Iceland Wedding Tips

February 29, 2020Leave a comment

Planning a wedding in another country can be quite stressful. Obtaining the proper license and gathering all the required paperwork are often a breeze compared to selecting a ceremonial location and reception venue in a place you have never been or seen. That is why in this blog we will help put you at ease by providing you with some helpful tips to plan your Iceland wedding.

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Location

When selecting an Iceland wedding location for your ceremony there are a number of factors to consider:

landscape
guest count
travel distance
and accommodation availability.

Are you set on ice caves or waterfalls? Do you need accommodations for your guests? Is the plan to travel back to Reykjavík for the reception?

We suggest having an idea of the region of Iceland you would like to get married in. This makes finding the right hotel stay for you and your guests much easier. Depending on your guest count we suggests doing this earlier rather than later. Many of the countryside hotels have limited vacancies, therefore; for a group larger than 10 we suggest booking a hotel no later than 6 months ahead. For a group over 30 we highly suggest booking around a year in advance. This enables you to have all of your guest stay at the same hotel.

Photography

When deciding on a photographer we advise that you pick the best package suited for you. For example a lot of photographers have different options such as:

Just the ceremony
Ceremony + Wedding Shoot
Ceremony + Wedding Shoot + reception
Full day coverage

Even if on a budget, we highly recommend you allocate funds for photography. In our experience couples on a budget tend to lower prioritize photography for their wedding day and greatly regret it later down the line while revisiting these memories. Being able to revisit your whole wedding day from all the excitement of getting ready, to the ceremony and tying the knot, and to your champagne toast at the reception.

If you truly want to capture the whole essence and bliss of the day we have a great local videographer team that comes highly recommended.

Wedding Dress

Choosing a Iceland wedding dress can take days, weeks and even months. However, when you finally find the perfect one, you just know! Even with that being said, we would like to give you some of our expertise on this subject. Iceland’s ever changing weather can be quite challenging, which is why it is important to defeat it with a few subtle twerks in attire.

Choose a wedding dress which allows you to wear thick tights or leggings is ideal. We also highly recommend a good pair of hiking boots (Pro wedding planning tip: Make sure to wear these shoes in before your Iceland Wedding to avoid sore feet and blisters).

Another important aspect in choosing your wedding dress is being cognitive of your choice in fabric. For instance, imagine wearing a silk dress, the wind is blowing every which way. This causes your dress to cling to your legs in a skinny jeans like manner.

Have you been dreaming of marrying the love of your life in Iceland? Here you can read all about having a waterfall wedding. Here is some inspiration for a big wedding inside of a cave. Contact us today and we can give you a quote for your special day whether it be with guests or an intimate Iceland elopement.

Iceland Cave Wedding

December 30, 2019January 7, 2020Leave a comment

Our last blog of the year is dedicated to the very in love, very photogenic couple Brittany and Seth. The couple reached out to us in January with very a specific idea of what they envisioned for their event of the year, their Iceland Wedding.

We started our planning time together only 11 days after their original inquiry. We helped take care of every aspect of their Iceland Wedding including:

Private Property Ceremony Location
The photographer
A Day of Planner
Transportation
Bridal Bouquet and Bridal Party Flowers
Ceremony Decor
Iceland Lunch Experience
Accommodation Recommendations
Private Room for Iceland Wedding Reception
Reception Decor
Traditional Iceland Wedding Cake
Reception DJ / MC

We also helped with last minute details to help insure things went as smoothly as possible.

Iceland Wedding Ceremony Location

Brittany and Seth had 50 guests and wanted the perfect location to hold their Iceland Wedding Ceremony. They wanted a venue that was both outdoor but had the comfort of a roof in case of inclement weather. Which is why they in the end chose the Iceland wedding location: Hjörleifshöfði Cave.

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Please take note… The cave is located on private property, which is why Brittany and Seth contacted our sister company Iceland Wedding Planner to rent the cave from the landowners. The cave rental includes:

Privatizing the Cave (IE, There is not already a wedding or event there when you arrive or a film project shooting).
Closing the road to it, by placing “closed” signs to the road leading to the cave.
A staffer on site to keep out rouge tourists that do not respect the sign and walk to the cave (yes this happens).
Cleaning of the cave. For example, that there are no pink rose petals from a previous wedding when you get there. (Believe it or not, as the the cave grows in popularity with self-drivers, it has been used in many different ways such as overnight camping or even as a bathroom facility. THIS IS NOT ALLOWED, but it has happened thanks to naughty travelers).

Having an Iceland cave wedding is so charming! Furthermore, the couple also took our advice and went with a seated ceremony. A seated ceremony is far more comfortable and not to mention more photogenic for your Iceland wedding photos. They rented the chairs and sound system from Iceland Wedding Planner, you can too, just click HERE!

