Get Married in Iceland
Planning Starter Guide to Organising a Destination Wedding in Iceland
Claire & Duke’s Wedding in Iceland – Luxwedding Iceland
A Guide for Adventure-Loving Couples
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s wildly romantic, visually breathtaking, and far from ordinary, then getting married in Iceland might be your perfect choice. With volcanoes, glaciers, black-sand beaches and waterfalls, Iceland offers one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring settings on Earth.
From the untouched wilderness to warm, welcoming locals, Iceland delivers a truly unforgettable backdrop for couples wanting a wedding experience that’s as unique as their love story.
To give real insight into what makes Iceland such a special destination for a wedding abroad, we have asked Vigdís from boutique Icelandic wedding and event planning agency Luxwedding, to provide some insider information on how, when and where to get married in Iceland.
Why Iceland is a Unique Wedding Destination
There are few places in the world that offer the sheer variety of landscapes that Iceland does. Whether you imagine exchanging vows beneath the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights, beside a thundering waterfall, or on a secluded cliff overlooking the sea, Iceland delivers unforgettable views and atmosphere at every turn.
Nestled between North America and Europe, Iceland is easily accessible, yet it still feels like another world. It’s ideal for elopements and small destination weddings, especially for couples looking to combine their ceremony with adventure, exploration and natural wonder.
One of Iceland’s major draws is its simplicity. The legal process is relatively easy for non-residents, same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and most locals speak excellent English. It’s also a destination where hospitality meets creativity—your wedding can be as traditional, symbolic or offbeat as you like.
Good to Know Before You Get Married in Iceland
Daylight Hours Vary Dramatically
One of the most unique things about getting married in Iceland is the dramatic difference in daylight hours depending on the season. In summer, you can enjoy up to 22 hours of daylight, thanks to the midnight sun. In contrast, winter days can be as short as 4–5 hours, creating a magical but limited window for photography and outdoor ceremonies.
The Northern Lights Aren’t Always Visible
Many couples choose Iceland with the hope of catching the Northern Lights—and it’s certainly possible. However, they’re only visible from October to March, and even then, sightings depend on weather and solar activity. A clear, dark, cold night in a rural area offers your best chance.
Icelandic Weather is Wildly Unpredictable
The weather in Iceland can change dramatically in just a few minutes. This is especially true during the winter months, where snow, wind, and storms can appear unexpectedly. If you’re planning to get married in Iceland outdoors, always have a Plan B—many experienced planners will even prepare Plan C, just in case.
Legal Marriage is Straightforward
One of the great advantages of choosing to get married in Iceland is the straightforward legal process. Unlike some countries, there’s no need for costly document translations if your paperwork is in English or a Scandinavian language.
Same-sex marriage was legalised in 2010, and Iceland consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for LGB rights and inclusivity, making it an excellent choice for all couples.
Wedding Paperwork Timelines
To legally get married in Iceland, all required documents must be submitted to the National Registry at least three weeks before the wedding date. The final paperwork must be handed in five working days before your ceremony.
If you don’t use a wedding planner, you’ll need to be in Iceland for those five working days beforehand. However, if you hire a wedding planner, they can handle the submission on your behalf—meaning you can arrive just 1–2 days before your wedding.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Iceland
Each season in Iceland offers its own unique experience, so your ideal wedding date will depend on the kind of celebration you want.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is Iceland’s high season, therefore moe expensive. With long days, lush green landscapes and mild temperatures (8–15°C), it’s the best time for travel and accessibility. You can even enjoy the midnight sun, which allows for extended photo shoots and golden-hour ceremonies.
Autumn & Spring (May & September)
These shoulder seasons strike a good balance between cost and beauty. Autumn often brings the first chances to see the Northern Lights, while spring is fresh and quiet. Accommodation and travel tend to be more affordable than in summer.
Winter (October–April)
If a snowy, magical atmosphere appeals to you, winter in Iceland is unforgettable. Think frozen waterfalls, natural ice caves, and the potential for aurora sightings. However, expect very limited daylight and unpredictable weather—having a solid backup plan is essential. It’s low season, so less expensive.
Legal Requirements: How to Get Married in Iceland Legally
One of the key reasons couples love Iceland is how accessible it is to marry legally. The process is open to international couples and doesn’t require residency.
What You Need
One of the greatest advantages about getting married in Iceland is that couples from all over the world can legally marry with no need for costly translation of documents if they are in English. Iceland is also a gay marriage friendly country, as of June 2010 same sex marriage became legal in the country.
In order to obtain a marriage licence you will need to prepare and send your paperwork to the National Registry Office in Reykjavik at least three weeks prior to the wedding date.
All documentation must be original. If documentation is not in English or Scandinavian languages, it has to be accompanied by a translation. To legally get married in Iceland, paperwork needs to be handed in 5 working days prior to your wedding. You will be required to produce the following:
- Completed marriage notification form (Hjónavígsluskýrsla) – this form is provided by Sýslumaðurinn í Reykjavik.
