A little over six years ago, Derek did just that with Abbie.  They bonded quickly over their combined love of being outside, experiencing nature, learning about different cultures, international travel, and being foodies.  Fast forward to Christmas time in NYC and add in a huge beautifully decorated tree, windows that overlook Central Park, champagne, and strawberries and you get the sweetest marriage proposal!  Abbie of course said “YES” and thus planning an adventurous elopement began!

Abbie and Derek were called to Iceland for a whimsical elopement because of the dynamic landscape and to quench their thirst for epic travel experiences.  They yearned for an adventure wedding day that was laid back, offbeat, secluded, intimate, and most importantly PRIVATE.  They came to the right place when they came to us here at Iceland Wedding Planner!  They were married on August 5th in the heart of the Icelandic summer and throughout all of their locations (minus the quick stop at Reynisfjara) they saw zero people!  How special, personal, and memorable is that?!

I’m super excited to share with you, today, these fabulous images from their adventurous elopement in Iceland!  Enjoy   Also if you get a sec, go checkout their Iceland wedding being featured on the Wedding Wire blog!

With a smile, Ann Peters + Team (Iceland Wedding Photographers + Planners)

THIS Iceland wedding dress was fabulously not traditional and I LOVED IT!  Abbie also took our Iceland wedding shoe advice and came fully equipped with 2 sets of perfect shoes!

Abbie’s Iceland wedding bouquet is also on my top 5 list for this year!  The perfect romantic combination!

So when you said you wanted to get married in Iceland at a private waterfall… You had THIS in mind, right??!! #dreamcometrue

You know there is a green here in Iceland that exsists nowhere else?

The textures and tones in the caves here in Iceland are unbeatable!

There are endless amounts of super green canyons here in Iceland and we find the greenest and the sweetest!

As most of you hopefully know by now, it may rain on your Iceland wedding day, but don’t worry we still make it super fun!  Derek and Abbie just grabbed our awesome clear umbrellas and played in the rain!

True to the  unpredictably of Icelandic weather… The rain stopped as quick as it started!

Abbie + Derek ended their beautiful elopement in Iceland with a dreamy styled wedding reception for two!

© 2016, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Incredible Iceland Elopement of Abbie + Derek appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Most people think that having summer wedding in Iceland will be guaranteed sunshine and warm temperatures.  Whereas, the reality of the situation is that if holding an Iceland wedding in the South chances are great that it may rain, be windy, or overcast no matter the time of year.  Luckily Marek and Luisa knew this and embraced running around in, laughing, and playing in the rain!  …and they did it in style!  Totally makes me want for it to rain on my wedding day!

Having some Scottish roots, Marek donned his family’s tartan colors and Luisa complimented her fabulous Iceland wedding dress with a matching shawl.  Also note Luisa’s AWESOME footwear… Hiking boots and Tom’s!  Perfect combo.

The Iceland adventure wedding day began with a ceremony on one of my favorite black sand beaches.

Oh la la and how dreamy is that sea arch with these two?!

…and her Iceland wedding flowers how vibrant and sweet!

Iceland Caves and Views #perfection

Exploring secret waterfalls on your Iceland wedding day should always be on the agenda!

…and sometimes when the fog and rain get so bad, you just have to explore through it!

An adventurous wedding day in Iceland requires a refuel stop of Icelandic hot dogs!

The romantic quite moments these two shared throughout their elopement in Iceland were stunning!

One of our Iceland adventure wedding spots had more Puffins than I could count!

Many times, our couples face their fears together among the amazing Icelandic cliff lines.

After 12 hours of adventuring Marek and Luisa delighted in a sweetly styled dinner for two!

Several more of our favorites from Luisa + Marek’s adventurous elopement in Iceland follow below, enjoy!

With a smile, Ann Peters + Team (Iceland Wedding Photographers + Planners)

© 2016, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Intimate Icelandic Elopement | Luisa + Marek appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Answer: Northern Iceland

Angela and Richard have had almost a decade of adventures together, so it was only fitting that their biggest and greatest be their wedding in Iceland!  A strong theme of fire and ice was followed through the Iceland wedding itinerary and included epic landmark spots such as Godafoss Waterfall, Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, Namaskard geothermal area and sunset in Lake Myvatn Nature Preserve.

