Now bring on the endlessly AMAZING options for Iceland Wedding Locations…  So I invite you to take a deep breath and savor our post today!  I even dare you to close your eyes, revel in the beauty as you read your way through these amazing Iceland wedding locations.  Then start asking yourself, if you see yourselves there, saying “I do!” in the midst of that epic landscape!

Disclaimer:  Several of the locations featured within this post are on private property and require special permissions that most people do not have (don’t worry, our Iceland Wedding Planning team of course does, because we are the offbeat Iceland adventure wedding experts!).  Other locations may require specialized gear and vehicles to get to them.  Good News!  This is exactly why we specialize in planning Iceland Adventure Weddings, so when you fall in love with a location, please contact us and we’ll put together some crazy awesome unique Iceland wedding plans for you!

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

32 AMAZING Iceland Wedding Locations:

#1-  Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Iceland Wedding:

It’s one of the most iconic landscapes in Iceland (and believe us, there are plenty of iconic landscapes to choose from in this country!).  Reynisfjara Beach is located on the southern coast of Iceland, not far from the town of Vik.  It’s famous not just for its black sand, but its three distinctive sea stacks, jutting out of the ocean.  Many couples pay a visit to Vik Beach (in front of the town side) before shooting their wedding photos at Reynisfjara Black Beach.  You could also consider a Basalt Sea Stack Wedding, if you’re so inclined.

Reynisfjara Beach is also home to a rather unique columned stone wall that opens to form the mouth of a large cave.  The cave provides a perfect, sheltered spot for a wedding ceremony, framing stunning views of the black sand beach and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.  If you’re planning to visit Iceland during winter however, you will likely not be able to go inside of the cave (between November-April) as the waves consume the cave and making it CRAZY dangerous.

Please Note: Since this blog post was written, this Iceland black sand beach wedding location has turned into a heavily populated tourist location.  It is best to arrive shortly before sunrise or sunset to avoid the heavy tourist times.  Also know to check the tide schedules to stay safe on this beach.  This beach is known for it’s heavy riptides so please visit with care and knowledge.

#2- Have your Iceland Wedding in front of a Secret Private Waterfall:

Is there anything more picturesque than adventuring to a private waterfall in Iceland to say your vows at?  There are an endless amount of waterfalls in all sorts of shapes and sizes to choose from.  But, did you know, that over 75% of Iceland is privately owned, therefore some of its most spectacular scenery is on private property (requiring in advance permission).  One of our favorite private waterfall wedding ceremonies was Brandi and Zach’s from July 2018.  Followed by the hidden waterfall elopement of JoAnne and Corbin.

Finding you the most perfect, secret spot for your wedding ceremony is our forte and we have exclusivity at countless stunning private waterfall wedding locations!  Love the idea of having a wedding at a private waterfall where it’s just the two of you and your guests?!  Connect with our experienced Iceland Wedding Planner team for more information.

#3-  Iceland Wedding at Dyrholaey Sea Cliff:

For panoramic coastal views, Dyrholaey Sea Cliff is a unique spot with a breathtaking outlook in all directions.  The cliff is, quite literally, an island with a door hole.  It’s possible to walk across the bridge of the of the cliff, where you can see as far as the Myrdalsjokull glacier in one direction, and Reynisdrangar’s sea stacks in the other.  You will also find an impressive lighthouse at the top.  Note: Since this Iceland Wedding Planner blog post was published, a crazy amount of ropes have been installed throughout this area.  Before it was roped off and became heavily populated with tourists, we shot these wedding photos at Dyrholaey Sea Cliffs.

It’s also possible to visit the bottom of the cliff, located on a dramatic black sand beach (photo above). Our Iceland Wedding Planner team has been granted exclusive access to this area by the landowner.  When you step out of the super jeep, your jaw will drop as you marvel over the incredible view from this direction.  A sunrise wedding ceremony at Dyrholaey Sea Cliff might be one of the most dreamy things we have witnessed!  You may even cross paths with one of the local Puffins if you’re lucky!