Iceland Wedding Ceremony

Brittany and Seth had their hearts set on having their dear friend conduct their Iceland wedding ceremony. These pictures just do not do this ceremony justice, as it even had us tearing up!

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Ceremony Decor and Flowers

As décor for their Iceland cave wedding, Brittany and Seth did not just purchase 1 bouquet but 8! One for Brittany and 6 for her bridesmaids plus one extra one, as these bouquets doubled as centerpieces for their Iceland wedding reception. They also purchased 2 eucalyptus runners to form an isle way decorated with led light candles to add extra ambiance. It was stunning!

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Champagne Toast

After the beautiful couple exchanged their vows during their Iceland cave wedding ceremony and said their “I do´s” the happy couple returned to the back of the cave. Meanwhile their guests formed 2 lines outside of the cave for their grand exit as a married couple!

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Following their epic silver streamer premiere they had a delightful champagne toast. They had the help of our Day of Planner to set up the Champagne table (in this case an epic rock). The décor not only had the champagne glasses, champagne, but also greenery and candles to continue the overall theme. The newlyweds and their guests thoroughly enjoyed!

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Iceland Wedding Lunch Experience

Being so close to lunchtime by the Iceland wedding ceremony end, Brittany and Seth surprised their guests with a traditional Iceland lunch experience. In fact, no experience in Iceland is complete until you have tried the Icelandic Hot Dog, and trust us, this is no basic hot dog!

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The Icelandic hot dog is mainly made of lamb (not who knows what pig parts like our American counter parts). Once the hot dog has been formed it is drowned in pig lard for extra flavouring. Iceland even has their very own version of favorite condiments they use on top of their hot dog. Which includes raw onions, fried onions, ketchup, spicy mustard, and Remalodi (tastes like relish/potato salad mix).

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We highly recommend adding the Icelandic BBQ experience to your Iceland cave wedding.

Iceland Wedding Photographer

Brittany and Seth choose a photographer to cover their whole experience. From getting ready at their luxury lodge and hotel to covering the end of their Iceland wedding reception celebration. Choosing a photographer for your Iceland wedding should take time and precision, as the weather in Iceland is constantly changing. So you need to be sure your photographer can handle the change in climate and especially extreme rains!

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We just can not get over how photogenic this gorgeous couple is! They look like something from a magazine!

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The lovely couple wanted their group of guest to experience a tour of Iceland which is why we helped them plan a full day out and about for their guests. At one point, the newlyweds went off for a more private experience with their Iceland wedding photographer. While their guests visited 4 locations on the day. Fun Fact: They even went on the Golden Circle Tour a few days prior followed by a night of pizza and beer at a local pizza at a craft beer bar!

Iceland Wedding Reception

After their Iceland cave wedding and an exciting magical day of adventuring, our newlyweds and their guests took a bit of time to rest and refresh before the Iceland wedding reception. Brittany and Seth as we previously mentioned were very detail oriented and had a vision for how they wanted to have their reception.

Their seating chart was very easy to understand as they had brought with them beautifully cut seating labels for their guests to take home as a keepsake.

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Even their guest book was whimsically clever, a puzzle of Iceland in which their guests wrote their names / wishes to the couple! How adorable is that?

Brittany and Seth ordered a Traditional Icelandic Wedding Cake along with a beautiful red velvet American style wedding cake. Once everyone was full from the many courses of delicious Icelandic food and cakes they danced the night away while their DJ played all of their favorite songs! Truly, a perfect end to a perfect day!

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Has Brittany and Seth’s Iceland cave wedding inspired you to plan a similar day? Maybe the landscapes they explored further sold you on getting married in Iceland? Feel free to Contact Us! As we would love to be the local Iceland wedding planner who can help you with all of your wedding or elopement in Iceland plans today!

We would also like to send some love to Christin Eide for all of the beautiful pictures featured in this blog!

Iceland Wedding Ceremony

November 22, 2019January 7, 2020Leave a comment

It is your wedding day; everything has been planned just the way you want it. You arrive at your ceremony location; a breathtaking Icelandic nature backdrop. Your dress and suit are perfect. The bouquet and decorations are beautiful. The celebrant has personalized the ceremony script to suit you and your partner. Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons can make this dream wedding yours – you take care of the dress and suit; the rest, leave that with us!

Your Iceland Wedding Ceremony should not just be everything you imagined it to be; it should be more. Today’s blog we will suggest ways for you to have the most memorable Iceland Wedding possible.

Iceland Wedding Music

To start, let us set the mood by adding a little bit of Iceland to your day by listening to Icelandic songs. Below are some of our favorite Icelandic love songs. Not only are they “easy on the ears”, they are the perfect musical addition to your Iceland Wedding Ceremony.

