How to Plan an Intimate Wedding in Lake Como
This guide will tell you everything you need to know to plan an intimate wedding in Lake Como, from the best venues to local marriage laws. wedding in Lake Como
Lake Como is a gorgeous glacial lake in Lombardy, Italy, surrounded by villas, beaches, and gardens. It’s an incredibly romantic place to get married, whether you’re looking for a luxurious, relaxing destination or an adventurous experience (or a little bit of both)! This guide will tell you everything you need to know to plan an intimate wedding in Lake Como, from the best venues to local marriage laws.
I’ve also written a blog on eloping in Italy! You can click HERE to read more about other locations to get married at in Italy.
Set a Date for Your Wedding in Lake Como
One of the first things you’ll need to do for your intimate wedding in Lake Como is set a date! The lake is a pretty popular destination, so along with the weather, it can be helpful to consider when peak season is.
Weather in Lake Como
You can definitely have your wedding at Lake Como any time of year! But, each season is a little bit different, so here’s what you need to know.
Winters get pretty cold, but during the day, temperatures are usually in the 40s, so if you layer up, it’s still plenty comfortable for exploring outdoors! The lake also looks extra blue during this time of year, and because there are fewer tourists around, prices for accommodation drop quite a bit.
Spring is one of the best times for a wedding in Lake Como - the temperatures are mild, and azaleas, camellias, and wisterias bloom around the lake, surrounding the blue water with gorgeous pastel colors! Late spring can get pretty rainy, so be prepared with an umbrella.
In the summer, you’ll see a lot of other people around - because of the warm weather and sunshine, people flock to Lake Como from all over the world. This is a great time for a wedding, and for hitting the beach, but it’s busy!
Fall is another great time for a wedding, with mild weather and gorgeous fall foliage. The villages surrounding the lake start to shut down in October, so while you can enjoy fewer crowds, there may be fewer options for restaurants and things to do!
Avoiding Crowds When You Get Married in Lake Como
If you book a venue for your wedding, you’ll (most likely) have the place to yourself! But, if you want to have an intimate wedding in Lake Como and combine it with your honeymoon, or you’re walking around taking wedding photos outdoors, it’s definitely nice to not have a ton of people around as you celebrate saying “I do.”
There are a few ways to avoid crowds while you’re here - first, tie the knot during shoulder season! Peak season is summer, so shoulder season is right before and right after that - spring and fall.
Another tip is to plan a weekday wedding. If you and your guests are flexible with your wedding day, this can be an amazing way to have some more privacy. I also recommend planning adventures for sunrise and sunset, as these times (especially sunrise) are always much less busy.
The Best Wedding Venues in Lake Como
From five star hotels to cozy villas, Lake Como has somewhere for every couple to say “I do.” Here are just a few ideas for the best wedding venues in Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello
The Villa Del Balbianello is a luxurious wedding venue located at the tip of a forested peninsula. It’s far away from everything, accessible only by boat, which adds to the adventure for you and your guests! You’ll have incredible panoramic lake views, lush gardens, and stunning vistas.
Villa Bonomi
Villa Bonomi is one of the best wedding venues in Lake Como for intimate weddings, situated on a mountain that overlooks the lake. It’s a short drive from Como city center, close to tons of adventures! The gardens have terraces and paths to wander through, as well as a swimming pool.
Outdoor Wedding Locations
Depending on the size of your intimate wedding, you might also choose to get married outdoors, somewhere on the banks of Lake Como (or even rent a boat and get married on the water)! This is a possibility for smaller weddings and elopements, so get a rough guest list together before you start your search. I can help you find a location that’s perfect for you!
How to Get Legally Married in Lake Como
Getting legally married in Italy as a foreigner can be pretty complicated. You can do a Catholic church ceremony if one of you is baptized, but otherwise it needs to be a civil ceremony officiated by the mayor.
