Dreaming of a wedding that’s straight out of a Viking saga? A land where glaciers meet lava fields, where waterfalls whisper ancient love stories, and where you can literally get married under the Northern Lights? Welcome to Iceland—the ultimate wedding destination for adventurous souls and hopeless romantics.
But here’s the thing—getting married in Iceland isn’t just about stunning landscapes. This country has some of the most unique and mystical wedding traditions in the world. From pagan Viking ceremonies to handfasting rituals, from black sand beaches to hidden elf-approved locations, Iceland offers an otherworldly way to say, “I do.”
Ready to start your epic love story? Let’s dive in.
1. Viking Wedding Ceremonies: A Love Story Written in Fire and Ice
Modern weddings? Meh. If you really want to channel your inner warrior, why not go full Viking?
✨ What happens at a Viking wedding in Iceland?
- The ceremony is led by a goði (a pagan priest) who calls upon the Norse gods to bless the marriage. Odin, Freyja, Thor—basically the ultimate wedding guests.
- The couple drinks from a ceremonial drinking horn filled with mead (a honey-based alcohol, because Vikings knew how to party).
- The setting? Think Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (link), Skaftafell’s glaciers (link), or even the lava caves of Raufarhólshellir (link).
💡 Bonus tip: Some couples go all out and wear fur capes, armor, and swords. Because why not?
2. Handfasting Ritual: The Original “Tying the Knot”
Forget rings—how about literally tying your hands together?
The handfasting ritual dates back to Viking times and is still used in pagan and Icelandic weddings today. A braided ribbon or rope is wrapped around the couple’s hands as they say their vows, symbolizing their unity.
🧵 Fun fact: Some couples keep the cord and display it in their home as a reminder of their bond. Just imagine it hanging above your fireplace—a daily reminder that you’re now officially stuck with each other.
3. Eloping in Iceland: Why Big Weddings Are Overrated
Want to skip the stress, the guest list drama, and the overpriced wedding venues? Iceland is one of the easiest places to elope.
All you need is:
✔ A certificate of marital status from your home country
✔ A valid passport
✔ Two witnesses (which can be your photographer and guide—yes, really!)
📍 Best elopement locations in Iceland:
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (link) – Moody, dramatic, and perfect for cinematic photos.
- Thingvellir National Park (link) – A UNESCO site where North America and Europe literally meet.
- Siglufjörður – A hidden gem in North Iceland, with fjords straight out of a fairytale.
🔥 Hot tip: Winter elopements mean fewer tourists and a chance to get married under the Northern Lights. How’s that for unforgettable?
4. Midnight Sun & Northern Lights Weddings
Imagine this: You say “I do” at midnight, but the sun is still shining. Welcome to Iceland’s Midnight Sun weddings (late May to early August), where golden-hour lighting lasts all night.
Or, if you’re feeling extra magical, why not get married under the Northern Lights? From September to April, the skies light up with dancing green and purple waves—a natural wedding fireworks display.
📍 Best spots for Northern Lights weddings:
- Thingvellir National Park (link)
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (link)
- Hella, South Iceland – Fewer tourists, more magic.
5. Icelandic Wedding Cake: The Kransakaka Tradition
Let’s talk cake, because what’s a wedding without dessert?
Iceland’s traditional wedding cake is kransakaka—a tower of almond-flavored rings stacked into a cone. But here’s the fun part: The newlyweds break the top ring together, and the number of rings that fall predicts how many children they’ll have. (No pressure.)
Pair it with Brennivín, Iceland’s signature schnapps, for the full experience. Cheers! 🥂
6. Elf-Approved Wedding Locations
Wait, what? Elves?
Yes. Icelanders take their Huldufólk (hidden people) seriously, and some lands are believed to be sacred. Some couples even consult an elf expert before choosing a wedding location—just to make sure they’re not disturbing any supernatural beings.
Best places to get married with “elf approval”:
- Ásbyrgi Canyon – A horseshoe-shaped canyon believed to be created by Odin’s eight-legged horse.
- Hellnar, Snæfellsnes Peninsula – One of the most magical and mysterious spots in Iceland.
7. Saying “I Do” in a Hot Spring
What’s better than a wedding? A wedding followed by a soak in a geothermal hot spring!
📍 Best hot springs for post-wedding relaxation:
- Blue Lagoon (link) – Iconic, but touristy.
- Sky Lagoon (link) – A modern Icelandic spa experience.
- Secret Lagoon (link) – Rustic, natural, and full of charm.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married in Iceland
❓ Can foreigners legally get married in Iceland?
✅ Yes! You just need to submit your documents at least 3 weeks before your wedding.
❓ Do we need a wedding planner?
✅ Not necessarily, but it helps—especially if you want a remote location or Viking ceremony.
❓ How much does a wedding in Iceland cost?
✅ From $5,000 for an elopement to $30,000+ for a full-scale wedding.
Ready to Make Iceland Your Wedding Destination?
Whether you’re dreaming of a Viking-inspired ceremony, an elopement on a glacier, or a handfasting ritual under the Northern Lights, Iceland is where wedding dreams turn into legendary love stories.
And if you want someone to capture every breathtaking moment, I’d love to be part of your adventure. As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in crafting timeless, intimate, and epic wedding photos that tell your love story in the most stunning landscapes on Earth.
📸 See my latest Iceland weddings: Blog
💍 Explore my wedding photography packages: Investment
📩 Ready to start planning? Let’s talk: Contact
Your wedding deserves to be legendary—let’s make it happen! 🚀💙
