Iceland is a dream destination for couples seeking a breathtaking and unforgettable elopement. As an Iceland elopement photographer, capturing the raw beauty of this incredible country is both a privilege and a challenge. The dramatic landscapes, from towering waterfalls to expansive glaciers, offer endless possibilities for stunning elopement photos. If you’re planning an Iceland elopement, choosing the best locations is vital to creating magical and timeless images. Here’s a guide to some of the top Iceland elopement photo locations that every destination elopement photographer should know about.
1. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Where is it Located?
Seljalandsfoss is located in the South Region of Iceland, along the Ring Road (Route 1), approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Reykjavik. It is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and is easily accessible, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring the southern coast.
Why It’s Great for Iceland Elopement Photos
Seljalandsfoss is not just any waterfall—it’s one of the few waterfalls in the world where you can walk behind the cascading water. This unique feature creates unparalleled opportunities for elopement photos, allowing for a 360-degree view of the waterfall. The ability to shoot from behind the water curtain provides a dramatic and ethereal element to your Iceland elopement photos, making the images look like something out of a fantasy. The waterfall drops from a height of 60 meters (200 feet), and as you walk behind it, the view through the falling water, with the rugged cliffs and open skies beyond, creates a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.
The surrounding landscape is equally stunning, with lush green meadows in the summer and a snowy wonderland in the winter. The contrast between the dark volcanic rock and the vibrant greenery or white snow adds depth and texture to your photos. The sound of the roaring water and the mist in the air further enhance the sensory experience, making Seljalandsfoss a truly immersive location for capturing the essence of an Iceland elopement.
Beyond its visual appeal, Seljalandsfoss is steeped in Icelandic legend and folklore, adding a layer of mystique and cultural richness to your photos. Eloping at Seljalandsfoss allows couples to connect with Iceland’s natural beauty and deep-rooted stories, making the location not just a backdrop but an integral part of the narrative of your special day.
2. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Where is it Located?
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is situated on Iceland’s southern coast, near the small village of Vík í Mýrdal. It is about 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Reykjavik and can be reached by following Route 1 along the Ring Road.
Why It’s Great for Iceland Elopement Photos
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most striking and dramatic landscapes, known for its black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and powerful Atlantic waves. The beach’s surreal appearance has made it a favorite location for photographers, filmmakers, and couples seeking something unique for their elopement photos.
The deep black sand creates a stunning contrast against the white foam of the crashing waves, while the basalt columns, known as Reynisdrangar, rise majestically from the sea like ancient sentinels. These columns are visually impressive and offer a natural stage for striking elopement photos. The basalt formations’ sharp lines and geometric patterns provide a dynamic backdrop that enhances the elegance and drama of your images.
The moody, often misty atmosphere of Reynisfjara adds to the location’s allure, creating an almost otherworldly ambiance. The beach is frequently shrouded in soft, diffused light, making it an ideal setting for photographers who want to capture Iceland’s raw, untamed beauty. The dramatic weather conditions at Reynisfjara, from fierce winds to sudden bursts of sunlight, contribute to the location’s unpredictable and captivating nature.
Additionally, Reynisfjara is steeped in folklore, with the Reynisdrangar columns said to be the petrified remains of trolls caught by the rising sun. Incorporating these mythological elements into your elopement photos adds a layer of cultural depth and storytelling, making the images not just beautiful, but meaningful.
3. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Where is it Located?
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is located in southeastern Iceland, near Vatnajökull National Park. It is about 370 kilometers (230 miles) from Reykjavik, making it a longer drive but one that is well worth the journey. The lagoon is easily accessible from the Ring Road and is adjacent to Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore.
Why It’s Great for Iceland Elopement Photos
Jökulsárlón is a place of serene and almost surreal beauty. The lagoon is filled with icebergs that have calved from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, creating a constantly changing landscape of floating ice in various shades of blue and white. The still, reflective waters of the lagoon provide a mirror-like surface that captures the beauty of the icebergs and the surrounding mountains, making it a dream location for an Iceland elopement photographer.
