HIGHLANDS ELOPEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Your story in the Highlands of Iceland.
Picture this: A place in Iceland that truly makes you feel like you have left planet Earth for your elopement day. A place where you can totally be by yourself and not be concerned about tourist buses making their way for your photos. Where Iceland lies wild and untamed.
As you walk to your ceremony spot, all you hear is the silence. All you see is each other. The wind carries your words out to the mountains. This is no ordinary wedding day — this is a memory etched into the land itself..
And yes, you can get married in the Highlands of Iceland.
When you truly want to skip the locations that can be found on every Instagram post, the Highlands are made for you!
Highlands elopement galleries.
What to expect from eloping in the highlands of Iceland.
You simply can’t go wrong with eloping in the highlands. Iceland's highlands are a starkly beautiful and wild land. The views are breathtaking and they tend to inspire the romantic spirit. I can hardly think of a more perfect place to elope with a loved one. The photo opportunities are endless and even the act of getting to your feet-on-the-ground wedding site will be memorable.
If you want to elope in Iceland, then you must know by now that it is just not about a beautiful ceremony and party in Iceland. It’s about finding the perfect place for an unforgettable experience. And it shouldn’t be a giant wedding that lasts for days, but the bride and groom have to have time to share this special experience with their loved ones too. So, let’s see what options there are for you and how you can make your elopement in Iceland worth remembering.
What to know about eloping in the highlands.
Psst…! The Highlands are only open from around mid-June till mid-September.
When you work with a local photographer (hi, that’s me 👋), you get access to the hidden gems — the places that feel cinematic and sacred… and way more private.
And which locations are accessible by yourself, and where you will need a private driver to handle the river crossings.
Iceland doesn’t care about your wedding hairstyle — it’s wild and unpredictable. Rain, wind, sideways mist — it’s all part of the charm. But that means preparation is key. I’ll guide you on what to wear, what to expect, and how to stay warm (while still looking like total babes in love). The goal? You’re comfortable and epic in every frame.
Paperwork doesn’t have to be scary — but it does have to be done.
Yes, you can legally get married on a black sand beach in Iceland. But yes, there are permits and requirements depending on where you go. I’ll walk you through what’s needed so your ceremony is stress-free and totally legit.
Want your dream day to actually happen? Book local vendors.
From florists to officiants to 4x4 drivers who know these roads like the back of their hand — the right local vendors make everything smoother. I’ll connect you with my trusted crew who show up with heart, hustle, and a deep love for this land.
The Highlands in Iceland are wild and rural areas.
There are no washrooms built at the locations you will be visiting
You can be driving for hours without seeing a gas station or a restaurant
Many areas don’t have mobile connections, that’s why having a local who knows the roads and has a satellite phone is the most important companion for your day.
What to wear:
Let’s talk Iceland elopement fashion — function meets fierce.
Packing for an Iceland elopement isn’t just about cute outfits — it’s about being prepared to walk into the wild and still look like total legends doing it.
You can absolutely rock your dream dress or suit for your ceremony — and layer it with a cosy, waterproof coat while walking the beach. Trust me, windswept photos with a badass parka hit different when you’re standing on black volcanic sand.
Footwear? Go waterproof, go grippy. Slippery soles + Icelandic terrain = not the vibe.
Layer like a pro: a warm base, a weather-resistant middle, and a top layer that feels like you. Think function and flair — this is your love story, not a survival reality show.
Your outfit isn’t just fashion — it’s part of the story. When you dress for the elements and your own personal style, you’re not just comfortable — you’re iconic. The beach, the basalt columns, the wind in your hair? All of it becomes your runway.
Let’s make your look unforgettable — and weatherproof.
Plan out the details for your highlands elopement in Iceland.
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There are multiple ways to do your elopement ceremony as there are places to get married.
Just us. This is usually what elopement ceremonies are all about: just you two there and all the moments will be shared by you two. No guests or family members there. The ceremony is still official for you to get legally married.
Intimate ceremony. This is usually used in the meaning that in the ceremony there can be your parents, siblings or only your best friends involved. If you feel nervous about sharing your vows with your partner in front of your family, you can have a separate moment where you share them and then the moment where your family attends.
Symbolic marriage. The simplest way to get married. Eloping can happen anywhere. A symbolic ceremony is in most places not legally recognized so you will be needing an officiant to officiate you as a married couple.
Civil ceremony. Usually happens in a courthouse and you will sign the register. You will mostly need witnesses (usually two) to sign the register also.
Religious ceremony. If you wish to have a religious ceremony abroad, it’s good to start by contacting your local with necessary requirements. They can have recommendations of the church to get married in.Hand-fasting. It's an ancient Irish tradition, where the couple's hands are tied together as a symbol of their union. The celebrant ties the couple’s hands together with several ribbons.
Unity ceremony: are symbols of the choice you're making to merge your life with your partner. There can be unity candles, planting a tree together, combining two different drinks into one. -
Warm hiking boots and coat, layers, extra socks, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, Legal documents and others to have your elopement happen legally in Iceland, wedding rings, vows, snacks, the medication you might be needing, wedding flowers, tissues
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Visting the highlands is mostly a summer activity. The F-roads open in June or July depending how the snow has melt.
Hi, I’m Lisa! Elopement photographer in Iceland.
You can feel it before you even say “I do.”
The crisp Icelandic air. The stillness that settles deep in your chest. Nature doesn’t just surround you here—it holds you. And when you say your vows in the Highlands, the moment hits harder. Wilder. Truer.
I’m Lisa—your new adventure buddy, location scout, hype woman, and logistics wizard. Based in Vík, South Iceland, I’ll help you plan the kind of elopement that’s built around your values, not a Pinterest checklist.
You’ll get a custom timeline, secret spots away from the crowds, and real local insight—plus someone who’s got your back every step of the way.
Let’s create something unforgettable.
Ok, it’s time to make your Iceland elopement come true!
Get in touch.
McWhirter elopements
+3546596405
lisa@mcwhirterelopements.com
Iceland elopement photographer
Yes, we are LGBTQ+ friendly and proudly support Black Lives Matter. Eloping is for everyone!
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Thank you so much for thinking about us! We can’t wait to meet you!