The Best Secret Iceland Elopement Spots (That Aren’t Packed with Tourists!)

Lia Photo Stories
May 28
4 min read

Planning an elopement in Iceland is exciting, but it comes with a challenge: this country has become one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world, and the most breathtaking spots are often crowded with tourists. That’s why finding secret Iceland spots without tourists can make all the difference for your day.

Working with a photographer who knows the country inside and out can completely change your experience. We have the local knowledge to get you to hidden valleys, quiet waterfalls, and secluded black sand beaches. We know how the light shifts throughout the day, the best timing for photos, and how to navigate the landscapes safely and smoothly.

Beyond experience, we bring passion and care to every elopement. We understand what it’s like to want your wedding day to feel personal, relaxed, and full of those authentic moments that matter most. This guide highlights the secret Iceland spots where you can have your adventure wedding feeling private and unforgettable.

Secret Iceland Elopement Spots: Two brides raise their arms triumphantly inside an ice cave.

Some of our Favorite Secret Iceland Elopement Spots

🌿 1. Þakgil (Thakgil) – A Secret Canyon with a Dreamy Cave

📍 Location: South Iceland, near Vík

Thakgil is a hidden paradise that looks straight out of a fantasy movie. It’s a lush, green canyon surrounded by jagged cliffs and zero tourists (seriously!). You can have an intimate ceremony inside a cave turned dining-hall or hike up to breathtaking viewpoints. Plus, it’s only a short drive from the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, so you get the best of both worlds, epic landscapes without the crowds!

🚗 Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall (summer months are best for accessibility).

🔥 Why it’s perfect for an elopement:

A unique, intimate setting that feels totally private
A beautiful mix of lush greenery + dramatic cliffs
The cave can be used as a ceremony spot or a cozy picnic location

Secret Iceland Elopement Spots: bride and groom walks through rocky, mossy terrain with steep cliffs, showing determination and a sense of adventure.

Secret Iceland Elopement Spots: bride and groom embracing on grassy hill overlooking a canyon and river.

Secret Iceland Elopement Spots: bride and groom stands on a rocky cliffside, surrounded by rugged terrain and soft light, sharing a moment in the wilderness.

🌊 2. Stokksnes – Iceland’s Most Underrated Black Sand Beach

📍 Location: East Iceland

Everyone flocks to Reynisfjara for black sand beaches, but Stokksnes is where the magic really happens. With dramatic black dunes, the towering Vestrahorn mountain and the wild Atlantic Ocean in the background, this is an absolutely unreal spot for elopement photos. The best part? Most tourists skip this place because it’s a bit off the beaten path, meaning you get all that stunning beauty to yourselves!

🚗 Best time to visit: Year round, but winter brings an extra magical vibe with snow covered peaks.

🔥 Why it’s perfect for an elopement:

Less crowded than more famous black sand beaches
Jaw dropping views of Vestrahorn mountain
Perfect spot for moody, dramatic elopement photos

Secret Iceland Elopement Spots: Bride and groom embrace on a grassy mound, set against dramatic gray mountains and sky.

Secret Iceland Elopement Spots: Bride and groom stand amid lush green grass and black sand with misty mountains in the background, creating a serene, romantic scene.

Secret Iceland Elopement Spots: Bride and groom stand on snowy terrain with majestic mountains in the background under a cloudy sky, creating a serene, romantic scene.

🏔️ 3. Þórsmörk – Iceland’s Highland Paradise for Adventurous Souls

📍 Location: South Iceland, between glaciers

Þórsmörk (Thor’s Valley) is an absolute hidden gem for adventurous couples. Tucked between three glaciers, this valley is one of the most magical places in Iceland, filled with mossy hills, deep canyons, glacier rivers, and endless trails. It feels like stepping into another world: secluded, wild, and breathtaking. It requires a 4x4 vehicle (or a Super Jeep tour, recommended option), making it much less touristy than other spots.

🚗 Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall (summer is ideal for hiking and accessibility).

