Summer elopements in Iceland: what you need to know.
What is like to elope in Iceland during summertime? Iceland is one of the most popular places to visit during the summertime, and many couples plan their elopement during this season. There is much longer daylight, the sun barely sets, the landscapes are lush and green, and you can access the amazing highlands.
With the "How to Prepare for Summer Elopement in Iceland" guide you will learn whether eloping during summer is for you, how to choose the right material wedding dress and suit, information about the sheep on the road, why you should take your photos during sunrise or sunset, and what activities you can do during summertime in Iceland.
Summer is a great time for elopements in Iceland
Eloping in Iceland during summertime has many great reasons.
Here are a couple of reasons why you should consider eloping in Iceland during summertime:
The midnight sun. During summertime, the sun barely sets down at all. You can even see the light for 21-22 hours depending on the month you would be visiting. The longest daylight hours are in the middle of June, known as midsummer time. It’s also a day that is celebrated in Iceland. Experiencing the midnight sun is honestly once in a lifetime experience and a perfect way to have your photos taken.
Puffins. These cute little birds are well-known visitors in Iceland in the summertime.
The highlands. Nothing in Iceland is more beautiful than getting to visit the highlands. If you are up to hiking, enjoy nature and want to see more of Iceland's beauty and untouched nature, the highlands are for you. No matter how many times you visit the highlands, you will never get bored of them. Check out places like Landmannalaugar, Thörsmörk and Kerlingarfjöll.
Camping. If you love camping and want to visit Iceland on a budget then camping is an excellent option for you to experience Iceland differently.
Warmer days. Summertime in Iceland is the warmest period in Iceland. It doesn’t get hot and the temperature is around 15 Celcius max (59 F). You can still expect a lot of weather changes in Iceland during summertime so be always prepared when you visit Iceland!
Available to drive the Ring road without snowstorms. Dreaming of driving the Ring road? Driving the whole of Iceland around by Ring road is much doable during summertime. The roads are in better conditions and you get to access so many locations you couldn’t during the end of autumn until springtime because of snow.
Summer starts in late May or early June and lasts all the way till the end of August. In middle of June (known as Midsummer) the sun is up all 24 hours and is very beautiful and out of this world experience to witness.
Temperatures can be as low as 5°C (41°F) but as warm as 25°C (77°F). On average, the temperature is between 10° to 15°C (50-59°F). Summers are not as wet as spring, but it does rain occasionally. Iceland is also a very windy country.
Towards the end of June or the beginning of July, some of the highland roads are opened after being closed for the winter. If your planning to hike in the highlands then July and August are the best months for it.
Since July is a typical holiday month you can expect that July will be super packed with many people visiting Iceland. August is also very popular visiting Iceland and because of that there can be sometimes a bit of a problem to find rent cars and places to stay over night. Specially South Iceland, Blue Lagoon, Golden circle, Black sand beach and Jökulsarlon are heavily overrun.
Summer is also the time to see Iceland 100% in green but there is a good chance to it still in green in September.
How to choose your wedding dress and suit for Iceland's summer weather.
The right wedding dress for your Iceland elopement?
Weather. The weather is unpredictable no matter what time of the year you would be eloping in Iceland. My tip is that you need to come to terms with embracing the worst weather there can be. Your wedding dress in Iceland will get dirty and even wet during your day. This is just the reality of the weather in Iceland.
In what locations you will be spending your day: How comfortable will you be in your dress if you are hiking on your wedding day? How well can you move around with it and carry your lace?
Activities on your day: Will you be doing something super special on your day for example snowboarding down a hill, ice climbing, or riding a horse or do you need to do the activities on your dress?
In what wedding dress style you're most happy with: It’s good to browse some wedding dress options online even before going to fit dresses in a store. This is how you will see what you like and what you don’t like. What dress makes your heartbeat super fast with excitement and what type is the most blah you have ever seen?
What is the best suit for an Iceland elopement?
