So, you’re dreaming of saying “I do” in Iceland. Maybe you’re picturing a waterfall as your witness, or an ancient lava field as your aisle. Maybe you just want to elope in a land where elves and Vikings once roamed. Whatever the reason, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure!
But let’s be real—before you can exchange vows under the Northern Lights, there’s a bit of paperwork to handle. (Don’t worry, it’s nowhere near as dramatic as a volcanic eruption.) In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting legally married in Iceland—without the stress.
Can Foreigners Get Married in Iceland?
Short answer: Yes! Iceland is one of the easiest places in the world for non-residents to tie the knot. You don’t need to be an Icelandic citizen, and you don’t need to live there. Whether you’re planning a grand wedding or an intimate elopement, Iceland welcomes love in all its forms—including same-sex marriages, which have been legal here since 2010.
However, Icelandic officials do expect a little preparation. You’ll need to submit some documents in advance (we’ll cover that next), and you’ll want to make sure you follow the country’s legal process.
📌 Fun fact: There’s no legal requirement for witnesses in Iceland, so if you’re planning a super-private elopement, you don’t need to drag along extra people!
Marriage License Requirements in Iceland
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before your wedding, you’ll need to send a few key documents to Iceland’s National Registry (Þjóðskrá Íslands) at least three weeks in advance. Here’s what you’ll need:
📝 Marriage Notification Form – Both partners need to sign this official application.
📜 Birth Certificates – Must be original or certified copies.
💍 Certificate of Marital Status – A document proving you’re not currently married.
⚖️ Divorce Papers (if applicable) – If you were previously married, you need to show proof of divorce.
🖤 Death Certificate (if applicable) – If you’re a widow or widower, bring proof of your previous spouse’s passing.
📷 Passport Copies – Because, you know, they want to confirm you exist.
📌 Pro Tip: All documents must be translated into Icelandic or English and officially certified. If your country is part of The Hague Apostille Convention, you may also need an apostille stamp.
Once you’ve got everything ready, send it to:
📍 National Registry of Iceland (Þjóðskrá Íslands)
📧 skra@skra.is
📬 Borgartún 21, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Step 2: Pick Up Your Marriage License
After your documents are approved, you’ll receive your Marriage License (Hjónavígsluskírteini). You (or your planner/photographer/officiant) will need to pick this up in person at the National Registry before your wedding.
🚀 Can you get it last minute?
Technically, yes. If you’re a risk-taker, you can submit your documents closer to the deadline, but I highly recommend getting everything in early—bureaucracy can be unpredictable!
Step 3: Have the Wedding of Your Dreams
Iceland offers three main types of ceremonies:
💍 Civil Ceremony – A simple, legal wedding at the District Commissioner’s office.
⛪ Church Wedding – Iceland has stunning churches, from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja to tiny, cozy chapels in the countryside.
🌋 Nature Wedding – The dream! Get married in a glacier cave, on a black sand beach, or next to a thundering waterfall.
Step 4: Get Your Marriage Certificate
After your ceremony, your officiant will submit the paperwork to the National Registry, and you’ll receive your official Marriage Certificate (Hjónavígsluvottorð). You can then register it in your home country to make your marriage internationally recognized.
📌 Pro Tip: Some countries require additional legalization steps, so check with your local authorities before you leave Iceland!
Best Places to Get Married in Iceland
Iceland is like a real-life fantasy world, and choosing just one location can be the hardest part of wedding planning. Here are some epic spots to consider:
🌊 Vík – Picture yourselves exchanging vows on a dramatic black sand beach with towering basalt columns in the background. Epic.
💦 Seljalandsfoss – A breathtaking waterfall where you can actually walk behind the cascading water. Just… bring a raincoat.
❄️ Skaftafell National Park – Want to say “I do” on a glacier? You can do that here.
🌿 Siglufjörður – A remote fjord town with colorful houses, mountains, and absolute peace. If you want an off-the-grid wedding, this is your spot.
🔥 Hverfjall Volcano – A wedding inside an ancient volcanic crater? Now that’s a love story for the ages.
📌 Need help deciding? Let’s chat! I know all the hidden gems for an unreal wedding backdrop.
FAQs About Getting Married in Iceland
Can foreigners legally marry in Iceland?
Yes! Iceland allows non-residents to marry as long as they submit the required documents in advance.
How much does it cost to get married in Iceland?
A simple civil ceremony at the District Commissioner’s office costs around $100–$200 USD. A destination wedding in nature? That’s totally up to your vision!
Do I need a witness?
Nope! Icelandic law doesn’t require witnesses for a legal marriage ceremony.
Can we elope just the two of us?
Absolutely! Iceland is one of the best places in the world for an adventurous, just-the-two-of-you elopement.
Capture Your Icelandic Love Story with Stunning Photos
Your wedding in Iceland isn’t just a legal event—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you’re exchanging vows under a waterfall, on a glacier, or beneath the Northern Lights, you deserve breathtaking photos to remember every moment.
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing couples in Iceland’s most stunning landscapes. I’ll help you find the perfect location, navigate the weather (trust me, Iceland’s elements are wild), and create memories you’ll cherish forever.
📸 See my latest weddings: Your Happy Moments Blog
💰 Check out my packages: Investment
📩 Let’s start planning your dream wedding! Contact me
Final Thoughts: Say “Já” to an Iceland Wedding!
Iceland is more than just a place to get married—it’s an experience. The landscapes, the atmosphere, the pure magic of it all make this a bucket-list wedding destination.
So, are you ready to make it official in one of the most jaw-dropping places on Earth? Let’s capture your love story in the land of fire and ice! 🚀
