This quote very time I read it gives me goosebumps and after I read it, Crystal and Devin’s wedding day instantly comes to mind.  Why?

The love they exude.

Their endless addiction to adventure.

Their wedding ceremony.

The locations.

The ever-changing Icelandic weather.

Every single element of the day impacted them (and their guests).  The epic moments throughout their journey will forever be in their hearts for the rest of their lives.  Iceland is apart of them and their love story.

These two Florida natives found themselves searching for a unique awe-inspiring wedding location that would break the mold of the traditional American “destination wedding” experience.  I know this is how the majority of our offbeat couples find us, but this was even more critical than usual, because Devin is a fellow destination wedding industry entrepreneur (check out Swag Decor).

After indulging in photos of glaciers, volcanos, black sand beaches, hidden caves, secret waterfalls, and the greenest mountains on the planet, Devin and Crystal quickly found themselves obsessed with Iceland.  It was the answer.  So please follow us along today as we experience their incredible Iceland adventure wedding!  Then also head over to the awesome POPSUGAR / MSN to see more from their amazing day!

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

How pretty are these Iceland wedding invitations?!

The adventure began where luxury meets homey-charm: Hotel Ranga.

You all know we’re a huge fan of Iceland wedding welcome bags, right?  How fantastic for your Iceland wedding guests to receive the below?!

The BEST Iceland wedding dress combo right here folks!  Long sleeve lovely elegant dress plus some warm but stylish Sorel boots!  #yesalldaylong

Serious kudos goes out to the fabulous Vault of Wonder on Etsy who created my personal and all time favorite ring box EVER, below:

I love when the bride and groom write love letters or exchange Iceland wedding day gifts before seeing each other!

Crystal’s Iceland wedding bouquet is one of my favorites because she had it made of maps of all of the areas they have explored together!

Before sunrise and we all loaded into super jeeps for the day, Crystal and Devin shared a private “first look” at the hotel.

Then we were on our way to a private side of a glacier for their unforgettable Iceland wedding ceremony!

Crossing rivers whether it be in a super jeep, by foot, or dodging glacier quicksand, our couples are the coolest!  Crystal and Devin were fearless!

The private glacier area our Iceland wedding planning team has access to, was super moody looking that gorgeous fall morning!

There are many amazing celebrants to choose from for your Iceland wedding ceremony.  In the end, Crystal and Devin chose to go the old-world Norse route and have a Asatru wedding ceremony.

It was surreal seeing these two profess their love to each other at the base of this amazing glacier side!

…and who doesn’t want to share their first drink from a horn during their Iceland wedding ceremony?!

Have you seen greener mountains for a wedding in Iceland?

Ughh, so moody and dramatic!! …an Iceland wedding photographers DREAM come true!

The shapes of the Icelandic mountains still be-still my heart years later!

Pit Stop!! Lunch in a private cave… A traditional Icelandic BBQ of Hot Dogs!

After lunch it was onto secret waterfall hunting during Crystal and Devin’s Iceland wedding day!

The variety of Iceland wedding locations during their adventure was stunning!!

More often than not, you only run into sheep during our Iceland wedding days…

Sunset on a black sand beach!  Reynisfjara is not one of our usual stops for our Iceland adventure weddings, but we are happy to oblige if a couple has it on their “must have” list.

Oh la la THAT LOVE!

Ha, typical Iceland depicted here… Downpour of rain and sun at the same time!

Misty secret canyons… a fave for Iceland wedding photos!

After relaxing and refreshing guests enjoyed a delicious meal at Hotel Ranga during Crystal and Devin’s Iceland wedding reception!

How sweet are these Iceland wedding favors?

Closing out their adventure wedding in Iceland Crystal and Devin attempted to launch chinese lanterns as a send off… Sadly the wind decided we go with “plan b!”

I always seem to have sparklers in my Iceland wedding planner “go” bag =)

Crystal + Devin,

So many epic moments that still leave me speechless months later.  Thank you for being so willing to adventure in the rain, climb, and hike!  You’re freaking amazing together, thank you for choosing our team to plan and photograph such an EPIC day in your lives!  Okay, so hurry and come back so we can go on another exploration together!!  ?

© 2017, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Glacier Wedding || Devin + Crystal’s Adventure appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

-John Muir

Photographing Fall weddings in Iceland are hands down my favorite.  September often ushers in brisker temperatures and Northern Lights.  While the land stays green until mid October as the bushes and ground cover transition to shades of red, orange, and yellow.  As if it was possible, the landscapes somehow become more alive.  Fall is an incredible time to hold your Iceland wedding day or have Iceland wedding photos taken!

