Disclaimer – This website contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission if you make a purchase using links on this site, at no extra cost to you. That’s how we can afford to keep this awesome site running!
Katie and Connor traveled all the way from Ireland to say “I do” in the jaw-dropping beauty of Iceland. They picked the incredible Katla Ice Cave as the backdrop for their special day, and honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect. With its stunning ice formations and that magical blue light, the setting was straight out of a fairytale.
Surrounded by nature’s peaceful vibes, they exchanged heartfelt vows, happy tears and all, with their loved ones by their side. After the ceremony, they hopped into a Super Jeep and soaked up the amazing views around them.
Their Iceland elopement was truly something unforgettable—a dream wedding in a breathtaking location, far away from the chaos of everyday life. The quiet, serene atmosphere gave them the chance to focus completely on each other and their love. Not only did they get to say their vows in one of the most gorgeous places on Earth, but they also kicked off their marriage with a little adventure together. What more could you ask for?
Why Did the Couple Choose Iceland for Their Elopement?
Katie: Conor and I visited Iceland in 2023 and fell in love with the country and its people. We couldn’t think of anywhere else that could compete with the natural beauty of the landscape. We wanted a small intimate wedding that was just about us, hence the elopement.
We chose to have the ceremony at the Katla ice caves as neither of us had ever experienced a place like that before and we knew it would be beautiful. The ice caves change shape every year so our photos would look like no one elses.
The location we got married on the Glacier was ideal for a small group. We had to be so careful where we walked and wore safety equipment. We would not have been able to have a large group at this spot because the ice underfoot. Where we stood for the ceremony was surrounded by tall ice formations and it really felt like the place had been made just for us.
Can You Get Legally Married in Iceland?
Katie: we had a legal ceremony.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Iceland?
Katie: It’s hard not to be impressed by how environmentally friendly the country is. They have huge respect for their land and are leading the way in the use of sustainable sources of energy. They are so efficient with almost 100 percent of their electricity coming from renewable sources. We found Iceland a very clean and safe place to visit.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Iceland into Their Elopement?
Katie: My husband comes from a Catholic family and incorporated a prayer during the ceremony and in my vows I included a sentence in Gaeilge, the Irish language.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Iceland During October?
Katie: October was a fabulous time of year to get married and travel across Iceland. We got to see Iceland in the sun , the rain and the snow. We had dry weather and daylight for most of our wedding day. The days stay darker for longer the closer to winter you get.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Iceland?
Katie: Our best tip is to get in touch with a great wedding planner as we could not have planned our day without ours. She is also a magnificent photographer. She was a wealth of knowledge and put us in touch with all the necessary people, giving us recommendations for everything from food and accommodation to hair and make up. She hired a professional driver and jeep for the day to get us safely around and he provided all the necessary safety equipment for walking across the glacier.
She also linked us with a fantastic Celebrant who went above and beyond when writing our cermon and together they all made our day absolutely wonderful. We laughed ,cried and sang our way across Iceland.
Dress up warm if you decide to travel during the winter months! We all wore thermals and hiking boots under our suits and dresses and big warm coats in between photos ! Be prepared to wear safety equipment or squeeze a helmet on over your wedding hair . Your tears may freeze on your face with the cold and you may have to run into a petrol station for a bathroom break holding up your dress but that’s all in the fun of it! just go with the flow of the day.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Katie: We never wanted a big wedding but we got to spend our wedding day with my sister Caroline as my bridesmaid and my husband’s best friend Donncha as his best man. They kept us cool, calm and highly entertained on the day and I am so glad we got to share that experience between the four us.
We wanted something different from the traditional Irish wedding so we got married on a glacier at the Katla ice caves, a landscape that melts and changes all the time so the photos are completely unique to us.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Iceland, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Katie: We had some slight issues with paper work, as to be expected when dealing with a registry office in another country, waiting for items to reach them by post and vice versa. Other than that we had no major challenges , our wedding planner made it all very easy for us. It helped that we had visited the country previously and were familiar with Reykjavik.
What Advice Would the Couple Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Iceland?
Katie: We started planning about 6 months in advance so I would advise planning as early as you can and getting in touch with the registry office with all the necessary paperwork work as soon as possible . Do some research into the different parts of Iceland and the scenery you would like in your photos so you can plan a route for the day. We decided with our wedding planner to visit a few on the day of the ceremony and get plenty of photos. As you get closer and closer to your wedding date you will have less and less to worry about and more and more to get excited about!
Book your arrival flight in plenty of time before your wedding to allow for any flight disruptions.
Iceland can be expensive so be prepared but the food there is exceptional, all the shops are unique, there is accommodation everywhere and overall it is a very safe country to be . Its very easy to get around Reykjavik but I would definitely invest in doing some bus tours and trying to see as much as Iceland has to offer during your visit.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Katie: When we got out of the jeep, put on our helmets and boots and went to pick a spot on the glacier to have our ceremony. I remember being blown away by the beauty of the ice and the colour of our surroundings.
The views along the way were breathtaking and watching the land go from green one minute to white with snow the next.
Laughing and crying as we read our vows to each other.
The karaoke in the back of the car…that went on for hours !!
Why Is Iceland One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Katie: I would say this is one of the best places to get married because it is so unique. It’s called the Land of Fire and ice for a reason. Even within the country itself the landscape is so diverse from one part to another. Whether you want a volcano , an ice cave, the Northern Lights or a tectonic plate in your wedding photos you can get them all in Iceland. You can relax in the heat of a beautiful outdoor lagoon the following day or travel to a glacier for snowmobiling. Hike a volcano , go pony trekking , whale watching , there really is something for everyone in Iceland.