#4-  Iceland Wedding at the famed Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon:

It’s famous for a reason, and this gorgeous glacial lake is a wedding photographer’s dream – a still blue lake surrounded by national park and filled with majestic icebergs.  Note: To have a wedding within this national park space, you must ask for permission in advance (even if not bringing chairs or a setup for the Iceland wedding ceremony).

Do you remember Richard and Bethany’s Glacier Lagoon wedding?  Or what about visiting a more offbeat one that provides a more intimate experience during your Iceland wedding adventure like Melissa and Vince’s fall wedding?

#5-  Wedding at Iceland Geothermal Area:

You’ve probably heard Iceland referred to as ‘the land of fire and ice’.  The ‘fire’ moniker comes from its many, quite spectacular geothermal areas.  Think bubbling mud pools, steaming hot springs and the occasional spurting geyser.  Oh, and about 30 active volcanoes too!  If your wedding day wish list requires something truly unique, consider one of these stunning locations and prepare for some truly epic wedding photos.

Our Iceland Wedding Planner team also has exclusive access to some to some private geothermal areas that will have ZERO tourists.

#6-  Iceland Wedding Ceremony inside of a Secret Private Cave:

Iceland is famed for its numerous caves, many of which become stunning ice formations during the winter months.  Caves provide a perfect, private space to exchange your vows, particularly if you want to shelter from some of the wilder weather that this country is known for.  Visit our Iceland Wedding Planner blog to see the endless amount of caves our team has access to.

#7-  Northern Iceland Wedding at Godafoss Waterfall:

Another of Iceland’s picture perfect waterfalls, Godafoss (also known as ‘the waterfall of the gods’) is a 30 meter wide, horseshoe shaped beauty in the north of Iceland.  It’s a lovely spot for an intimate ceremony, complete with stunning views and the thundering soundtrack of water flowing through an ancient lava field and crashing into the river below.

Iceland Wedding Planner Tip: We no longer have this location on our Iceland wedding location list (it has become too touristy for our taste) but if you are planning on your own, we highly encourage you to marry on the left side of the falls versus the touristy right hand side.  See our previous Iceland elopement at Godafoss Waterfall for reference.

#8-  Iceland Country Church Wedding:

For those who crave the beauty of Iceland’s natural landscape but still prefer a more traditional church setting for their wedding ceremony, Iceland has many options for you.  There are beautiful churches dotted across the countryside, each with their own unique character and charm.

Special Note: Iceland Wedding Planner no longer offers weddings or elopements in churches unless the couple embarks on an adventure afterwards like this couple who married in Vik Iceland.

#9-  Have an Icelandic Elopement in a field of Lupines!

Do you love the color purple?  Then how about saying ‘I do’ amongst a sea of lovely Lupines?  During the time frame between mid June to mid July, the island is coated with millions of Alaskan lupine, it’s super dreamy!  Please make sure before choosing a spot though please ask permission from the land owner or location before holding your Iceland wedding ceremony there (if not hiring us).

#10-  Iceland Northern Lights Wedding at the little black church in Budir: Búðakirkja

Speaking of churches, Budir’s little black church would have to be one of the most instantly recognizable churches in Iceland.  Búðakirkja is set in the midst of a lava field, with an epic glacier as its backdrop.  And who needs a fireworks display if you’re lucky enough to see a spectacular sky show courtesy of the Northern Lights overhead?

Of course, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and their appearance is unpredictable.  As much as we would love to ‘turn them on’ for our couples, it’s impossible to guarantee when and where they will appear.  Certain times of year and certain locations do offer more favorable chances of spotting them however and of course, we know all of the best vantage points.  You can find more information in our blog post about the Northern Lights in Iceland.

