Hiking elopement in Iceland | Lauren & Cole
Hiking Elopement in Iceland as a Growing Trend.
Eloping has taken on a whole new meaning in recent years. What was once seen as a secretive or last-minute decision has now evolved into something intentional, beautiful, and deeply personal. More and more couples are skipping the traditional ballroom weddings and choosing something that feels like them. One of the most popular ways to do that? A hiking elopement in Iceland.
Iceland has become a dream destination for couples who want a wedding day filled with adventure, natural beauty, and emotional connection. And it’s easy to see why. From towering waterfalls and dramatic canyons to black sand beaches and hidden geothermal springs, Iceland offers a landscape that’s both wild and breathtaking, perfect for couples who want something different.
Lauren and Cole were one of those couples. They had visited Iceland once before and were completely captivated by it. The land, the silence, the rugged landscapes—it all stayed with them long after the trip ended. So when it came time to start planning their wedding, the choice was obvious. Iceland wasn’t just a pretty place. It felt right. It matched their personalities and their shared love of nature and exploration.
But what made their story even more special was the fact that they didn’t go it alone. Lauren and Cole decided to bring their closest family members along with them. Not for a big party or guest list of hundreds, but for something much more meaningful. An experience. A shared adventure. A small group of loved ones, all flying in from Canada to celebrate something deeply intimate in one of the world’s most extraordinary places.
What Makes Hiking Elopements So Appealing
Hiking elopements are quickly becoming a popular choice for couples who value connection and experience over tradition. There’s something incredibly powerful about putting on your hiking boots, packing your vows in your backpack, and heading off into the wild with your partner.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about being present. About pausing for deep breaths as you climb a trail, about watching the fog roll in over the cliffs, about laughing when your boots get muddy. These are the real, unscripted moments that make elopements so meaningful.
And Iceland is the perfect setting for this kind of day. It’s a place where nature leads the way, where waterfalls burst from hillsides with no warning, and where every bend in the trail brings something new. For couples like Lauren and Cole, who wanted a wedding that felt adventurous but still true to who they are, Iceland offered the perfect blend of beauty, privacy, and freedom.
The first look
Privacy was one of the most important things to Lauren and Cole. They didn’t want to feel watched or rushed. They wanted space to feel everything as it happened, without distractions. That’s why we started the day at a tucked-away waterfall—a peaceful spot far from the tourist crowds, surrounded by mossy cliffs and the calming sound of rushing water.
Cole waited at the base of the falls while Lauren approached from the trail. The moment he turned around and saw her for the first time in her dress, everything paused. There were no onlookers, no noise—just the two of them and the raw emotion of that first look. It was quiet, full of smiles, a few tears, and an overwhelming sense of love.
They held each other, laughed, and took their time soaking in the moment. This peaceful setting gave them the space to connect before the rest of the day unfolded. It was the perfect way to set the tone for everything that followed.
Hiking to the canyon
After their first look, it was time to begin the hike. Lauren and Cole had chosen a stunning remote canyon for their ceremony—a place that could only be reached on foot. With their closest family members alongside them, they set off on a winding path that led through mossy hills, shallow riverbeds, and dramatic cliffs.
The hike itself became more than just a way to reach their ceremony location. It was part of the experience. Everyone walked at a comfortable pace, stopping to admire the views, chat, and enjoy the sunny and warm day.
As the group moved closer to the canyon, the excitement built. Lauren and Cole occasionally paused to hold hands, look back at the view, or simply smile at each other. This wasn’t a day about checking things off a list—it was about feeling everything deeply and moving slowly through one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Emotions were high, but in the best way. There were no big speeches or loud moments—just quiet awe, deep connection, and the unmistakable energy that comes from being surrounded by nature at its most powerful.
Elopement ceremony
After the excitement and emotion of their first look and the togetherness of the hike, the moment of stillness that came with arriving at their ceremony spot felt powerful. The canyon, with its towering moss-covered cliffs and the gentle echo of distant water, was more than a backdrop—it was a sacred space. A quiet corner of the world that felt untouched, peaceful, and perfect for what they were about to do.
There were no chairs, no archway, no altar. Just the earth beneath their feet, the sky above, and the incredible green blanket of Icelandic moss that hugged every rock and hillside around them.
Lauren and Cole stood together in the middle of this scene, surrounded by a small circle of loved ones who had made the journey with them. Their ceremony wasn’t filled with formalities or long speeches. It was simple, heartfelt, and honest—just the way they wanted it. The connection they shared with each other and with nature was unmistakable.
There’s something truly special about stepping away from all the expectations of what a wedding “should” be and creating one that feels entirely your own. Lauren and Cole’s canyon ceremony was proof that you don’t need a venue or a big production to create something meaningful.
This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a shared experience that brought everyone closer together. And for Lauren and Cole, it was exactly what they wanted: a quiet, emotional, and powerful beginning to their marriage.