🔥 Why it’s perfect for an elopement:

Totally off-the-grid, you’ll have nature all to yourselves
Stunning glacier, canyon, and river views in every direction
Epic hiking trails for an adventure elopement experience

For a deeper dive into this secret Iceland elopement location, check out my other blog.

bride and groom stand at one of the Secret Iceland Elopement Spots.

secret iceland elopement spots: Bride and groom walking in front of a dramatic glacier backdrop. The bride wears white and carries flowers. Rugged, earthy landscape.

Two people stand on opposite cliffs, reaching towards each other over a winding river. Foggy mountain landscape in the background.

🌿 4. Múlagljúfur Canyon – The Most Epic Overlook No One Talks About

📍 Location: Near Vatnajökull Glacier

If you’re dreaming of standing on the edge of a canyon, with a panoramic view of waterfalls and glaciers, then Múlagljúfur Canyon is your dream elopement location. It’s a short hike to the top (totally worth it), and once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views in Iceland.

🚗 Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall (hiking trails are best in summer).

🔥 Why it’s perfect for an elopement:

One of the most stunning canyon views in Iceland
Super private, most of the tourists don’t hike in Iceland (can you believe it?!)
Close to Vatnajökull Glacier and Diamond Beach for different scenario photos

A couple in formal attire stands on a rocky cliff with a waterfall and mountains in the background, creating a serene and romantic scene.

secret iceland elopement spots: Bride in a white gown and groom in a blue suit stand on a rocky cliff with a waterfall and snow-covered mountains in the background.

💦 5. Dynjandi – The Most epic Waterfall in the West fjords

📍 Location: West fjords, Northwest Iceland

If you’re looking for a breathtaking waterfall that isn’t overrun with tourists, Dynjandi is your spot. This massive waterfall goes down like a bridal veil, making it an insanely beautiful backdrop for an intimate elopement ceremony. It’s tucked away in the remote West fjords, which means fewer people make the journey out there, giving you the chance to say your vows in peace.

🚗 Best time to visit: Summer (West fjords roads can be tricky in winter).

🔥 Why it’s perfect for an elopement:

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland (without any crowds)
Feels majestic and epic, but still secluded and romantic
Stunning views of the fjords, perfect for dreamy elopement photos

secret iceland elopement spots: Waterfall cascading down a rocky, mossy landscape under a cloudy sky. The scene is lush and serene, with vibrant greens and greys.

Tall waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs; a lone person stands at the base, emphasizing scale. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.

Final Tips for Finding Secret Iceland Elopement Spots

📍 Go beyond the Golden Circle and the South Coast: Most tourists stick to these well known routes, but Iceland is full of magic outside of the famous spots.

📆 Consider an off-season elopement: Late fall, winter, and early spring mean fewer people and even more privacy for your special moment.

🌿 Hire a local Iceland elopement photographer (that’s us! 😉): we know the hidden gems, the best timing for avoiding crowds and all the tips that aren’t on Google.

If one of these secret Iceland spots caught your eye, my full guide will walk you through planning your own elopement there.

Ready to Plan Your Iceland Elopement in One of These Secret Locations?

Finding a quiet, breathtaking place to say your vows in Iceland is possible, you just need the right direction. If you’re looking for a local elopement photographer who also helps with planning, we’d love to chat! Let’s make your Iceland adventure wedding truly unforgettable.

📢 We are booking now for 2026 and have our last spots available for 2025! 📢

secret iceland elopement spots: Bride and groom embrace, smiling against a backdrop of rugged, snow-dusted mountains. Bride holds a colorful bouquet. Romantic mood.

secret iceland elopement spots: bride and groom kiss near a cascading waterfall, framed by moss-covered cliffs, creating a romantic and serene scene.

bride and groom say wedding vows at one of the secret iceland elopement spots

secret iceland elopement spots: groom and bride smiling at each other on a mountain with a river below. Clear sky and rugged terrain in the background.

bride and groom in front of rocky iceland mountains. The woman wears a white dress, the man a dark suit. The mood is romantic and serene.

Two people stand on a grassy cliff overlooking a vast river canyon and distant mountains under cloudy skies, evoking a sense of adventure in iceland

secret iceland elopement spots: bride and groom embraces at a cliff's edge, with a river in the valley below. The sky is clear, and the landscape is lush and rugged, evoking romance.

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