When they returned to their host hotel Hotel Reynihlid in the evening, they found an unbelievable uniquely styled reception for two (compliments of Iceland Wedding Planner).  The elements of fire, ice, nature, and adventure were deep seeded throughout. …seriously amazing!  Check out all their glorious Iceland wedding favors!  The adventurous Icelandic elopement ended with sunset photos along the famed Lake Myvatn Nature Preserve.  Enjoy a little look into their Iceland adventure wedding below by our fabulous photo company, Photos by Miss Ann!

With a smile, Ann Peters (Iceland Wedding Planner and Photographer)

The post Iceland Summer Elopement: Angela + Richard appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Did you see us featured today on the ground breaking wedding inspiration blog: Burnett’s Boards?  We are over the moon excited… so take a moment to fall in love with Iceland over and over again…. HERE!

Hugs and Love,  Ann + Beth

The post Iceland Wedding Photographer + Planner Featured on Burnetts Boards appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Perched on the Northeastern shores of Lake Myvatn and in the shadows of the Dimmuborgir Lava Castles, sits the beautiful jewel, Hotel Reynihlid. You’ll find 41 comfortable European styled double rooms and each room offers excellent views.  Hotel Reynihlid is truly a full service hotel that offers year round accommodations. The friendly knowledgeable staff and fabulous amenities allow you to enjoy any length of stay or host your unforgettable Iceland Destination Wedding, as it would be a perfect choice for any Iceland wedding guest size.  Reynihlid boasts a banquet space big enough for 60 people seated for a Iceland wedding reception and a lovely 4 star in house restaurant called “Myllan.” Serving beautiful local Icelandic fare not limited to lovely lamb dishes and scrumptious Arctic Char, there is something delectable for every palate.

Be sure to plan your stay with plenty of time to check out the natural wonders all around; you’ll be able to fill every moment of daylight with some really unique Icelandic adventures. But first, start your day of sightseeing, with a lovely breakfast at Reynihlid, with its extensive continental spread it will surely get you off on the right foot!

If you’re looking to become one with the natural wonders of the area you can take an easy drive to one of two of the most grand waterfalls in the world, Dettifoss and Godifoss. Both are under a one hour drive from the hotel and many other natural wonder sights are on the way. Then make sure you stop for a walk around the bubbling mud pots of Namafjall, or take a carefree stroll through the Dimmuborgir volcanic chimneys with their dwarfing towers of lava rock and brilliant earthy colors. Both locations are less than a 10 minute drive from Hotel Reynihlid. Finish your day with a dip in the natural geothermal hot baths nearby, to sooth the aches of a fabulous day of adventure in Iceland’s dazzling outdoors.

If you’re interested in day tripping around the area you can venture into the little quaint town of Husavik, where the beautiful wooden church (named Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907) can be found! The area would be easy to do a fun self-guided tour and of course make sure you include a lunch or dinner stop at one of the amazing local seafood restaurants that operate right at the docks. There are also several spots for you to purchase authentic handmade Icelandic wares, crafts or to sign up for an unforgettable whale watching tour. As you can see, there is enough to keep you busy for at least an entire day and it is only a short 40 minute drive from Hotel Reynihlid.

Iceland Wedding Planner’s Visit to Hótel Reynihlíð:

On a fabulous summer morning in Northern Iceland, we began our trek from the Trollaskagi Peninsula and after a 45 minute drive south we arrived in the bustling city of Akureyri. We pressed thru so that we could have lunch in my absolute favorite city in Iceland – Husavik! We spent a few glorious hours there…Sad to leave the little fishing town but we were stoked to start heading south to the area of Lake Myvatn where Hotel Reynihlid resides.

With a quick stop to Godafoss, Dimmuborgir, and Námafjall, we arrived to Hotel Reynihlid by 8pm which was just in time for a delicious dinner in their fabulous restaurant! As soon as you walk into the hotel you’re greeted with warm smiles from the staff, delicious smells coming from the restaurant, and a feeling of being “home.” The lobby invites you to pull up a chair to enjoy the view or a good book. If you travel further into the formal check-in lobby area you’ll not only find the staff ready to check you in or answer any questions but you’ll also find a little sundry shop! The shop has all sorts of Icelandic snacks, souvenirs, and nic-naks so make sure you stop and check it out!

If you head over to the left side of the lobby you will find a computer that is internet accessible so you can check your email and stay connected to the world.  Beyond that you’ll find the regular side of the bar and if you venture to the other side, you’ll find the “MannaBar” filled with high tables, couches, piano, and a large television.  What a fabulous place to hold a wedding “happy/cocktail hour” for your Iceland wedding reception!

