding Celebrant
A wedding celebrant in Iceland does much more than just say, “You may kiss the bride.” They:
✔️ Officiate the ceremony and make it legally binding (if you choose a licensed officiant).
✔️ Craft a ceremony that reflects your love story and values.
✔️ Help navigate the legal paperwork.
✔️ Guide you on incorporating Icelandic traditions into your vows (yes, even Viking-style oaths).
And trust me, you don’t want to DIY this part—unless you fancy arguing with the Icelandic government about marriage laws in the middle of your elopement.
2. Types of Wedding Celebrants in Iceland
Iceland offers various options depending on the type of ceremony you want:
💍 Humanist Celebrants (Non-Religious & Personalized)
If you want a deeply personal ceremony with no religious elements, a humanist celebrant is your best bet. They craft unique ceremonies focused on your love story.
Where to find one? The Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association (Siðmennt) has a list of accredited humanist celebrants. (Check them out here)
⛪ Religious Celebrants (Christian, Pagan, & Other Faiths)
If you’d like a religious ceremony, you can opt for:
- A Lutheran minister (Iceland’s official church)
- A Catholic priest (available in Reykjavík)
- An Ásatrú goði (Norse pagan priest—yes, you can have a Viking wedding!)
For an Ásatrú ceremony, check out the Ásatrúarfélagið, Iceland’s pagan faith organization. (Visit their website)
🏛 Civil Celebrants (Simple & Legal)
If you just want a no-fuss legal ceremony, you can have a District Commissioner’s office officiate your marriage. This is a great choice if you’re planning a small legal wedding before your adventure elopement.
📌 You can book a civil wedding through the District Commissioner of Iceland (official website).
3. How Much Does a Wedding Celebrant Cost in Iceland?
The cost of hiring a wedding celebrant in Iceland depends on several factors, such as the type of ceremony and location. Here’s a rough breakdown:
💰 Humanist celebrant: €500 – €1,500
💰 Religious officiant: €400 – €1,200
💰 Civil ceremony (at District Commissioner’s office): ~€200
💰 Travel fees for remote locations: €100 – €500
💡 Pro tip: If you’re planning a remote wedding (e.g., in the highlands or on a glacier), expect additional travel costs for your celebrant.
4. Legal Paperwork: What You Need to Get Married in Iceland
To ensure your wedding is legal in Iceland, you’ll need to submit paperwork at least 3 weeks before your ceremony.
📝 Required documents:
✅ Birth certificates of both partners
✅ Passports
✅ Proof of marital status (certificate of no impediment)
✅ Completed Marriage Notification Form (Hjónavígsluskýrsla)
📌 Where to submit? All documents must be sent to the District Commissioner’s office (official site). If your documents are not in English or a Scandinavian language, they must be translated and notarized.
Witnesses: Icelandic law requires two witnesses during the ceremony. If you’re eloping, your photographer or guide can often step in as a witness.
5. How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Celebrant
✅ 1. Research & Read Reviews
Browse sites like:
🔹 The Celebrant Directory
🔹 Siðmennt Humanist Celebrants
🔹 Icelandic Wedding Planners
📞 2. Interview Your Top Picks
Ask questions like:
- Can you customize the ceremony to reflect our love story?
- Do you travel to remote locations?
- What’s included in your fee?
🔍 3. Check Legal Credentials
If you want a legally recognized wedding, ensure your celebrant is authorized to perform marriages in Iceland. Some non-religious officiants can perform symbolic ceremonies only!
💬 4. Discuss Personal Touches
Want a Viking horn toast? A handfasting ritual? A bilingual ceremony? Bring up your ideas—most celebrants love customizing ceremonies.
6. Icelandic Wedding Traditions You Might Want to Include
🇮🇸 ✨ Want to add an Icelandic touch to your ceremony? Here are some ideas:
🍃 Handfasting Ceremony – An ancient tradition where your hands are bound together with a ribbon, symbolizing your bond.
🍻 Drinking from a Viking Horn – Instead of champagne, why not drink from a Viking horn in true Norse fashion?
📜 Icelandic Wedding Vows – Add an Icelandic phrase like “Ég elska þig” (I love you) for a personal touch!
⛰ Ceremony in the Wild – Many couples embrace Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes by getting married near waterfalls, black sand beaches, or lava fields.
7. FAQ (People Also Ask)
❓ How far in advance should we book a wedding celebrant in Iceland?
💡 At least 3-6 months in advance, especially if you’re planning a summer wedding!
❓ Can we have a legally binding wedding in Iceland if we’re foreigners?
💡 Yes! Iceland allows non-residents to marry legally, as long as you submit the required paperwork.
❓ What if we want a symbolic ceremony instead of a legal one?
💡 That’s totally possible! You can handle the legal paperwork in your home country and have a breathtaking symbolic ceremony in Iceland.
Final Thoughts: Your Icelandic Wedding, Captured Forever
Hiring the right wedding celebrant is just one piece of the puzzle—but trust me, the right person will make your ceremony truly unforgettable. 💍✨
And once you’ve got your celebrant sorted, you’ll want a photographer who knows Iceland like the back of their hand (ahem—that’s me! 😉).
📸 Explore my wedding & elopement stories in Iceland on my blog.
💰 Check out my photography packages.
📩 Ready to make magic happen? Let’s chat!
Let’s turn your Icelandic wedding dream into reality! 🚀
