How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Iceland? [Updated for 2025/2026]

Iceland Elopement Costs for 2025/2026

Let’s talk money.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to elope in Iceland, the answer varies widely based on your choices. However, before we go into the full breakdown of what it costs to get married in Iceland, there’s one thing you should know: Iceland is very expensive. Like…often ranked as the most (or second most) expensive country in the world.

Some costs, just for context:

• Hotels in Reykjavík can be 10–30% pricier than in other Nordic capitals

• Restaurant prices are about 40% above the EU average

• Alcohol? Easily double the average cost you’d find elsewhere in Europe

But, the good news is that you don’t have to drain your savings to have an incredible wedding here in this epic place. Whether you’re dreaming of something luxurious and private, or you’re planning a trip that’s more down-to-earth, there are ways to make it work for your priorities and your budget.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the real costs of eloping in Iceland, from premium options to practical ways to save. You’ll find a full list of estimated expenses at the bottom of the post, so you can start planning with clarity and confidence.

What You Actually Need for Your Iceland Elopement

The truth? You don’t need much. You don’t have to check a bunch of traditional wedding boxes. You don’t have to plan around what anyone else expects. This is your day... it can be as simple, adventurous, or meaningful as you want it to be.

Sure, there are a few things you’ll definitely need. Like a photographer (hi) to document this epic adventure, an officiant if you’re having a legal ceremony, and any travel costs to get out to that incredible Icelandic backdrop you’ve been dreaming of. But beyond that? It’s completely up to you.

You might decide you don’t care about a bouquet or hair and makeup. Maybe you’d rather skip the rental car and save that money to hire a helicopter instead. Or, maybe your whole budget is going into hiking boots and plane tickets. Whatever you choose, it should feel right for you and your partner, not anyone else.

Everything here is just a general Iceland elopement cost guide to help you start imagining what’s possible. Think of it as a jumping-off point while you piece together a day that really embodies what matters to you (and your budget).

Common Iceland Elopement Vendors and What They Cost

After photographing so many elopements across Iceland, I’ve seen the patterns. These are the vendors most couples tend to bring in, whether the day is super simple or a bit more styled. You might not need all of them, but this list gives you a solid starting point to work from.

Officiant / Celebrant — $400 to $1,500

If you want your marriage to be legal in Iceland, you’ll need an officiant. For ceremonies in Reykjavík, prices usually fall between $400 and $600, but if you’re heading out to a more remote spot, expect the cost to go up because of travel time and expenses. Prices can also vary depending on the type of ceremony you choose and how involved or traditional it is. For example, if you want a ceremony in a really remote spot that requires a hike or special requirements, that can add to the cost.

A lot of couples keep things budget-friendly by having the legal ceremony in Reykjavík, then heading off to their dream location for personal vows, photos, and celebrations. It’s a great way to get the legal stuff done without giving up the adventure.

Another way to save some cash is by handling the legal marriage paperwork back home before you arrive. Then in Iceland, you can focus on the ceremony and experience without worrying about the legal side here.

When you’re thinking about your officiant budget, consider how involved you want the ceremony to be, how far you’ll travel, and if you need help with paperwork.

Recommended Officiant:

I highly recommend Erla. She’s calm, kind, and makes the whole legal process easy to understand. Plus, she’s just a genuinely lovely person to have on your day, which makes everything run smoother.

Flowers — $250 to $600+

Custom bouquets in Iceland typically range from $250 to $600, but pricing can vary quite a bit depending on the size, style, and types of flowers you want. The best way to get an accurate idea is to reach out to a florist directly for a personalized quote based on your vision.

If you’re hoping to keep this part of your day more budget-friendly, there are plenty of creative options. Some couples choose high-quality artificial or silk flowers that look real in photos and can be kept as a keepsake. Others go minimal with a single bloom or skip flowers altogether and focus on other details that matter more to them.

Recommended Florists:

You can’t go wrong with either Thordís or Monika. Both create stunning, nature-inspired bouquets that pair perfectly with Iceland’s wild and dramatic landscapes.

Photography — $2,500 to $6,000+

Let’s be honest. Choosing your photographer is a big deal. You’re going to spend most of your day with this person, so it shouldn’t just be someone who takes nice photos. You want someone who gets you and your partner. Someone who can make you laugh when you’re nervous, help guide you through the day when things feel overwhelming, and capture the real, raw, beautiful stuff that actually matters.

