Iceland Destination Wedding: A Guide to Epic Landscapes & Intentional Celebrations

Why Choose Iceland for Your Destination Wedding?

Iceland is rugged and full of jaw-dropping natural beauty. It’s the kind of place where you feel small against a grand landscape. Iceland is also home to amazing wildlife, and the scenery and things to do are diverse. If you want to be in awe of the nature around you, choose Iceland for your destination wedding!

Planning Advice for Your Iceland Destination Wedding

Because Iceland is a little wilder than many other destination wedding locations, there are a few things that will really impact your experience. As long as you plan wisely, you can have an amazing experience. Here’s my advice as a seasoned planner for destination weddings ⬇

Choose the right season

The “right” time is going to be different for everyone– it will depend on your preferences and priorities. Check out these overviews of each season and what you can expect for your destination wedding.

Spring – March to May

What you should know about a spring wedding in Iceland:

• Shoulder season where there are less crowds and better prices
• Average temperatures can range anywhere from the 30s to 50s.
• F-Roads and some hiking trails are closed.
• Waterfalls are at their peak strength for dramatic displays
• The weather can be a bit wild and there may still be snow in places
• Daylight hours are increasing from 10 hours in early March to 20 in late May. There’s a small chance of seeing the Northern Lights in March and April.

Summer – June to August

What you should know about a summer wedding in Iceland:

• Higher prices and bigger crowds (this is avoidable though!)
• Warmest and driest weather, although cool temperatures and rain are always possible in Iceland
• More remote locations are accessible, giving you more options for your wedding location
• The long days of sunlight (up to 21 hours in June) give you more flexibility in your schedule to find less crowded locations
• Tourist season is in full swing, so you’ll have no problem finding restaurants, tours, and shops while you travel.

Fall – September & October

What you should know about a fall wedding in Iceland:

• Shoulder season where there are less crowds and better prices
• The greenery of summer shifts to autumn hues
• Temperatures are dropping and there’s a higher chance of rain than in summer
• While the days are getting shorter, there’s still enough light to see and do activities
• The aurora borealis is visible again 
• F-Roads and some hiking trails are closed

Winter – November to February

What you should know about a winter wedding in Iceland:

• Apart from the holiday season, winter is generally less crowded and expensive than summer
• Extreme weather is more likely and can change flights, close roads, and cancel tours.
• Daylight is between 4 and 10 hours each day during this darker season
• Winter activities like glacier hikes, viewing the northern lights, exploring ice caves, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and skiing are available 
• Some attractions are closed, and remote areas are inaccessible

Get Off the Beaten Path

Iceland is popular for travelers and destination weddings for good reason– it’s a magical place! But many visitors stick to the same well-known spots: waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss or the black sand beach of Reynisfjara (recently reclaimed by the sea).

But breathtaking landscapes are everywhere in Iceland, and you don’t have to follow the crowd to see them.

Choosing lesser-known locations creates space for a peaceful, intimate wedding day without sacrificing beauty. When I planned my own vow renewal in Iceland, we enjoyed a day mostly alone, only seeing a few other people. That privacy didn’t happen by accident; it came from intentional research and thoughtful planning.

Be Well Prepared

Iceland is the kind of destination where you have to expect any kind of weather, no matter what time of year you visit. High winds, rain, and cold temperatures can (and probably will) happen at any time.

I recommend packing a few things to help with this kind of weather:

• Rain jackets or ponchos
• Thermal leggings to wear under your wedding outfits
• Warm jackets
• Hand warmers

You never know when you might need these items! 

At my own vow renewal, we planned for inclement weather, but it ended up being a very warm sunny day. Even still, we used our rain jackets while visiting a waterfall and definitely needed our puffy jackets as the sun set. I also wore nude colored fleece-lined leggings under my dress all day to stay warm.

Scenery for Your Iceland Destination Wedding

Beaches

Iceland has uniquely beautiful coastlines– from black sand and rocks to dramatic cliffs and even a few golden sand beaches.

Mountains

I love the beautiful colors and unique shapes of mountains in Iceland. Some peaks stay snow-capped year round, while others are vibrant greens or oranges.

Lava fields

In a land created by volcanos, you’re sure to find some lava rock! I love the unique contrast of the bright green or orange moss covering the lava fields.

Waterfalls

Scattered throughout Iceland are many gorgeous waterfalls, from quiet cascades to gigantic roaring falls. You’ll definitely want to visit at least one on your wedding day!

Wildflowers

Wildflowers might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Iceland’s landscapes, but they are a beautiful addition to the scenery. The most famous is the sweeping fields of lupines you can find in June and July.

Volcanos

While it’s nearly impossible to plan in advance to be in Iceland while a volcano is erupting, seeing one is a truly incredible experience. Depending on the location and conditions, you can usually either hike to a viewing spot or see it from above in a helicopter or small plane tour (what we did).

Ice Caves

The ice caves are seasonal, but if you happen to get married in Iceland in the winter, visiting an ice cave would be a truly incredible experience

Things to Do for Your Iceland Destination Wedding

🦭View wildlife like seals, sea birds, puffins, arctic foxes, and more
🥖 Have a scenic picnic with local foods (I love grabbing pastries from the incredible Brauð & Co.)
♨️ Have a relaxing and romantic soak in hot springs
🌌 Stargaze or look for the aurora borealis on a clear night (September – April)
🌅 Watch the sunrise or sunset from a beach
☕ Grab a warm drink at a local cafe
🐋 Take a boat tour to look for whales (April – August)
🥾 Hike though the amazing scenery of Iceland
❄️ Explore and ice cave (October – March)
💃🏻 Dance together in a picturesque landscape
💦 Have a refreshing drink from a waterfall
🌼 View colorful wildflowers (June – July)
🫐 Forage for wild berries (September)

Inspiration for Your Iceland Destination Wedding