Proposal at Kvernufoss waterfall | Jaspreet & Peter
Planning the surprise proposal at Kvernufoss waterfall
When Peter reached out, he already knew that Iceland was the perfect place to propose to Jaspreet. What he wasn’t sure of yet was where in Iceland the big moment should happen. He had a clear vision—something intimate, scenic, and by a waterfall. He wanted the kind of proposal that would feel like their own little world, untouched by crowds or distractions.
Peter and I began by looking at some of Iceland’s waterfall options in the South of Iceland. We went through some of the most popular ones (Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss) and talked about tourists lining the base of the falls, groups taking selfies, and bus tours pulling into the parking lot every few minutes.
While Peter loved the idea of a grand backdrop, the lack of privacy was a deal-breaker. The proposal was meant to be shared between two people, not an audience.
After chatting about these options, we switched to a bit less visited waterfall options for the surprise proposal.
Kvernufoss is often referred to as Skógafoss’s hidden neighbour. It’s located just a short drive away from the more famous waterfall, but you wouldn’t know it based on how quiet and secluded it feels.
When I shared photos and videos of the spot with Peter, he immediately connected with it. It had everything he was looking for. Another bonus? Because Kvernufoss is a bit less known, the likelihood of running into large tour groups or being rushed through the moment is low when timing your arrival there, especially if we plan for an early morning or a quieter part of the day.
The proposal
After the planning, the day of the proposal at Kvernufoss waterfall had finally arrived. Peter had been calm and focused throughout the entire process, but on the morning of the big moment, the excitement (and nerves) were hard to hide.
As Peter and Jaspreet reached the trail that took them in front of the waterfall, I was there already, hiding as a photographer. Peter and I had already agreed on a subtle signal, and I had let him know where in front of the waterfall to propose.
Then, Peter turned to Jaspreet and dropped to one knee and got the answer: “Yes.
Engagement photos
After the proposal, the energy shifted from nervous excitement to pure happiness. There’s a certain glow that couples have right after they get engaged, and Peter and Jaspreet had it in full force. We took time to pause, let them hug, and soak it in. Just the two of them holding each other in one of the most beautiful places in Iceland.
Once they were ready, we began their engagement photo session right there at Kvernufoss. The backdrop couldn’t have been more perfect. The waterfall cascaded down behind them, the canyon walls wrapped around like a natural amphitheatre, and the light fog gave everything a soft, cinematic feel.
What made this session truly special was how private and peaceful it was. There were no tourists waiting for their turn. It felt like Kvernufoss belonged to them for the afternoon. That sense of ownership—the feeling of having an entire location to yourselves—is rare, and it’s part of what makes this kind of proposal so unique in Iceland.
Kvernufoss offered them the chance to feel alone in the world, wrapped in nature, surrounded by love—and that’s what made it unforgettable.
Peter’s testimonial for McWhirter elopements:
"After deciding to propose to my fiancé in Iceland, a country I had never visited, I began researching various photographs. While speaking with Lisa during my initial consultation, I knew she was the perfect fit; Lisa provided constant communication leading up to the proposal & provided various suggestions for locations and ways to prepare for the big day, which made the process far less stressful than it would have been otherwise. Her photos perfectly captured our engagement & I couldn’t be more appreciative of both the quality of the photographs & her assistance throughout this process. I highly recommend Lisa.”
-Peter
Ready to have your waterfall proposal in Iceland?
Hi, I’m Lisa—an adventure proposal photographer in Iceland.
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 30 minutes, so book time into your calendar.