In Iceland, photography prices can range quite a bit depending on things like how long you want coverage, the location, and the photographer’s experience. Expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 for half-day, full-day, or multi-day coverage. That price is not just for one day of shooting photos. Depending on the photographer, it usually includes pre-elopement planning, location scouting, permits, travel, gear, insurance, and hours (sometimes weeks!) of editing and delivery work after your day.

Recommended Photographers:

Hi, it’s us. Surprise! We adore Iceland. We’ve spent years getting to know the landscapes, secret spots, seasonal weather patterns, and little details that make an elopement here unforgettable. Our Iceland elopement packages always include direct planning help, location suggestions, vendor recommendations, and a custom timeline. All travel fees are already built in, and your final gallery includes high-res images with full personal printing rights.

We are people who are genuinely invested in helping you and your partner have the best experience possible. And if you’re just dreaming of a simple adventure session, I have a smaller option for that too.

Videography — $2,000 to $6,000

In Iceland, videography prices vary depending on how much coverage you want and where you are shooting. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 for a full day.

We include a highlight video with our photography packages that covers the main moments in a nice, concise way. But if you want something longer, such as the full ceremony, speeches, if you have guests, and all the little moments, bringing in a dedicated videographer is worth considering.

Recommended Videographers:

Michal from M-videography and Martin from Kaco Films are two of my favorites. They are easy to work with and really understand Icelandic elopements, capturing stories in a way that's beyond epic.

Hair & Makeup Artist — $300 to $700

Hair and makeup services in Iceland can vary depending on your location, with prices typically ranging from $300 to $700. If you're getting ready outside of Reykjavík, expect rates to lean higher to account for travel time and added logistics. Some artists may also require an early morning start or overnight stay, depending on how remote your spot is.

Recommended Makeup Artist:

Margrét Magnús is not only incredibly talented but also brings a calming and positive energy to your day. She knows how to create looks that hold up in Iceland's weather and photograph beautifully. If you're hoping for someone who will help you feel relaxed, supported, and radiant, she's a great choice.

Example Iceland Elopement Cost

Sample 5-Day Elopement Budget (2025–2026)

Eloping in Iceland can look a little different for everyone, and so can the budget. Prices shift depending on the season, where you stay, and the types of activities you plan. Summer travel, guided experiences, and scenic or remote accommodations usually come at a higher price. You can keep things more budget-friendly by traveling during shoulder season, limiting excursions, or cooking a few meals yourself.

Here’s a look at what couples typically spend for a 5–7 night elopement trip to Iceland:

Flights (round-trip for 2 people) - $600 to $2,000

Lodging (5–7 nights) - $700 to $1,700

Rental Car + Fuel - $500 to $1,100

Officiant / Celebrant - $400 to $1,500

Florals - $250 to $600+

Photography - $2,500 to $6,000+

Videography - $2,000 to $6,000

Hair & Makeup Artist - $300 to $700

Activities / Excursions - $400 to $2,900

Meals & Dining - $400 to $700+

Extras (planner, venue permits, custom itinerary) - $500 to $3,000

Total Estimated Range

Budget-Friendly Trip: $6,000 to $9,000

Mid-Range Experience: $9,000 to $14,000

Premium Experience: $14,000 to $20,000+

So... how much does it really cost to elope in Iceland?

At the end of the day, how much it costs to elope in Iceland depends entirely on what kind of experience you're dreaming up. Are you hiking through the highlands with just the two of you? Booking a luxury lodge with private hot springs? Saying your vows on a black sand beach before soaking in a geothermal spa? Your costs are going to look a lot different if you're road-tripping in a campervan and cooking meals together vs. staying at a boutique hotel and booking private tours. That's the beautiful part...you get to decide what matters most and build your day around that.

There's no single answer that works for everyone, which is exactly what makes an Iceland elopement so special. Some couples spend under $10k. Others lean closer to $15k or more. And both can have an intentional, meaningful, and wildly beautiful elopement day.

This isn’t about spending the most. It’s about creating something that feels like the epic, once-in-a-lifetime wedding you and your partner deserve. So, whether you’re splurging on a helicopter ride or keeping things simple with your favorite snacks and a handwritten vow book, you’re doing it right.

And if you’re staring at your spreadsheet wondering how it’s all supposed to come together, I’ve got you. Every Iceland Elopement Photography Package includes planning support, so you’re not left Googling locations or trying to guess how long things should take.

You bring the vision. I’ll help you shape it into a real, grounded plan that you'll look back on 10...20...50 years down the road and still smile just as big.

Let's Plan Your Iceland Elopement