Elopement portrait photos in Iceland's beautiful nature.
After their emotional canyon ceremony surrounded by moss-covered cliffs and their closest loved ones, Lauren and Cole took a deep breath and eased into the next part of their day—the adventure wasn’t over yet. One of the joys of planning an elopement in Iceland is the flexibility to explore the landscape without the tight schedule of a traditional wedding.
Leaving the canyon behind, we made our way toward one of Iceland’s lesser-known waterfalls. It was the kind of place you wouldn’t find on a typical tourist map.
One of the most beautiful things about elopement photography in Iceland is the space it creates for spontaneity. There’s no rigid timeline. No need to get back to a venue or squeeze into a reception. You get to follow the light, chase waterfalls, and stop whenever the moment feels right.
As the day stretched into evening, we made our final stop at one of the black sand beaches. The sky had begun to soften into pastel shades—lavender, gold, and hints of blue blending together above the crashing waves.
We captured the last light of the day here—images that spoke more about emotion than posing. The way Lauren leaned into Cole’s shoulder, the way he kissed her forehead with the ocean behind them. These were the images that would carry the story of the day forward for years to come.
Why Portraits Matter on Your Elopement Day
Elopement portraits aren’t just about getting the “right shot.” They’re about honoring the journey you’ve taken as a couple, the story of the day, and the deep emotions that come from choosing to do things your own way.
For Lauren and Cole, every photo told a piece of their story: the excitement of the hike, the emotion of the vows, the thrill of the waterfall, and the serenity of the beach. These weren’t staged moments—they were lived ones. And they’re what make elopement photography so powerful.
Whether you're climbing to a canyon, chasing waterfalls, or watching the sun dip below the horizon, these photos serve as a visual reminder of a day built entirely around your love. A day that didn’t need anything more than nature, each other, and a bit of adventure.
Vendors for the day:
Hotel for getting ready: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Celebrant: Perla
Jeep transportation: Icelandic roamers
Why a Hiking Elopement in Iceland is Worth It
If you're the kind of couple who finds peace in the mountains, joy in exploring the outdoors, and meaning in simplicity, a hiking elopement in Iceland might be exactly what you're looking for. Forget the ballroom. Forget the seating chart. Imagine trading all that for mossy cliffs, distant waterfalls, and the quiet beauty of saying your vows surrounded by nature. For couples who value adventure, authenticity, and intimacy, eloping in Iceland offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s deeply personal and completely unforgettable.
Iceland isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. With its wide range of natural wonders, from black sand beaches to glacier-carved canyons, it offers endless opportunities to craft a wedding day that’s completely your own. Choosing a hiking elopement allows you to access more remote, private, and untouched locations that are off the overcrowded tourist spots that are promoted all over social medias.
Many couples feel overwhelmed by the pressure of hosting a big wedding. A hiking elopement strips away all the expectations and allows you to be yourselves. You can stop along the way for a picnic, read letters from loved ones, or take in the views together in silence. The entire day is built around your pace and your values.
You don’t need to be an experienced hiker or backpacker to make this dream a reality. Whether it's a short trail to a stunning overlook or a full-day trek to a secluded canyon, your elopement can be tailored to your comfort level and sense of adventure. And that’s the beauty of it—it’s fully customizable.
Practical Perks of a Hiking Elopement
Privacy: Many locations are tucked away and less trafficked, especially with the help of a local photographer who knows hidden gems.
Budget Control: Skipping the large guest list and venue rental allows you to focus your budget on experiences, travel, and beautiful documentation.
Less Stress: Fewer moving parts and less pressure to “perform” on your wedding day make for a calmer and more joyful experience.
Memorable Photos: Hiking elopements lead to stunning and unique photo opportunities you won’t get at a traditional venue.
Is a Hiking Elopement Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Do you feel most alive and connected when you’re in nature?
Are you craving a wedding day that reflects who you are—not just what’s expected?
Would you rather spend your day exploring, adventuring, and being present than managing a full wedding timeline?
If you said yes to any of those, then a hiking elopement in Iceland might be the perfect fit. It's for couples who want something real. Something unforgettable. Something that will still give you butterflies every time you think about it.
Let’s plan it together. Hi 👋 I’m Lisa. Local adventure elopement photographer in Iceland
Planning a hiking elopement in Iceland can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to do it alone. As an experienced elopement photographer, I help couples every step of the way: choosing the right season, picking the perfect trail or location, planning logistics, and making sure your day reflects your love story.
From building your timeline to recommending vendors to navigating Iceland’s unpredictable weather, I’ve got you covered. I’ll also make sure your day is filled with genuine moments, incredible scenery, and memories you’ll never forget.
Ready to Begin?
If you're dreaming of a hiking elopement in Iceland, let’s start planning your adventure. Reach out today for a free consultation. I’d love to help you craft a day that’s just as bold, beautiful, and authentic as your relationship.
