Top 9 must-try activities for your iceland elopement.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IN ORDER TO MAKE YOUR ELOPEMENT IN ICELAND TRULY UNFORGETTABLE
One of the biggest myths I’ve heard about full day elopements is that the only thing you will be doing is constantly posing for photos and hiking. Which, let’s be honest, doesn’t sound like a very attractive perspective (although if that’s what you want, go for it). Truth is, your day can be filled with anything you and your partner enjoy – and that’s the beauty of elopements: you don’t have to conform to a certain standard or a set of rules, but rather choose what your hearts desire and do exactly what you want to do.
Now don’t get me wrong, this guide isn’t designed exclusively for beefed up adrenaline junkies – there are plenty of fun activities that don’t require extra-strenuous physical effort, and trust me, even if you are more of a couch potato (like me), you will most definitely find something in this guide that will tickle your fancy
Iceland has some truly unique activities to offer, ranging from something budget-friendly (as in “free”) to a splurging extravaganza, and from a nice relaxing pastime to an adventurous challenge. Let’s dive into it!
Embark on a good ol’ road trip
A classic road trip is an ideal choice for couples who want to explore multiple locations without tedious walking / hiking. The good part about a road trip is that it’s very easy to include. When visiting Iceland, you will have to rent a car – public transport is notoriously bad here, and pretty much non-existent outside of Reykjavik, so unless you plan to spend all your time in the capital, a rental car is a must. It will allow you to travel freely, also on your elopement day! There are some breathtaking itineraries available here, and with a 4×4 you can escape the tourist crowds and go somewhere really special, like the Highlands or the Westfjords.
Want to elevate your road-tripping experience? Hire a super jeep and a private guide! That way you will be able to visit some remote spots that are difficult to reach otherwise (which means no people around!) and fully relax in the back seat, while sipping your favorite drink, chatting, and admiring the stunning views outside.
Dine outside
It’s true, Iceland’s weather is not always compatible with dining outside, but during summer months you’ll have a great chance to catch a perfect day weather-wise, sit somewhere picturesque, and enjoy food and drinks of your choice. You can opt for something simple like a traditional Icelandic cake and some (non-alcoholic) bubbly; get a one-time grill and do it camping style, with grilling some meat and veggies yourself; or go big and hire a caterer, with a chef or even a bartender, who will treat you with some delicious dishes and cocktails out in the wilderness.
Soak in a geothermal pool
Ah, geothermal pools – the ultimate Icelandic experience! From natural hot springs hidden in the wilderness to luxurious spas, soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters is the perfect way to relax and connect.
A lot of the natural pools are free of charge and open to the public, so if you’d like to be alone, you’ll have to plan your visit strategically, and opt for late evening or early morning. Some of these are located on private land – in that case you can expect specific opening hours and a small fee to enjoy the soak.
And for a taste of luxury, go with a fully furnished spa, where you will be provided with a lot of extras.
Pro-tip: time your visit to catch the midnight sun or the northern lights to enhance the experience.
Sky Lagoon, a popular geothermal spa in the vicinity of Reykjavik
Befriend Icelandic horses
Socializing with the Icelandic horses is something that you absolutely have to do when visiting Iceland. You will see them everywhere, grazing in the fields in any kind of weather. A lot of farms offer horseback riding tours or just some quality time with these marvelous creatures. In case you didn’t know, the Icelandic horse is a tad smaller than your regular horse, but bigger than a pony – just the perfect size if you ask me! They are friendly and curious by nature, and you don’t have to be a trained equestrian to enjoy their company or ride them.
In more remote corners of the island, you can just ask the farmer nicely, and they will happily allow you to hang out with the horses for free. In the crowded touristic areas they usually charge a fee.
Walk on a glacier
You can get relatively close to a lot of glaciers around here but if you’d like to embark on a journey over the ice, you need special equipment and a guide to accompany you. There are various levels of difficulty and duration where glacier walks are concerned, and I would highly recommend hiring a private guide, since group tours are usually chaotic and rushed. One of our favorite guides we work with on a regular basis says that glaciers are like living organisms – they are ancient, ever-changing, growing or diminishing – they are never the same, and there is something incredibly poetic about it. Imagine getting married in a spot like that!
Video excerpt by our favorite glacier guide Josh at Vivid Iceland
Explore an ice cave
Saying your vows in an ice cave is another unique touch you can add to your elopement in Iceland. Just like glaciers, ice caves emerge and melt, sometimes not lasting longer than one season, and you’ll need a trained guide and special gear to visit one safely. Again, I would most definitely suggest going with a private guide rather than a group, even though it might break your bank ever so slightly. Depending on which cave you are going to explore, the physical level may vary, from easy to difficult. And yes, it is possible to do it in a wedding dress!
Enjoy glacier kayaking
Imagine this: you and your partner slowly gliding on the perfectly blue glacial water among the icebergs. Sounds crazy? Well, it can actually become a reality with a kayaking adventure in one of the glacial lagoons here in Iceland. You don’t need any prior experience, and will be provided with all the necessary equipment and basic training before venturing into the wild. Side note, we might just stay on land and use our wild life lenses to document your adventure!
Glacier kayaking with Ice Guide at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, courtesy of World Playground
Hang out with the local reindeer
So, Icelandic horses are not exotic enough for you? Well, in that case we highly recommend visiting the Reindeer Park in the Eastfjords! Located near Egilsstaðir, the park is home to some of Iceland’s most charming residents – Garpur, Mosi, and little baby Hreindís. Run by reindeer expert Björn Magnússon and his granddaughter Edda, the park began in 2021 when two tiny, orphaned calves were rescued from Mount Snæfell. Now, they are all grown up and always happy to mingle with humans. You can meet them up close at the open grazing grounds, give them some snacks and experience the magic of Iceland’s only reindeer sanctuary.
Sit by the fire after sunset
What if I told you, your elopement doesn’t have to end as soon as the sun dips below the horizon? When the night approaches and the crowds disappear, there’s something incredibly grounding about slowing things way down. Sitting by a small fire after sunset, wrapped in layers, hands warmed by the flames, with hot drinks nearby, can be one of the most intimate and quiet moments of your entire elopement day.
You can keep it simple: fry marshmallows, share a conversation, or just sit together and take it all in. If the weather cooperates, this is also a perfect chance for stargazing, or watching the northern lights dance overhead during the darker months.
Important note: you can’t make a fire just anywhere – please consult with your local photographer and make sure you do it in the safe designated area.
BONUS : Experience Iceland from above
The crown jewel of all the adventures, a helicopter ride is a one-of-a-kind experience to share with your beloved – it will leave lasting memories and make any elopement truly special. It’s also the one activity that requires major splurging but I can assure you, it is absolutely worth it. Iceland from above is incredibly unique, and a helicopter will take you to places that you would never be able to visit otherwise. It’s become especially popular with the constant eruptions happening recently. Since the eruption site is never open to the public, witnessing an active volcano from above is the only option.
Stunning imagery from Norðurflug Helicopter Tours
Final thoughts
Whether you are a crazy adventurous couple in search of adrenaline and out-of-the-box experiences, or you’re both romantics preferring quiet moments, the most important thing to remember here is do it your way, do you. The whole point of eloping is creating a day that feels uniquely yours, and we will happily follow along and document all the wonderful moments, regardless of what activities you decide to indulge in.
Want to know more? Check our Ultimate Guide on How to elope in Iceland