How we Planned a Small Wedding/elopement In Iceland

After much discussion and research, we decided to plan a small wedding in Iceland in August 2024. This is in quotes because we did not get legally married in Iceland- we had a celebration at home where we obtained our marriage license. Considered a "symbolic ceremony", this option cuts down on some of the logistics. Iceland is fairly limited in its large group accommodations, however, with some careful planning and good communication, we embarked on an epic 7 day adventure to our most favorite destination in the world, with some of our favorite humans. We had a goal to plan a second trip to Iceland that would give our family the taste of Iceland we had discovered in 2021 but added in a new adventure each day.

We chose the Snæfellsnes Peninsula as our wedding day location because it held the sweeping views and variety that we wanted for a half day of professional photography. With less crowds and more budget friendly accommodations, Snæfellsnes was the perfect location for a destination wedding. We began our planning a year in advance (although I had been planning it in my head ever since the wheels touched down in the U.S. after returning from Iceland) and started our planning with a rough itinerary based on a survey that we sent to our family to determine everyone's desires. It's easy to get swept up in everyone else's needs and desires so it's important to map out your own bucket list about what's really important to you.

What We Cared About When Planning Our Dream Elopement:

• We wanted a ceremony that included a simple, quiet moment for us amidst incredible beauty along Iceland's coastline
• Ease of travel- We didn't want our party to have to drive more than a few hours each day. We needed multiple vehicles and we wanted it to be easy for people to get to the next destination without too much stress.
• We wanted some down time for people to relax, for us to spend time together; meals together, games and lots of laughter!
• We wanted a professional photographer to capture our family AND the wider angles of Icelands incredible beauty
• We wanted to keep the trip somewhat budget friendly
• We wanted to give people options to join us for group activities but also have the opportunity to explore on their own and in smaller groups

Photo Credit: Matlai Photography

Multi-generational trips in the rugged nature of Iceland require a solid plan and variation in options for all physical ability levels. Our 16 person group included ages 9-80 years old, which offered a unique opportunity to create a budget friendly itinerary that everyone would enjoy. Our first major challenge was finding accommodations that could accommodate a group of 16 people. It was important to us that we stay together at least some of the time so that we could enjoy meals and some down time together. It was also important that we didn't ask everyone to pack up and move too many times.

Our first challenge in planning was confirming who would actually be able to make the trek with us to Iceland. By giving family members/friends a deadline for commitment and potential budget you will be able to finalize accommodations and start planning a detailed itinerary. We recommend at least a year for an initial commitment and 6 months for a finalized budget on pricing and activities. Be prepared that not everyone is able and willing to make such a large financial commitment and/or time commitment. Don't take it personally- this is your adventure and how it plays out will be some of your most wonderful lifetime memories!

After creating an itinerary of possible attractions, we landed on two home bases with a night in Reykavik. One in Hvergerdi to explore South Iceland, one in Snæfellsnes for the wedding and one more night in Reykavik before flying out. This would be a great 8 day family itinerary for exploring South Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula in one trip even without a wedding ceremony thrown in! For more detailed information on this itinerary, see Iceland On a Budget: 10 Must See Attractions.

Our 7-8 Day Itinerary

• Day 1: My immediate family flew in a day early and we explored Reykavik for breakfast and some shopping before driving out to The Greenhouse Hotel
• Day 2: My immediate family headed on a tour of The Highlands/Landmannalauger. Everyone else flew in throughout the day
• Day 3: Explore the Golden Circle
• Day 4: Seljanderfoss, Skogafoss, Dyhorley, Rejanisfara Black Beach
• Day 5: Head to Snæfellsnes Peninsula and check in to Midhraun Lava Resort
• Day 6: Explore Snæfellsnes, including some excursions, whale watch, fishing trip, Kirkjufell, Ólafsvík 
• Day 7: Wedding Day
• Day 8: Head to Reykavik with a stop off at the Blue Lagoon
• Day 9: Depart

