An Epic Iceland Elopement in the Untamed Beauty of Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Last year, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Stella and Rico’s Iceland elopement in none other than the rugged Snæfellsnes Peninsula. So, stick around and keep reading if you want to dive into the raw beauty and untamed adventure that unfolded on this epic day.
Why have a Snæfellsnes Peninsula Elopement?
The scenery in Snæfellsnes is nothing short of awe-inspiring—breathtaking and beyond words. It's the ideal backdrop for adventurous souls seeking an epic setting for their Iceland elopement or wedding. Picture iconic black pebble beaches, moss-draped lava fields, and hidden-gem waterfalls, creating a landscape that calls out to both elopement photographers and couples. Rooted in Icelandic folklore, Snæfellsnes Peninsula embodies untamed beauty, covering every corner with a mythical and romantic atmosphere.
Now, when it comes to accessibility, Snæfellsnes Peninsula checks that box too. This jaw-dropping, rugged wonderland is just a 2-hour drive away from Reykjavik. It offers you the best of both worlds: the untamed beauty of the peninsula and the convenience of travel for you and your crew. It's like having your cake and eating it too, but in the form of an elopement destination.
Iceland Elopement Adventure: Black Pearl Beaches, Lava Fields, and Grand Waterfalls
The Djúpalónssandur Elopement Ceremony
Stella and Rico's Iceland elopement ceremony kicked off at Djúpalónssandur, one of Iceland's most beautiful black lava pearl beaches. This incredible location flaunts an arched-shaped bay studded with coastal rocks, intense black sand, and scattered black pebbles. Against the backdrop of these amazing Icelandic views, Stella and Rico exchanged their intimate vows and wedding rings, marking the beginning of their next epic chapter together.
Pizza at Arnarbær & Moody Iceland Weather
We then embarked on a short 15-minute drive to Arnarbær, and let me tell you, this was a great idea. Nestled in West Iceland, it's a haven for local flavors, offering a nice mix of seafood and various pizza selections. My personal favorite? The Hawaiian pizza—it's the bomb.
I absolutely appreciate it when couples infuse their special day with fun and personal touches, and stopping for a bit of pizza perfectly fits the bill. After savoring every bite and finishing off the pizza, our Iceland adventure kicked into high gear as we set out to capture some truly breathtaking wedding photos around the peninsula.
As we left the restaurant, the rain poured, and it stuck with us throughout the entire photoshoot. Classic Iceland weather, right? Unpredictable and everchanging. But hey, that's part of the adventure. When you're planning your Iceland elopement, learn to let go of the small stuff you can't control—like the weather. Just gear up for the unexpected and embrace the wild, untamed nature of Iceland. Rain or shine, your day is destined to be an unforgettable experience.
Elopement Photos in an Icelandic Lava Field
Our first stop led us to a lava field with fantastic views of Snæfellsjökull, the 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano in western Iceland. The lava fields marked the perfect beginning for Stella and Rico's Iceland elopement photo journey. These formations are nothing short of fascinating, and like fingerprints, no two volcanoes or lava fields are the same. They wildly contrast in shape, size, and color, influenced by their unique formation processes and ages. This lava field, aged thousands of years, has craggy, spiky grey rocks covered with soft, green moss. The impressive combination of the rugged lava fields and the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape created an ideal setting for capturing some truly epic wedding photos.
Exploring Rauðfelsgjá
Post-lava field exploration, our next stop was Rauðfelsgjá—a narrow gorge carved into the valley wall, dressed in vibrant green moss and framed by towering cliffs. You can even follow along the trail all the way to the gorge's mouth. For those craving an added dose of thrill, you can take a little walk into the gorge itself. But, here's a pro tip: gear up with sturdy shoes and put on a rain jacket to tackle the spray of water, that way you're well-equipped for this escapade.
Favorite Photos at Svöðufoss
We concluded our Iceland elopement adventure at Svöðufoss waterfall, where I captured what quickly became one of my all-time favorite photos (the first photo on this blog). This spot is a true hidden gem in Iceland, and thanks to a recent parking lot construction, it's now easily accessible. Svöðufoss is a substantial block waterfall, fueled by the melting Snæfellsjökull Glacier. A mere half-hour walk up the trail from the parking lot leads you to the base of the waterfall. For those seeking a bit more adventure, hiking up the side provides stunning top-down views! The waterfall stands at a modest 10 meters, making it a relatively easy to moderate hike to its summit.
In the clear light, the sheer magnificence of Svöðufoss is on full display, with the Snæfellsjökull glacier giving a breathtaking backdrop. It's an incredibly epic scene that captures the raw beauty of Iceland. Svöðuá quickly became my favorite spot of this photoshoot from the moment we arrived. Experiencing it myself for the first time and capturing such a beautiful photo of Stella and Rico against the backdrop of this incredible Icelandic landscape made the entire day truly special.
By the end of the day, Stella and Rico were thoroughly soaked, but just take a look at the photos—everyone was on cloud nine. It's genuinely challenging to put into words how incredible this day was. Right from the start of the elopement planning process, this couple showcased their amazing spirit by traveling so far for their Iceland elopement. Snæfellsnes Peninsula was undoubtedly the perfect choice. Their big day unfolded with peak adventure, sharing wedding vows along the Atlantic Ocean coast, exploring mossy lava fields, standing in the shadow of towering gorges, and discovering hidden waterfalls—all in a single day. They fully embraced the unpredictable Iceland weather and created an unforgettable experience, one they'll joyfully relive through the magic captured in their wedding photos.
Start Planning Your Adventure Elopement in Iceland
Choosing Snæfellsnes Peninsula as your Iceland elopement destination means opting for an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, accessibility, and, of course, adventure. It's not just about an elopement day; it's a promise of an entirely unforgettable Iceland experience. For couples seeking a wedding that breaks free from tradition, Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers the ideal backdrop. Whether you fancy hiking to a hidden waterfall or exchanging vows on a windswept cliff, this peninsula invites you to embrace the spirit of adventure.
When you're ready to start planning your epic Iceland elopement day, just reach out, and let's make it happen!