Same-sex engagement in Iceland | Bailey & Jess

Same-sex proposal at Haifoss

A same-sex proposal in Iceland isn’t just about a breathtaking backdrop — it’s about feeling safe, seen, and celebrated in one of the most inclusive countries in the world.

Here, love is met with open arms. Two people holding hands in the middle of a lava field, laughing under the midnight sun, or embracing in the spray of a waterfall — it’s all part of what makes Iceland so special. Love, in every form, belongs here.

When Bailey reached out to me, she already knew that Iceland was where she wanted to propose to her girlfriend, Jess. It wasn’t just about the landscapes — though Iceland’s landscapes are impossible to ignore — it was about what the country represented. Freedom. Adventure. Acceptance. A place where she could create a moment that felt raw, emotional, and entirely true to who they are.

From the very first message, Bailey’s excitement was contagious. She had been dreaming about this for months, and every detail mattered — the light, the timing, the feeling. She wanted the proposal to be more than just a surprise; she wanted it to be their story, written into Iceland’s landscape.

We began by talking through different locations. Iceland is full of options: in which landscapes could she see the proposal happening, or was there anything specific Jess had always dreamed of seeing?

Each place had its own beauty. Bailey wanted something quieter — something that felt like theirs alone. She wanted a location that captured the wild energy of Iceland while allowing for privacy, intimacy, and stillness.

That’s when I mentioned Haifoss.

Falling in Love With Haifoss

There’s a moment when you see Háifoss for the first time that words fall away. The waterfall drops from a cliff so high that you can barely hear your own thoughts over the roar. It cuts through a canyon of volcanic rock, surrounded by nothing but the sound of rushing water and the sweep of open sky.

When Bailey saw photos of it, I could hear her voice change — that quiet realisation of this is it.

She fell in love with Háifoss immediately. Its height. Its power. The way it feels like you’ve stumbled upon something ancient and untouched. It’s not just another scenic spot — it’s a place that humbles you, that makes you feel small in the most beautiful way.

For her, this was the moment she had been imagining: standing at the edge of that canyon, wind tugging at her jacket, Jess by her side, and the sound of Háifoss thundering below as she asked the question that would change everything.

The Art of Planning a Proposal at Háifoss

Of course, planning a proposal at a place like Háifoss takes a little extra care — because nothing worth doing in Iceland comes without adventure.

Háifoss isn’t a location you can just stumble upon. It’s remote, tucked into the Icelandic Highlands area.

Once you arrive, the view is instant magic — but getting to the edge where the proposal takes place requires navigating a steep, uneven path. It’s not dangerous when done carefully, but it’s a place that demands respect. The ground can be slippery, especially after rain, and the wind often has a mind of its own.

That’s where having a local photographer makes all the difference.

When Bailey and I planned this together, we talked about every detail — where to park, how to hike all the way down, and how to time it so they’d have the waterfall all to themselves. We looked at weather forecasts, planned backup routes, and mapped out signals for the moment itself (because surprise proposals in windy conditions definitely require coordination!).

The proposal moment at Haifoss

The sound of Háifoss is the first thing you notice.
A deep, thunderous roar that fills the canyon and vibrates through your chest — a reminder that nature here isn’t quiet, it’s alive. Below, the waterfall plummets into the gorge, mist rising in soft silver clouds that catch the light. The wind moves unpredictably, sometimes gentle, sometimes fierce, like it knows it’s part of the story.

That was the backdrop for Bailey’s moment.

The air was charged with anticipation. Bailey’s hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the ring box in her pocket, glancing toward Jess, who was completely lost in the view.

We had gone over the plan so many times — where to stand, when to move, how to make sure the moment felt natural and unforced. But when it came down to it, all the planning melted away. What was left was pure emotion.

For a few seconds, time felt suspended. Bailey took a deep breath, stepped closer, and called Jess’s name. Jess turned around, her hair whipping in the wind, eyes bright from the cold and the awe of it all — and there was Bailey, already down on one knee.

The words were almost lost in the sound of the waterfall. You could barely hear them, but you didn’t need to. You could feel them. The look in Jess’s eyes said everything — the disbelief, the joy, the realization of what was happening. And then, the laughter. That unrestrained, beautiful laughter that happens when life catches you completely off guard in the best possible way.

The moment stretched — long enough to see the mist swirl around them, the light shifting, the world holding its breath. Then Jess dropped to her knees too, pulling Bailey into her arms, both of them laughing, crying, kissing, completely lost in the noise and beauty of it all.

When the hug finally broke, Bailey’s face was wet — partly from tears, partly from the spray of Háifoss — and Jess’s ring glimmered in the grey light. They looked around at the emptiness, realising they were the only two people there. In that wild, remote place, it felt like the rest of the world had disappeared.

It wasn’t just a proposal. It was a declaration of love, of courage, of choosing each other in a place that reflected exactly who they are: bold, unafraid, and endlessly real.

And as the wind carried their laughter across the canyon, Haifoss roared back — as if answering in approval.

Why Iceland is the perfect place for same-sex proposals

There are places in the world where love feels effortless — where you can simply be, without explanation, without judgment.
Iceland is one of those places.

For couples planning a same-sex proposal in Iceland, this country offers more than just a breathtaking backdrop. It offers belonging — the quiet assurance that your love is seen, respected, and celebrated exactly as it is.