1. Ást – Ragnheiður Gröndal
2. Ást við fyrstu sýn – Páll Óskar
3. Draumalandið – Svavar Knutur
4. Ástin á sér stað – Sverir Bergmann & Friðrík Dór
5. Ó þú – Pálmi Gunnarsson
6. Þú eina hjartans yndið mitt – Björgvin Halldórsson
7. Lifið er yndislegt – Land og Synir
8. Með þér – Ragnheiður Gröndal

Can you imagine walking down the aisle during one of these Icelandic love songs? Number 8 is perfect after the first kiss!

Looking for something a little more familiar? Some of the world’s most famous love songs have also been translated into Icelandic and have been covered by some of Iceland´s music artists. Here is a list of our favorites:

1. What a Wonderful World Yndislegt líf- Bob Thiele / George Weiss covered by Páll Óskar
2. Always / Án Þín – Bon Jovi covered by Sverir Bergman
3. I just cant help falling in love with you / Hinn Gullni Meðalvegur – Elvis Presley covered by Ðe Lónlí blú bojs

To get the best out of the experience we recommend either renting a sound system or bringing a portable Bluetooth speaker. Pro Iceland Wedding Planning tips: Download the music ahead of time. Relying the on a streaming service is not recommended due to the limited cellular and data services in some areas Also make sure your speaker is waterproof.

Iceland Wedding Celebrant

Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons prides themselves in offering you all Iceland has to give. We have something for everyone! We have 5 different Iceland ceremony types with 5 different celebrants. They include the following: Civil Ceremony conducted by a Civil Officer in the region you are getting married. A spiritual celebrant, a religious celebrant. A Norsk/Viking celebrant and last but not least a Humanist celebrant.

Iceland Wedding Photographer

Iceland is known for their always changing weather. There is actually a saying that goes something like this: ” If you do not like the weather, wait 5 minutes, chances are it will likely change.” What does this have to do with your Iceland Wedding Photographer you ask? Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons highly recommends hiring a local Iceland Wedding Photographer. Why you ask? Local Iceland Wedding Photographers will have waterproof gear as well as a backup gear. They will also very likely know of a Plan B location if the weather gets too bad. Pro Iceland Wedding Photographer tip: Ask your guests not to take photographs during the ceremony. You will not regret it!

Iceland Wedding Ceremony Seating

To sit or not to sit? -why is seating so important? The length of your Iceland Wedding Ceremony can vary depending on a few aspects. Your celebrant may have prepared an eloquent script, you may get a little chocked up when reciting your vows, or the even weather may cause a slight delay. Adding a traditional or cultural aspect, such as handfasting or Sheva B’rachot, to the ceremony may also lengthen the time you expect your guests (or even yourself) require to be on their feed. Providing your guests with seating at your Iceland Ceremony can add all the difference. Even though is this your special day, a comfortable guest is a happy guest. Seating also accentuates the look of your Iceland Wedding photos by providing a touch of elegance, especially when contrasted with the beautiful, but rugged landscapes of Iceland. Adding seating to your ceremony also adds depth and is far more picturesque than having your guests stand.

Flowers and Decor

Throughout history and within different cultures the act of carrying a bouquet of flowers and greenery (or even grains) was done for different reasons. Whether it be to symbolize an unbreakable bond (Romans) or to bestow luck and fertility to the happy couple (Greeks), adding a little hint of floral decoration to your Iceland Wedding can be the “pièce de résistance” your ceremony needs. We love little subtle details such as eucalyptus aisle runners (aisle runners can be secured by gently placing rocks under the ropes and hiding them under the leaves). Lanterns filled with candles and decorated with greenery are also aesthetically pleasing and can also be used to decorate your reception afterwards. On a budget? Use silk or faux flowers and pack pre-made bouquets in your suitcase. Pro Iceland Wedding tip: Use LED candles as Iceland is known for high winds.

Champagne Toast

You just had your first kiss as a wedded couple; now it is time to toast the occasion with your favorite champagne. Adding a champagne toast to the end of your Iceland Wedding ceremony adds an element of elegance. Sipping champagne by a waterfall…why not?

Day of Planner

Choosing to use the assistance of a Day of Planner to help in setting up seating, decorations and even coordinating your guests; can make all the difference. When it comes to the champagne toast, the Iceland Wedding Day of Planner can ensure every guest has a glass filled with champagne and is ready to go for when the celebrant officially pronounces you and your partner as one. Hop on to our why you should hire a Day of Planner blog for more information. You can read more about our Day of Planners HERE.

Has our blog inspired you to have your own Iceland Wedding Ceremony? Contact Us and we would be more than happy to start planning your fabulous day, today!

How to See the Northern Lights during your Iceland Wedding

October 31, 2019January 7, 2020Leave a comment

Northern lights better known as the Aurora Borealis can be seen in hand full of different countries in the world. Those countries include Iceland (of course),Greenland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Russia, Northern Canada and in the US state of Alaska. Basically all of the counties based on the top part of the globe, or the Northern Hemisphere.
In this blog we will give you all of the details as of what causes the exquisite mystical lights and why they are mostly seen in these countries. We will discuss their myths and as a bonus we will also be sharing Iceland’s most famous lullaby and we will even translate the lyrics to the eerie yet breathtakingly beautiful song. The song was originally created for a play in 1911.

