Iceland Elopement on a Volcano

Destination Elopement Photographer in Iceland

It probably won’t be surprising to hear that shooting an Iceland Elopement on a Volcano is an experience I’ll never forget. If you asked me at the start of my career 12 years ago if I would someday travel to Iceland to stand at the base of a volcano to shoot a wedding, I wouldn’t believe it. However, it made perfect sense for two of the most adventurous people I know. I’ve been lucky enough to call Erika and Ryan friends for several years now. These two are the brains and talent behind Greatest Adventure Wed. Their job is creating epic destination elopements for rad couples across the globe. A travel destination elopement was their dream, so when Iceland opened up in 2021, we decided to dream up an Iceland Elopement shoot together!

A Volcano Elopement

If you didn’t hear, volcano activity in Iceland has pretty much exploded in recent years. On the Reykjanes peninsula just an hour from Rekjavik, four volcanos have exploded in under four years. The first one occurred in March 2021 called Fagradalsfjall. I’ll never forget receiving a text from Erika and Ryan asking if I wanted to join them in Iceland to shoot their anniversary/elopement photos. I said yes immediately. If you read my guide, traveling on one of the first few planes allowed in Iceland after the border opened in early 2021 was a wild experience. It was such an emotional experience after a year without traveling to travel to Iceland!

A Unique Elopement Day Timeline

Part of the fun of traveling to Iceland in the late spring is experiencing their famous midnight sun. In the spring months, Iceland has almost no dark skies. It’s sunny 20+ hours a day! Because we were traveling to Iceland in May, we planned Erika and Ryan’s elopement timeline to start at 9pm. Golden hour was set to begin around midnight, so we started getting ready in their hotel room just before 9pm. At 10pm, we left our hotel to arrive at the volcano trailhead parking lot before 11pm. The hike took us 40 minutes to reach the top. Of course, the moment we got out of the car, it started to snow. People were turning back on the trail to head back to their cars. We trekked on! And it was way worth it.

Vows In Front of an Exploding Volcano

We timed the hike perfectly. Once we arrived at the top of the volcano, the sun dipped behind the horizon. The darker sky made the volcanic lava more visible and dramatic. Erika and Ryan changed into their wedding outfits on the side of a rocky lava mountain. Our teeth were chattering the entire time. After they were dressed, we hiked closer to the volcano. We had no way of knowing when the volcano would erupt, we just knew it would go off once every 5-20 minutes. I’ll never forget waiting in suspense for the orange glow to start, anticipating an explosion.

Once the explosion began, I gave Erika and Ryan a thumbs up. The craziest part was that once the explosion began, we couldn’t even hear one another from a few feet away. Erika and Ryan recommitted their vows to one another. All I could see was plumes of lava shooting up behind them as they said their vows!

Tips for Planning Your Iceland Elopement

1. Time of year is everything. In Iceland, tourist season peaks in July and August during the warmest months. That means the most popular places will likely be extremely busy with tourists. If you are flexible, I recommend May, September, or October. The amount of sunlight Iceland gets in a day varies by season greatly as well. In the winter months, Iceland receives very little daylight. In the summer, it is light outside all day.
2. Choose an Iceland Elopement Photographer who has experience shooting in Iceland and knows the geography well. Sure, there are lots of blogs that will point you towards iconic spots for photos. But! There are countless secret waterfalls, lakes, and viewpoints that are unmarked. I recommend spending a day or two scouting with your photographer ahead of time to find the perfect spot.
3. Weather is completely unpredictable. It can rain or snow any day of the year. Plan ahead and prepare to be flexible in case you need a plan B, C, or even D.
4. Take advantage of the unique and incredible accommodations in Iceland! If there was a time to splurge on luxurious lodging, this is it. You can sleep on a lava field or score your own private hot spring. Book your lodging as early as you can. Lodging fills up quickly and the best spots are booked 9-12 months out during busy months!
5. Wear hiking shoes. Trust me, heels will be cute in a few photos. You can change into them once you arrive at your destination. But you will want to pack hiking shoes to keep your toes warm and prevent injury on the trails!
6. It is legal for foreigners and Americans to get legally married in Iceland! It can be a complicated and lengthly process to legally get married in Iceland. Here is a link through the Iceland government to apply for your license.
7. However, getting a marriage license can take time and is quite expensive. If you want to skip the logistics, get your marriage license at home in your home country. Then, save your vows and celebrations for your trip in Iceland!

Best Airbnb’s to Book for Your Iceland Elopement

1. Glass Cottage with Volcano Views & Private Hot Tub! I have stayed here before and it is incredible. Stay on a lava field with panoramic views. This Airbnb is located in South Central Iceland about 1.5 hours from Rekjavik.
2. Stunning Cabin Near Kirkjufell I love this cabin. I stayed here in 2021. The views of the fjord are insane and the private remote location makes it perfect for an elopement. You could get married on the deck of your cabin!
3. Panorama Glass Cottage. A private hot tub? Floor to ceiling glass windows? Romantic and stunning!
4. 3 bedroom traditional Cottage: If you want to elope near the famous Glacier lagoon or visit Vatnajökull National Park, this cottage is perfect. Also, if you want to bring a few family members or friends with you, this cottage has 3 bedrooms!
5. Eastern Iceland Private Cabin: The Eastern side of Iceland is the least visited and most remote on the island. This incredible cabin has a hot tub and amazing views of a fjord. You could definitely elope right outside the backdoor of this private cabin!