Imagine this scenario, you have decided to elope, there is a hike involved and an ice cave. How incredibly unbelievable is that? This is the exact scenario that Kim and Josh had on their intimate hiking elopement in Iceland.
Ice Caves
What makes ice caves made naturally by Mother Nature truly extraordinary is that they come and go and can only be experienced for a short time. Ice caves are created by numerous things including temperature changes, meltwater, wind and the sun. Although the glaciers in Iceland are accessible all year round, the chance of finding an ice cave during the summer months are slim due to higher temperatures and the midnight sun. The best time to see an ice cave in Iceland is during the months of November through to mid March. Usually ice caves only have a life time of a few days to a few weeks depending on the weather conditions. Each cave is a once in a life time ice cave.
Most natural ice caves are quite small. If you plan on having a lot of guests at your wedding we would recommend hiring the man made ice cave or opting on a natural cave wedding.
gEtting to the Ice Cave
The most important aspect of having and ice cave wedding in Iceland is hiring the correct team. It is crucial that you hire a local guide who has all of the correct equipment for you including the correct vehicles. Your guide should have all of the necessary equipment you need to hike to the ice cave such as ice crampons and helmets.
Your local guide will have scouted the area before hand making sure you are always safe. Remember ice caves are very much alive and are constantly changing and moving. Do not go to an ice cave without a local guide as it can be very dangerous.
what to expect
On your hiking elopement in Iceland it is important to be well prepared. You can expect the hike to the ice cave to be slippery and wet and at times even rocky or muddy not to mention cold. It is important to be well dressed with the correct footwear.
We suggest you pack the following:
- Hiking boots
- A top layer that is wind and water proof
- Extra pair of socks
- Hot Hands
- Gloves/hats
- Snacks
- Thermos with a hot drink (coffee, tea, hot chocolate)
Wedding ceremony
Getting married in an ice cave is truly epic. What makes it even more magical is the hike to the ice cave. The hiking part makes it so much more enjoyable as you put in the work to see this magnificent place. Kim and Josh hiked to the ice cave with their local guide, celebrant and photographer. Deciding on a hiking elopement in Iceland led to the couple having an intimate wedding ceremony in the perfect location.
After exploring the ice cave after their wedding ceremony Kim and Josh hiked back to the Super Jeep and headed to the Glacier Lagoon, enjoying every moment together as a newly wedded couple.
Has this blog inspired you to leap into planning your own intimate hiking elopement? Contact us today and we can start planning your once in a life time ice cave wedding.
We would like to give a big shout out to Kim and Josh’s photographer Martin Poloh. Thank you for sharing these photos with us.