You’ll need your passport and birth certificates, and a “Dichiarazione Giurata,” which certifies that there is no legal impediment to you getting married. After this you’ll need to swear in front of the Italian Consul that there is no impediment.
In Italy, you’ll need to present all of these documents to the Marriage Office in the city where you’ll be getting married, and make a “Declaration of Intention to Marry.” Once this is done, you can set a date!
Because this process is pretty difficult, many couples decide to do the paperwork at home, then have their wedding ceremony in Lake Como.
It’s also important to note that Italy recognized same-sex marriages! If you are a LGBTQ+ looking to plan a destination wedding, click on THIS BLOG or ten other locations in countries around the world that queer couples can legally get married.
Wedding Locations Similar to Lake Como
If you like the vibe of Lake Como, but aren’t quite sure if it’s perfect for you, here are a few places that are similar!
Lake Maggiore, Italy
Lake Maggiore is another lake in Italy, and along with Lake Como and Lake Garda, it’s one of the three biggest lakes in the country. But unlike the other two lakes, which are very developed, Lake Maggiore remains peaceful, wild, and natural. There are fewer shops and restaurants, and therefore fewer people, so if you want gorgeous views without a crowd, this is an incredible place for an intimate wedding!
Lake Placid, New York
Though it’s pretty far from Italy, Lake Placid in Upstate New York offers a similar feeling as Lake Como does. A gorgeous lake bordered by mountains and surrounded by villages and quaint towns, it’s the perfect place for an intimate wedding!
Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken is a town in Switzerland, situated between two lakes. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz sit at the base of three stunning mountain peaks, surrounded by hiking trails, ski slopes, and so much to explore.
Lake Como Wedding Packages
Your wedding should allow you to focus on what matters - each other. So if an intimate wedding with the people you love most, in a beautiful place, sounds like your jam, I’m ready to help you plan it! My job as a photographer is to be your guide through it all - so to start dreaming up your intimate wedding in Lake Como, contact me!
LGBTQ+ Elopement in Jackson Hole, Wyoming | Just Married Donuts & Selfie Shenanigans
An epic LGBTQ+ elopement in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that includes snowball fights, shots at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, and silly selfies. As a wedding photographer, I captured the magic of their love story in the beautiful Grand Tetons.
Love Knows No Bounds: Celebrating an Unforgettable LGBTQ+ Elopement in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
As a wedding photographer, I get to witness some of the most beautiful moments in people's lives, and this elopement in the Grand Tetons was no exception. This couple was absolutely amazing and their love story is one for the books.
The day started out with their ceremony in front of the Grand Tetons. Just like any perfect love story does.
But the real fun began when they brought out their "just married" donuts to celebrate their love. I mean, who doesn't love a good donut, right?!
After adventuring around the Tetons, they busted out a little snowball fight (a must when eloping in the winter!) and watching them kiss and make up was just too adorable.
After capturing some breathtaking photos with the stunning Grand Tetons in the background, we headed over to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar where we all took some shots together. It was a total blast and the perfect way to end such a special day.
But the most hilarious part was when the couple took my camera at the end of the night to take some silly selfies. I couldn't stop laughing at their poses and expressions. They were just the freaking cutest.
If you're considering eloping in the Grand Tetons, let me tell you, it's a freaking amazing place to do it. (And I wrote a blog all about how to do it! CLICK HERE! ) The scenery is just absolutely stunning and the options for adventure are endless. Plus, there's just something about the energy and vibe of Jackson Hole that's just so damn magical.
I would be honored to be your photographer for your special day. As a wedding photographer, my goal is to capture the essence of your love story in a way that's authentic and meaningful to you. Let's make some freaking magic together.
So, if you're ready to elope in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and celebrate with "just married" donuts, snowball fights, and shots at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, then let's freaking do this!
Grand Teton Elopement Packages
You want a wedding day that's as unique as your love, and I understand how important it is to make it special! My Grand Teton elopement packages are designed to help you plan a day that's stress-free and all about you.