Kristi and Luke reached out to us over 19 months before their desired Iceland wedding date seeking a unique destination wedding experience for them and their 40+ Iceland wedding guests.  Their fab wedding was also featured on one of my favorite blogs: Jet Fete, go them out for some more photos!  In the meantime I hope you’re excited to tag along with us today and experience their Iceland wedding day!

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

After careful consideration, Kristi and Luke decided on the ION Adventure Hotel as their Iceland wedding host hotel.

How pretty are their Iceland wedding timeline cards?

…and THESE Iceland wedding welcome bags?!

When Kristi and Luke originally reached out to us, they felt a connection to having their Iceland wedding ceremony at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.  A Note to You, the Reader: Since I began my business here in 2012, the amount of tourism has exponentially increased (more than doubled every year) and Seljalandsfoss no longer exudes privacy or intimacy for a wedding ceremony. That said, after reviewing some other secret waterfalls we presented, Kristi + Luke fell in love with this intricate gem to start their Iceland wedding day!

Ugh! These TWO! And their little looks at each other throughout their Iceland wedding day kept me swooning!

Still wanting their guests to experience the incredible beauty of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, we had a quick stop for a glass of champagne to toast the newlyweds on their Iceland wedding day!

Iceland Wedding Planner does not typically go to the iconic natural wonder landmarks (we rather keep to our secret/private locations), but at a client’s request we happily include.  Because where else in the world do you have the chance to experience dynamic beaches like this?!  Reynisfjara, you never disappoint!

These textures and these tones… Incredible for Iceland wedding photos!

Kristi, Luke, and their wedding guests were game for a fun little hike into a secret little canyon waterfall!  …they encountered some of the locals on the trail

Taking your guests from being part of just your “wedding day” to crafting a unique adventure, that they will always remember as an EXPERIENCE is a very powerful dynamic of having a wedding in Iceland!

Pssssst!! Did you know there are countless waterfalls you can walk behind in Iceland?

Sod covered houses and kisses… Their first date as newlyweds! Love it!

Lava Fields + Love…. Swoon!

Connecting the outside to the inside of your Iceland wedding reception really adds to the experience.

When we started talking Iceland wedding reception decor design, Kristi wanted to have a warm inviting element added.  Our creation was this bubble wall that sat directly behind the bride and groom!  How fun!

Oh la la and when the bubbles were lit they were GORGEOUS!

Mmmmm…. Iceland wedding FOOD! Yum yum yum!

Kristi and Luke were looking for a unique alternative to having a traditional “guestbook” signing to display at their Iceland wedding reception.  This was SUCH a fun option!  They took one of our images we’ve shot, enlarged it and had their guests inscribe a memory!

© 2017, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Wedding Photography | Kristi + Luke appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

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.

Before you pop the champagne in celebration of choosing a destination wedding location and become totally intoxicated with the idea of getting married in Iceland, there are a few things you should know before you start Iceland Wedding Planning.  Today, we would like to advise you on 15 Things You Should Know Before Having a Wedding in Iceland…

1. Unpredictable Weather – No joke folks, Iceland is easily the most unruly weather place in the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting married in Iceland on December 1^st, July 1^st, or October 1^st.  You can have an Iceland wedding or elopement full of rain, sun, sleet, snow, sand storms, 15mph winds or gale force winds, who knows!  The weather being so unruly through is part of the reason why you have such a vibrant landscape scenes, especially in Southern Iceland.  You will need to come to terms with the possibility of challenging weather (and go out and play in it so you can get those AMAZING Iceland wedding photos, okay?), because there is a high probability that it may happen.  So please be prepared (IE, Rain gear, Hot Hands, Have your Iceland Hairstylist super pin your hair back/up, use MAC cosmetics – HELLO waterproof Iceland wedding makeup, and an Iceland Wedding Coat)!

2. Icelandic Holidays and Events– There are MANY. Why does this matter to you?  In the countryside, many times restaurants will have limited hours or be closed.  Also, if you will be having an Iceland Wedding or Icelandic Elopement, you will need to get your marriage paper work / license from the regional District Commissioner and they are closed on Icelandic Holidays and only work M-F (outside of holidays) typically from 9-2pm GMT.  Likewise many times Icelandic celebrants will not work on the National holidays so keep that in mind when choosing a Iceland wedding date.  Have a look HERE to peruse the dates.  It is also very important for you to know what events may be happening during your desired wedding date… The last thing you want to do is pick a day/weekend and location that is going to be way over populated and filled with people EVERYWHERE or worst yet, sharing your wedding space with another couple!  Note: Our clients need not worry because we do not plan weddings at mainstream locations where this happens.