What causes the Northern Lights?

What causes the Northern Lights you ask? In short, our sun! The longer winded version causes for a lot of science talk. The Northern Lights are actually the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere with charged particles, electrons and protons, released from the sun’s atmosphere.

Thankfully there is a more understandable version of what causes the Northern Lights. Basically, our sun has solar storms that causes flaming plasma to be blown towards Earth. The Earth is protected by a magnetic iron sphere which blocks these solar storms and causes them to bounce back into space. Our magnetic sphere also known as the magnetic field is shaped like an infinity sign (or a parallel figure eight) which travels through the middle of the globe. Sometimes the magnetic field bounces the solar storms towards the two poles of the Earth, the North and South poles. The polar opposite poles are the weakest points of the magnetic field. It is here where small amounts of the sun’s plasma particles reach the Earth´s atmosphere.

Once the plasma reaches our Earths atmosphere the plasma particles collide with gas particles. These collisions emit light that we perceive as the dancing lights of the north (and the south). Different gas particles are found a various depths within the Earth´s atmosphere, and these gases will emit different colours of light when their particles are excited (interacting with the sun´s plasma). The most popular, and most frequently seen, are green Northern Lights, which are caused by the abundance of oxygen particles in the atmosphere.
Due to contrary beliefs, the Northern Lights do not just happen during the winter and at night. The Northern Lights can be happening at all times of the day; only you cannot see them due to daylight.

Unfortunately, the Northern Lights are almost impossible to predict there for no one can promise you that you will experience them during your stay in Iceland. Which is why we recommend a few days stay while hunting for the Northern Lights as Iceland is know for its constantly changing weather. The Northern light can not be seen while it is raining.

Getting married under the Northern Lights

We get a lot of inquires about getting married under neath the Northern Lights. Unfortunately the chances of you saying “I do” under the Northern Lights are very slim. Here are the following reasons.

The predictability of the lights can only be estimated a few days before they are due to arrive. Even then there is not a 100% chance seeing as we can not predict how our magnetic field will react to the solar storms.
You would need to have make sure every one involved (i.e celebrant, Iceland wedding photographer, guests) are ready to be “on call” when the lights do show up.
On the same note as above, seeing as the Northern Lights are only at night any where from 8pm to 5am this can result in up charges from Iceland Wedding vendors and upset guests (because of the unpredictability factor).
Capturing images of the Northern Lights can be quite tricky, depending on the skill set of your Iceland Wedding Photographer. In order to capture the lights one would require a tripod and / or shinning a quick light on the subject during a longer exposure. Some photographers even cheat and add the Northern Lights in post processing. Make sure your Iceland Wedding Photographer is capable of getting the look and style you seek.

If you dream of having the Northern Lights during your Iceland Wedding or Iceland Elopement we would advice you to not plan around the lights. Rather, stay a few days longer with only your Iceland Wedding Photographer on call. Who knows.. They might even grace you with their presence during your Iceland Wedding Reception.

Tips for the Best Chances to See Northern Lights

In order to see the Northern Lights in all their glory there are a few guidelines on should follow.Ca

1. The Northern Light season starts in mid September and can be seen til until early April.

2. We recommend driving away from all light pollution, such as cities, towns, and street lights.

3. Before going on an adventurous hunt for the Northern Lights we recommend checking the weather forecast. In order to see the Northern Lights there needs to be little to no clouds. We usually use the following websites for Iceland. Belgingur.is and Vedur.is

4. Dress accordingly. Icelandic winter nights are quite cold, especially after a long day exploring our beautiful country.

5.We highly recommend bringing a thermos with hot chocolate and a blanket to snuggle under. How romantic right?

As promised, HERE you can listen to Iceland’s famous lullaby. Followed by the translation:
Sleep, my young love.
Outside the rain is weeping.
Mummy is watching over your treasure,
an old bone and a round case.
We should not stay awake through dim nights.

There is much that darkness knows,
my mind is heavy.
Often I saw black sand
burning the green meadow.
In the glacier cracks are rumbling deep as death.

Sleep for a long time, sleep quietly,
it is best to wake up late.
Sorrow will teach you soon,
while the day is quickly decaying,
that men love, lose, cry and mourn.

Translation by Marc Moreau

Would you like to plan your Iceland Wedding or Iceland Elopement with us in hopes to see the Northern Lights? We can not promise you that you will see them but we can promise you a very memorable adventurous experience. Contact US now and we can start planning today!