From location recommendations to planning a timeline, to navigating the unique and kinda confusing permit requirements, I'll be with you every step of the way to make sure you have the best day ever! If you're ready to elope at Grand Teton National Park, or want to learn more about my elopement packages, contact me!
"The Last of Us" Inspired Zombie Wedding Photoshoot
Unleashing Undying Love: A Captivating "The Last of Us" Inspired Zombie Wedding Photoshoot
Let me be real for a second, The Last of Us awakened a creativity in me I haven’t felt for a LONG time! I have always been a creative person, I am a full time wedding photographer! But when I was a kid, I used to do these creepy styled photoshoots with my sister. We’d put blood all over a fancy dress. Or turn me or my sister into zombies. We would do different special effects makeup and go to a place that was blooming with flowers and take photos.
I always loved the seeing the differences between this creepy person/blood all over someone and this gorgeous whimsical location, or this beautiful dress. I’ve always loved it. But being a wedding photographer, I kind of had to put that “creepy” aspect on the back burner and haven’t done any kind of photoshoot like that in a long time.
When I was watching The Last of Us, I was instantly inspired to put together a styled wedding shoot involving mushrooms, abandoned buildings, and my favorite…clickers.
My heart is so thankful to everyone who helped me put this shit together. I seriously had my brother and sister in law helping with making little mushrooms out of clay and painting them to go in her hair. It took days and way too much money. Which was very extra of me but they turned out so cute.
And my sister took off time from work to model as a clicker and almost trip and eat shit doing it. And then walking by the highway covered in fake blood. Whicchhhhh I’m glad didn’t get us in trouble.
I spent countless hours going around different cities looking for the perfect abandoned building and last minute stumbled upon this one.
It felt like all my hard work paid off just in time for the season finale. So I quickly went to work editing and I dropped these photos the day of the season finale of The Last of Us on HBO!
This show has honestly meant so much to me and has awakened a creativity in me that I haven’t felt in a long time! It felt like I was tapping into my childhood.
Thank you thank you to everyone who helped with this.
Director of Photography: Rebekah de la Fontaine www.fromthefountain.com
Flowers by Wild Swan Floral
Clicker mask made by Brains for Tea
Dress: Selkie
Inspired by HBO The Last of Us TV series
Live Out Your Twilight Fantasy Elopement
Whether you go all out with vampire teeth, or pull some inspiration from their wedding in the woods, here's how to plan a Twilight elopement!
Embrace Eternal Love: Live Out Your Twilight Fantasy with an Enchanting Elopement
So the lion fell in love with the lamb… and you’re getting married!
Eloping is all about planning a one of a kind wedding day that reflects the two of you, so if Edward and Bella’s love story had you swooning, or you just have an affinity for vampires, a Twilight themed wedding can be a really fun way to celebrate tying the knot. Whether you go all out with fake vampire teeth, or just pull some inspiration from their fairytale-esque wedding in the woods, this guide will tell you how to plan a Twilight elopement!
Choosing a Location for Your Twilight Elopement
The location is one of the most important parts, setting the scene for your Twilight elopement. Edward and Bella’s wedding took place in a forest, surrounded by ferns and lush greenery - so your dream elopement location might be somewhere in the woods! Or, you can go in another direction, and get married at a moody beach, since there were a few of those in the movie too. Here are just a few ideas for where to have your Twilight themed wedding! The Pacific Northwest has so many stunning places to choose from that totally fit the vibe.
Forks, Washington
Twilight is set in Forks, a tiny town on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, known for rainy days and moody weather. Throughout the town, you’ll find several cute references to the Twilight series, like Bellas red Chevy truck, and this is a great option for a Twilight elopement! Nearby, you’ll find lots of forest land with woodsy elopement locations, and it’s a short drive to the moody beaches on Washington’s west coast.
