Planning an Ice Cave Elopement in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know
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Over the last year, a number of breathtaking photos have caught our attention here at the European Elopement Guide, and perhaps some of most dramatic ones came from Iceland, where one local photographer in particular was regularly taking couples into the enchanting world of Iceland’s glacier ice caves. So we reached out to Lisa, to ask her to share with us her extensive knowledge and top tips for planning an ice cave elopement in Iceland.
Hey from the land of fire and ice. I’m Lisa McWhirter, an Iceland adventure elopement and wedding photographer located in a small town called Vik. We have our own black sand beach and are surrounded by mountains. We also have one of the most well-known ice caves, Katla, just a 45-minute drive away. It’s also one of the most popular spots for couples to get married or have their pictures taken.
I first time visited Katla at 2022 and it was one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I had ever been to. For the last year and a half, I have specialised in ice cave and glacier elopements; I started studying ice cave and glacier safeties, picked to work with a local ice cave tour company that puts safety first over anything, started adding safety plans to elopements and signed up on upcoming training regarding ice cave rescues and so on. I work closely with the guides from Katltrack company and by that, I always have first-hand knowledge of the ice cave moments and what is happening in the area and this helps provide my couples with the best experience possible.
Why Choose an Ice Cave for Your Iceland Elopement?
An ice cave elopement in Iceland can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s perfect for couples who want to adventure to their ceremony spot with a super jeep and witness an ice cave that might not be there within the next 6-12 months, making the ceremony spot more unique.
How Are Iceland’s Ice Caves Formed?
Usually, they are formed from the glaciers melting water, especially during summertime when the temperature is much higher. When the water runs it can start forming tunnels. These tunnels are usually called ice caves and they will take their final form when temperatures start dropping down. All ice caves are secured to before tours will take place in there.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ice Caves in Iceland?
Winter is the best time of year to visit Iceland if you want to have an ice cave elopement. From the end of October to the end of March, our ice caves are the most stable and safe to visit.
During the summer months it’s not safe to visit ice caves due to the warmer temperatures and melting ice.
Are Ice Caves Safe?
There is always a risk when visiting an ice cave. They are safest to visit during wintertime. For example, I don’t photograph elopements at Vatnajökull during summertime since the national park has stated that the ice caves there are not the safest at all to visit during that time. They change and collapse a lot during summertime. When planning to have an ice cave elopement, it’s super important to have a photographer who specializes in these and works with a tour company that truly understands the safety procedures and keeps training their guides.
Where Can You Find Ice Caves in Iceland?
You can find Katla ice caves just 45-minute drive away from the town of Vik town. You’ll also find ice caves in the big Vatnajökull glacier, for example in the Skaftafell area and Breiðamerkurjökull. These are 4-5hours drive away from Reykjavik.
How to Get to Iceland’s Ice Caves
Hiring an ice cave guide is a must. It’s forbidden to enter the ice caves without a professional guide. You’ll also need to have a super jeep to drive the roads towards the glacier. I have seen some tourists trying to drive the roads with regular cars (and this way trying to avoid booking an ice cave tour), getting stuck and getting fined.
For example, if your day is Katla, we meet up at Katlatracks office, hop to the jeep and have a 45-minute drive to the glacier. At the parking spot, your guide will provide you with safety helmets to put on and crampons. The guide will also show you the right way to walk on the glacier with your crampons. After this, the walk to the glacier is about 15-20 minutes.
What Should You Know Before Planning Your Elopement in an Ice Cave?
Consider how far you want to travel
The two areas I mostly work at (Katla and Vatnajökull) are two very different areas and it’s good to ask yourself: how comfortable are you travelling far for an ideal spot?
When you choose Katla, you have Vik town’s services close by and can easily hop to the grocery store to pick up something you like. On the other hand, the Vatnajökull area is a much more rural area, where the closest place to have your lunch and dinner is at a hotel restaurant and you need to fill up your car with all the chance you get, there can be an hour and a half driving distance in between gas stations. You should also be aware that not most hair and makeup artists won’t travel to the Vatnajökull area as it’s too far away, so booking a hair and makeup can be a bit of a challenge. For this reason, many brides have decided to do their makeup themselves.
