What they don’t tell you about getting married in Iceland: the storms.
Getting married in Iceland is a dream for multiple couples. It’s one of the most unique places in the world, with endless waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, ice caves, mountains, and mossy lava fields. There is one big details that doesn’t always make it to the blog posts about enough when you search about planning your wedding or elopement day to Iceland: the weather. Specifically, the storms.
Iceland is raw, untamed, and beautifully unpredictable—and that includes its weather. While most elopement and wedding days go ahead as planned, storms can (and do) roll in with little warning, bringing fierce winds, road closures, and schedule-shifting decisions. Understanding how Icelandic storms work, what they mean for your timeline, and how to pivot when needed can make the difference between a stressful situation and an unforgettable adventure.
In this post, we’ll talk about how storm warnings work in Iceland, when we actually do change your date or plan, how we prepare ahead of time, and what each season brings when it comes to Iceland’s famously wild weather.
How Different Seasons in Iceland Can Affect Your Elopement Day Planning
Winter (November–March): The Beauty and the Blizzard
Winter in Iceland is truly a beautiful time—perfect for chasing the Northern Lights, visiting ice caves, and experiencing snow-covered landscapes. But it’s also the most volatile season for storms. Wind speeds frequently reach unsafe levels, and snowstorms can result in complete whiteouts or road closures, particularly in rural areas. Planning a winter elopement means accepting that weather windows are narrower and flexibility is essential. You’ll likely need a backup day, a more adaptable timeline, and a plan for shifting locations if storm alerts go into effect.
Spring (April–May): Thawing and Unpredictable
Spring brings milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and blooming moss, but it can also be inconsistent. Snow may linger in higher elevations, and some back roads remain closed. You may still encounter strong winds or sleet storms, especially early in the season. That said, storms tend to be shorter and less severe compared to winter. With solid planning and some warm layers, spring elopements can feel like a perfect balance of winter magic and the promise of summer.
Summer (June–August): Calmest, But Still Iceland
Summer is the most stable weather-wise and the most popular season for elopements. With nearly 24 hours of daylight in June and more accessible highland roads, it’s a great time for longer adventures. However, Iceland is still Iceland—wind and rain showers can appear quickly, and while major storms are rare in summer, they’re not impossible. Even in summer, it’s smart to prepare with layered clothing, waterproof gear, and a mindset that embraces surprise.
Autumn (September–October): Golden Light, Rising Winds
Autumn brings golden tones, early sunsets, and cooler temperatures. It’s one of the most underrated times to elope in Iceland, but it’s also the beginning of storm season. Winds begin to pick up again, and rain can be more frequent. While it’s generally milder than winter, autumn requires a flexible approach, especially from mid-October onward. With the right gear and a good team, autumn elopements can be incredibly cosy, moody, and intimate.
When do we need to change your elopement or wedding date due to the weather?
In Iceland, the weather isn’t just a passing inconvenience. Sometimes, it becomes a safety issue. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (vedur.is) issues official weather alerts—colour-coded warnings that help locals and travellers make informed decisions:
Yellow Alert: Conditions are changing—stay cautious, but plans may still move forward with adjustments.
Orange Alert: Strong winds, heavy snow, or freezing rain; you need to adjust entirely your travel plans and stay put.
Red Alert (Rare): Severe storm conditions. Travel is discouraged or prohibited. Emergency services are on high alert.
When an orange or red alert is issued for your elopement location, that’s when we need to reschedule or reroute for your safety and the safety of everyone involved.
This can hit hard when we need to reschedule or reroute your elopement day, but once the orange or red alert has been given, they will be closing the roads, and travel can be prohibited. There is nothing we can do but wait for the storm to pass.
When we do need to adjust your plans due to weather, know that you're not starting from scratch—we're pivoting, not panicking. A huge part of planning elopements in Iceland is knowing how to react quickly and creatively when Mother Nature throws us a curveball. If your original ceremony location becomes unsafe, we’ll review the backup options we discussed earlier and find the next best (and safest) adventure.
This could mean swapping your windswept cliffside vows for a cave, or moving from an icy mountain pass to a hidden canyon with shelter from the gusts. Iceland is full of cinematic landscapes—you won’t be missing out, just experiencing something different from what was originally planned.
I always scout multiple nearby options during your planning process and base our final choices on conditions in real-time. That flexibility allows us to keep the magic alive, even when the weather has other ideas.
When We Change the Date (and When We Don’t).
We don’t need to change the date for:
Wind, light rain, or snow that’s safe to work in
Overcast skies or moody fog
Typical Icelandic weather fluctuations
These conditions actually make for some of the most epic and emotional images! If you’re dressed warmly and prepared mentally, your day will still be magical—and maybe even better than you imagined.
We change the date for:
Severe storm warnings from Iceland’s meteorological office
Road closures from the Icelandic Road Administration (road.is)
Unsafe wind gusts (especially over 30-35 m/s in open areas)
Blizzards or heavy snow conditions that block access to your location
In these rare cases, we’ll prioritise your safety above all else. And don’t worry—we always have backup plans, whether it’s moving your ceremony to a more protected location, shifting the timeline slightly to avoid the worst of the storm or pushing our plans for the next day.
Flexibility is the Key to your elopement day in Iceland:
What Happens to Your Timeline?
If the weather throws us a major curveball, the timeline may shift by hours—or even by a day. That’s why I always recommend arriving in Iceland at least two full days before your elopement and staying at least one day after. That built-in buffer gives us space to breathe, adjust, and still make our dream day happen without rushing or settling.
We might move your vow exchange from morning to afternoon to avoid a storm cell, or move your entire adventure to your backup date. Sometimes, we even split the celebration across two days—ceremony one day, epic portraits the next—if it allows you to fully enjoy both parts without being drenched or windblown beyond comfort.
I always include a “weather window” or backup day in your planning process, just in case we need to shift things slightly. We’re in constant communication leading up to your elopement, and I’ll be watching the weather alerts daily—so you don’t have to stress.
The truth is, most elopements go ahead as planned, even in Iceland’s unpredictable weather. But in the rare case that we need to change your date or location, just know that it’s always done with your comfort, safety, and the overall experience in mind.
How to Mentally Prepare for Weather Changes
Here’s the honest truth: Iceland isn’t for couples who want perfect blue skies and calm winds. It’s for the bold, the spontaneous, the “let’s do this!” kind of people who know that stories are better when they include a little bit of wild.
Mental preparation is just as important as warm boots and waterproof jackets. Know that things may change. Know that it doesn’t mean anything went wrong. In fact, it might just make the day more you, real, raw, and unforgettable.
Every couple who’s ever had to shift plans due to Iceland’s wild weather has ended up with an elopement that was just as magical, often more so, than what they originally imagined. You’re not losing a location or a plan; you’re gaining a story that you’ll tell for the rest of your lives.
I’ll be with you every step of the way—watching weather systems, making safety calls, and ensuring that no matter what Iceland throws our way, you’ll have a day that reflects your love, your spirit, and your unforgettable adventure together.
Hi, I’m Lisa. Iceland elopement & wedding photographer.
Do you want to have a head start on your special day in Iceland? Schedule a free consultation call below.
Step 1: Find a spot in the calendar and book the call. It will be on Google Meet.
Step 2: Check your email, as I will reply within 24 hours.
Step 3: Bring your ideas and questions to the online call, and let’s make a plan. These calls typically last 45 minutes, so book time into your calendar.