La Push, Washington (... Or Ecola State Park, Oregon)
There are several references to La Push in the books and movies, and Bella and Jacob take a walk on the beach under cloud-covered skies. The real La Push beach is located in Washington, but the movie scene was actually filmed in a place called Indian Beach, located in Ecola State Park just south of Cannon Beach! So, either of these spots make a great location for a Twilight elopement.
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
Several scenes in the movies were filmed in Oregon, mostly near the Columbia River Gorge and Silver Falls State Park. Silver Falls is a gorgeous elopement location, with thousands of acres of forest, with waterfalls, caves, and wildlife (no werewolves, though). It’s the perfect forested setting for a Twilight themed wedding!
Bella’s House
The charming 1930’s home where Bella and Charlie lived is available for rent! It’s in downtown St. Helens, Oregon, close to Portland and close to the Columbia River Gorge. It makes for a perfect place to stay during your elopement adventure, or to have a tiny ceremony!
But, this place is booked for a long, long time - so you’ll need to start planning your Twilight elopement early if you want to stay here!
Redwood National Park
This one doesn’t have much to do with the Twilight books or movies, but Northern California has that perfect moody weather and some incredible locations that perfectly fit the vibe! If you’re looking for a woodsy location, with lots of greenery, ferns, and a spooky fog that often hangs around the tree canopy, the redwoods make for a perfect place to say “I do.”
Decorating Your Twilight Elopement
Here are some fun ways to decorate to make the moment you tie the knot look like Bella and Edward’s ceremony in the movies!
An Arbor
Edward and Bella got married under an arbor - a rounded archway decorated with gorgeous white flowers. One thing to keep in mind is that depending on your elopement location, there might be some restrictions about what you can set up for the ceremony, so make sure it’s allowed before you do this! But, to recreate the gorgeous movie moment, talk to your florist about creating an arbor that you can stand under when you exchange vows.
Hanging Wisteria
The enchanted, fairytale vibe of Edward and Bella’s ceremony was amplified by the hanging wisteria plants. See if there are some overhanging branches that you can hang some plant life on to decorate your Twilight elopement!
Greenery
There’s a lot of greenery in their ceremony, because it’s a forest wedding! Ferns are stunning for lining the aisle, adding drama to a bouquet, and more, so they’re perfect for decorating a Twilight elopement. Moss is another great way to decorate your ceremony - and if there isn’t a lot of it at your location, you can glue some moss onto felt pieces, or get a fake moss rug!
White Flowers
The greenery is separated by lots of white flowers - the arbor, white petals down the aisle and white flowers around it, Bella's bouquet, Edward’s boutonniere. Incorporating white flowers is a great way to decorate your Twilight elopement, and adding some baby’s breath next to fern leaves can be a way to make this come to life.
Choosing Your Attire for Your Twilight Elopement
When it comes to your outfit, here are some tips for attire that’s similar to what Bella and Edward wore!
Suit
Edward’s suit is pretty classic - a black tux - but he makes it unique by having a white vest underneath, and a white bowtie. You can emulate this look for your Twilight elopement, or make it your own by leaning into the vampire theme - a maroon suit would really pop!
Dress
Bella’s wedding dress was designed by Caroline Herrera. It’s fairly simple in the front - an elegant satin dress with a sheath silhouette and long sleeves - but the back features a gorgeous lace design with buttons that come down to a long train behind her.
To get a similar style, look for sheath dresses with a subtle V neck and long sleeves - and some lace detail! Here are a few dresses that have a similar vibe:
Bella also accessorized with a long veil, and the hair and makeup was kept pretty simple. To recreate the look, opt for an effortless-looking updo with loose wisps of hair!
Ready for Your Twilight Elopement
If you’re ready to live out your Twilight fantasy, I’m ready to help you make that dream come to life! As an elopement photographer, my job is to make sure your day is custom made just for you - so if you’re dreaming of a vampiric wedding day, contact me to start planning.
