Glaciers, Waterfalls & One Hell of a Love Story – An Iceland Elopement
The wind howls across the black sand, carrying the scent of salt and volcanic earth. She grips his hand a little tighter, laughter spilling into the storm as they brace against the elements. This isn’t a perfectly polished, ballroom-style wedding – this is raw, untamed love, set against the backdrop of a land where glaciers meet lava fields, and the sky never quite darkens in summer.
Eloping in Iceland isn’t just about saying vows in front of a waterfall (though, trust me, there are plenty). It’s about embracing the unexpected – hiking into a secret canyon, warming up with coffee in a converted school bus, watching the Northern Lights flicker above as you exchange whispered promises. It’s adventure and intimacy, all in one.
Why Iceland? Because Ordinary Just Isn’t an Option
Because where else can you say I do beside a thundering waterfall, then climb into a 4×4 and chase the last light across a glacier? And I know this sounds cheesy, but Iceland isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. Seriously. A place where nature writes the script, and you just have to be bold enough to follow.
No Rules, Just Love – Amy & Tom’s Iceland Elopement
Amy and Tom knew they wanted something unique – an elopement that was equal parts adventure and romance. And at the time of their engagement, I’d just been to Iceland with friends. As soon as I step foot in Iceland I knew I needed to photograph an elopement there, so I shared exactly that on Instagram. As soon as they saw my story, they knew this was it.
We arrived in late August, stepping into Iceland’s ever-changing skies. The day before their elopement, they embraced the adventure early, hiking to the Katla Ice Cave, where the deep blues of ancient ice and the stark contrast of black volcanic ash made for an unforgettable day trip. A freaking GLACIER.
From Ice Caves to Secret Waterfalls – The Elopement Day
Against all expectations, the wedding day itself was bright and sunny – a rare gift from Iceland. Amy and Tom prepared at Eirð Retreat, a secluded, tranquil lakeside escape that felt like the perfect prelude to their vows.
Their ceremony took place at Gluggafoss, a lesser-known waterfall with a unique multi-tiered cascade, offering a dramatic yet intimate setting. After their sweet exchange of vows, we ventured into Þorsteinn’s Grove, where a hidden waterfall provided the perfect backdrop for a private picnic – just the two of them, their best friends and family and the most incredible landscape.
Next came Skógafoss, towering, majestic and just unreal. Amy and Tom and I then stole away to Kvernufoss, a more secluded waterfall where they shared their first moments alone as newlyweds.
With the sun low on the horizon and Iceland’s wild landscapes stretching out before them, they took it all in. They’d done it. They had followed their hearts and eloped, and they felt they’d never made a better decision. It was time to return to Eirð, where a three course fine dining experience awaited. An evening of stories, delicious food and laughter to round off their incredible wedding day. And they had a whole second day of adventure ahead.
Whiskey, Waterfalls & Wild Moments – The Adventure Day
We bounced out of our A-frame cabins ready for the roadtrip. Embracing the wild spirit of Iceland started with refuelling at Skool Beans, a quirky converted school bus coffee shop for a warm brew and the perfect spot to share that ‘surprise, we eloped’ post on social media. From there, we made to the black sands of Reynisfjara, the cliffs of Dyrhólaey, and the misty cascade of Seljalandsfoss, running through the waterfall’s hidden path for one last adventure.
Dressed for the Journey – A Gown That Moved Like the Wind
Amy stunned in a Vagabond Bridal gown from Melle Cloche Bridal, a fitted yet airy dress with delicate polka-dot patterns that moved effortlessly in the Icelandic breeze. “Why would you do that to your dress?!” one woman exclaimed as Amy, carefree and radiating happiness, ran through the waterfall’s spray, the bottom of her dress muddy, darkened by black sand and by this point – soaking wet. Amy’s response? “Because it’s my wedding day!”
Tom paid homage to his Scottish roots with a traditional kilt, a bold and sentimental nod to where they came from. Together, they looked authentic, unrestrained, and in sync with the wild surroundings. And for those wondering, Amy’s dress dry cleaned PERFECTLY for their homecoming party.
No Poses, No Pretences
Amy and Tom’s elopement wasn’t about perfection – it was about real, unscripted emotion. It was about embracing the unpredictable wind, the golden light, and the fleeting moments that made their love story uniquely theirs. The result? A gallery filled with raw laughter, one in a lifetime experiences, and the kind of deep, uninhibited love that deserves to be immortalised somewhere magical, like the heart of Iceland.
This Is More Than a Wedding – It’s the Start of Something Wilder
Eloping isn’t about escaping tradition – it’s about redefining it. It’s about crafting a day that’s wildly, unapologetically you. Whether you’re trekking through a lava field, dancing in the rain, or toasting to your new chapter under the Northern Lights, this is more than a wedding. It’s an experience. An adventure. A story you’ll tell for the rest of your lives.
So go ahead – embrace the wind, chase the light, and let Iceland’s untamed beauty frame the beginning of your forever.