Our Top Picks for Large Group Accommodations:

The Greenhouse Hotel in Hvergerdi is the perfect accommodation for a large group. This boutique hotel features a "Food Hall" complete with a Taco Truck! The style is modern and casual with families playing games and large areas for relaxing in a large group. The staff was incredibly accommodating and rooms were small but clean with all the modern conveniences. This was the perfect home base that allowed us to return after a day of adventures, grab a cocktail at the bar and everyone could try different items at the variety of stations. We didn't have to worry about splitting bills or being locked into long sit down meals. Prices are budget friendly with lots of options for kids.

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Snæfellsnes Midhraun Lava Resort

Snæfellsnes is more remote with less options for accommodations but we wanted a location that included some amenities/things to do on the property and a space that could accommodate a small celebration meal. We also wanted to be centrally located on the peninsula for ease of exploring. Midraun Lava Resort checked off all the boxes! We booked a large conference style house on the property with room for 15 people and included a large kitchen and dining area. One of the families booked their own two bedroom apartment on the property as well. We really liked the variety of options on the resort that could accommodate everyone but still allow everyone to be together on the same property. We booked through Booking.com/Expedia which allowed us to book well in advance but still have the option of altering the reservation in case family or friends changed their mind or others wanted to join at the last minute.

Some of our favorite family moments were had at Miðhraun- with an incredible Sauna and Hotspring tub, playground for kids, delicious restaurant and stunning views with sheep and farm animals! Miðhraun is Iceland at its best with a casual vibe that's perfect for families. Our favorite memory was a dinner we made after our youngest went on a fishing expedition and brought home enough catch to feed us all the most incredible fresh meal! Complete with an evening soak in the hot tub and sauna, these memories are some of our favorite from the trip! Miðhraun accommodated a private meal in their loft after our wedding ceremony and the food was delicious and we were were treated to the most vibrant rainbow display! A reward for surviving the wind and rain!

"Man surprised me most about humanity. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future: he lives as if he is never going to die and then dies having never really lived."

Dalai Lama- Quote on the Wall of Miðhraun Resort

The Wedding Day

So we traditionally have very good weather luck when we travel. Unfortunately, the only day that seemed to forecast consistent rain was the one day we planned our wedding ceremony. Iceland is fickle and rain is common- I knew this but admittedly was disappointed. I tried really hard to embrace it- heck- this is Iceland, and luckily came prepared with boots and a white raincoat and Icelandic sweater just in case! We hired Rose Groves/Matlai Photography to capture the day and from the get go, she reassured us that it was going to be incredible despite the cold, wind and rain. I started the morning with a hike through the lava fields to pick some flowers for our bouquets. We got ready and met Rose at the Miðhraun for some photos on the property. This was a last minute decision due to the rain and she was more than happy to accommodate!

A quick note about Rose Groves: As a professional photographer I was VERY picky about my choice for a professional photographer for Iceland. I vetted hundreds of options. We wanted a photographer who could capture our joy and simultaneously the majesty of Iceland. We are not in our 20's and it was important that our family and our laughter and joy take center stage in our photos- not our modeling skills! Rose took our vision and came prepared with location ideas and poses that integrated our vision perfectly. I begged her to bring her newborn baby and with family in tow, she came to Iceland as our photographer and left as our friend. Rose is not just a photographer, she believes passionately about elopement and she sees something truly special through her lens. For her complete guide to eloping in Iceland-click here. Some of our favorite images by Rose Groves...

Things to Do In The Snæfellsnes Peninsula

There are so many incredible options of things to do in The Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Simply driving around will afford you stunning views of waterfalls, rocky coastline and black sand beaches. Dubbed "mini-Iceland" - Snaefellsnes contains so much beauty and variety with significantly less crowds.

