Best Places to Elope in Iceland

Where to Get Married in Iceland

If you’re dreaming of eloping somewhere wildly beautiful and unforgettable, Iceland should be at the top of your list. With its otherworldly landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and cozy hidden spots, it’s no surprise couples from all over the world come here to say “I do.”

But where exactly are the best places to elope in Iceland? That depends on what kind of vibe you want. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony surrounded by nature’s raw power or a quiet corner away from the crowds, I’ve spent years exploring this incredible country and helping couples find those perfect spots that feel just right for their unique love story.

In this post, I’ll share some of my absolute favorite places to elope in Iceland, from iconic natural wonders to secret gems. Plus, I’ll toss in a few tips on when and how to make the most of each location. If you’re ready to start picturing your epic Iceland elopement, you’re in the right place.

Best Places to Elope in Iceland

What’s really amazing about Iceland is how wildly different the landscapes can be, sometimes within just a few hours (or minutes) of each other. One minute you might be standing in a lush valley surrounded by moss-covered lava fields and powerful waterfalls, and the next you’re on a black sand beach, watching waves slam against towering volcanic cliffs. It’s a place where nature doesn’t hold back, and that means there’s actually a huge range of the best places to elope in Iceland, no matter what kind of vibe you’re after.

Maybe you want a ceremony that feels raw and wild, where the wind is whipping and the scenery feels alive. Or maybe you prefer a quiet corner tucked away from the crowds, where the views stretch on forever and the mood is peaceful and intimate. This epic little island gives you all those choices to help you find YOUR perfect spot to get married in Iceland...and more.

In the list below, I’m sharing a few of my absolute favorite places to say “I do” here. These spots each bring their own kind of magic, whether it’s through jaw-dropping natural beauty, unique features, or just a feeling that’s perfect for an unforgettable day. You’ll find everything from iconic landmarks to lesser-known gems that are just waiting to be discovered by you and your love.

And here’s the thing. This list is just a starting point. When we work together on your Iceland elopement, we’ll go through the places you’re imagining and figure out what fits best. If you’re not sure where to start, I have a long list of spots to share, so you’ll have plenty of options to find the perfect place for you and your partner.

Let's Talk Elopement Locations

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park

Thingvellir is a must-see for anyone who loves history and jaw-dropping landscapes. It’s just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík, making it the first stop on the famous Golden Circle and one of Iceland’s most visited places. Yes, it can get busy, but don’t let that put you off if this spot feels like your perfect elopement location. Even with all the visitors, there are plenty of quiet, intimate corners perfect for a ceremony that feels private and meaningful.

Thingvellir is rich in history. It’s where the world’s first parliament, the Alþing, was founded in 930 AD. It’s also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a dramatic rift valley you can actually walk through, or even snorkel or scuba dive in if you’re up for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Exchanging vows surrounded by that kind of natural force would definitely be unforgettable.

Beyond the ceremony, Thingvellir gives you plenty of ways to add adventure to your day. You can hike along scenic trails, go horseback riding through the valley, or dive between the tectonic plates if you want something really unique. The best time to visit for weddings and activities here is June through August, when the weather is at its brightest and most welcoming.

If you want more fun ideas for making your Iceland elopement feel like an adventure, I’ve put together a blog with some of my favorite activities to inspire your day.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

If you want one of the best places to elope in Iceland that feels both grand and a little tucked away, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a spot you and your partner need to see. It’s famous for its steep, moss-covered walls that twist and turn in a serpentine shape, with the Fjaðrá River winding through like a slow-moving snake.

The canyon has only recently become a well-known destination, which means it still carries a bit of that wild, untouched feeling. Standing at the rim and looking out over the curves of the gorge is breathtaking, and the trails give you space to wander until you find the perfect quiet corner for your vows.

Now, you’re probably wondering why it’s become so popular in recent years. Fjaðrárgljúfur has made a name for itself on screen, appearing in the fantasy series Game of Thrones and even a Justin Bieber music video. This attention means it can get busy in peak summer, so aiming for early morning, late evening, or visiting during quieter seasons can help you enjoy a more peaceful experience.