The Best Places to Elope in Northern California
From beaches to mountains, this guide will help you narrow it down to some of the best places to elope in Northern California!
The Best Places to Elope in Northern California
From the rocky coast to the snowy mountains, and everything in between, Northern California is full of beautiful backdrops for any adventurous couple's elopement! With stunning blue lakes, incredible active volcanoes, and dense redwood canopies, the hardest part about planning your Northern California elopement is deciding where to do it. Luckily, this guide will help you narrow it down to some of the best places to elope in Northern California!
The Best Places to Elope in Northern California
California is such a huge state that Northern California is a totally different landscape than Southern California! There aren’t many palm trees in the north, but you'll come across towering evergreens, snow capped mountains, and gorgeous alpine lakes when you elope in Northern California - there are some seriously gorgeous places to say "I do." Here are some of the best places to elope in Northern California!
Mt. Shasta
Right along I-5, just about an hour past the Oregon border is one of California's most beautiful mountains - Mount Shasta! It's one of the first stops in Northern California for outdoorsy activities. Mount Shasta is the perfect place for hiking, climbing, and even skiing in the winter! Say "I do" under a waterfall or in a mountain meadow full of wildflowers - whatever you decide, Mount Shasta is a great place to elope in Northern California!
Where to Stay Near Mt. Shasta
Redwoods National Park
Walking through the redwood forest will make you feel like you're in a fairy tale! Say your vows among some of the world's tallest trees, or head to the coast for a beach elopement. The redwoods can be found along the northern coast so you won't run into as many crowds as you would farther south on the coast, and if you want even more privacy, you can check out the Lost Coast!
Where to Stay Near Redwoods National Park
Muir Woods
Just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge is Muir Woods! A section of land that’s protected from the city, Muir Woods National Monument is full of towering redwoods, cool coastal breezes, and flowing streams - the perfect place to say your vows away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.
Where to Stay Near Muir Woods
Yosemite National Park
One of California's most popular parks is Yosemite National Park. Once popular for its incredible gold mining opportunities, it’s now known for the variety of outdoor activities! If you're adventurous, try skydiving or river rafting to get your adrenaline pumping. If jumping off a plane or going over river rapids seem like too much for you, you can hike through dense forests or to cascading waterfalls! Either way, Yosemite National Park has plenty to offer for your elopement.
Where to Stay Near Yosemite
Lake Tahoe
Tucked away in the Sierra Nevadas, there's a crystal clear lake - Lake Tahoe! Surrounded by snow in the winter, and warm and sunny in the summer, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. Surrounding the deep blue lake, you'll find sandy beaches, thick forests, and tall mountains - it really has it all!
Where to Stay Near Lake Tahoe
Mammoth Lakes
On the eastern slopes of Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes is a cluster of alpine lakes that are full of breathtaking views! Whether you spend your day hiking to hot springs or skiing down the slopes, you're sure to find a beautiful place to elope in Mammoth Lakes.
Where to Stay Near Mammoth Lakes
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is exploding with natural beauty! You'll find many volcanoes, gorgeous alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and hiking trails throughout the park. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find all four types of volcanoes in a small area - but don't worry, there hasn't been an eruption in over 100 years! Since it's considered an active volcano, you can see the lava beds and smoke coming out of the earth in some places - it's a pretty unique place to elope!
Where to Stay Near Lassen Volcanic National Park
The Best Time to Elope in Northern California
The weather in Northern California is a lot different from in Southern California, and it can vary depending on where you are and which season you decide to elope in. It's important to be prepared no matter when you tie the knot to avoid any surprises!
The perfect time to elope in Northern California would be spring or fall. The weather is milder, the crowds are fewer, and bright colors cover the landscape! The spring brings wildflowers to alpine meadows and the leaves change colors in the fall so these are definitely the most colorful seasons in Northern California! You'll certainly find fewer crowds since the snow chasers and summer vacationers have left for the season. If you still want to enjoy the warm weather of summer, plan your elopement for late spring or early fall!