Arnarstapi

We chose Arnarstapi for our ceremony for its dramatic cliffs and stunning ocean views, reminiscent of the Maine coastline. This is one of the most beautiful areas of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The Gatklettur to Hellnar trail is a 2.1 mile, easy hiking trail that takes you along the coastline and we consider a MUST SEE when exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Stop in at the Snjofell Restaurant for a great outdoor lunch or dinner.

Photos by Matlai Photography

Kirkjufell

Kirkjufell is considered the most photographed mountain in Iceland. We missed this on our first trip but snuck this in before our whale watch. There are so many places in Iceland where you will wonder if you have arrived on another planet and Kirkjufell feels like another world. Popular at sunset and sunrise, we recommend at least a quick stop off to see this iconic Icelandic mountain.

Djupalonssandur Black Sand Beach

We were so excited to have some photographs taken at this Black Sand beach with literally no one else in sight! Raining, windy and cold- we hiked down onto the beach with our chins to our chest. Although Reynisfjara is incredibly impressive, the crowds really take away from the grandeur and this beach all to ourselves felt like a Game of Thrones kind of moment. On a sunny day or at sunrise, this would be the most incredible spot to spend a few hours!

Ytri Tunga Beach

Even without the seals, the views from Ytri Tunga are impressive on their own. Add in watching these little sea creatures frolic in the sea and you'll be mesmerized for hours! There are many vantage points to see the seals and kids will love looking for them amongst the rocks. Wear sturdy shoes to walk out on the rocks but keep your distance, you are a guest in their home!

Murals of Hellissandur

A quick drive through Hellissandur will afford you views of some beautiful large scale murals that celebrate Iceland. Great little detour with multiple stops, plan to spend a half an hour admiring these incredible pieces of art!

Excursions:

There is really no need to plan excursions in Iceland and this makes Iceland a great option for planning large group travel. So much can be easily seen on a self driving tour and it's easy to linger longer in places that you love and just do a quick drive by on attractions less interesting to you. There are two things you may want to book as excursions that can't be experienced on your own: Fishing trips and whale watches.

The Whale Watch From Hell....

This will forever go down as one of my biggest travel mistakes. Planning an entire 8 day excursion for 16 people takes a lot of coordination and communication. When I was booking a Fishing Trip excursion and a Whale Watch excursion for two different groups I was trying to line up the timing and was vetting multiple time slots. I thought I had booked the whale watch for a morning slot but when we arrived it turns out I had actually booked one later in the afternoon.

Unfortunately the morning boat was full and we had to wait for the afternoon boat. The staff was amazing and did everything they could to try and accommodate my mistake but in the end, the seas continued building all day and by the time we went out, the seas were incredibly rough. This is Iceland... they do not cater to the weak stomachs of Americans and we spent the 3 hours incredibly sea sick.

We had also taken the same excursion in 2021 where we were blessed with calm seas and sunshine but on this particular day, Mother Nature had a different plan. Luckily, our counterparts on the fishing trip pulled in an incredible haul and we were rewarded with a fresh fish dinner after our rough day at sea. Lesson learned...double check your bookings and bring Dramamine! The real lesson is that sometimes things do not go as planned despite careful planning and I was incredibly grateful that my family was understanding. We have a fun story to tell and a memory that will not soon be forgotten!

Make it Your Day... make it Your Adventure

Sometimes it's hard to hold a vision of something and then plan and obsess over it until it actually comes into form. Planning a wedding takes a lot of work. Planning an 8 day wedding adventure is a challenge all its own! Be gentle with yourself and give yourself plenty of time to create your vision. As we considered all our wedding options, I continually checked in with myself about what really mattered to me. Creating an experience, sharing my love of Iceland and creating lasting memories together mattered to me. Perfect hair and make up... not so much. We are so incredibly grateful for these memories and for the patience, commitment and devotion our little pose brought to our special trip. Iceland holds a special place in our hearts and now these memories only expand our adoration for this incredible corner of the earth. We love to talk about Iceland, please reach out for more information on planning an elopement/adventure to Iceland!