The hallways of Hotel Reynihlid have framed photos of the incredible natural wonders throughout Northern Iceland so enjoy as you walk to your room. Iceland Wedding Planner Travel Tip: If you have anyone who has a disability and cannot make the trip up stairs, please make sure you let the staff know at time of booking to reserve a first floor room.

Upon entering our room on the second floor, we loved the instant view we had of Lake Myvatn! The room also had fabulous amenities at our fingertips, including Duke & Lyle luxury Scandinavian toiletries! After settling in we jetted down to the restaurant for dinner and we delighted in the following scrumptious delectable dishes at the Myllan Restaurant:

• Poached Arctic Char with red onion and garlic toast.
• Shoulder of Lamb with bell peppers, potatoes and red onion.
• Locally caught baked Salmon with carrots and citrus sauce.

One of my favorite things about Reynihlid is the easy access to all of the top Northern Iceland attractions such as the following locales:

• Akureyri: 45 minutes
• Akureyri Airport: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Dettifoss (Note the Iceland Nature Pass is in affect): 50 minutes
• Dimmuborgir: 8 minutes
• Godafoss: 40 minutes
• Husavik (Fishing town and the best whale watching): 40 minutes
• Myvatn Nature Baths: 8 minutes
• Námafjall Geothermal Area (Note the Iceland Nature Pass is in affect): 10 minutes
• Hvitserkur Sea Arch: 4 hours 20 minutes
• KEF Airport: 6.5 hours

In the Iceland summer months (May-September), you’re able to easily navigate the roads from Southern Iceland but in Icelandic winter months (October to April).  But we would strongly encourage you to fly from the Reykavik Airport to the Akureyri Airport and then rent a car to continue on to Hotel Reynihlid.

Whether looking for your Iceland wedding to be in spring, summer, or winter, Hotel Reynihlid can support your vows in any season! With so many activities whether sun, rain, or snow, you and your loved ones will always have something new to experience. When your day’s adventures come to an end, you’ll be able to head back to the comfort of the hotel, enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail from Reynihlid’s full service bar and watch the sunset from the comfort of their beautiful and welcoming sun room while going over your day. All preparing you for the bedtime story of the Midnight Sun or the dazzling Northern Lights before settling into bed to catch some rest for your new adventures tomorrow.

We encourage you to contact Hotel Reynihlid for your next trip to Northern Iceland, you will not be disappointed! In the meantime, please delight in the images we photographed there this past summer when we did an Iceland Styled Session onsite there along with a few little tidbits around the area.

Hotel Reynihlid’s Contact Information:

• Website: http://www.reynihlid.is
• Address: 660 Myvatn; Myvatn, Iceland
• Phone: +354 464 4371
• Hotel Reynihlid GPS Cordinates: 65.6453341?N, -17.0626309?W

Stay tuned next time for another pick on our 2014 Top Iceland Wedding Hotel list! But just in case you missed the previous weeks posts… go back and check out our other 2 favorites from this year:

• Hotel Borg
• Brimnes Hotel & Cabins

With a smile, – Ann Peters (Iceland Wedding Planner and Photographer)

© 2002-2014, Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved

The post Northern Iceland Wedding Location: Hotel Reynihlid appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Today, we continue on with our list of this year’s “Top Iceland Wedding Hotels,” woohoo are you excited?!  If you missed last week’s post, head back here to delight!  Did you know there is a precious pearl of a hotel that I honestly feel has been one of Iceland’s best kept secrets, hiding out in Northern Iceland?  This years award for the best Iceland Elopement Hotel hands down goes to Brimnes Hotel and Cabins.

Nestled amongst the stunning peaks and fabulous fjords of the Trollaskagi Peninsula, and snuggled in the sleepy town of Olafsfjordur, is the quaint and lovely, Brimnes Hotel and Cabins.  With its eight Finnish styled cabins at water’s edge, Brimnes can support any length of stay for an Iceland wedding group size ~35 people or less.  Each fully furnished bungalow comes completely equipped for your stay with full kitchenettes and with their own hot tub on the patio.  The cabins especially, are warm and cozy with impressive geothermal heating and snuggly linens! What a perfect way to celebrate and relax after your Icelandic nuptials or Iceland wedding reception.

If you are looking for something a bit simpler, the main hotel across the street features 11 double in suite bathroom guest rooms as well, each with stunning views and modern Scandinavian design.  You’ll find that it is comfortable and what you need, without taking any of the spotlight away from the scenery outside.