Winters in Northern California are much cooler than Southern California, but that doesn't mean it's not comfortable! It often snows in higher elevations, but if you stick to lower elevations near the coast, the weather can be good for hiking since it's not too hot during the day - however, it does get pretty rainy. Winter can be a busy time, especially in the mountains when snow sport enthusiasts head to the resorts to hit the slopes!
The warmest time in Northern California would be summer! Though not as hot as areas of Southern California, it can still get pretty hot in some places. The coast doesn't typically get warmer than about 70ºF in the summer, and there's not much rain so it's a great time to head to the rocky beaches of the coast! Further inland, it can be as warm as 90ºF so if you're not used to the heat, you may want to stay in the shade or opt for a sunrise or sunset elopement! Summer is also a really busy time in Northern California because of all the great outdoor activities to do, so if you want to avoid the crowds you can plan your elopement for a weekday.
Northern California Elopement Packages
Your love story is unique, the day you say "I do" should be just as special! As your Northern California elopement photographer, it's my job to help you plan a day that's stress-free and all about you! That's why my Northern California elopement packages are carefully curated for you, to make sure your wedding day is everything you could have dreamed of! From location recommendations to making a timeline, I'll be there every step of the way to make sure you have the best elopement ever! Contact me to book a free consultation call if you're ready to plan your Northern California elopement, or want to learn more about my elopement packages!
Or if you’re wanting to check out more locations in the Pacific NorthWest, check out my blog HERE.
Iceland Elopement Guide - How to Elope in Iceland
You can choose from glaciers, waterfalls, beaches, volcanoes, and so much more, so if you want to elope in Iceland, this guide is for you!
Iceland Elopement Guide: Unveiling the Magic - How to Elope in the Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland is an absolute dream destination - with some of the most incredible scenery in the world, endless beauty, and plenty of remote places to explore, it makes for a great place to tie the knot. It’s also one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly elopement destinations in the world!
You can choose from glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, volcanoes, and so much more for your ceremony backdrop, so if you want to elope in Iceland, this guide is for you! We’ll talk about everything you need to know to get married in Iceland.
Set a Date for Your Iceland Elopement
Iceland is known for having some truly wild weather! While you can elope in Iceland year round, the experience you have will definitely be very different depending on the seasons.
Weather in Iceland
Summer is the best time to elope in Iceland if you want to hike or spend time outdoors, and July and August are usually your best bet for sunshine. Even then, Iceland’s weather is often wild and unpredictable! It rains pretty often, though summers are typically drier and you can get lucky with some sunny days.
It’s also important to know that if you want to head inland and explore the Highlands - Iceland’s remote, mountainous areas, the mountain roads are often only accessible in the summer! You will need a 4x4 to get there, and when they open and close depends on the weather and when the snow melts. Typically, they start opening up in May, and most roads will be open by July. They start closing in September, and most will be closed by the end of October.
Fall can be an underrated time to elope in Iceland - since summer is the busiest, waiting a little can give you some more privacy as you explore. Early fall weather is usually still warm, but often more rainy, and you can explore Iceland without the crowds!
Winter is harsh - but if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can have a unique elopement adventure. Nights are very long in the winter, but this means that you’re very likely to spot the Northern Lights. If you love snow, Iceland can be a lot of fun! But, be aware that in bad storms, a lot of the roads may close.
Spring, along with fall, can be a good time to tie the knot during shoulder season, when it’s not so busy! Weather usually starts to warm up in late spring, so while you’ll probably still get some rain, it can be a nice time to explore and see the waterfalls in full force.
Avoiding Crowds When You Elope in Iceland
Iceland has become a pretty popular destination for travelers. It’s easy to see why, but you probably want a little more privacy when you exchange vows! There are a few things you can do to avoid crowds when you elope in Iceland.