#11-  Iceland Elopement at the historical Silfra (Where the North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates Meet):

Could there be a more powerful spot for a wedding to take place than the exact meeting point of two tectonic plates?  The Silfra ravine is filled with crystal clear glacial water and surrounded by unspoiled national parkland.  It’s an awe inspiring location and a magical setting for an intimate elopement ceremony.

Rewind back to before tourists flooded this place, Chloe and Danny held their romantic wedding ceremony at Oxarafoss Waterfall in Thingvellir National Park.  We no longer offer this location as part of our Iceland wedding locations (too touristy) but our friends at Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons can help you!  This location does require in advance permission to hold a wedding ceremony there.

#12-  Iceland Wedding on top of a Cliff!

What better vantage point to take in all of the beauty that Iceland has to offer, than perched on the top of a spectacular cliff.  With a setting like this for your wedding ceremony, zero styling or decor is required.  Do you remember Tim and Antonia’s cliff side Iceland Viking wedding ceremony HERE?

#13-  Iceland Crashed Airplane Wedding:

For a completely unique wedding photo shoot, visit the famous wreck of a DC plane that crashed on a black sand beach back in 1973 (not to worry, everyone on board survived!).  It’s a little off the beaten track and can be difficult to find.  Of course, we know exactly how to get you here.

Update:  This location is no longer part of our Iceland wedding planner repertoire of locations as it has become too touristy (the area has no closed to driving and you must hike the 1-2 hours).  For the right couple though, we have rented ATV’s like Petra and Jan did HERE for their honeymoon adventure.

#14-  Iceland Wedding near a Historical Shipwreck:

Picture this . . .  An intimate wedding ceremony beside the ocean, framed by spectacular windswept coastal scenery and overlooked by a towering historical shipwreck.  Oooh la la!  See one of our previous elopements HERE that took Iceland wedding photos at that location.

#15-   Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall Wedding in Iceland:

Kirkjufellsfoss is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by green fields and overlooked by the rather distinctive Mt. Kirkjufell.  As far as picture perfect wedding locations go, this one couldn’t be more photogenic.  It’s a blissful setting for your wedding portraits, or perhaps even an intimate waterfall wedding ceremony for two.

Special Note: As tourism has increased, this sweet little location in the Snaefellsness Peninsula has been overrun.  Arrive early to beat the crowds.  Before it was heavily populated and roped everywhere, we photographed some gorgeous Iceland wedding photos HERE.

#16- Iceland Wedding at a Basalt Rock Sea Formation:

Reynisfjara Beach might be the best known location for spotting basalt sea formations, but there are other, far quieter locations for spotting these spectacular lava structures.  If you fancy having one of these Icelandic artworks in your wedding photos, we know just where to find them.

#17-  Iceland Green Mountain Wedding:

Iceland’s landscape covers the full spectrum of colors and textures, from frozen glaciers to thundering waterfalls, from barren lava fields through to majestic green mountains – take your pick!  In fact, our epic Iceland wedding adventures often span all of the above in a single day.

#18-  Iceland Wedding in 2300 Year Old Lava Fields:

Iceland is a hotspot for volcanic activity, and when these magnificent beasts erupt, they certainly leave their mark on the landscape – even thousands of years later.  A visit to one of these ‘out of this world’ locations will make you feel as though you’ve landed on the moon!  Relax, it’s just one more example of Iceland’s many and varied landscapes.  No doubt there is another spectacular waterfall, glacier, mountain or beach … just a short drive away.

#19-  Sod Farm Wedding in Iceland:

If green is your color, why not consider the verdant surrounds of a sod farm wedding?  Inspired by this?  Head back to our previous Iceland Wedding Planner blog post HERE to see Ciara and Jared’s rustic ranch style wedding!

#20-  Lakeside Elopement for two in Iceland:

Iceland offers the perfect setting for an adventurous elopement.  And after a full day of exploring, it’s time to retire to yet another spectacular location and enjoy one more memorable experience.  A romantic lakeside table just for two is the ideal spot to share a toast (and some delectable local cuisine!) while you celebrate your first day of married life.

