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Katie and Gabe, from California (USA) decided to celebrate their union with an unforgettable three day elopement in Iceland.
They started on the east coast, exploring Diamond Beach, breathtaking canyons, glaciers, the dramatic black sand beach of Reynisfjara and the iconic waterfalls of the south coast.
On the second day, they took the photographer’s 4×4 and drove deep into the Highlands to Kerlingarfjöll, a place that feels absolutely out of this world, like another planet.
And finally, on the third day, they hiked to Landmannalaugar, where they had their official wedding ceremony surrounded nature and colorful mountains.
Katie wore three stunning dresses, white on the first day, red on the second, and her wedding gown on the last. The officiant, Erla, led a simple but deeply meaningful ceremony in a location so remote there was no one and nothing else around, just raw nature. They signed their legal papers right there, marking the coordinates to engrave them later on their rings.
They ended at a blue water crater and some Icelandic wind, the perfect closing moment to a once in a lifetime Iceland elopement.
Why Did the Couple Choose Iceland for Their Elopement?
Katie & Gabriel: After we got engaged, Gabe had a dream that Katie was in a wedding dress on a black sand beach in Iceland. We wanted to have a wedding that was only for us, only what we wanted, something that celebrated who we are as a couple. Katie googled “Iceland elopement” and quickly found Lia Photo Stories and was blown away. The rest is history!
We both have complicated family dynamics. While we know our loved ones would’ved loved to be there, we wanted to make sure we didn’t compromise our special day to make anyone else happy. We wanted our wedding to be only for us, and we wanted it to be an adventure!
What Makes Iceland Special for Elopements?
Katie & Gabriel: The places we chose were quite remote and maybe tricky to get to. It would be difficult to get lots of people together. We were able to find beautiful spaces with no people around, so it felt intimate.
Can You Get Legally Married in Iceland?
Yes you can!
Katie & Gabriel: We had a civil ceremony. How cool to have an Icelandic marriage certificate!
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Iceland into Their Elopement?
Katie & Gabriel: We did! Erla, our officient, encouraged us to incorporate local cultural aspects such a the tying of a Celtic knot, and a traditional toast or “Skål”, in which we toasted to the past, present and future of our marriage, drinking champagne from a viking horn.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Iceland During August?
Katie & Gabriel: we were blessed with beautiful weather for all 3 days of our elopement adventure. Absolutely recommend this time of year!
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Iceland?
Katie & Gabriel: If you are planning an adventure elopement like we did, find a photographer or guide who knows the local areas inside and out. We told Lia our dream without knowing a lot about the landscape and she gave many suggestions and helped us pick the perfect 3 day itinerary. She was also able to suggest places to stay, the right car to rent, and even connected us with hair and makeup artists and our officient.
Lia, the photographer: Work with local vendors who understand Icelandic weather and logistics. Keep plans flexible — weather can change drastically in minutes.
Choose the season according to light and accessibility, not just temperature. Always have backup locations for ceremony and photos. Dress in layers and prioritize comfort over fashion. Plan enough travel time between locations — distances can be deceptive.
Respect local nature regulations and stay on marked paths. If you want a legal ceremony, start paperwork early or consider a symbolic one.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Katie & Gabriel: We chose “adventure” as one of our core marriage values as we love to trail run, hike and travel. We hiked each of the 3 days (yes I hiked in my dresses!), and were able to have an emphasis on the beauty of Icelandic nature along with the celebration of our marriage.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Iceland, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Katie & Gabriel: Honestly no challenges, it was pretty smooth planning. Once we booked with Lia, the rest took care of itself. It wasn’t difficult to book other accommodations.
What Advice Would You Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Iceland?
Katie & Gabriel: Travel outside of the ring road! While there are so many easily accessible places right long the main road, we absolutely loved the time we spent in the highlands and off the beaten path. Rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle, or take the tours, but don’t miss the wild beauty! Also, we chose to travel in a car with a tent on top, after our wedding celebration was over. While this was totally doable, we did have to stay in an airbnb due to crazy wind a couple of times. If you can, splurge for a hard camper shell, or a camper van.
Lia, the photographer: Stay flexible and embrace the adventure — Iceland rarely goes exactly as planned, and that’s part of its magic. Trust your local vendors, follow the light, and don’t chase perfection — chase connection.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Katie & Gabriel: Every day was incredible, but on our actual wedding day we came across so many other kind tourists who celebrated with us. It was really special to receive so many forms of congratulations in so many languages. One group even made a tunnel for us to walk under as they sang and clapped for us. It was beautiful. Many tourists even asked to take pictures with us. Ha!
Why Is Iceland One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Katie & Gabriel: The photos speak for themselves! Iceland truly is like another planet, from the glaciers and waterfalls, to the steam, black sand beaches and boiling/bubbling earth, it’s incredible. Everyone we came into contact with was incredibly kind as well.