First, choosing an off the beaten path elopement location helps a ton! Places around the Ring Road (Iceland’s main highway) are often really popular, especially those in the south. If you head north, or go into the Highlands, you’ll get away from a lot of the hustle and bustle!
Being intentional with your wedding date is also a way to avoid crowds - summer is the busiest, so consider eloping right before or right after the peak. I also recommend tying the knot on a weekday, and planning your ceremony for sunrise or sunset!
The Best Places to Elope in Iceland
Everywhere you look in Iceland, there’s a beautiful view - so narrowing it down and choosing where to exchange vows can be a challenge! My job as an elopement photographer is to help you find the perfect spot, so each couple will get a personalized list of location recommendations that are a little off the beaten path. But until then, here are a few of the best places to elope in Iceland to help you start brainstorming!
A Waterfall
Iceland is known for its waterfalls - just driving down the highway, you’ll see one around every turn! The rushing water and dramatic cascade of a waterfall makes a gorgeous elopement backdrop, and you can choose from easy to reach spots to waterfalls that you need to hike to. Skogafoss is a popular, and beautiful waterfall not far from Reykjavik, and nearby you’ll find a short hike to the more secluded Kvernufoss!
A Black Sand Beach
Iceland’s beaches are dramatic, with black pebbles and lava rock formations on the shore. The most famous black sand beach in Iceland is Reynisfjara, but you can find plenty of more secluded beaches around the country! Beaches in Iceland aren’t the kind you’ll want to sunbathe on, but they offer a really unique view.
A Glacier
Tie the knot at the bottom of a glacier, or take an excursion and trek on the ice! There are lots of glaciers and ice caves to explore, and they make for some of the best places to elope in Iceland. Jökulsárlón is an amazing place, home to the famous Diamond Beach, where you can see pieces of ice floating off into the ocean.
How to Get Legally Married When You Elope in Iceland
To make things official in the eyes of the government, you’ll need to do some paperwork! All of your documents need to be in English or in a Scandinavian language, so if yours is in a different language, it’ll need to be translated. You’ll need to send copies of these documents to the National Registry Office in Reykjavik at least three weeks in advance, then you’ll need to show originals 5 business days before the ceremony.
Here’s what you need:
Marriage notification - this form can be obtained at the office
Birth certificate
Certificate of No Impediment - this certificate states that you’re unmarried and are able to get married. Some US states don’t have this document available, but you can ask about alternatives!
Proof of divorce or death of former spouse, if applicable
Passports
Things to Do When You Elope in Iceland
Eloping, especially abroad and somewhere as beautiful as Iceland, means that the ceremony is just one small part of your experience! You’ll likely be combining your wedding day with your honeymoon, so plan some amazing adventures during your stay. Here are some ideas for things to do when you elope in Iceland!
Go Hiking
Iceland has some of the most incredible landscapes in the world, and you can hike through mountains, on glaciers, behind waterfalls, through lava rocks, and so much more! If you love outdoor adventures, be sure to check out some of Iceland’s trails.
Snorkel Between Tectonic Plates
One unique adventure you can have in Iceland is snorkeling (or diving, if you’re certified), between tectonic plates! At Thingvellir National Park, you can see where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates split, creating a rocky fissure. If you don’t want to get in the water, you can explore the park and see it from land too!
Take a Helicopter Tour
The landscapes look amazing from up above too! For a one of a kind elopement experience, you can take a helicopter tour and fly over glaciers, beaches, volcanoes, and more. You can even land in a completely remote spot and exchange vows there!
Iceland Elopement Packages
You deserve a wedding day that you absolutely love - and while planning a destination elopement can be a lot of work, I’m here to help! I’ll do the location scouting, give you recommendations for vendors, places to stay, and things to do, and everything you need to plan your once in a lifetime elopement in Iceland.
I’ve got you covered, to make sure that your day is stress free! If you’re ready to elope in Iceland, contact me to book a free consultation call!