With its own restaurant in the heart of the main hotel lobby, you’ll find yourself starting each day with a full Icelandic breakfast spread.  On that same note, you’ll also find a menu for dinner ranging from a lite bite to a gourmet Icelandic three course dinner. Brimnes, has ensured that you can make any occasion special, by savoring the stunning view from the floor to ceiling dining room windows, which easily makes the swoon factor in their restaurant high!  …You could even be so daring to ask the staff to place a table out on the dock for a romantic dinner for two!

Iceland Wedding Planner’s visit to Brimnes Hotel & Cabins:

Our adventure to Brimnes Hotel began after finishing a gorgeous Iceland summer wedding in the South. We drove a fabulous 4 hours north on Route 1 to make our first stop at my favorite natural wonder in Iceland…Hvitserkur Sea Arch.  I could seriously spend hours here and in an upcoming post you’ll see and understand why =)  Next on our agenda, was driving 1.5 hours to delight in one of the oldest and most famed sod church referred to as, Víðimýri. As we drove, one of the most surprising of things about I found through Iceland’s Northern Fjords, is the enormous amount of one lane tunnels (Eeeek, my nemesis!).

Luckily though, if you can make it past the 4-6ish tunnels, and bear through less than an hour’s drive from the sod church you’ll reach Brimnes Hotel & Cabins and be oh-so glad you did!  With the picturesque location at the base of the mountains and shimmering lake very easily set the scene for true relaxing and any romantic Iceland wedding weekend.

Having the pleasure of staying in the main hotel, we found the amenities to fit our needs for the night and the view, simply unforgettable.  Travel Tip: If arriving later than 9pm, make sure you have had dinner or purchased snacks as the hotel does not offer a formal service for food after that hour. Also my fair ladies, remember your hair dryer if you need one =) The staff at Brimnes was attentive and accommodating and we seriously cannot wait to go back!

Brimnes can be an ideal location as headquarters for your Northern Iceland Wedding Adventure or even a stop in your honeymoon itinerary after your Icelandic Elopement! In summer, you’re able to easily navigate the roads from Southern Iceland but in Icelandic winter months (October to April), we would caution you or strongly encourage you to fly.

You are approximately the following time frames from the important locations below:

• Akureyri: 40 minutes
• Húsavík: 1 hour
• Lake Mývatn: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Reykavik: 5 hours
• KEF Airport: 6 hours

One of my favorite features of the hotel is the fact you can walk out from your room and go jump in a row boat to explore their lake, play lawn games, and walk the grounds in awe.  Downstairs in the main hotel, you’ll also find a recreation room which has a large pool table and a television for viewing your favorite shows in the evening.

From Brimnes Hotel and Cabins, there are many activities to do during the day, in the summer months there’s limitless hiking around the fjords and mountains, bird watching (hello puffins!), day trips by ferry to the Arctic Circle Island of Grimsey. Plus, if you would like to learn a bit more about Iceland’s history you can explore the Icelandic Emigration Center in Hofsos or the Natural History Museum in Olaf or the unique Herring Museum! A bit further of a drive and you can visit the quaint seaside fishing towns for incredible an whale watching adventure or just a relaxing afternoon of sight-seeing, Icelandic shopping and fantastic seafood.

Don’t miss out on the stunningly impressive Dettifoss Waterfall which is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and is only a 3 hour drive east from the hotels door.  During the winter months there’s many outlets for adventure such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.  All great activities before settling back in for the night.  Also, ensure you keep an eye out for the ever prevalent northern lights which are a winter norm at Brimnes Hotel being so close to the Arctic Circle and all!

If I was eloping in Iceland, Brimnes Hotel & Cabins would be on the top of my list to consider if I wanted a location that was unique, fully immersed in nature, and in such a primo location between my favorite Iceland natural wonders!  We would encourage you to add them to your Iceland travel itinerary, please check out their contact information below. Also enjoy the Iceland Styled Session we did there with the theme of “To Iceland with Love!”

Brimnes Hotel & Cabins Contact Information:

• Website: http://www.brimnes.is/
• Address: Bylgjubyggð, 625 Ólafsfjörður, Iceland
• Phone: +354-466-2400
• Hotel Brimnes GPS Cordinates: 66.069843″N, -18.658700″W

Stay tuned next time for another pick on our 2014 Top Iceland Wedding Hotel list!

With a smile, – Ann Peters (Iceland Wedding Planner and Photographer)

© 2002-2014, Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved

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