Remember these two lifetime sweethearts who wed at one of Iceland’s many fresh water lakes?  Head back HERE to experience their fabulous day!

#21-  Choose an Iceland Wedding Location that looks like another Planet!

Does a barren glacier appeal to you?  How about a jagged, rocky plain or maybe even a lava landscape or some steaming, bubbling hot springs?  Iceland has just the backdrop for you!  Just imagine exchanging your vows in one of these spectacular, otherworldly settings.

#22-  Iceland Wedding in the Snaefellsness Peninsula:

If there’s one thing that Iceland does well, it’s a dramatic landscape.  So when the locals refer to the Snaefellsness Peninsula one of the most beautiful and dramatic regions in their country, well, you can guess just how spectacular this area is.  And while the Snaefellsness Peninsula is a little off the beaten path and often overlooked by most visitors, that just makes us love it even more.

#23-  Iceland Wedding on a Golden Sand Beach:

Although Iceland is known for its black sand beaches, it’s also home to several quite beautiful golden sand beaches.  If you prefer a golden backdrop on your wedding day, these ‘off the beaten path’ beaches are well worth the trek.

#24-  Get Married in Iceland on top of a Glacier!

Imagine exchanging your vows on top of a vast sheet of pure ice.  How spectacular!  Yes, it is possible, and Iceland is one of the few locations on earth where you can plan such a magical white wedding.

#25-  Iceland Sunrise or Sunset Wedding:

What a beautiful time of day to enjoy Iceland’s spectacular landscapes all to yourself.  Don’t even get us started on all of the incredible colors and hues that make an appearance at this hour.

#26- Iceland Volcano Field Wedding:

Fancy a towering Volcano as the backdrop for your wedding ceremony?    Iceland has many active volcanoes so you have plenty to choose from!  Admire the epic view as you exchange your vows in a field of ancient lava.  Wow!!

#27-  Iceland Grass Covered House Wedding:

If you’re keen to capture the spirit of ancient Iceland on your big day, how about a wedding ceremony in front of a lovely grass covered house?  Grass covered houses were actually the traditional building style in Iceland many centuries ago, and the oldest example dates all the way back to the 9th century.  At one time there were over 100,000 of them dotted across the countryside, however a wave of modern development has all but wiped them out.  Today these beautiful grass cottages are an endangered species and only a few remain.  For a (rare) slice of history on your wedding day, why not exchange your vows in front of one of these cute, turf covered houses?

#28- Hold your Iceland Wedding or Elopement at the base of a Majestic Mountain!

Who needs props or decorations when you marry in front of a breathtaking landscape that has stood for millions of years?  A majestic mountain (or two!) is one of our favorite wedding accessories!

#29- Iceland Fishing Village Wedding:

A sleepy little fishing village complete with stunning coastal scenery. Romantic, much?  We couldn’t agree more!

#30- Iceland Blue Ice Cave Wedding (the real thing, not man-made):

Imagine exchanging your vows against the backdrop of blue ice.  Iceland’s ice caves come in many beautiful hues from clear right through to deeper blues, turquoise and even shades of violet.  Your ‘something blue’ never looked so good!

#31- Have a vibrantly textured Icelandic Highlands Wedding:

How about the beauty and the serenity of a wedding in the midst of Iceland’s vast and uninhabited highlands?  The highlands are home to many of Iceland’s most spectacular sights, from mountains to glaciers, waterfalls to lava formations.  This pristine wilderness area is only accessible at certain times of the year, so some forward planning is required if you want to ensure that you’re able to visit this piece of paradise for yourself.  We would love to be your wedding day tour guides!