From Reykjavík, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive along the Ring Road. If you’re staying in Vík, you’re only about 50 minutes away. The closest hotels are in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a small, quiet village that makes a great base for exploring this part of South Iceland. The canyon has two main access points, one at the base and another near the primary viewpoint. Both have parking available, with a fee of about ISK 1,000 (7 USD) payable online or through an app.

The time of year you visit shapes the whole feel of the place. In summer, from June to August, you’ll find mild weather, long daylight hours, and clear trails that make exploring easy. Winter transforms it completely, with snow-dusted slopes, partly frozen waterfalls, and fewer visitors, giving it a calm, almost otherworldly atmosphere. If you’re visiting in winter or during wet weather, be prepared for muddy, slippery trails and consider renting a 4x4 vehicle to handle the conditions safely.

Since you’re already in the area, you can add other incredible stops to your elopement day. Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Solheimasandur plane wreck are all close enough to make your day feel like an Icelandic adventure from start to finish.

When we plan your elopement together, I’ll help you decide the best way to include Fjaðrárgljúfur in your day. Maybe it’s a peaceful morning exploring the rim before heading to a waterfall, or maybe it becomes the star location for your vows. Either way, you and your partner will have a day that feels completely your own and photos that tell the whole story.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is one of those places that makes your jaw drop the moment you step onto it. The black sand, the towering basalt columns, the thunder of the Atlantic… it all feels wild and unforgettable. It’s no surprise that many couples consider it one of the best places to elope in Iceland. You’ll find it about 2.5 hours from Reykjavík along the scenic Ring Road, and trust me, the drive is just as beautiful as the destination. The sand here has a story, too. It was created when lava from ancient eruptions met the ocean, cooled, and broke apart over centuries until it became the soft, inky black shoreline you see today.

Just west of the beach is the small village of Vík, which makes a great base if you want to catch sunrise or sunset here. Those are the quietest times to visit, and the light is unreal, especially if you’re planning to take photos or share vows in a more intimate setting. From Vík, you can also easily explore other South Coast gems like Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, or even make the trek to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

One of the most famous sights here is the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, a cluster of dramatic rock pillars rising straight out of the ocean. Icelandic legend says two trolls tried to haul a three-masted ship to shore, but daylight caught them mid-struggle, turning both the trolls and the ship into stone. The basalt columns along the cliffs are just as incredible, with their perfect hexagonal shapes, neatly stacked like something straight out of a fantasy novel.

Reynisfjara has even made it onto the global stage, earning a nomination as one of the world’s most iconic shorelines by National Geographic in 2025. But while it’s stunning, it’s also unpredictable. This beach is famous for its sneaker waves, which can rush much farther (and more powerfully) up the sand than you expect. Every year, people are knocked down or pulled in because they underestimate the power of the water. Keep your distance from the waves and never turn your back on the ocean here.

The best time to visit depends on the mood you want. Summer, from June to August, gives you long daylight hours, warmer weather, and a striking contrast between the black sands and green cliffs. Spring and autumn are cooler but less crowded, with moody skies and dramatic waves that make for incredible photos. Winter brings bright snow and low light, turning the whole area into a black-and-white scene that feels almost otherworldly. It can also mean storms and icy conditions, so be prepared and check the forecast before heading out.

There are two parking areas at Reynisfjara. The lower lot is closest to the beach and costs about ISK 1,000 (around 7 USD). The upper lot is a short walk away and costs ISK 750.

Standing here, watching the sea stacks as waves crash against the shore, it’s easy to see why this place captures so many hearts. Whether it’s the spot you choose for your vows or a stop along your South Coast elopement adventure, Reynisfjara will leave you and your partner with memories you’ll carry long after you’ve left Iceland.

Dyrholaey Sea Cliff

Dyrhólaey is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on Iceland’s South Coast, and it’s easy to see why couples often add it to their elopement itinerary. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavík and really close to the sweet little village of Vík. From the top of this 394-foot (120-meter) cliff, you get these incredible views all around. To the east, you’ll see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean like something out of a storybook. To the west, the black sand coastline stretches on forever, meeting the sparkling Atlantic waves. And if the sky is clear, you might even catch a glimpse of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier to the north.

