An Iceland Adventure Elopement Like No Other
Susan and Justin’s Iceland elopement was anything but traditional. Their multi-day celebration blended intimate moments, Viking-inspired elements, and spontaneous adventure, creating a wedding experience that reflected who they are.
They exchanged vows in a candlelit ceremony inside the historic Caves of Hella, surrounded by Iceland’s ancient past. The following day, they embraced Iceland’s unpredictable weather with a post-wedding adventure session, hiking to waterfalls, black sand beaches, and secluded landscapes—proving that eloping here is about more than just the ceremony.
This is the beauty of a destination elopement in Iceland—the freedom to create an experience that’s entirely your own. Whether it’s a multi-day adventure, an ancient cave ceremony, or a windswept hike, there’s no single way to celebrate.
Why Iceland Was the Perfect Elopement Destination Choice
For Susan and Justin, Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, Viking history, and untamed beauty made it the perfect backdrop for their wedding. They also embraced the excitement of spontaneity, knowing that Iceland’s ever-changing weather would shape their experience in unexpected ways.
And to make their elopement even more unique? They got married on Leap Day. A day that only comes once every four years felt like the perfect way to mark a once-in-a-lifetime moment!
Thinking of eloping and trying to decide who should come?
Read How to Include Loved Ones in Your Elopement.
A Wedding That Truly Was an Adventure
Susan and Justin knew a traditional venue wasn’t for them. They wanted to explore, experience something new, and celebrate in a way that reflected their love for adventure. That’s exactly what they did.
One of the most striking details? Susan’s custom fire-and-ice wedding dress. The design reflected Iceland’s wild contrasts—volcanic landscapes against frozen glaciers and fierce winds against peaceful waterfalls.
They also incorporated Viking-inspired elements, tying their celebration to Iceland’s deep history. Every choice was intentional, making their multi-day elopement an experience they’ll never forget.
Iceland Elopement Ceremony at the Caves of Hella
Susan and Justin wanted a ceremony location that felt both historic and otherworldly. The Caves of Hella, a hidden gem along Iceland’s South Coast, provided the perfect setting. Thought to predate the Viking era, these ancient caves carry a deep sense of mystery and history.
Their candlelit ceremony inside the cave was an experience unlike any other. The rounded stone ceilings created an intimate, almost surreal atmosphere. Surrounded by intricate carvings and flickering candlelight, they exchanged vows in a place where history and nature intertwined.
Pro Tip: When choosing your elopement location, think beyond just the views—consider places that carry history, meaning, and atmosphere.
A Viking-Inspired Reception at Ingólfsskáli
Tucked away in Iceland’s rugged mountain landscape was their reception hall — Ingólfsskáli, a Viking longhouse. The rustic wooden hall, flickering candlelight, and traditional Nordic design made it feel like stepping into another time—perfectly fitting for their Icelandic adventure.
Surrounded by their closest loved ones, they celebrated in a cozy atmosphere that was the perfect contrast to the wind and ice they had to brave. Having a multi-day elopement and time to experience everything they wanted ensured they had a chance to slow down, warm up, and enjoy every unrushed moment. This wasn’t a typical wedding reception—it was an extension of their adventure, blending history, culture, and the spirit of exploration into one unforgettable night.
Going With the Flow | Post-Wedding Adventure Session
One of the biggest things to embrace when eloping in Iceland? The unpredictable weather. Susan and Justin planned for multiple timelines and adjusted as needed, leaning into the adventure no matter what the conditions brought.
Their post-wedding session took them across some of Iceland’s most stunning landscapes:
Black Sand Beach in Vik – Dramatic waves, towering basalt columns, and an unforgettable contrast against their wedding attire.
Kvernufoss Waterfall – A secluded, windswept waterfall where they braved the mist and cold for breathtaking portraits.
Sunset near Hveragerði – Their final stop, a quiet moment on the beach, fully present in their surroundings.
Pro Tip: Iceland’s beauty comes with extreme weather. Layers, windproof gear, and a go-with-the-flow mindset are key. Your photos won’t show how cold it is, but being prepared will make the experience even better.
This post-wedding adventure was the perfect way to end their multi-day Iceland elopement, proving that this country isn’t just a place to get married—it’s a place to experience.
Bringing Their Own Style to Their Celebration
Susan and Justin’s Iceland elopement wasn’t just about the landscapes—it was about the personal details that made their experience unique. Viking-inspired touches, a fire-and-ice wedding dress, and the freedom to explore made their celebration feel true to them.
Having a multi-day elopement allowed them to slow down and take in every moment, whether hiking through Iceland’s rugged landscapes or standing beneath a waterfall in complete awe.
Thinking about how to make your elopement unique?
Check out 10 Ways to Elevate Your Elopement Experience.
Iceland: The Best Destination for Adventurous Elopements
For couples who want their elopement to feel like an experience, Iceland delivers. From black sand beaches and towering waterfalls to glaciers and lava fields, every location offers something new.
Beyond the scenery, Iceland’s unpredictable weather adds to the excitement. Susan and Justin embraced the spontaneity, knowing that every unexpected moment would only make their elopement more memorable.
If you’re looking for a wedding day that’s bold, immersive, and unforgettable, Iceland is the perfect place.
Thinking of a destination elopement?
Here are 10 Reasons to Choose a Destination Elopement or Wedding.
Testimonial from Susan & Justin
“Hands down, the BEST decision we made regarding our wedding (besides the location!)! Will is so gifted in photography & loves his job! Our sneak peek wedding gallery looked like it was pulled from a magazine—stunning scenery and incredible photos!
Will invests a great deal of time, effort, and energy into planning your day to capture exactly what you're looking for. We were married abroad in Iceland and had numerous Zoom meetings and emails before our big day. Will had no less than 5 different plans for our post-wedding photoshoot, ensuring we were prepared for any weather challenges. He is incredibly professional, kind, and thorough.
When we ran behind on hair & makeup, Will was a calming, reassuring presence that kept me grounded despite the hiccups. It was like working with an old friend! He has a great sense of humor, and it was amazing to watch him in his element.
Our post-wedding session took us down the southern coast to Black Sands Beaches & waterfalls. Despite the crowds, Will captured breathtaking photos that made it look like no one else was there! Looking through our photos transports us right back to the beauty of Iceland—we will cherish these forever!
If you’re on the fence about booking Will, DO IT!! Everyone who has seen our photos has said, “You had an incredible photographer!” You will not regret the breathtaking, artistic photos he will capture!
Before parting ways, we told Will we had such an amazing time that we wanted to plan another epic adventure just to work with him again!”
— Susan & Justin
S & J, It was truly an honor to be part of your incredible adventure in Iceland! Capturing your day was an unforgettable experience, and I’m so grateful to have been there to document it all. Hearing how much you cherish your photos means the world to me. Thank you for trusting me during such a special moment!
Ready to Plan Your Own Iceland Elopement?
Susan and Justin’s elopement proves that Iceland is the perfect destination for couples who want the full-on adventure elopement experience. Whether you’re exchanging vows in an ancient cave, hiking to a secluded waterfall, or embracing the wild landscapes, Iceland offers an adventure like no other.
If you’re dreaming of an Iceland elopement that reflects your love for exploration, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Let’s create a day that’s authentic, unforgettable, and completely yours.
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