How to have a Waterfall Wedding in Iceland

September 30, 2019January 7, 2020Leave a comment

Waterfalls in Iceland

How many waterfalls does Iceland have? The easier answer is over ten thousand, however no one really knows exactly how many waterfalls are in Iceland. As the glaciers melt, as erosion changes the geological landscape, and as riverbeds overflow and divert to lower ground, waterfalls are disappearing and appearing everyday. In Iceland a significant number of homes obtain their electricity from hydro-dams; which convert the power created by the strong currents of the waterfalls to electrical energy. At Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons, not only do we view the waterfalls as sources of renewable energy, we see them as perfect locations to say ‘I do’.

Iceland’s most known Waterfalls

Along the Icelandic South Coast, and not far from the capital city of Reyjavík, are two of Iceland´s most popular waterfalls. Seljalandfoss and Skógarfoss, both beautiful and very different. Along the Golden Circle, a travel-to-Iceland-must-see, is Gullfoss. Another magnificent sight is Goðafoss, a waterfall found in the Icelandic North. Both Gullfoss and Goðafoss are often compared to the falls which make up Niagara Falls. For decades Niagara Falls has claimed the title of ‘Honeymoon Capital of the World, while Iceland is growing in popularity as the ‘Wedding Capital of the World’. Coincidentally, or not, waterfalls are what draw the lovers to these two areas. Is it the beauty of the waterfalls themselves or the myths that surround the waters which elude to magic and romance? Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons is dedicated to helping you plan the perfect wedding to capture both the beauty and the romance of a waterfall ceremony and (or) photo shoot.

What Iceland Waterfalls are in Movies

Waterfalls in Iceland can make the perfect backdrop to any nuptial ceremony. From powerful currents to trickling streams, or whips of mist and splashes of glacier clean waters, Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons can assist you in finding the perfect waterfall. For the couples interested in glamour; many of Iceland´s waterfalls have co-starred in a a number of Hollywood films, television shows and even Bollywood productions. Dettifoss (Prometheus), Skógarfoss (Sherlock Holms, Walter Mitty and Game of Thrones), and Seljalandasfoss (Noah and the Bollywood film Dilwalea) are popular filming locations.

How to Plan an Iceland Waterfall Wedding

Are you the couple ready to set trek on an adventure to find the idealistic remote waterfall shore, or are you more interested in a simple and easy waterfall ‘I do’? Either way, let Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons help you make it the most magical day you, and your guests, will remember.

Along with every outdoor wedding, there are things to consider. With a waterfall wedding, keep in mind there may be mist, insects (thankfully nothing poisonous, mostly fruit fly like bugs), slippery rocks and soil, and rope barricades for safety precautions.

If your heart is set on an adventurous waterfall wedding, Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons recommends using their ‘Day of Planner‘ services to assist in assembling sound systems, organizing chairs, setting up aisle accessories (i.e greenery garland, candles, petals), and obtaining the proper permits/permission from the landowners.

Depending on the waterfall, a sound system is highly recommended as different waterfalls tend to make more noise than others. Your guest will be thankful to hear your entire ceremony and your vows. Not to mention if you plan on having music when you walk down the isle way. Adding chairs or benches to your ceremony makes for a more intimate and comfortable moment. Making it more enjoyable for your guests. It is also more pleasing to the eye in your wedding photographs.

Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons can also lend a hand in providing you, your guests, suggestions on footwear and attire depending on the waterfall you choose to share your vows by. Most of Iceland’s waterfalls are surrounded by mud which is why it is important to be well prepared during the day. Besides you want to keep your feet dry and warm so that you can really enjoy those dress shoes at the reception.

We just can’t stop gushing over Amy and Todd’s Waterfall Wedding. You read all about their Iceland Wedding on last months blog.

Sold on the elegance of nature at its best? Contact Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons to begin planning your epic, make everyone jealous, waterfall wedding.

Iceland Waterfall Wedding: Amy + Todd

August 23, 2019January 7, 20201 Comment

You are in for a treat as this months blog features a highly photogenic couple! Let us walk you through our process together.

Amy and Todd booked with us in October of 2018 and held their amazing wedding on July 4th of 2019. Giving us 10 exciting months to plan their Iceland Wedding! For a wedding with less than 10 guests we usually suggest having the planning process within 6 months. Giving yourself enough time to get all the details together. 10 months is more than stellar! Here you can read more about when it is the best time to start planning your wedding. Can you imagine the excitement of researching all of our locations with your better half over a glass of wine or our favorite, champagne? It’s the perfect date night in our opinion!

We started with the basics, choosing the right celebrant, the perfect ceremony location and a photographer who was the best fit for them. Little did the amazing couple know, they picked Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons best team members. Once the main aspects of the wedding had been taken care of it was paperwork time. Although the paperwork process can seem stressful, hiring a planner really makes for a smoother ride. Amy and Todd hit a few bumps in the road with the paperwork, but nothing our team wasn’t prepared for. With the right solutions Amy and Todd were able to obtain the correct documentation to be legally married in Iceland. How impressive is that?