From the thundering waterfalls to the stillness of the black sand beaches, Iceland has a way of amplifying emotion. Every gust of wind, every streak of light across the sky, feels like the land itself is leaning in to witness your story. But what makes this place so extraordinary for same-sex couples isn’t just its beauty. It’s the freedom that comes with it.

Equality and Safety

Iceland isn’t just known for its volcanoes and glaciers — it’s known for its open heart.

Consistently ranked as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, Iceland has built a culture rooted in equality and acceptance. Same-sex marriage has been legal here since 2010, but the shift started long before that — with a society that values respect, inclusivity, and freedom of expression.

In Iceland, love doesn’t need to be hidden. Couples can walk hand in hand through the streets of Reykjavík, kiss under a waterfall, or hold each other on a mountaintop without fear or second thought from the locals. It’s one of the few places in the world where love — in all its forms — is simply part of the landscape.

For LGBTQ+ travellers, that safety matters. It means being able to focus entirely on the moment — on the proposal, the emotion, the experience — instead of worrying about how others might react. It means standing in front of Skógafoss or Háifoss or on the edge of a glacier and knowing that the only thing anyone will see is love.

That’s the quiet magic of Iceland: here, your love story is not just accepted — it’s celebrated.

Representation and Respect

There’s something deeply comforting about feeling seen.

In Iceland, inclusivity isn’t a trend — it’s a way of life. From cosy boutique hotels in Vík to helicopter companies in Reykjavík, local businesses welcome all couples with warmth and respect. Whether you’re booking a tour, reserving a dinner table, or planning your proposal, you’re never met with hesitation or side glances — only excitement to help bring your vision to life.

Many of the country’s creatives — photographers, planners, guides — actively champion representation in their work. They understand that love stories come in infinite forms, and that capturing those stories authentically matters.

When you plan your proposal here, you’re surrounded by people who get it. People who know that your relationship deserves to be documented with the same care, artistry, and reverence as any other. People who believe that visibility creates belonging — not just for you, but for the next couple who sees your story and realises: we can do that too.

That’s what makes Iceland stand apart. It’s not just the landscapes — it’s the people who make you feel at home within them.

So if you’re dreaming of a same-sex proposal in Iceland, know this: here, you’ll find more than a view. You’ll find a place where love is free — and where the world feels like it’s cheering you on.

Because in Iceland, love is love. Always.

The Importance of Having a Photographer Who Supports LGBTQ+ Rights

Love deserves to be seen — fully, freely, and without hesitation.

For same-sex couples planning a proposal or elopement in Iceland, finding the right photographer isn’t just about skill or stunning landscapes. It’s about trust. It’s about knowing that the person standing behind the camera sees you — not as a checkbox for diversity, but as two people in love, creating something real and unforgettable together.

Creating a Safe Space

Every love story unfolds differently. But for LGBTQ+ couples, the ability to relax in front of the camera — to hold hands, to kiss, to simply be — depends on more than the setting. It depends on safety.

Having a photographer who genuinely supports LGBTQ+ rights transforms the experience from posed to powerful. It means you don’t have to second-guess affection, worry about judgment, or wonder how your love will be portrayed. It means being able to exist exactly as you are — comfortable, confident, and completely present in your moment.

That’s what true artistry looks like. It’s not just about the light or the composition; it’s about the atmosphere. The trust between the couple and the photographer becomes the invisible thread that turns ordinary images into something timeless — something that feels like you.

Understanding Representation

Representation isn’t just about who’s in front of the camera — it’s about who’s behind it, too.

A photographer who celebrates diversity doesn’t just take beautiful photos. They honour the story being told. They understand that love has no single form, and that every gesture — a glance, a laugh, a shared breath — deserves to be seen with empathy and artistry.

When your photographer believes in equality, the result is more than documentation. It’s a connection. The way they guide you, the way they frame your moment, reflects that shared belief that love, in all its forms, is something sacred.

And representation matters — not only for the couple in the frame but for everyone who sees those images after. A same-sex proposal captured authentically can inspire someone across the world to love boldly, to plan their own adventure, to know they belong. Visibility changes everything.

Experience and Sensitivity

In Iceland, love meets wilderness. The wind, the waterfalls, the shifting skies — every detail requires both care and experience to photograph well. But when you add the emotional depth of a proposal or elopement, having a photographer who understands both the landscape and the meaning behind the moment becomes essential.

A local photographer who supports LGBTQ+ rights brings more than logistical knowledge — they bring sensitivity. They know how to navigate the terrain and the emotions. They understand when to step back, when to give space, and when to capture the unspoken moments that say everything words can’t.

It’s not just about avoiding crowds or finding perfect light. It’s about creating an environment where you can be yourselves — laughing, crying, holding each other against the wind — without worrying about anything else.

Because that’s what love deserves.

A photographer who not only captures your story but believes in it — wholeheartedly.

Let’s plan it together. Hi 👋 I’m Lisa. Local adventure proposal photographer in Iceland.

If your heart is pulling you toward something wild, honest, and soul-deep, proposing in Iceland is waiting! This is your chance to create a wedding day that reflects your spirit and your love.

Let’s make it happen—together.

Reach out today to start planning your proposal to Iceland. Whether you’re ready to book or just dreaming, I’m here to help guide you through every step.