Don’t Expect The Ice Caves To Look Like The Ones You See Online
Many tour companies in Iceland promote their tours with ice caves that don’t exist anymore ‘cause they looked super cool when they existed. This is why I always have a consultation call with couples and walk them through on what exists and what doesn’t. This way no one will be too disappointed when reaching the ice cave
Prepare For Icelandic Weather
Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable and harsh, especially in the winter months. It’s important to prepare for the weather conditions and dress appropriately. Layers are key, as temperatures can fluctuate quickly. You’ll also want to wear waterproof gear, as the caves can be wet and slippery. The wind from the glacier can feel terribly cold and you must be prepared for this by dressing up with layers for your ice cave day. It’s better to overdress and remove layers when needed than underdress.
Practical Considerations when preparing For Your Ice Cave Elopement
Dress For The Cold
If you are planning on wearing a dress, I would recommend a long-sleeves. Long sleeves will help a bit with the cold (although the matierial isn’t generally thick enough to really keep you warm), but they will help to hide skin redness, which happens from the cold.
For suits, good materials such tweed or wool are ideal, as they are heavier and warmer.
I also recommend getting proper layers to have under your wedding clothes, such as thermal underwear and/or fleece leggings and warm socks, and also have layers and waterproof clothing to go over the top.
Choose Adventure-Appropriate Footwear
Forget about having high heels or dress shoes on this adventure. If you’re planning to have your ceremony or just pictures taken on the glacier and ice caves, you’ll need suitable footwear. Not only are the walkways icy and slippery, but walking in the snow can also lead to cold & wet feet if you’ve not got suitable shoes. Waterproof hiking boots are the best option, as they keep your feet warm and dry, support your ankles and have good tread for in the snow (when you’re on the ice you’ll put crampons on).
Add extra travel time.
It’s good to add extra travel time on your elopement day because it’s not uncommon for cars can break down from the cold or roads becoming blocked if it’s snowing heavily. If you happen to drive in the dark while it’s snowing, this mix can easily make eye tricks to believe and see things that aren’t really there and the roads can always be slippery.
It’s also important to know that not all roads are open during wintertime in Iceland. For example, there is no access at all to the highlands. Sometimes even the Ring road can be closed depending on how much snow has fallen and if no one has yet cleared the snow away. Mostly the weather is worse in the North part of Iceland but it’s always super important to be prepared while travelling in Iceland during wintertime. Iceland’s snowstorms are something you need to take seriously. When snowstorm warnings have been given many parts of the Ring road can be closed for example closing the road to leave from Reykjavik or Vik. Just early winter 2020 a tourist group was lost because of a snowstorm and they had to wait for their rescue for hours. The snowstorm was so strong that the rescue team needed to reach them by walking since it was too dangerous to access by car.
Tips for Capturing Stunning Wedding Photos in Ice Caves
Schedule your photos for daylight hours in wintertime. We have very limited hours of daylight in Iceland in the winter. In December the daylight only lasts for about 4 hours, and in the northeast part of Iceland, it can be less! From January the daylight hours start increasing to around 6 hours and by the middle of March, it’s already 11 hours in some parts of Iceland. Because of this, you need to choose which month you will elope in Iceland, and know about how many hours of daylight you will be having. Of course, working with a local photographer will help with this, as they will be more knowledgeable about this and can advise you.
Unique Experiences to Combine with Your Ice Cave Elopement
Iceland has so much to offer couples who are seeking an adventure. You could combine your ice cave tour with trying out some ice climbing, adventuring with a snowmobile to the ice caves or hopping on a helicopter!
Meet Your Local Iceland Ice Cave Elopement Specialist
Lisa McWhirter
From McWhirter Elopements
Lisa McWhirter, Iceland adventure elopement and wedding photographer. Eloping in Iceland is for You. Him. Her. Them. They.
