Where to Elope in Iceland: Top Locations for Adventure & Intimacy

Wondering where to elope in Iceland? Iceland offers landscapes so varied and powerful that every location tells a different story. If you’re struggling to choose where to elope in Iceland, these spots are my favorites — each one bringing something unique. Whether you want dramatic cliffs, ice-lakes, quiet mossy valleys, or sweeping coastal views, there’s a place here that will feel like it was made for your vows.

Below are locations I often recommend, what makes them special for elopement photography, plus tips to choose depending on what kind of day you want.

My Favorite Elopement Spots in Iceland

Location	Why It’s Special / Photo Highlights	Best For Whom	Access & Privacy Tips
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi (South Iceland)	One of the few waterfalls where you can walk behind the water (Seljalandsfoss), plus Gljúfrabúi hidden behind cliffs & moss. Texture, motion, magical sound.	Couples who love immersive moments, movement (mist, falling water), contrast between open sky + enclosed spaces	Go early (sunrise) or late in day; summer / early fall has safest footing; behind the falls can be slippery & wet; weather changes quickly.
Skógafoss Waterfall	Huge, powerful, cinematic. Rainbows in the mist. You get both grand scale & intimacy (if you hike up alongside).	For couples who want that dramatic “wow” photo; those okay with some crowds in exchange for iconic imagery	Same as above: sunrise or off-peak times help; higher vantage points above the falls often quieter.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach	Floating icebergs, cold luminous blues, black sand, shards of ice — surreal and ever-changing.	Great for couples who want something otherworldly, dramatic backdrops, boat tours if available, strong contrasts in imagery	Be ready for long travel times; boat / lagoon tours sometimes only in good weather; winter gives different access vs summer.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach	Dark volcanic sand, sea stacks (Reynisdrangar), basalt columns, moody skies — breathtaking for high-contrast, dramatic work.	Couples drawn to bold, moody scenes; ocean + beach lovers; those okay with wind & strong ocean presence	Safety very important (sneaker waves); early morning or sunset to avoid crowds; always check tide & weather; limited options in stormy weather.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Kirkjufell, Búðakirkja, Arnarstapi etc.)	You get a LOT in a small area: dramatic peaks, sea, lava fields, minimalist churches, quaint fishing villages. Kirkjufell + Kirkjufellsfoss especially picturesque.	Couples who want variety without too much driving; folks who want both dramatic and quiet in one day; lovers of cultural/minimal architecture	Visit off-peak times; check roads (especially in shoulder seasons); at popular spots like Kirkjufell, aim for less obvious viewpoints or less traveled hours.
The Highlands (e.g. Landmannalaugar, Stakkholtsgjá, Þórsmörk)	Raw landscapes: rhyolite mountains, hot springs, rugged canyons, sweeping vistas. Feels remote. Feels deeply alive.	Adventurous couples, hikers, folks wanting something totally remote, disconnected, and epic	Accessible only in summer (roads often closed other times); need good vehicle + spare time; sometimes guided access needed; weather more volatile.
Eastfjords & Northern Regions (Stuðlagil Canyon, Akureyri area, Goðafoss, etc.)	Fewer tourists, wild fjords, basalt formations, water flowing through between mountains. Landscapes that feel quieter.	Couples wanting solitude; folks who don’t mind longer travel & staying off the “classic route”; nature lovers who want fewer crowds in their photos	Plan lodging in advance; check road conditions especially in non-summer; some spots require hiking or ferry; sometimes less infrastructure.
Stokksnes / Vestrahorn (East Iceland)	Majestic mountain ridges, reflective black dunes, dramatic light, moody coastline. One of those spots that feels cinematic simply by existing.	For couples who want dramatic coastal mountains, contrast, wide open skies; want a location that feels remote in both look & feel	Very long drive; weather often windy; turnoff roads may be rough; ideal at sunrise or golden hour; less crowded but still a destination.
Dynjandi (Westfjords)	Waterfall that unfolds like a veil, rugged and remote fjord surroundings, lots of character. A sense of wild beauty.	Couples who don’t mind remoteness; those who want fewer people; willing to travel; lovers of dramatic cascade form and raw backdrops	Plan for travel time, maybe ferry or rough roads; likely limited amenities; longer daylight helps; summer best.

How to Choose Your Perfect Location – Where to elope in Iceland

Because Iceland has so many incredible options, picking the right one comes down to matching the mood & logistics with your vision. Here are questions to help decide:

1. How remote do you want it to feel?
   If you want almost no people, aim for Highlands, Eastfjords, or less visited waterfalls / canyons. If being close to Reykjavík or accessible roads matters, South Coast or Snæfellsnes are more practical.
2. What backdrop(s) do you want?
   Do you prefer waterfalls, ice/icebergs, black sand coastline, minimal architecture (churches, lighthouses), or a mix? Combining two types (e.g. beach + glacier) means more driving, but the variety in your photos can be worth it.
3. What season / weather are you okay with?
   Some spots are inaccessible in winter. Some roads are F-roads (highland roads) only open in summer. Snow, rain, wind will shape how everything looks — is rugged & raw fine, or do you want gentler landscapes?
4. How much driving / hiking are you willing to do?
   If you want comfort & ease, pick locations close to main roads. If adventure + hiking + roughing it are part of your elopement, then more remote valleys or glacier rims can be magical.
5. Timing for privacy & light
   Early morning or “magic hours” (sunrise / sunset) almost always give more intimate feeling + softer light. Also off-peak days of week help. In very popular spots, even they can get busy midday, so plan for off-hours.

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Lesser-Known Gems If You Want to Skip the Crowds

• Nauthúsagil – A moss-lined ravine, small waterfalls, lush vibe; quiet and feels secret.
• Múlagljúfur Canyon – Near Vatnajökull; panoramic, dramatic, less visited.
• Stuðlagil Canyon (East) – Basalt columns, colored river, beautiful light, fewer people.

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Example Itineraries by Location Type

To help you imagine what a day or two elopement might look like, here are sample combos:

• South Coast + Glacier Combo: Start near Reykjavík → Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi (sunrise) → Skógafoss for mid-day portraits → Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach for sunset / ice light.
• Snæfellsnes “All-Rounder”: Gram some black church architecture at Búðir → coastlines & basalt cliffs at Arnarstapi → mountain views at Kirkjufell for sunset or northern lights.
• Remote Highlands Adventure: Landmannalaugar for sunrise (rhyolite mountains) → hike into Thórsmörk or other highland valley → finish with glacier views or a secluded waterfall.

Choosing the Right Place to Elope in Iceland

You could drive for hours in any direction in Iceland and find somewhere breathtaking — but the magic happens when a place feels like yours. Whether it’s the quiet hum of a canyon, the wind sweeping across a glacier, or the glow of the midnight sun, your location should reflect what you want your day to feel like — not just how it looks in photos.

That’s what I help couples do: find the balance between wild adventure and calm presence. Together, we’ll plan a day that flows naturally, explore the landscapes that move you, and create space for genuine, unhurried moments along the way.

If Iceland feels like the right place for you, I’d love to help you bring it to life.
Visit my Iceland Elopement Photographer page to start planning your Iceland elopement — and let’s create something that feels entirely your own.