3. Driving in Iceland: We have a fantastic previous blog post HERE on that topic. If you don’t want to read then at least click on the below:

www.safetravel.is

www.road.is

www.vedur.is

4. Iceland is not a cheap country, regardless of how cheap your plane ticket is.  It is in fact one of the most expensive in Europe and most certainly in the world.  Remember: Iceland is an ISLAND and most of everything is imported (including most food) making it high priced to eat, adventure, and shop. Examples: Rental cars here in summer for an economy car range between $80-100 USD per day; Breakfast for 1 person $18 USD; lunch for 1 person: $28-35 USD; Dinner $48-65 per person.  There are only 4 American fast-food joints here also, KFC, Taco Bell, Subway, Quiznos and they are still fairly expensive to American terms (no dollar menus like you’re use to).  So unless you only want your diet to consist of hot dogs, I would urge you to be ready and save up.

5. Credit Cards (VISA / Master Card) are accepted 98% of the places you’ll go and most restaurants will also take AMEX. No need to exchange money (ISK – Iceland Kronurs) unless paying people on your Iceland wedding day (Celebrant, Iceland Hairstylist or Makeup Artist) or unless you want to buy a Pylsur from the famous hot dog stand or a snack from the downtown Reykjavik food trucks.

6. Icelandair “My Stopover” – This is one tidbit I wish was happening way back when I was first married here in Iceland (way back when before it was cool) because I think my guests would have LOVED to take advantage of it. What is Icelandair’s offer of a “Stop Over?”  They allow you to do a practically “free” stop in Iceland for up to 7 days on the beginning of your trip or after it.  Which means you could fly from NYC to Iceland (hold your Iceland wedding or elopement) for up to 7 days and then go honeymoon in some other awesome European destinations (like to Norway, France, Scotland, etc).

7. Natural Wonders in Iceland can be Dangerous!  No joke folks and that perfect Instagram photo or selfie is not worth your life, okay?  Examples of where to take heed:

• Fjadrargljufur Canyon – Heed the roped path okay? The place is often a mud slip-and-slide and falling 200 meters isn’t on the Iceland wedding agenda.

• Geysir – Stand behind the designated ropes because I promise, 3^rd degree burns will ruin your Golden Circle tour.

• Gullfoss Waterfall – In winter (December-March) the path down to the waterfall is closed for a reason and the reason is because it is ICY and you could plummet to your Niagara Falls style death. But then during Spring/Summer/Fall – Don’t take silly risks either.  The other day I saw a photographer on Instagram post a photo of a couple standing on a moss cliff edge inches from the powerful waterfall (search the “icelandwedding” hashtags for around May 11^th 2016 and you’ll see it).  Moss/Dirt piles are unstable and dangerous and that is why you should not venture off the roped path. Too many tourists before you have made that area unstable and you could now be the one that serves as the risky example.  Think about consequences, not “the perfect shot,” okay?

• Godafoss / Dettifoss Waterfall (Northern Iceland waterfalls) – Be careful here too folks. The above warning applies to these waterfalls too.

• Jökulsárlon Glacier Lagoon – So we all know ice melts and is generally unstable, right? Only hop onto ice that is fully stable on LAND, not with water under it.  Otherwise you could be a laughed at news article and face fines if the Iceland Search and Rescue team have to come rescue you like these silly tourists.

• Reynisfjara Beach – This beach is gorgeous, yes. However during the winter months (November-April) this location has limited accessibility because of the strong currents/waves.  So the cave or the basalt rocks will not be accessible to you, so just come back in summer okay?  But know, even in summer venturing out into the water at this black sand beach is not a good idea.  Remember what I said about strong currents?  I’m not joshing.

Don’t tempt fate and respect nature.

