Sarah & Matt’s Elopement in Iceland

As elopement videographers, we’ve captured love stories across the world, but Sarah and Matt’s elopement in Iceland stands out as one of the most memorable.

Sarah, from upstate New York, and Matt, from the United Kingdom, first met on the breathtaking Laugavegur Trek in Landmannalaugar, Iceland. Despite the distance between them, they formed an immediate connection—one strong enough to withstand months of separation and complex visa hurdles.

When they first met, Sarah and Matt only completed half of the Laugavegur Trek—a fitting symbol for the start of their relationship. Returning to Iceland to elope, they set out to finish the trail together, bringing their love story full circle and closing the chapter on their long-distance years.

Eloping in Iceland is an incredible experience, but it comes with its own unique challenges. From unpredictable weather to navigating remote locations and finding the perfect backdrop for your vows, there’s a lot to consider. To make planning easier, we’ve gathered some practical tips to help you prepare for your Iceland elopement.

5 Tips for an Unforgettable Iceland Elopement

1. Elope in the Summer:
   Summer in Iceland offers warmer temperatures, long daylight hours, and even the magic of the midnight sun. While you won’t see the Northern Lights, the tradeoff is worth it—you’ll have more time to enjoy each moment without battling freezing winds.
2. Be Prepared for Any Weather:
   Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, even in summer. You might experience sun, rain, wind, and fog—all in the same hour. Bring layers, waterproof clothing, and a flexible mindset to make the most of whatever comes your way.
3. Visit Popular Locations in the Evening or Late Night:
   Iceland’s extended daylight means you can visit iconic spots, like Skógafoss or Reynisfjara, late into the evening or even at night. The crowds thin out, the light softens, and you’ll have a much more intimate experience.
4. Don’t Underestimate Jet Lag:
   Jet lag is real, and you don’t want exhaustion to take away from your wedding day. Arrive at least 2–3 days early to settle in, adjust to the time zone, and fully enjoy your elopement experience.
5. Hire an Experienced Vendor Team:
   Having a team familiar with Iceland’s landscapes, weather patterns, and logistics is invaluable. Experienced vendors know the best times for popular locations, hidden gems away from crowds, and how to adapt when plans shift. Trusting them lets you focus on each other and the adventure ahead.

Bonus Tip: Watch Out for F-Roads!

If you’re planning to explore Iceland’s more remote landscapes, you’ll likely come across F-Roads—mountain routes marked with an “F” on maps. These aren’t your typical scenic drives; they’re rough, unpaved, and often include river crossings.

Renting a 4×4 vehicle isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a legal requirement for F-Roads. Always check road and weather conditions in advance, as some routes close unexpectedly due to weather. And if a river crossing looks questionable, trust your gut. Turning back is always better than getting stuck.

Must-Visit Locations for Your Iceland Elopement

Iceland is packed with incredible landscapes, each offering a unique backdrop for your elopement. From towering waterfalls and dramatic black sand beaches to remote canyons and sweeping mountain views, the options are endless.

To inspire your planning, here are some standout locations featured in Sarah and Matt’s Iceland elopement film:

1. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach:
   Reynisfjara, where Sarah and Matt exchanged their vows, is one of Iceland’s most iconic locations. Its black sand, towering basalt columns, and dramatic sea stacks create an unforgettable backdrop for both ceremonies and photos.
2. Skógafoss (& Kvernufoss) Waterfall:
   Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, with its powerful cascade and mist often creating vibrant rainbows on sunny days. Just a short walk away, Kvernufoss offers a quieter, more secluded experience, making it an equally stunning spot for photos or quiet moments together.
3. Dyrhólaey Lighthouse:
   Sitting atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, Dyrhólaey Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the black sand beaches, crashing waves, and dramatic sea arches below. The rugged beauty of this spot makes it perfect for portraits, quiet moments, or even an intimate vow exchange. Visiting in the evening often means fewer crowds and the soft glow of golden-hour light.
4. Landmannalaugar:
   Famous for its vibrant rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs, Landmannalaugar is a dream for adventurous couples. Its remote location in the Icelandic Highlands requires navigating F-roads, but the reward is an otherworldly landscape perfect for elopement photos and quiet moments away from the crowds.
5. Háifoss Waterfall:
   As one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, Háifoss cascades into a deep canyon, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring view. Its remote location offers a sense of tranquility, making it an ideal spot for couples seeking privacy and a breathtaking backdrop for their vows or photos.

 Bonus Insight: Beyond the Itinerary

After Sarah and Matt’s elopement, we personally spent an additional three days exploring Iceland’s diverse landscapes on our own. From hidden waterfalls to remote cliffs, we sought out locations that would add even more depth and variety to their wedding film, carefully choosing spots that reflected the words spoken during their ceremony. These extra days allowed us to capture moments and scenery that might have otherwise been missed, bringing an added layer of richness to their story.

This is why it’s so important to work with vendors who are fully invested—not just in showing up on the day, but in creating something truly meaningful, even if it means going beyond the expected timeline.

We hope this has offered both helpful information and a bit of inspiration for your own Iceland elopement. If you’d like to see more of Sarah and Matt’s story, you can watch their wedding trailer and their reaction to the final film below.

WANT TO SEE MORE?

We’ve shared a glimpse of Sarah and Matt’s unforgettable Iceland elopement, but their story truly comes to life on film. Watch their wedding trailer for a cinematic look at their day, and don’t miss their heartfelt reaction to seeing their elopement film for the first time.

THE TRAILER

THE REACTION

VENDORS

• Videographer | Jay and Mack Films
• Photographer | The Martins Photography
• Lodging | Black Beach Suites Iceland
• Ceremony Site | Black Sand Beach Iceland

Planning Your Own Iceland Elopement?

If you’re searching for an elopement videographer to capture your story in Iceland, we’d love to hear from you.

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