#32- Marry in Iceland at the famed Southern waterfalls Skogafoss or Seljalandsfoss:

If you’re dreaming of an epic backdrop for your Iceland wedding day, it doesn’t get much more impressive than this.  Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss are two thundering waterfalls located in the south of Iceland.  They are actually located just 30 minutes apart, so you can easily visit both on your wedding day.  And if the sight of a towering waterfall isn’t breathtaking enough, you can even walk behind Seljalandsfoss or hike to the top of Skogafoss for a totally different perspective.

Can you picture your wedding against any one of these drop dead gorgeous backdrops?  If you’re looking for more inspiration, you’ll find plenty on our Iceland Wedding Planner blog, and if you’re keen to learn all there is to know about weddings in Iceland, head over to our FAQ page.  Or perhaps you’re ready to start planning your own epic adventure wedding or luxury elopement in Iceland.  Perfect!  You can get in touch with us here.  We can’t wait to hear from you!

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

The post 32 Iceland Wedding Locations That Will Leave You Speechless appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Today being Monday, April 14^th 2014, we very happily celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary! Thank you for being a part of our journey and adventure as a husband and wife Iceland wedding photography and planning team. It’s been a really thrilling undertaking for us!

Chris and I are continuing with our anniversary tradition (as you read here on our 1^st Iceland wedding anniversary) by popping a bottle of bubbles tonight and writing each other a love letter. In case you missed it, the intention is to place the notes in our Love Letter Ceremony box originally from our Seljalandsfoss Iceland wedding. Not to be read until our 25^th wedding anniversary celebration (in 2037). So much suspense –now only 23 more years to wait!

It has also been a tradition on our anniversary for me to put my Iceland wedding dress back on to make sure it still zips, fits, and while doing so it somehow centers me back to that sensational time in our lives. (By the way, I totally snatched this fab idea from my super awesome MIL who has been doing this herself for the last 34 years!).   …and I am happy to report today that I didn’t have to wiggle in, it was actually loose! It’s a tight trumpet style satin wedding dress. So ladies knowing that; you can appreciate my enthusiasm about it having slack 2 years later right?

Several weeks ago, we embarked on a trip to photograph our Iceland wedding anniversary photos at a few of our beloved spots in Southern Iceland. Those Iceland wedding locations included:

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (Iceland’s Iceberg Bay).
• Reynisfjara Beach (Iceland black sand beach that has basalt columns protruding from the sea, a beautiful cave, and is often mistaken for Vik Beach)
• Dyrholaey Cliffs (Amazing arch rock, lighthouse, epic 360 views, and inspiring cliffs)
• The stunning barely visited Fjadrargljufur Canyon (Love! It totally feels like you have just discovered this stunning canyon by yourself for the first time, ever).

Although my original Iceland wedding dress did not make the trip back for this year’s wedding anniversary photo shoot, I did bring another exquisite long sleeve lace dress in ivory that was handcrafted by one of my favorite UK dress designers, Baylis and Knight. The Baylis and Knight team offers gorgeous custom dresses with a totally personalized experience. Their designs would be brilliant to wear for your destination wedding day in Iceland. They could be worn also as a wedding reception dress, or for your Iceland pre-wedding photo session.

As a side note to my ladies who love glam… a pair of my treasured beige Badgley Mischka’s and vintage hairpiece made it to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Although I will say, stilettoes and the glacial lagoon rocky terrain didn’t go easily together! But, Chris and I had been hoping to have formal portraits there since before our 2012 April Iceland destination wedding and it was soo worth it!

Chris wore his brown suit he had custom made while we were on our Honeymoon in Bali Indonesia. Swoon! I am always in awe of that man when he is in a suit, he looks so debonair! To make it even more special, one of our Iceland florists even made us a sweet little Iceland wedding bouquet for our couple’s portraits we had planned at sunrise at the lagoon. Even though it was winter in Iceland and many of our days were rainy or snowy filled, the weather cooperated during our portrait session times.

So all that being said, we hope you have fun looking through our wedding anniversary portraits in Iceland, and find yourself inspired for your own Iceland wedding or elopement!  If you’re interested in having us plan and photograph your Iceland wedding or elopement, please head over to our contact page.  Thanks!

