Dreaming of a wedding that feels straight out of a Nordic saga? Imagine saying your vows under the shimmering Northern Lights, exchanging rune-engraved rings, and maybe—just maybe—getting a silent blessing from Iceland’s hidden folk (huldufólk).
Iceland isn’t just a stunning backdrop for elopements and destination weddings—it’s a land where folklore is woven into everyday life. So why not make your big day truly magical by embracing the legends, spirits, and Viking traditions of this breathtaking country?
Let’s dive into the enchanting world of Icelandic folklore weddings!
1. Choose a Legendary Location
Iceland is overflowing with wedding locations steeped in myth and mystery. Here are a few that’ll make your ceremony feel like a page from an old saga:
🖤 Vík – The famous black sand beach, home to the Reynisdrangar sea stacks—legend says they were once trolls caught in sunlight. Perfect for moody, dramatic wedding photos!
💦 Seljalandsfoss – A waterfall you can walk behind! Locals say waterfalls are portals to the world of elves, so your wedding here could have some unexpected guests.
❄ Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Picture an intimate ceremony on the shore of a glacial lagoon, with icebergs floating in the background. Absolute fairytale vibes.
🌿 Ásbyrgi Canyon – According to legend, this horseshoe-shaped canyon was formed by Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse. If you’re looking for a mystical, nature-filled elopement spot, this is it!
(Planning a wedding in Iceland? Check out my wedding blog for location inspiration!)
2. Invite the Elves (Respectfully!)
Icelandic folklore is full of stories about the huldufólk (hidden people). Many Icelanders still believe in them—so much so that road construction has been altered to avoid disturbing their homes!
💡 How to invite (or at least not anger) them?
✅ Leave a small offering—bread, milk, or even a little honey—near a rock before your ceremony.
✅ Avoid making loud noises near elf dwellings (unusual rock formations or hills).
✅ Incorporate fairy lights and mossy décor for an ethereal, elf-friendly reception.
One couple I worked with actually left a tiny wedding cake near an elf rock “just in case”—the next morning, it was gone. Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe someone enjoyed a midnight snack. 😉
3. Say “I Do” Under the Northern Lights
Getting married under the aurora borealis? That’s a wedding gift from the universe itself. According to legend, the Northern Lights bring good luck and strong love to couples who wed beneath them.
📅 Best time to see them: September to April
📍 Best locations: Thingvellir National Park, Vík, or anywhere far from city lights
(For a truly magical experience, consider staying in a glass igloo hotel—because what’s more romantic than watching the lights dance above you after your wedding night?)
4. Add Viking Traditions to Your Ceremony
Iceland’s Viking roots run deep, and incorporating Norse traditions will make your wedding feel legendary.
🪄 Ways to add Viking magic:
🛡 Rune-engraved wedding bands – Choose symbols for love (Gebo), protection (Algiz), or unity (Ehwaz).
🥂 Mead toast from a drinking horn – Nothing says “Viking romance” like sharing a horn of honey wine.
🔗 Handfasting ceremony – The Vikings tied their hands together with cloth to symbolize eternal commitment.
(Need inspiration? Check out these rune wedding bands!)
5. Feast Like an Icelander (Minus the Fermented Shark)
A wedding feast inspired by Icelandic traditions? Yes, please! But let’s skip the hákarl (fermented shark) unless you really want to test your guests’ bravery.
🦀 Icelandic wedding menu ideas:
🧀 Skyr cheesecake – A creamy, delicious twist on a classic dessert.
🥩 Smoked lamb (Hangikjöt) – A traditional Icelandic dish perfect for cozy winter weddings.
🥃 Brennivín shots (“Black Death”) – Iceland’s signature schnapps, ideal for a Viking toast!
Pro tip: Book a venue that offers traditional Icelandic cuisine—like Dill in Reykjavik, Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant.
6. Bring the Magic to Your Wedding Look
Iceland’s landscapes deserve epic wedding attire. Here’s how to bring a touch of folklore to your look:
👗 Brides: Consider a flowing cape instead of a veil—very elven, very Icelandic, and practical for wind!
🧥 Grooms: Channel Viking nobility with a woolen tunic or an embroidered coat.
🧣 Guests: Encourage guests to wear lopapeysa (traditional Icelandic sweaters) for both warmth and style.
Imagine a wedding photo where you’re standing on a glacier in a billowing cloak—pure cinematic magic!
7. Give Guests a Touch of Icelandic Magic
Want to leave your guests with a little piece of Iceland? Here are some unique wedding favor ideas:
✨ Mini rune stones – Each guest gets a different rune with a meaning.
🌌 Bottled “Northern Lights” – Okay, it’s really glow-in-the-dark glitter, but still cute.
🍵 Icelandic herbal tea blends – Inspired by ancient remedies.
Bonus idea: Personalized Icelandic name runes as place settings!
8. Capture the Magic Forever
A wedding inspired by Icelandic folklore isn’t just a celebration—it’s a legend in the making. If you’re ready to have your epic love story documented in breathtaking landscapes, I’d love to capture every moment for you.
📸 See my portfolio of Iceland weddings: Your Happy Moments Photography
💍 Explore wedding photography packages: Investment & Pricing
📩 Let’s plan your dream wedding photos: Get in Touch
Your love story deserves to be captured in a way that feels just as legendary as the land itself. Let’s create something unforgettable! ✨
