October 1, 2021
When Sarah + Michel reached out to me, they had originally planned to elope in Germany, where they both were native to and currently live. But, like many others their plans were greatly interrupted by Covid-19. Unfortunately, Germany's travel restrictions, due to the pandemic, caused them to pivot and find another destination for their adventure.
The opportunity to elope in Iceland became more and more real and as we began researching and planning. I have to say, I think it might have been a blessing in disguise.
Iceland is one of the most incredible and unique places I have ever been! The variety in landscape within a short distance is amazing. You can find towering, vivid, green mountains that meet black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls and volcanos. It's not called "The Land of Fire and Ice" for no reason! Because of this, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to elope!
Sarah + Michel's Iceland elopement day began inside a beautiful A-Framed cabin in Vik, a remote seafront town on the south rim of the island. They shared local homemade donuts and helped each other get ready. It was the perfect way to begin their intimate elopement day together!
We didn't have to go far to find Skool Beans Cafe, the cutest school bus-turned-coffee shop, just down the road from their Airbnb! (Highly recommend checking out their Instagram to see the famous 3-legged cat, Jeffery). Sarah + Michel ordered some hot beverages and light breakfast and we were on our way in search of the perfect mountain spot for their ceremony!
Iceland is known for it's lush, vivid green landscapes and Sarah + Michel's ceremony spot didn't disappoint! We climbed up one of the many beautiful mountains that overlooked the Atlantic Ocean, not far in the distance. We climbed until they felt just right. There, we stopped and Sarah + Michel exchanged vows in German, wedding rings, some laughter and kiss. It was a beautiful and intimate ceremony in one of the most unbelievable places I have ever seen!
After their ceremony, we headed down into Vik and stopped at the Vík i Myrdal Church, a tiny white church at the top of a hill. Iceland is known for it's quaint and uniquely colored churches scattered throughout the country. The bright white building and red roof make such an iconic spot for photos! We couldn't resist!
Next, we explored Reynisfjara Beach or Black Sand Beach. If you are considering Iceland for your elopement, the Black Sand Beach is an absolute must!! It is full of incredible rock formations such as basalt columns, caves and massive structures jutting right out of the ocean! Sarah + Michel went inside the Hálsanefshellir Cave and stood on the basalt columns for some really beautiful portraits.
We ended their Iceland Adventure Elopement day with a visit to the famous, Solheimasandur Plane Wreck or better known as the "Iceland Plane Wreck". A US Navy plane ran out of fuel and crash landed on Iceland's black sand beaches in 1973. There were no deaths, but it has become an iconic tourist photo spot for people all over the world! And, for good reason! The plane is truly incredible to see! We ended up staying at the site until sunset, exploring and taking some really beautiful photos. To celebrate their elopement, Sarah + Michel popped a bottle of champagne together and danced in the last remaining golden hour light.
This Iceland Destination Adventure Elopement continues to be one of my absolute favorites I have had the opportunity to photograph! I hope you enjoy looking through all of Sarah + Michel's beautiful moments from this day.
If you are interested or are considering eloping in Iceland, CONTACT ME! I would love to connect with you and capture some amazing memories of your own!