The blue hues of the ice, set against the dark volcanic sands of the shore and the towering white glacier in the background, create a stunning and ethereal setting for elopement photos. The icebergs, some larger than houses, drift slowly through the lagoon, offering endless opportunities for creative compositions. The interplay of light on the ice, especially during sunrise or sunset, adds a magical glow to the photos, with the ice often taking on shades of pink, gold, or deep blue.
Jökulsárlón is also a location that embodies Iceland’s wild, untouched nature. The lagoon’s ever-changing environment means that no two photo sessions are alike, providing each couple a unique and personalized experience. The sense of solitude and peace from standing by the lagoon, surrounded by ice and silence, resonates deeply in the photos, capturing the intimate and profound connection between the couple and the natural world.
The proximity to Diamond Beach, where smaller icebergs wash ashore, adds another dimension to the photo opportunities at Jökulsárlón. The juxtaposition of the clear ice against the black sand creates a striking and surreal landscape, perfect for capturing close-up shots that emphasize the textures and details of the ice.
4. Skógafoss Waterfall
Where is it Located?
Skógafoss is located on the Skógá River in southern Iceland, just off the Ring Road (Route 1). It is about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Reykjavik and is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in Iceland.
Why It’s Great for Iceland Elopement Photos
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest and most powerful waterfalls, with a drop of 60 meters (200 feet) and a width of 25 meters (82 feet). Its sheer size and the thunderous sound of the water crashing into the pool below create an awe-inspiring setting for elopement photos. The mist that rises from the waterfall’s base often creates rainbows, adding a touch of magic and color to your images.
The flat, grassy area in front of the waterfall allows for various compositions, from wide-angle shots that capture the full grandeur of Skógafoss to more intimate portraits that focus on the couple against the backdrop of the cascading water. The mist generated by the waterfall creates a soft, diffused light, ideal for capturing an elopement’s romantic and ethereal mood.
One of the unique features of Skógafoss is the ability to climb the stairs to the top of the waterfall, where you can capture breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The vantage point from above offers a different perspective, with the river winding its way through the green hills and the waterfall pouring into the valley below. This dual perspective—both from below and above—adds variety to your elopement photos, ensuring a comprehensive visual story of your day.
Skógafoss is also steeped in legend, with local folklore claiming that a treasure chest is buried behind the waterfall. This legend and the waterfall’s undeniable beauty make Skógafoss a location rich in visual appeal and cultural significance. For couples seeking a location that embodies the powerful and untamed spirit of Iceland, Skógafoss is an exceptional choice.
5. Vík í Mýrdal Church
Where is it Located?
The Vík í Mýrdal Church is located in the village of Vík í Mýrdal, on Iceland’s southern coast. The village is about 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Reykjavik, nestled between the dramatic cliffs of the Reynisfjall mountain and the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara.
Why It’s Great for Iceland Elopement Photos
The Vík í Mýrdal Church’s iconic red roof and white walls is a quintessential symbol of Icelandic rural architecture. Perched on a hill overlooking the village, the church offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the black sand beaches, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. This elevated position makes the church an ideal location for capturing the dramatic contrasts and sweeping vistas that define Iceland’s southern coast.
The church itself provides a charming and intimate setting for elopement photos. Its simple yet elegant design, set against the rugged natural landscape, creates a beautiful contrast that highlights the couple and the surroundings. The church’s red roof adds a pop of color to the photos, standing out against the green hills and black sands, making the images visually striking and memorable.
The surrounding area offers a variety of backdrops for elopement photos, from the quaint village below to the dramatic coastal cliffs and sea stacks in the distance. The juxtaposition of the traditional Icelandic church with the wild, untamed landscape creates a powerful visual narrative that speaks to the heart of Iceland’s unique beauty.
The location’s proximity to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach means you can easily capture various scenes, from the tranquil, pastoral setting of the church to the raw, elemental power of the nearby coastline. This versatility makes Vík í Mýrdal Church an excellent choice for couples who want a mix of serene and dramatic backdrops for their Iceland elopement photos.
6. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Where is it Located?
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is located in southeastern Iceland, near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It is approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Reykjavik, just off the Ring Road. The canyon is easily accessible by a short drive and a hike from the parking area.