Don't be afraid of showing colour: if you feel that black is not your option, then don't pick it. Just like brides are choosing their dress, it's important for you to feel comfortable in your suit, it sits well and the colour is the right one for you. Having a bit of colour in the suite always pops lovely in the landscape photos.
And if a suit or a tuxedo doesn't feel you, then ditch it. This is your day and you can wear whatever makes you feel good -ok maybe not just having sweatpants but you get the idea, haha! :D
If you’re hunting for elopement suits at a brick-and-mortar retailer, don’t hesitate to ask a salesperson for help with fitting. You don’t want anything to be too baggy or too tight. And even if the suit feels comfy, you’ll want to stretch, sit, and jog around in it to make sure it holds up. Remember, you’re gonna be hiking, dancing and jumping around like a crazy person.
If you're also going out to try different suits, a tailored suit for you can be the best. This is because it sits the best possible way for you and also they can make it out of fabric that serves best in Iceland's weather.
Sheep on the road
During summertime, all sheep in Iceland go around freely. You can find sheep almost anywhere. All the sheep you will see in Iceland are always owned by farmers. They are let out to roam around and eat fresh grass. In September sheep are gathered and will go back to their farmers.
The sheep do a lot of road crossings in Iceland and that’s why you need to pay attention while driving in Iceland - they can pop out just anywhere and go. If you do hit a sheep while driving, it will do damage to the car and the sheep will die from the hit. When this happens, you need to report it to the police. They can identify who owns the sheep. Most farmers do have insurance for these accidents you will only be fined if it is later determined that the accident was caused by your negligence.
Make sure you have the right light for your photos
Do you enjoy sunrises or sunsets? Summertime in Iceland is a perfect time to have your ceremony pictures taken during sunrise or sunset to capture amazing light and create a special memory for you. However, there is no guarantee that there will be a sunset or sunrise at your ceremony if it is a rainy and cloudy day.
Sunrises and sunsets have a special light that is so much more beautiful than harsh daylight. Depending on how the sun rises, the golden hour light can bring a warm feeling to the pictures while sunrise light can bring a more dramatic lighting efI always encourage my couples to schedule their day with the best light possible. Sunlight creates its own unique light to take pictures; however, it also creates dark circles under the eyes and lots of shadows when the couple is close together.
Summertime is an especially unique time to capture your wedding photos since the sun barely sets during the day.
During the summer, you can do a variety of activities
There are so many fun activities to do during your summer elopement in Iceland!
Have a picnic
Try out zipline
See the puffins and the wales
Enjoy natural hot springs like Hrunalaug, Hveravellir and Gamla Laugin
Hike in the highlands
Do kayaking between the glaciers
Enjoy glacier hiking
Experience Iceland from a horseback ride
Drive the ring road around
Relax in the Sky Lagoon
Do an ice cave tour in Katla ice cave
Camp your way around the country
Explore Golden Circle
See Iceland above: take a helicopter ride
What to pack for your Iceland summer elopement.
Waterproof hiking boots.
Windproof and rainproof coat.
Sunglasses and a sleeping mask if you're not used to sleeping during the midnight sun
Layers, layers and more layers -better save than sorry!
Good and warm socks.
Reusable water bottle; In Iceland, you can drink water anywhere, it's safe
Adapter for charging or a portable charger
Extra charging bank
Driver’s licence; it's illegal to drive in Iceland without one.
Warm sleeping clothes; some houses in Iceland can feel quite cold.
Makeup bags and other hygiene products
Passport and the possible visa
The medication you might need
Travel emergency kit (bandaids etc)
Camera gear
Travel Backpack
Travel Insurance
Towels (you can easily get super wet in Iceland)
Contact details of every vendor
The paperwork that you need to get married in Iceland officially
Your wedding rings and vows
Wedding dress and suit
Comfortable shoes
Snacks
Extra charging bank
Possible adapter if you need one
Getting ready outfit (it's good to think about what you will wear if you're having getting ready pictures taken).
Cash in envelopes for some vendors (if they have agreed to cash)
Bridal Jewellery
Tissues
A travel mirror
A change of clothes, if you need something to change during your elopement day