The name Dyrhólaey means “the hill island with the door hole,” which makes sense once you see the giant rock arch reaching out into the sea. This place used to be an island formed by volcanic activity, but over time the sea level dropped and it joined the mainland. Besides the cliffs and the arch, there’s also an old lighthouse called Dyrhólaeyjarviti. It’s a white, square tower that’s been standing guard since 1927.

If you’re planning to elope here, you’ll find plenty of options. The peninsula has a higher part and a lower part, each with its own vibe and views. The upper section is perfect if you want wide-open panoramas for your ceremony or photos, while the lower part gets you closer to the shoreline and that dramatic sea arch. Just keep in mind that between early May and mid-June, some areas might be off-limits because it’s nesting season for the local seabirds.

Speaking of birds, Dyrhólaey is one of the best places to see Atlantic puffins in Iceland. From May through September, these little colorful guys nest on the cliffs and don’t mind if you get pretty close (but DO NOT touch them). You might also spot Arctic terns. They’re a bit feistier and will dive-bomb anyone who gets too close to their nests, so heads up!

Summer is when this place really shines, with long days and lots of birdlife buzzing around. Winter brings a whole different mood...quieter, with a chance to catch the northern lights flickering above the cliffs. No matter when you visit, the mix of black sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and endless ocean views make Dyrhólaey a top contender for one of the best places to elope in Iceland.

Jökulsárlón Iceberg Glacier Lagoon

As you well know, Iceland is the land of fire and ice...and boy, this place to elope in Iceland delivers on the “ice” part in the most spectacular way.

If you want a truly unforgettable place to elope in Iceland, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon should be high on your list. This stunning lagoon, filled with floating icebergs, curious seals, and endless icy blue views, sits about 377 kilometers (234 miles) from Reykjavík. That’s roughly a five-hour drive, so most people choose to stay nearby for a night or two to really soak in the area instead of squeezing it into a long day trip.

The lagoon is fed by ice breaking off from the massive Vatnajökull Glacier, slowly drifting through the water before floating out to sea. Just across the road is Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice wash ashore on the black sand and sparkle like giant diamonds in the sunlight. It's a perfect spot for photos or a quiet moment.

What you can do here depends on the season. In summer, you can hop on an amphibian or zodiac boat tour to get closer to the icebergs and maybe spot seals swimming nearby. Winter brings a chance to wander through ice caves under the glacier and, if the skies are clear, see the northern lights dancing above the lagoon. Spring and fall mean fewer people around, with a mix of icy and green landscapes.

Jökulsárlón isn’t just beautiful; it’s alive with wildlife too. Seals hang out year-round, relaxing on icebergs or swimming nearby. During summer, Arctic terns and skuas nest along the shores. The terns are fiercely protective and known to dive at anyone who gets too close, so it’s best to give them plenty of space.

While you can reach Jökulsárlón by public bus on certain days, there’s no local transportation in the area. Planning ahead is important if you’re trying to rely on buses, but renting a car gives you the freedom to explore everything at your own pace.

If you want your elopement day to feel epic and unique, this glacier lagoon with its ice, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes is hard to beat.

Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss is known by all Icelanders as “the waterfall of the gods”. It is a large waterfall in the shape of a horseshoe that will not leave you indifferent. An amazing site and one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland.

Skogafoss Waterfall

For me, without a doubt, the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland. One of the most famous ones and no wonder why. It is also very visited, especially in the high season. If you want to celebrate your elopement here, I recommend that you go early or late in the day. Right next to it we have another waterfall called Kvernufoss, much less known but that will not leave you indifferent. It is mandatory to go to both if you choose the southern area for your elopement!

Glymur Waterfall

Glymur is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland and is surrounded by simply spectacular rivers, canyons and mountains. To get to it you have to walk about 3.5 km (suitable for anyone) and on the way there we find some incredible caves. If you want to add a touch of adventure to your elopement I recommend this site 100%.

Gullfoss waterfall

This waterfall is simply spectacular in every way. Its shape, its flow, its size... without a doubt it will not leave you indifferent.