Why It’s Great for Iceland Elopement Photos
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is one of Iceland’s most enchanting natural wonders. This ancient canyon, believed to be around 2 million years old, was carved by glacial meltwater, creating a winding, twisting gorge that stretches for about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) and reaches depths of up to 100 meters (328 feet). The steep canyon walls, covered in lush green moss, create a dramatic and almost mystical atmosphere, making it a perfect location for intimate and breathtaking elopement photos.
The canyon’s narrow, winding path offers numerous vantage points, each providing unique perspectives of the landscape below. The elevated views from the canyon’s edges allow for sweeping wide-angle shots that capture the full grandeur of Fjaðrárgljúfur. In contrast, the path along the river at the bottom of the canyon offers a more intimate, close-up perspective. This duality—grand and expansive from above, intimate and serene from below—makes Fjaðrárgljúfur a versatile and compelling location for any Iceland elopement photographer.
The lush green moss that blankets the canyon’s walls adds a vibrant, almost surreal quality to the photos, especially in the spring and summer. The vivid greens contrast beautifully with the dark volcanic rock, creating a rich tapestry of colors and textures that make the images stand out. In the winter, the canyon takes on a different, equally stunning character, with the moss-covered walls dusted in snow and the river partially frozen, adding a crisp, clean element to the photos.
Fjaðrárgljúfur is not just visually spectacular; it also offers a sense of solitude and serenity that is hard to find in more popular locations. The canyon’s relatively remote location is often less crowded than other tourist spots, allowing couples to enjoy a peaceful and private experience as they exchange vows and capture their love in this magical setting.
7. Þingvellir National Park
Where is it Located?
Þingvellir National Park is located in southwestern Iceland, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Reykjavik. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key stop on the Golden Circle route, making it one of Iceland’s most significant cultural and natural landmarks.
Why It’s Great for Iceland Elopement Photos
Þingvellir is a site of immense historical and geological significance, making it a significant location for elopement photos. The park is situated in a rift valley created by separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, resulting in a landscape of dramatic cliffs, fissures, and clear, cold streams. The unique geological formations offer a one-of-a-kind backdrop that reflects the powerful forces of nature at work in Iceland.
One of the most iconic features of Þingvellir is the Almannagjá Gorge, a massive rift that runs through the park. The towering cliffs of the gorge create a dramatic and imposing setting, perfect for capturing the grandeur and majesty of the Icelandic landscape. The crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure, located within the park, provide another stunning photo opportunity with their striking blue hues and incredible visibility.
Þingvellir is also steeped in history, as it was the site of Iceland’s first parliament, the Alþingi, established in 930 AD. This rich cultural heritage adds depth and significance to your elopement photos, making the location not just beautiful but historically resonant. The combination of natural beauty and cultural importance makes Þingvellir an extraordinary place for couples to exchange vows and capture their love.
The park’s diverse landscapes—ranging from the rugged cliffs and gorges to the serene lakes and meadows—provide a variety of settings for your photos. Whether looking for dramatic, wide-angle shots of the tectonic rift or intimate portraits by the water’s edge, Þingvellir offers endless possibilities for creating a stunning visual narrative of your elopement.
Conclusion
As an Iceland elopement photographer, Iceland’s diverse and dramatic landscapes provide endless opportunities to capture breathtaking and unforgettable images. Whether you’re drawn to the power of towering waterfalls, the serenity of glacier lagoons, or the charm of quaint churches, Iceland has it all. For couples planning a destination elopement in Iceland, these locations offer the perfect backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Choosing the right spots and working with a knowledgeable photographer will make your Iceland elopement photos a stunning reflection of your love and adventure.
From the mystical beauty of Seljalandsfoss and the raw power of Skógafoss to the serene expanse of Jökulsárlón and the ancient mystery of Fjaðrárgljúfur, each location tells its own unique story. These sites are not just backdrops; they are integral parts of the narrative of your wedding day, reflecting the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the deep connection between you as a couple. Whether standing in front of a waterfall, on a black sand beach, or in the heart of a canyon, your Iceland elopement will be captured in images you will cherish for a lifetime.