With a smile, Ann & Chris Peters (Husband and Wife Iceland Wedding Planner & Photographer)

 2014, Iceland Wedding Planner / Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Wedding Anniversary at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Many of you have been curious as to how Chris and I went from dating in Michigan to being married in Iceland… so here you go ladies!  Our relationship adventures went something like this:

• We met in September of 2009.
• Rang in 2010 in Los Cabos, Mexico (woohoo first vacation together!).
• Had the merging of friends at an amazing ski trip to Banff, Alberta Canada in February 2010.
• Photographed a fabulous destination wedding (our first together) in Vieques, Puerto Rico in March of 2010.
• Found our way to several coasts and back photographing destination weddings and doing lots of high altitude hiking in Colorado (Yes I always keep a dress in my hiking bag for just such a photo occasion. After all, we’re wedding photographers, there is always an amazing locale nearby!).
• We learned new things together like how to race at Bridgestone Racing Academy in Pontypool, Ontario, to scuba dive, to fence, I celebrated my 500 skydive and Chris tried his first (Yes that is totally camera gear mounted to my helmet. Check out why I skydive here).
• May 2011, we moved in together!  Settled in a super cute 1920’s home in downtown Plymouth, Michigan.  See one of our photos from our 1920’s styled session here.
• Ann went on a trip to Jeju Island, South Korea while Chris went engagement ring shopping.
• Engaged:  We took a trip to Koloa, Hawaii (island of Kauai) in October of 2011 to photograph a gorgeous Kauai destination wedding.  We added a few days before to do some hiking, scuba diving, and an incredible biplane tour of the island… Through all of those awesome events I was totally anticipating a marriage proposal and nothing!  I’ll be honest, I ransacked all we brought trying to find any indication on whether or not he was going to propose (who’s with me ladies, lol?!).    A night or two later we were watching the sunset with a bottle of champagne on our private beach and he asked me to marry him.  It turns out sneaky Chris had hidden my Tiffany Ribbon Ring in a box of thin mint girl scout cookies in the fridge, something I would never ever go near!  Alas, he knows me all to well =)  See one of our destination engagement photos from that weekend here.
• We brainstormed on wedding locations (see our blog post here).
• From October 2011 to March 2012 we planned our Iceland Destination Wedding (we’re super planners so 5 months was doable, we would not suggest such a short timeline for anyone else).  We settled on a Iceland waterfall for our wedding ceremony and Hotel Ranga for our wedding reception location.
• On Wednesday, April 11th 2012, everyone we love and adore was getting ready to fly to Iceland that day for our adventurous destination wedding.  Unfortunately that morning, I received the unexpected phone call that my grandmother, Iren Soltesz had passed away.  Heartbreaking news to receive and deal with days before our wedding day.
• Saturday, April 14^th 2012, we were married at the exquisite Seljalandsfoss waterfall and held an incredible wedding day adventure for our guests.  Our Iceland wedding day timeline can be found on our previous blog post, here.  My grandma even brought us rainbows throughout our week trip through Iceland =)
• October 2012, we made the move to focus our Photos by Miss Ann business on Iceland wedding planning and Iceland wedding photography.  We felt that after all of our Iceland wedding planning trials and tribulations, Iceland needed a more visible wedding industry and we wanted to be at the front of this exciting adventure to help future brides and grooms!
• November 2012, we honeymooned in Bali, Indonesia.  See our Bali honeymoon photos on our previous blog post, here.
• Our Favorite Things:  Our bengal cat Oliver, the 1920’s, extreme sports, being silly (yes, it totally happened!), British cars (Chris), polka dots (Ann), champagne, bad horror movies, mountains, unique antiques, destination wedding photography, and Iceland!

