Real LGBTQ+ Elopement in Iceland: Two Brides, a Cave Ceremony & Glacier Adventure

Some weddings just stay with you forever and G&M’s day was exactly that. Two badass brides, a crew of loved ones, wild Icelandic weather and an elopement adventure that had it all.

Not all elopements are just two people

Let’s start by breaking the myth: elopements don’t have to mean just the couple running off alone. G&M brought their whole crew: friends, family and all the love in the world and it only made the experience richer, louder and warmer. The day started at Skálakot Manor Hotel, on Iceland’s south coast. Picture this: cozy vibes, rolling green hills and excitement buzzing through every room. The brides got ready in separate suites, surrounded by happy chaos and some teary eyes. Then came the first look, just the two of them, in their dresses, soaking in that “oh my god we’re really doing this” moment. Emotional doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Super Jeeps, Caves and Icelandic Weather

After the happy tears and hugs, it was time for the adventure to begin. The crew hopped into South Coast Adventure’s super jeeps, heading toward the ceremony spot: the incredible Yoda Cave. Hidden away and shielded from the rain (which Iceland generously provided that day), it’s one of those rare places that feels both cinematic and private. Inside the cave, the ceremony was packed with heartfelt words, live music, laughter and a few sneaky happy cries (we saw you, uncle Pete 👀). Afterwards, there were drinks, snacks and that warm feeling you only get when something just feels right. The day was beautifully organized by Pink Iceland, who handled all the logistics so everyone could just enjoy the ride.

Ice Caves, Waterfalls & Brave Brides

But it didn’t stop there. This wasn’t just a ceremony, it was a full elopement experience. After some group photos, we headed toward the Katla Ice Cave, with our glacier guide and the always reliable arctic super jeeps. The rain didn’t slow these two down. We had the cave and surrounding glacier totally to ourselves, which made everything feel even more magical and intimate Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any more magical… a white arctic fox appeared as we were leaving the Katla Ice Cave 🦊 It came close, calm, curious and almost like it was giving its blessing to the brides. It was such a rare and wild encounter and honestly, it felt like something out of a dream.

A Surprise Guest: The Arctic Fox

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any more magical… a white arctic fox appeared as we were leaving the Katla Ice Cave 🦊 It came close, calm, curious and almost like it was giving its blessing to the brides. It was such a rare and wild encounter and honestly, it felt like something out of a dream.

A Few Cool Facts About Arctic Foxes in Iceland:

• They’re the only native land mammal in Iceland.

• Arctic foxes can survive extreme cold, down to -50°C thanks to their thick fur and compact bodies.

• Their fur changes color with the seasons: white in winter for snow camouflage, brown or grey in summer.

• While they’re super shy, it’s not unheard of to spot one near glaciers, especially in the Highlands where they roam freely.

• Iceland even has a sanctuary and research center dedicated to them in Súðavík (in the Westfjords).

Moments like these remind us why adventure elopements are so much more than just photos, as an Iceland elopement photographer I can say they’re real experiences, full of nature, love and unexpected magic. To wrap up the wild part of the day, we stopped by a waterfall, because, well, you can’t get married in Iceland and not chase at least one waterfall. Then it was time to return to Skálakot for the coziest, yummiest dinner surrounded by laughter, drinks and words of love.

At the end of the day, it’s always a team effort that brings these unforgettable weddings to life: vendors, guides, weather gods and most importantly, two people madly in love.

Why Iceland is an Amazing Destination for LGBTIQ+ Elopements

If you're dreaming of an elopement that feels free, safe and full of natural beauty, Iceland might be your place. Here’s why more and more LGBTIQ+ couples are choosing this magical island:

• Same-sex marriage has been legal here since 2010 (and it was passed unanimously, how cool is that?!)

• Iceland ranks as one of the most progressive, inclusive and welcoming countries in the world.

• You don’t need to be a resident to legally marry here, the process is pretty straightforward.

• You can get legally married or say your vows anywhere: black sand beaches, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls… yes ANYWHERE.

• The local vendors (photographers, guides, celebrants, etc.) are generally super queer-friendly and used to working with all kinds of love stories.

Big or small, loud or quiet, whatever your love looks like, there’s room for it here. Iceland’s not about perfection, it’s about real moments. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.

I want to elope!