Eloping in Iceland [In the Summer]
In the last several years, eloping in Iceland has become one of the most sought after adventures for couples all over the world. It is NOT hard to see why! As an Iceland Elopement Photographer, I love helping couples plan the most amazing wedding day. With a vast landscape of black sand beaches, glacier topped mountains, lush greenery, beautiful cliffside’s, and over 10,000 waterfalls, having your elopement in Iceland is a no-brainer.
One of my favorite things about Iceland elopements are the landscapes. Everywhere you look your breath is taken away by the beauty of the world around you. I think that’s what makes eloping here so special. You truly get to take in some of the most beautiful views in the world while sharing special, intimate moments with your partner.
When you choose to elope in Iceland in the summer you are going to get sunnier days, less snow. While it still may be cold some days, it’s not unbearable like it is most days in the winter! Eloping in Iceland in the summer allows you to truly take in all the island has to offer, and the beautiful areas of the land that would potentially not be accessible if it were covered in snow.
Eloping in Iceland if you’re from another country
Planning an Iceland elopement can come with a lot of questions, especially if this a destination and you are from another country. Not to worry! I have all your answers below. However, if this task seems too daunting to do by yourself, I definitely recommend hiring someone that can help you obtain and submit all required legal documents/information for your Iceland elopement.
While there are a lot of documents you need to gather to send in, the process of eloping in Iceland is much easier than many other countries. This is one of the reasons that so many people choose Iceland as the location for their elopement. Below is a list of several things you will need in order to legally get married in Iceland:
What You’ll Need:
Both people must be 18 years or older
Certificate of marital status (must be issued within 4 weeks of desired elopement date)
Copies of both valid passports
Original copies of both birth certificates (copies will/can be returned after ceremony is completed)
Divorce Decree (if divorced)
Proof of visit/trip (where you’re staying, airline tickets, stamped passport, etc.)
Marriage Notification (Hjónavígsluskýrsla). For how to obtain this document click here.
Certification of Marital Status
Disclaimer logistics for eloping in Iceland
*There are certain countries that have no Federal authority to issue a certificate of marital status. Although they recognize that not all countries will issue a certificate like this, Iceland still requires that you bring it. In the case that you are not able to provide this document to Icelandic authorities, you unfortunately could be denied permission to get married in Iceland.
For U.S. specifically, click here to learn more about how to obtain this document.
Once all of this is completed you will want to set an appointment at the regional district commissioner officer where you will go over all of your documents, and then the fun part, they will give you your marriage license! This appointment MUST happen In most cases it’s a quick appointment. Don’t forget that you need to have all of your original documents with you when you go! Your marriage certificate can be obtained in English after the ceremony has taken place.
There are 9 district commissioner offices on the island – your appointment and contact will be determined by where your ceremony location is chosen. For more info on these offices click here.
*SUPER IMPORTANT* All marriage paperwork above needs to be sent to the National Registry Office in Reykjavik AT LEAST three weeks before your desired elopement date. However I recommend you start sending as much as you can earlier to make sure you give yourself time for any mistakes or extra things they may need to verify information, and so you aren’t stressing at the last minute to get everything together for your desired date.
National Registry Office Information:
Borgartún 24
105 Reykjavík
Iceland
Tel.: 354 569 2950
Fax: 354 569 2949
E-mail: thjodskra@thjodskra.is
http://www3.fmr.is/English
Officiant/witnesses
You legally need an officiant and two witnesses to elope in Iceland. While some countries (U.S. for example) allow friends and family members to get ordained in order to marry their loved ones, Iceland does not allow this. You will need to find to find a registered officiant/celebrant local to Iceland to perform your elopement ceremony.
Here are a few resources that will link you up with a celebrant that fits your needs:
Wedding.Is (Religious Options Available)
Humanists Iceland (Non Religious)
Best summer months for eloping in Iceland
The laid-back nature of the country and it’s local residents help you slow down and take it all in. But the best part about eloping in Iceland in the summer is the fact that you get sunlight for majority of the day. In fact there’s even a popular phenomenon in Iceland called the Midnight sun. This is when the sun is up for 24 hours a day from mid June to end of the month in July. The adventures you can take when the sun doesn’t set are limitless, especially for your wedding day. As an Iceland elopement photographer, it’s such a dream, and I truly believe that summer is the best time of year to have your Iceland elopement.
To give you a better idea of the best months in the summer to visit Iceland, I have broken it up by the four summer months in Iceland to help you decide what month will be best for your Iceland elopement. While these are good indications to go by when planning your elopement, the Icelandic Met Office offers real-time updates for what you can expect for the weather each day.
MAY
Average temperatures in May in Iceland range from 2°C (36°F) to 11°C (53°F). It’s better to consider later in the month of May, because it really starts to warm up around then.
Since summer is just beginning in Iceland this time of year, you’ll notice that the tourist numbers are much smaller and you’ll be able to go to popular places on the island without a large group of people with you.
One of the coolest things is that the sun is up (for a lot of month) for about 19 hours a day. This is great when you’re hoping to plan an adventurous elopement in Iceland!
JUNE
Average temperatures in June in Iceland range from 13°C (55°F) to 15°C (59°F). This is one of the best months to visit Iceland because it gives you some of the best weather the island has to offer.
June is one of the least rainiest month of year with an average of about 11 days of rain in the month. This is definitely assuring when you’re planning an elopement. You’ll have a lot of variety when it comes to choose the right day for your wedding.
This is also when you’ll able to experience the best time for the ‘Midnight Sun’. The average daylight hours are 20-24 hours throughout the month.
JULY
The average temperatures in July in Iceland range from 9°C (48°F) to 20°C (68°F). This is the busiest month in Iceland as it’s the peak tourist season during this month.
Most activities like horseback riding, hiking, and town festivals happen during the month of July because of the nice weather! Early July is a great time to try to avoid crowds because school is still in session. For this reason families aren’t traveling as much which reduces the traffic in certain towns!
You’ll also be able to experience the midnight sun during this month. The average sunlight hours in July spanning for nearly 24 hours a day.
AUGUST
The average temperatures in August in Iceland range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). August is a great time of year to visit Iceland as it competes with July for being one of the hottest months of the year.
August is one of the most lush times of year with the entire continent green from the previous months rain.
During August the sun does start to set more towards the middle and end of the month. So if you’re looking forward to seeing the midnight sun, early August to late July is your best bet. However, it is possible that towards the end of August you might be able to catch a glimpse of the northern lights!
Iceland Elopement Photographer
Looking for an Iceland Elopement Photographer? Look no further! Rachel Case Photographer is an award winning Iceland wedding and elopement photographer who loves to help couples plan the wedding of their dreams in the beautiful land of fire and ice!