8. Arctic Char: It’s more delicious than salmon, order it wherever you go and never ever be disappointed.

9. Best Places to see Icelandic Wildlife:

• Reindeer Deer – Egilsstaðir (Eastern Iceland)
• Puffins – Vestmannaeyjar or Dyrholaey (Southern Iceland)
• Whales – Husavik (Northern Iceland)
• Arctic Foxes – Hornstrandir /Ísafjarðardjúp (Westfjords)

10. If you’re planning on going the budget route and camp around Iceland, I encourage you to get the “Camping Card.”

11. Duty Free Upon Arrival is one of my favorite things about flying into Iceland. Why?  Mainly because the alcohol sold there has a better selection and a fraction of the cost of what it costs in stores around the country. Second, because you can order online and in advance.  So for someone who HATES shopping, I can place my order online, give them the reference number upon landing and then they have it ready and ring it all up for me right then and there.  You should try it out, HERE.  Also see a calculator for how much alcohol you can purchase upon arrival HERE.  Remember though, you still must stay within the usual customs boundaries if you do not wish to pay duty.  See those rules again HERE.

12. Tax Free Shopping all around the country! Most of the places you’ll want to buy Icelandic wool sweaters, blankets, souvenirs, etc, have a Global Blue sticker outside of their door which means you’ll get money back (if you spend more than 6,000 ISK per purchase).  So make sure you ask for the form / receipt upon check out if the location participates!  Fill it out and then when you’re leaving Iceland, you will follow the signs to “Tax Refund.”

13. Will your phone work in Iceland? Check with your provider before you come here.  Otherwise… If you’re not going to be doing “f-roads” or offbeat adventuring and you have a GPS with Icelandic maps installed, then you can get away with just using your cell phones on wifi.  Best option: If you have “unlocked” phones you can buy a SIM card to put in your phone (they sell in the Duty Free Shop nearby to where you get your checked luggage).  Otherwise another option would be buying a cheap prepaid phone at duty free upon arrival, but I would suggest you pre-buy to ensure they have ready and in stock when you arrive.  See HERE.

14. Grocery Stores in Iceland:
    1. Best American grocery items store: Kostur (sadly this store has no closed!)
    2. Hagkaup
    3. Kronan
    4. Bonus (cheapest)
    5. Netto (later hours)
    6. Costco (Note: They sell U.K products, not American)

15. Buying Alcohol in Iceland: Where can you buy Icelandic Beer, Spirits, Wine, and Champagne?  There is only one company allowed to sell outright and that is as follows:  Vinbudin.  Note: You can not buy alcohol in grocery stores (sorry my American friends).

I hope this informational post has helped you begin your planning for your Iceland wedding!

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

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

The post 15 Things You Should Know Before Having a Wedding in Iceland appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

The day… Let me take you back to that wonderful summer day in Iceland, we’ll fondly call, Tanabata.  What is that, you ask?  If you’re familiar with Asian customs, you might have heard of the inspiring “Star Festival” which is a legend that allows two lovers to meet in the Milky Way for only one day a year, which is on the seventh day of the seventh month… July 7^th.  It’s lucky, it’s beautiful, it’s romantic, and it frankly gives me goosebumps.  Plus who doesn’t want an epic date for their wedding day, am I right?

My Iceland Adventure Weddings always begin before 7am so we can lead a very action packed 16+ hour day.  After all it’s Your Adventure Wedding, right? =)  We were out the door of Hotel Ranga and on our way to one of my favorite private waterfalls in Iceland via super jeep.  D+G “Ooooo, and ahhhhh” over the epic blue skies, lushness, and splendor of this private super-secret waterfall.  The day carried on to a luxurious and very romantically styled picnic on the side of what could be one of Iceland’s most powerful subglacial volcanos.  So exciting!  A wickedly awesome drive through some of Iceland’s sweetest canyons and then on to one of our last stops was a gorgeous black sand beach that had amazing basalt columns protruding from the North Atlantic Ocean.

Upon returning to Hotel Ranga, the couple was greeted with a stunningly styled (by us, Iceland Wedding Planner of course) intimate Iceland wedding reception for two overlooking the beautiful Ranga River.  Accoutrements included connections to nature within the rock centerpieces, organic salt Iceland wedding favors, an elegant Iceland wedding menu card, and flasks that said, “The Adventure Begins…”  A luxury elopement in Iceland screams details.  That’s just what this fabulous couple received!  As the sun began to set after dinner, we headed back out to a sweet little sod farm for a few more images ending our adventure just after midnight!

A remarkable couple plus an extraordinary day, surely equals mesmerizing Iceland wedding photos, as you’ll see below compliments of Photos by Miss Ann!  Enjoy!!

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

© 2015, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved

The post Luxury Icelandic Elopement appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.