Waterfall Wedding Ceremony in Iceland

When Amy and Todd reached out to us their main goal was to have a beautiful, intimate wedding with their 4 sons. Their ceremony location was exactly that! . If you are worried about a rouge tourist, we highly recommend hiring a Day of Planner. Here you can see how hiring a day of Planner can really help on your Iceland Wedding day.

Iceland Traditional Turf House Wedding Photos

A Iceland Wedding is not complete without some history to take back home with you. The Icelandic turf houses in all of their glory! The pictures just can’t do them justice. You simply have to see them for yourself. Thankfully all throughout Iceland you can find museum exhibits of the Icelandic turf houses. The turf houses shown below date back to the early 19th century. It was common for the traditional turf houses to have a kitchen, living room, pantry, fireplace and a special place for cattle.

Most countryside museums, and a few waterfalls in Iceland have a parking fee, or a donation box. The fee can range anywhere from 1,500 ISK to 15,000 ISK for professional photography on the location. These fees and donations are for upkeep on the area and paths.

Iceland Wedding Photos in Lupine Fields

The lupine in Iceland was originally imported from Alaska and introduced to the country in 1945. The lupine is commonly used to prevent soil erosion. However The Alaskan Lupine has caused quite the debate as the plant is highly invasive, threatening other Icelandic flora like blueberries. The intensely purple flower is in full bloom during the June 15th and July 15th and can be seen in almost all parts of Iceland. Calling for the perfect photo opportunity. After the summer months the lupine becomes a green bush. Some believe the flower to have healing powers.

A few words from Todd and Amy

“Everything was amazing! Nothing but good things to say.

Our only issue was the paperwork and getting the Apostle seal, but that was a challenge on our end, not yours. We did appreciate the help with the specifics on that and the back and forth, since our county here was confusing as heck. 😉

We loved the Pastor, and the photographer did an amazing job with the photos.
Lots of extra help with dinner recommendations and flowers as well.
In the end, we felt really good about the decision to have you help us.
We are so happy with the outcome!
Thanks you much!”

-Todd and Amy

Did you find yourself day dreaming of your own Iceland Wedding or elopement? Has Amy and Todd’s story inspire you to take the leap and start planning your own epic wedding in Iceland? Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons would love to help you plan the most special day of your lives together. Contact Us and we can start planning today!

Iceland Wedding / Church Wedding

July 31, 2019January 7, 2020Leave a comment

Do you want to hold on to tradition and get married in a church followed by landscape wedding photos in the wonders of Iceland? Did you know that Iceland has 378 churches, chapels and prayer houses located all over the country. The oldest church was built the year 1680! In 1950 the National Museum of Iceland had it rebuilt to its original state. Grafarkirkja the oldest turf church is located on the north side of Iceland in a small town called Hofsós.

Although Grafarkirkja is the 1st built church in Iceland it is said that Strandarkirkja, a Lutheran church located on the southern coast was originally founded in the 12th century. The story goes, that Icelandic sailors who were lost at sea vowed to built a church wherever they docked if they would make it safely to shore. Strandarkirkja is located close to Engilsvík (translating to Angel’s Bay). The church that now stands was built in 1888 and restructured in 1968 and again in 1996.

It is believed by locals that the church holds healing powers, making it one of Iceland’s richest and most well kept churches up to date. Locals and tourist a like believe if they make a donation to the church their loved ones will be healed. Who doesn’t want to have an Iceland Wedding or an Iceland Elopement in the famous “Miracle Church”?

The “Black Church” located in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula has in recent years become quite the Iceland Wedding Attraction, but did you know that Iceland has another black church located on a small island named Papey?

On the East Coast, right off the shore of Djúpivogur, is the island Papey. It was said that in the early settlement era the island was inhabited by Irish/Scottish monks called Papar. Although there is no real evidence of them ever being there. The island only has 3 buildings. A residential building, a lighthouse and a black church. How romantic would it be to take a private boat ride to the island and have an Iceland Elopement?

Another black church, Saurbæjarkirkja, is located in remote Westfjords. Who knew Iceland had so many black churches?

Do you want to have the best of both worlds and get married in a countryside church and still bring all of your loved ones? Then Hlíðarendakirkja is the church for you. The hillside church can hold up to 180 guests. Hlíðarendakirkja can be found on the South Coast near the town of Hvolsvöllur.

Other iconic Iceland Wedding Churches are Bláa kirkjan (The Blue Church) located on the East coast in a town named Seyðisfjörður. Known for its pastel blue exterior.

Our blog wouldn’t be complete if we did not include the church that has made it to numerous architectural lists, blogs and magazines. You know the one we are talking about! Hallgrímskirkja can be found in the heart of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík!