- Birth certificates
- Certificate of Marital Status
- Divorce or death certificate, if applicable
- If widow/widower – an official document showing that the estate (assets and liabilities) of the deceased spouse has been finalised/divided
- Passports for both parties
- Proof of legal stay (passport stamp, visa or flight confirmation)
If you’re using a wedding planner, they can often handle the document submission for you, allowing you to arrive just a few days before the wedding.
For more information on the legal requirements and documentation required for to get married in Iceland visit here. Additional information in respect of the legal requirements and documentation required for US citizens to get married in Iceland can be found here. Information for UK citizens can be found here.
Ceremony Locations: Where to Say "I Do"
City Weddings
For those who want something more urban, Reykjavík offers options like Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church in the heart of the city, or intimate registry office ceremonies with beautiful views over the capital.
Nature & Outdoor Ceremonies
The real magic of Iceland lies outdoors. Popular spots include:
- Skógafoss or Seljalandsfoss – majestic waterfalls
- Thingvellir National Park – historic and scenic
- Black sand beaches at Vík – perfect for moody, dramatic photos
- Inside a glacier or lava cave – for truly adventurous couples
- Private mountaintop locations by helicopter – for an exclusive experience
Always check with local authorities or landowners, as some outdoor sites require permits.
What It Costs to Get Married in Iceland
It’s usually less expensive to have a wedding ceremony within one hour from the city and then have the reception in the city. This gives guests the opportunity to have their accommodation wherever they want.
For those with a bigger budget, you have the option to rent a whole hotel in the countryside. You also have the option to have the ceremony in the area and the reception at the hotel. Iceland has some very nice hotels in various locations in all parts of the country.
Keep in mind that prices vary greatly depending on location, season, and preferences. Alcohol is heavily taxed, and imported items like flowers or décor can be pricey, so budget accordingly.
Basic Ceremony Costs - Average Cost 2026
- Civil ceremony with the district commissioner: from €70
- Celebrant for symbolic/outdoor wedding: from €400–€500
- Meal per guest (excluding drinks): €60–€90
- Photographer (half day): from €1,000
- Wedding planner (partial or full-service): €2,000–€5,000+
Full Wedding Packages - Average Cost 2026
- Elopements or micro-weddings (up to 10 guests): from €4,500–€9,000
- Small destination weddings (12–30 guests): from €15,000–€25,000
- Larger weddings (40+ guests): typically upwards of €35,000–€70,000, depending on venue and inclusions
Activities to Make Your Iceland Wedding Unforgettable
Whether you’re planning a simple elopement or a three-day celebration, Iceland offers some of the most unforgettable experiences to add to your wedding trip:
- Snowmobiling on glaciers
- Horseback riding on Icelandic horses
- Northern Lights hunting
- Snorkelling in Silfra between tectonic plates
- Super Jeep tours in the Highlands
- Ice cave exploration
- Geothermal spa visits (Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon)
Do You Need a Wedding Planner?
While it is possible to plan your own wedding in Iceland, hiring a local wedding planner is highly recommended—especially if you’re dreaming of a ceremony in the wild landscapes Iceland is known for. From navigating complex logistics to handling unpredictable weather, a planner can make all the difference between stress and success.
Why Work with a Planner?
Getting married in Iceland comes with unique challenges, such as remote venues, variable weather, and legal paperwork. A professional planner can:
- Handle all legal documentation and deadlines
- Suggest and secure the best ceremony locations
- Provide backup plans in case of weather changes
- Arrange transport, accommodation and extras for your group
- Handle communication with local vendors
- Be your on-the-ground point of contact to keep everything running smoothly
- Assist with activities before and after the big day
Whether you’re eloping or bringing 40 guests for a destination celebration, a local expert can tailor every element to your vision and relieve you of the stress that comes with destination planning.
Meet Luxwedding – Experts in Iceland Wedding Planning
One of Iceland’s top boutique wedding planning agencies, Luxwedding, specialises in designing bespoke weddings and elopements across the country. Whether you picture an intimate glacier ceremony or a luxurious countryside celebration with your closest friends and family, their experienced team will help bring it to life.
As a registered member of the Icelandic Tourist Board, Luxwedding is fully licensed to plan every element of your event, ensuring it meets both your expectations and Icelandic legal standards.
Luxwedding takes pride in offering first-class, friendly service. They’re more than planners—they become partners in your journey. By getting to know each couple personally, they craft meaningful, beautifully styled events that reflect your personality and love story.
From securing stunning ceremony spots to handling flowers, makeup, celebrants, photographers and post-wedding adventures, Luxwedding is with you every step of the way.
Start Planning Your Dream Wedding
Whether you’re just beginning to research how to get married in Iceland or you’re ready to start booking suppliers, Luxwedding would love to hear more about your ideas. Use the form below as a quick and easy way to contact them.