In celebration of our first anniversary, Chris and I decided to forever pause the occasion with an Iceland inspired wedding anniversary portrait session!  It was a whole 18 degrees when we ventured out into some gorgeous caves and waterfalls to capture these Iceland inspired couples portraits.  We also spent 30 minutes of our time during that weekend to renew our wedding vows in front of another pretty waterfall!  After all, when you spend the time to write your own wedding vows, I am a firm believer they should be said again each year on your anniversary.  It truly brings back the euphoric feeling of newly wedded bliss!  Anyhow, we hope you enjoy our photos as much as we did taking them!

Now that you are up to speed on us, what is your love story?  Are you dying to plan a wedding day in Iceland?  If so, please contact us to understand why Photos by Miss Ann / Iceland Wedding Planner, would be a fabulous asset to your Iceland destination wedding day!

Lots of smiles from the not-so-newlyweds, Ann & Chris Peters

Professional Iceland Wedding Photography & Planning

© 2002-2013, Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved

The post Seljalandsfoss Wedding Anniversary appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

This weeks planning wedding topic has to do with your Iceland wedding ceremony… Wedding vows!  Have you thought about them yet?  If not, I hope this blog post motivates you!

Wedding Vows are intimate expressions that are a continuous reminder of the foundation of your marriage.  On your wedding day, you outwardly profess: love, respect, and commitment to your soon to be in front of your support system of family and friends.  No matter if you repeat the solemn words from your officiant or you create your own they carry a meaning that lasts forever and should be celebrated each year in your marriage thereafter.  You need to decide as a couple whether or not you want to repeat or create your own wedding vows… so here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

• Accepting each other fully and for a lifetime.
• Through the good, bad, and unmanageable times.
• Endless and irrefutable love and adoration.
• Your lifetime promise to him/her.
• How he/she inspires you to be a better person.

There are positives and negatives to both but I will say from personal experience, creating your own is worth it in the long run.  Being wedding photographers locally in Plymouth, Michigan and specializing in destination weddings for over 10 years, Chris and I have been lucky enough to bear witness to over hundreds of wedding vows.  That being said, we know truly, how much of an impact they carry in the moment and over time.  This in turn, made us realize when we were Iceland wedding planning, how important it was for us to create our own wedding vows.

We held our Iceland destination wedding at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall on Saturday, April 14^th 2012 and had spent weeks before perfecting our Iceland ceremony wording and our wedding vows.  Today, I share with you our Iceland ceremony we compiled… Feel free to use it to generate your own ideas for your Iceland destination wedding vows but please do not publish, thank you!

Our Introduction and Welcome to our Iceland Wedding Guests:

“True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons.  In its right relation, it’s the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other.  When such a true bond already exists between man and woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. This acknowledgment is the prime object of this gathering and this ceremony here in Iceland today.  We are here to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife of these beloved friends, Christopher and Ann who are already one in spirit.

You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person in all the world whom you love best.  You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well. Christopher and Ann, you are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities, and to share love.   At the end of this ceremony, you will be husband and wife, but you still must decide each and every day, that you want to be married.  Make such a decision and keep on making it, for the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.

Reading by 4 friends:  The Art of Marriage –By Wilferd Arlan Peterson

The Vows <Join Hands>:

 Chris’s Vows:  “Ann falling in love with you the last few years has been an incredible experience.  Your will, your energy and thirst for life inspires me on a daily basis.  I promise to love you, hold you and to work with you to build a solid foundation for our future to be built on.  Today, I ask that you take these hands because they are the ones that hold you.  That you take these feet because they are the ones that walk besides you.  That you take this smile for it glows because of you. And that you take this heart because it beats for you.”