Do you want to have an Iceland Wedding or Iceland Elopement in one of our 378 churches? HERE you can find inspiration from Rob and Dom’s Iceland Elopement in the lakeside church Úlfljótskirkja not too far from Iceland’s capital Reykjavík.

Intrigued to know more? Contact Us and Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons can start planning your Iceland Wedding with you today!

Driving in Iceland

June 24, 2019January 7, 2020Leave a comment

Are you having an Iceland Wedding or Elopement? Are you going to be renting a vehicle? Do you plan to drive around our beautiful island? A good thing to know before you plan to rent a car is that most of Iceland’s rental cars are manual. Of course an automatic can also be rented, but usually at a higher price tag.

Our beautiful country has in recent years become quite a popular destination. Who can resist all of our breathtaking waterfalls, lava craters, geysers, glaciers and not to mention our famous hot springs. Our country is not called the land of ice and fire without reason. That being said, to get the very most out of our one of a kind country we highly recommend getting a rental car if you are able, and taking the ring road around the country. This months blog will inform you on all the things you will need to know about driving in Iceland for your Iceland Wedding or Elopement.

In Iceland we drive on the right side of the road and pass on the left side. It is required by law that all passenger wear a seat belts at all time while the vehicle is in operation. Iceland has zero tolerance regarding drinking and driving and can result in very high fines.

Iceland is a very sparsely populated country, there for the roads in the countryside were not built to service a large number of vehicles, indeed many roads outside the ring roads and capital area are not paved, roads are classified according to how passable they are. All though the road might be small it is important to know that these roads are our highways and that they usually have the maximum speed limit of 90 km per hour, however you always need to take precautions in case of bad weather or ice. If at anytime you feel the need to stop the vehicle to photograph our beautiful landscapes, please look behind you for any other cars then slowly and safely pull over to the side of the road without damaging any greenery. It is crucial that precaution be taken while pulling over on a country road in order to prevent an accident.

Another thing to look out for while driving in the countryside are one-way bridges. The vehicle closer to the bride has the right of way. One way bridges are quite common and it is very important that the driver takes the right precautions before driving through. Some of the bigger bridges however tend have shoulders you can pull off to the side if there is oncoming traffic.

It is important to know that driving off-road is both very dangerous and also illegal, resulting in high fines and causes much damage to our nature that can often be seen for decades. You should also be on the look out for animals, commonly sheep, while driving in the countryside of Iceland. If accidentally you happen to hit a sheep or another larger animal it is crucial that you call the police and they can connect you to the farmer to whom the animal belonged. The phone number for the police in Iceland is 112.

Before going out out for an adventure around Iceland it is highly suggested looking at the following websites for weather conditions or the chance of roads being closed . You can also call 902 0600 for weather or 1777 for the roads.

Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons highly suggests for all of their customers to hire a coach for the day of their Iceland Wedding or Elopement so they can take in the whole range of experiences Iceland has to offer. We make sure that you are connected with the best vendors Iceland has to offer.

Has this months blog intrigued you to take the leap and finally make your Iceland Wedding a reality? Contact Us and we will be more than happy to start planning your adventure today!

Traditional Icelandic Desserts

May 28, 2019January 7, 2020Leave a comment

It is that time of year again, where the sun never sets and we are well into our busiest season. At Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons every season is wedding season, but many couples prefer the endless summer nights to the dark winters. But not to worry, if you want to get married with everything covered in snow and bless your marriage under the lights of that Aurora, that is okay too. This month’s blog is dedicated to Iceland’s traditional desserts. In this blog you can get an idea of what kind of desserts suit you for your special Iceland wedding/elopement day.

The Kransakaka or Kransekake originally originated from Denmark in the 18th century, where it was first baked in Copenhagen. The Kransakaka has been a big part of Iceland´s traditional desserts. The Kransakaka is a sweet, almond(y) piece of heaven, often said to taste like marzipan (which insistently is made of almonds and similar ingredients). The cake is made of many layers, stacked to resemble an inversed cone (think pyramid of rings). It is an old tradition for the bride and groom to be the first to break into the cake. It is said that the number of layers that stick to the top one when they lift it is how many children they will have together. Others leave it to the guests to decide how many children they will have depending on how many layers are eaten or broken off by the end of the party. If you wish to stick with tradition, your guests are welcome to say a speech only if they break a layer of the cake first. Another tradition is for each couple at your Iceland Wedding to break a layer together and make a wish. A kransakaka can be accommodate the size of your party, for as few as a couple eloping to a big extravagant wedding. Imagine having your own beautiful kransakaka at your Iceland Wedding! A kransakaka for every need one might say. The kransakaka can also be found in christenings, baptisims and big birthdays.

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The Icelandic Kleina or as some people call it “The Icelandic Doughnut” is also one of Iceland’s numerous traditional desserts. Along with the Icelandic Ástarpúngar which literally translates to “love balls”. What do the Kleina and the Ástarpungar have in common? Both or them belong to the pastry family and they are both deep fried. The Icelandic Ástarpungar are commonly round in shape and they also include raisins. The Icelandic Kleina can also be found covered in chocolate. Do you really want to indulge your taste buds? Try the Icelandic Kleina topped with Icelandic Smoked Salmon. We promise you will not regret it!

