Imagine standing in the land of fire and ice for your Iceland elopement – surrounded by the icy blues of Jökulsárlón, the beauty of Diamond Beach, and the rugged terrain of canyons. That’s what eloping in Iceland looks like and that’s where Harper and Riley chose to start their next chapter of their love story – a story that’s been full of adventure, connection, and just the right amount of unpredictability. Their Iceland elopement wasn’t just a celebration of their love but a reflection of their wild spirits and the journey they’ve taken to get here.
Harper and Riley’s love story began in college. Although they didn’t connect right away, a chance conversation about a shared family vacation spot in Florida was the beginning of something incredible.
It wasn’t until their junior year that their paths crossed again in a way that would change everything. Harper had learned that Riley knew how to longboard and convinced Riley to teach her. They spent countless evenings riding around campus, and though there were sparks, neither of them knew quite yet where those feelings would lead. Harper reflects, “I just thought she was super cool… plus, I was the only single one at the time anyway.”
But the magic truly began during their senior year. Between thesis writing and creating their final body of artwork, they found themselves spending more time together through their cohort. Riley, who had become close with one of Harper’s roommates, even attended a Zumba class that Harper taught. It was during one of these classes that Harper knew she was “toast,” falling head over heels for Riley’s smile and dance moves.
From that point on, they were inseparable. Although the road wasn’t always easy and life threw its fair share of challenges their way, Harper and Riley always found their way back to each other. “We believe in the Red Thread of Fate,” Harper explains. “That no matter where we are in life, or even if we were something else in another life, like a bird or a cloud, we’d still find each other.” Their connection was undeniable, and through courage and love, they built a relationship that was unshakeable. Ughhhh, and if that doesn’t make you feel like their love story should be a movie…brb, I’m calling Hallmark right now.
When Harper and Riley dreamed about their Iceland elopement, it wasn’t just about the location or the details—it was about how the day would feel. For them, the most important aspect of their elopement were the vibes. They wanted to feel the depth of their love, the excitement of committing to a life full of adventure, and the undeniable connection that had brought them together.
Iceland was the dream location for their adventureous elopement. From the icy magic of Jökulsárlón to the black sands of Diamond Beach, every part of their vision revolved around unreal, yet natural elements.
On the day of their elopement, the unpredictable Icelandic weather added an extra layer of excitement to Harper and Riley’s adventure. It was cold, windy, and rainy—a true Icelandic summer elopement—but that only made the experience more memorable (especially the part about packing rain pants in this elopement photographer’s suitcase haha).
They started their day with a cozy cup of coffee, savoring the calm before heading out to explore the stunning landscapes of Iceland. First stop? Diamond Beach. The contrast between the black volcanic sands and the sparkling ice formations was nothing short of magical. Even though the rain persisted, these two didn’t shy away from dancing and playing in the rain.
From there, they ventured to the famous Jökulsárlón, also known as the Glacier Lagoon, where the shimmering icebergs floated in the lagoon, creating an otherworldly scene. Despite the drizzle, Harper and Riley were all smiles, ready to embrace whatever the day had in store. We grabbed a blanket and they got cuddled up taking in the scenery of the lagoon.
After warming up in the car, we headed to the canyon. The rain subsided for a brief moment, but as we hiked, the weather took a turn for the worse, with strong winds whipping around us. Halfway up the canyon, we realized the conditions were too intense to reach their planned spot. But true to their adventurous spirits, we found an equally amazing spot for them to exchange their vows.
For Harper and Riley, the wild weather only added to the magic of their day. They were soaked, freezing, but laughing the entire time. Despite the rain and wind, they shared an intimate and emotional vow exchange, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Icelandic landscape. With all the rain these two had on their wedding day, they’re bound for a lifetime of good luck.
If you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s as wild and free as your love, Iceland is the place to be. Whether you envision exploring the black sands of Diamond Beach, hiking through rugged canyons, or standing before towering waterfalls, Iceland offers endless possibilities for couples who want something extraordinary.
If Harper and Riley’s Iceland mountain elopement has sparked your sense of adventure, let’s make your dream elopement a reality. Whether it’s a summer elopement at Jökulsárlón or a vow exchange at an epic canyon, I’ll handle all the details so you can focus on what matters most: each other.
From location scouting to timeline planning, I’m here to make sure your day is stress-free, full of all the vibes, and everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Let’s create an epic adventure together!
Photographer: Anna Holden Photo
Floral: 4 Arstidir
Riley’s outfit: Sezane
Harper’s outfit: Reformation
I’m Anna, your Iceland elopement photographer, guide + biggest fan to make it all happen.
I l o v e showing rad folks like you just what makes this place special. In fact, I geek out over discovering what makes every place special when I’m planning elopements, whether you’re hoping for the Blue Lagoon or the Glacier Lagoon.
Tell me what you want your day to feel like, and I’ll take the wheel. I legit can’t wait to start researching and planning to create exactly what you want.