Ann’s Vows:  “On this special day in one of the most amazing places in the world and I commit my life to you.  Chris, I fell in love with you for the unique qualities, abilities, and outlook on life that you have, I love you for who you are and the amazing team we make together.  I promise to love you without reservation, encourage you to achieve all of your goals and inspire you daily.   To laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggles.  To grow with you in mind and spirit and be willing to face change as we both change in order to keep our relationship new and exciting… I promise to always be open and honest with you, and share hopes, thoughts and dreams as we build our lives together.  I am super excited to build a home with you that is compassionate, respectful and honorable for each other. I pledge to love you in good times and in bad, for richer or poorer, and for when you buy more British cars than our garage can hold…  I will cherish you and the family that we share together for as long as we both shall live. From this day forward, you shall not walk alone.  Today, I give you my hand to hold, my life to share and my heart to keep.”

 The  RINGS:
This ring by its shape is a symbol of the undying love that exists between you. The substance of which it is composed is a symbol of purity, which shall ever characterize your mind and hearts in all your whole life together.

Christopher please repeat after me as you place the ring on Ann’s finger:  “As this ring encircles your finger, from this day forward, so will my love forever encircle you. Wear this ring as a symbol of my love.”

 Ann, please repeat after me as you place the ring on Christopher’s finger:  “As this ring encircles your finger, from this day forward, so will my love forever encircle you. Wear this ring as a symbol of my love.”

 Love Letter Ceremony:

Christopher and Ann have chosen as a couple to perform a Letter Ceremony. 

<The box is to be presented>

This box contains a love letter from each to the other.   The letters Chris and Ann have wrote to each other describe the good qualities they find in one another, the reasons they fell in love, and their reasons for choosing to marry today.   Ann’s mother, Irene and Christopher’s parents, Donna and Bill have also written their children a letter individually and another letter to the couple together expressing their hopes and advice for their future together.  The letters are sealed in individual envelopes and the couple has not seen what has been written.  I would ask, now that the parents bring forth their letters to be placed in the box.

<Parents walk up and place the letters in the box>

 Christopher and Ann, I recommend that you keep the box in a place of honor prominently displayed in your home as a constant reminder of your commitment to each other today.  Should you ever find your marriage enduring insurmountable hardships, you are to as a couple, open this box and read the letters.   By reading these letters you will reflect upon the reasons you fell in love and chose to marry each other here in Iceland today. The hope is, however, that you will never have a reason to open this box.   And if this is the case, you are to open this box as a celebration to enjoy on your 20th wedding anniversary!

That being said, Christopher and Ann, I will now lock the box as an expression of sealing your life-long commitment. 

Hand Ceremony:

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will someday tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Christopher and Ann, may you always need one another, not so much to fill the emptiness as to help each other know your fullness.  May you want one another, but not out of lack.  May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another.  May you succeed in all important ways with each other, and not fail in the little graces.  Look for things to praise, often say ‘I love you’ and take no notice of small faults.  May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy.  May you have love, and may you find it in loving one another every day.  Ann and Chris, you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made throughout this ceremony. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you husband and wife.

The Kiss:

Although, you have kissed a thousand times, maybe more.  But today the feeling is new.  You are no longer simply partners and best friends, you have become husband and wife and can now seal the agreement with a kiss.  Today, your kiss is a lifetime promise.  Congratulations, Christopher, you may now celebrate by kissing your bride!”

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Even just reading through these words again, really brings me back to our Iceland wedding day.  It was filled with so much love, adventure, romance, and excitement for both ourselves and our guests.  From saying our Iceland wedding vows at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, to our wedding champagne toast at Vik Beach, to our impromptu stops at the Vik Icelandic Wool Shop and Skogafoss Waterfall, and our wedding reception on the Ranga River those words bring us right back there in the midst of that exciting time in our lives.   We hope that our Iceland wedding ceremony wording will help you as you plan your amazing destination wedding in Iceland!

We have some super exciting posts coming up in the next few weeks!  You can look forward to our Iceland wedding anniversary photos and an Iceland styled shoot featuring our favorite vendors like Flyboy Naturals!

With a smile, Ann Peters

IcelandWeddingPlanner

PhotosByMissAnn

© 2002-2013, Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved

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