Another common traditional Icelandic dessert is the Icelandic pancake. This thin crape like pancake is delicious and can be combined in many different ways. Our personal favorite is drizzled with sugar and wrapped like a tortilla. Another delicious option is to add a jam of your choice, freshly whipped cream and then folded into a triangle. What is your favorite dessert topping? We highly recommend trying the traditional Icelandic pancake with Nutella and freshly whipped cream. You will not be disappointed. If you happen to fall in love with the traditional Icelandic pancake, do not worry a special pan can be bought in one of Iceland’s two shopping malls.

When visiting Iceland, it is almost mandatory to try the Icelandic Ice cream. An ice cream shop can almost be found on every corner. A few of our favorites to look out for are the following: Ísbúð Huppu, Valdís, or if you are in the north Brynjuís located in Akureyri.

Seeing as we are a wedding/elopement company it wouldn´t be right if the Hjónabandssæla did not make the list. Hjónabandssæla translates to marriage bliss. This delicious cake is made of buttery oat crust with a mouthwatering rhubarb jam filling. The perfect slice topped with fresh Icelandic whipped cream goes perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

We hope our blog has given you an insight on Iceland´s traditional dessert. Do you want to have any of these delicious Icelandic traditional desserts at your Iceland wedding or elopement Contact us and we can connect you to our amazing vendors.

Budget Minded Tips and Tricks For Your Iceland Wedding

April 25, 2019January 7, 2020Leave a comment

Are you planning the perfect destination wedding? The budget for a wedding can quickly get out of hand, but don’t worry, in today’s blog we share with you a few tips and tricks on how to keep a handle on those purse strings.

With a little research online, you can find loads of different helpful websites to design your wedding invitations. Our friends at Wedding Chicks have a a handful of beautiful print outs, including invitations, place cards, menus, save the dates and seating charts for the perfect Iceland wedding event. They even have labels which can come in handy for sealing envelopes. The best part about these printables are they are completely free and easy to modify. The most difficult tasks will be choosing from their many deliciously beautiful layouts, deciding on a colour scheme. and selecting your card stock from your local office supply store. Select your colour, the theme, add in your desired choice of words (names, dates, location)…and it´s Iceland Wedding here we come! We wish you good luck choosing one as there are so many beautiful ones to choose from.

When choosing wedding decor whether it be for the ceremony or the reception, Pinterest is your friend. Pinterest has many beautiful “DIY” ideas which can assist in lessening the burden on your bank account. Ranging from easy to difficult, simple to extravagant, DIY wedding decor is becoming more and more popular. Along with the financial benefits, creating your own decor allows you to customize the arrangements to exactly what you want. Why settle when you can have exactly what you want at your Icelandic wedding, right? If you plan on transporting your already assembled decor to Iceland, we suggest using a hard shell suitcase on container. Another brilliant way to save on your budget minded Iceland wedding is artificial flowers. Afloral has a beautiful selection of assembled bouquets, or you can even design one on your own. What a better way to remember your Iceland Wedding Day than a bouquet you can keep forever?

If your dream is to have the decor to have a truly authentic Icelandic feel, decor may be rented from Iceland Wedding Planner You can rent anything from Icelandic moss for your centerpieces, to basalt rocks for your place card holders. A Day of Planner may also be hired to take care of the decorating while you enjoy the best day of your life. Bouquet? Place settings? Centerpieces? Ceremony and reception decor? A Day of Planner has you covered!

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We also wanted to share with you a few ideas on what you can give your guests as a keep safe from your memorable Iceland wedding day. A few of our clients have gone with samples of Icelandic liquors or spirits. Popular choices are Reyka Vodka, Björk schnapps, or the famous Icelandic Brennivín also known as “Black Death”. Dare to be even more Icelandic? Pair the Brennivin with fermented shark, an Icelandic tradition. Another popular option is giving your guests Icelandic salt. Saltverk has a selection of delicious salts including lava salt induced with activated charcoal and Iceland´s favorite flavor; black licorice. Another creative choice and today’s craze is all about nature and our well being. Our friends at Nordic Angan have a variety of products made with Icelandic herbs. Ranging from essential oils to shampoo bars. A beautiful and earth friendly gift to remember Iceland by.

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We at Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons pride ourselves in making your Iceland Wedding as memorable and beautiful as possible. We can connect you to all of Iceland’s very best vendors and best kept wedding secrets. Completing a personalized schedule for you and your guests or taking care of every aspect of the planning process are only a couple of services we offer.

Does what we have to offer appeal to you? Contact Us to get your planning process started today. We look forward to hearing from you!