(Spoiler Alert: Yes, you absolutely can—and it’s going to be magical!)
Imagine standing beneath a towering waterfall, the mist swirling around you as you say, “I do.” Or maybe you’re on a black sand beach, with dramatic cliffs rising behind you, the wind catching your veil as you kiss your partner for the first time as a married couple. If that sounds like your dream wedding, welcome to Iceland—one of the most breathtaking places on Earth to tie the knot.
But let’s get to the real question: Can non-residents legally get married in Iceland? The answer is yes, and the process is surprisingly simple! So, if you’re considering a destination wedding in this land of fire and ice, keep reading—this guide covers everything from legal requirements to the best locations and insider tips.
1. Can Foreigners Get Married in Iceland? (The Legal Stuff)
✅ The Short Answer: YES!
Iceland allows non-residents—including tourists—to legally marry, with relatively simple paperwork compared to many other countries.
📜 What Documents Do You Need?
To have a legally recognized wedding in Iceland, you’ll need to submit the following at least three weeks before your wedding to the Icelandic National Registry:
✔ Valid passports (for both partners)
✔ Original birth certificates
✔ Certificate of marital status (proof that you’re not already married)
✔ Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)
✔ Legal translations of any documents that aren’t in Icelandic or English
Pro Tip: It’s best to send your paperwork at least 5 weeks in advance to allow for processing delays.
💍 Civil vs. Religious Wedding—What’s the Difference?
In Iceland, you can choose between:
- A civil ceremony at a District Commissioner’s office (simple, quick, and legally binding).
- A religious or symbolic ceremony in a church or at a stunning outdoor location.
If you’re dreaming of a storybook church wedding, check out Búðakirkja, Iceland’s famous black church. It’s intimate, moody, and oh-so-photogenic! More info here.
2. Best Wedding Locations in Iceland: Where to Say “I Do”
🌿 For the Nature Lovers
💦 Seljalandsfoss – Get married behind a 60-meter waterfall! (Yes, you can stand behind it!)
🏖 Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Moody, dramatic, and totally Game of Thrones-esque.
🌋 Thingvellir National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site where you can literally stand between two tectonic plates.
❄ Skaftafell Glacier – Say your vows surrounded by ancient ice formations.
🏰 For the Romantic Souls
🖤 Búðakirkja (Black Church) – A striking black chapel on a windswept coastal plain. Details here.
🎶 Harpa Concert Hall – A sleek, modern venue with incredible architecture. Explore here.
💎 The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – Luxurious, exclusive, and perfect for a spa-side wedding. Check it out.
3. When Is the Best Time to Get Married in Iceland?
Each season in Iceland offers something unique:
☀ Summer (June–August): Midnight sun, lush landscapes, and slightly warmer weather.
❄ Winter (November–March): Snowy landscapes and the chance to say “I do” under the Northern Lights.
🍂 Spring/Fall: Fewer tourists, mild weather, and a mix of green and snowy scenery.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, summer gives you the best chance of avoiding crazy winds and rain.
4. How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Iceland?
💰 Basic legal wedding (civil ceremony) – ~$100–$200 USD (fees for paperwork & registration).
📷 Photographer – ~$2,500+ (for a professional Icelandic wedding photographer—you’ll want one, trust me!).
🎥 Videographer – ~$3,000+ (for cinematic wedding footage of your adventure).
🌸 Florals & décor – ~$500–$2,000 (depending on location & style).
🏨 Venue rental (if needed) – ~$1,000–$5,000 (indoor venues vary in price).
If you’re eloping, your main expenses will be flights, accommodation, a photographer, and wedding attire—but the experience? Absolutely priceless.
5. Symbolic Weddings & Elopements: A No-Stress Alternative
Not a fan of paperwork? Many couples opt for a symbolic wedding in Iceland and handle the legal formalities at home. That way, you get the full “Icelandic wedding experience” without any bureaucratic headaches.
Perfect for elopements, this option lets you exchange vows in truly remote locations—mountaintops, glaciers, lava fields—without worrying about legal restrictions.
6. Pro Tips for Planning Your Iceland Wedding
✔ Book early! Iceland is insanely popular, and venues/photographers fill up fast.
✔ Prepare for unpredictable weather – Bring layers, waterproof shoes, and a sense of adventure!
✔ Hire a local planner – They know the ins and outs of Icelandic weather and logistics.
✔ Consider an elopement package – Many Icelandic photographers (myself included) offer full wedding & elopement planning with photo coverage.
7. Capture Your Iceland Wedding in Stunning Photography 📸
Let’s be honest—you’re getting married in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This is NOT the time for shaky iPhone photos. You need a photographer who can capture the raw, breathtaking beauty of your Iceland wedding.
That’s where I come in.
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing those adventurous, cinematic, deeply emotional moments that make your love story legendary. Whether you’re eloping on a glacier, exchanging vows under the Northern Lights, or running barefoot on a black sand beach, I’ll be there—documenting every single second.
📍 Explore my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
📸 Check out wedding photography packages: Investment
💌 Let’s plan your Iceland wedding together: Contact Me
So, Can Non-Residents Get Married in Iceland?
YES! And if you’re dreaming of an adventurous, intimate, and wildly beautiful wedding, this is your sign to book those tickets and make it happen. Iceland is waiting for your love story—let’s make it unforgettable. 💙
