-Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland)

From across the “pond” as some say, Dave (from the U.K.) found his way to meeting Alison (from the USA) through their many terrific friends.  Weeks later they were head over heels for each other and months later, Dave proposed a lifetime of adventures to Alison!  She said Yes  Iceland was the half way point for all of their friends and family to meet and celebrate!  …so then the days of awesome Iceland wedding planning began!  They craved intimacy, adventure, and wanted to take their 20+ guests on an unforgettable EXPERIENCE for their wedding day in Iceland.  So all that said, follow us today as we share with you Alison and Dave’s adventure wedding in Iceland!  ::Update:: My Hotel Wedding did a lovely feature of Allison and Dave’s wedding, HERE.

Ohhhh yes, May 4th!  Being Star Wars fans, it was only fitting they go explore some of the epic areas the movies have been filmed within Iceland!  …May the Fourth Be With You!

But first we must set the scene… Hotel Ranga, served as the groups hotel “base camp” for 2 days.  It’s a fabulous boutique hotel found in Southern Iceland that screams luxury but still designates hints of earthy rustic charm.  It also is near Hekla, one of Iceland’s most powerful volcanoes.

When you have a wedding in Iceland that has guests attending, it’s important to provide your guests with a “welcome bag.”  It adds to the excitement and also aids your guests in things they may need during the adventure.  Alison and Dave did it up right!  With lots of goodies like a timeline card, eye mask (nice to have during the months of May-August when we have TONS of daylight), bandaids, Shout Wipes, Pepto (which isn’t sold here in Iceland) Hot Hands, Hangover Kit, Pancho, etc!

With our adventure weddings in Iceland, we action pack them with little room for delay. So it’s nice to create a timeline card to give to your guests upon check in (or at a Welcome dinner the evening before) so they know when and where they have to be.  Sets everyone up for success, you know?  Our favorite timeline creator: Pixels to Paper Studio did an awesome job on Alison and Dave’s!

Alison’s Iceland wedding dress was divine!  So much gorgeous detail and sooo flowy!

Alison had some awesome blue rain-boots she wore for the majority of the day but she also had some stunning Badgley Mischka’s and Tom’s waiting for her Iceland wedding reception!  Every adventure wedding bride needs 3 pairs of shoes!

Now let’s talk about her GROOM, Dave for a sec, shall we and his dapper Iceland wedding details!

His handmade suit even came with a custom tag that featured their initials and wedding date.  From the suit to the shoes, Dave was handsome!

As I mentioned, being Star Wars fans, Alison surprised Dave with themed cuff-links.

We adored Dave’s super awesome bow tie too!

Our Iceland hair and makeup team made Alison even more beautiful then she already was!  …and proofed her against rain and wind.

Before leaving Hotel Ranga, these two loved the idea of doing a “first look” so we opted to do it behind the hotel, riverside.

The structure for this Iceland adventure wedding was a tiny bit different than we typically do, but we were happy to craft a unique option for this awesome group!  All of the guests loaded onto a bus for a 1/2 day adventure.  Read further on to see the rest of the wedding adventure flow.

Alison and Dave for months, kept the adventure wedding day secret.  So when the guests arrived and saw the setup below, they were hollering in enthusiasm!

Having a Asatru (some refer to as a traditional Norse / Pagan / Viking) ceremony was important to Dave and Alison.  It’s a super fun ceremony that has old roots in our culture here in Iceland.  Not to mention who doesn’t want to hold an oath ring and drink from a horn?!

How fantastic was this offbeat waterfall as their Iceland wedding ceremony background?!

Alison’s Iceland wedding bouquet is one of my all time favorites!

As many of you know, we do not go to the tourist locations like Reynisfjara, but for the right couple we make exceptions and these two loved the idea of a champagne toast here during their Iceland wedding day adventure!

Exploring with each other during your wedding day in Iceland, creates some magical moments!

After the 1/2 day adventure via bus was complete, we transitioned with 1/2 of their group to super jeeps for a more private adventure.

Alison, Dave, and their closest family members got to explore the private side of one of Iceland’s 13 glaciers!

The fog and the rain made for some dramatic Iceland wedding photo moments!

Their nieces and nephews all got to touch a glacier for the very first time!  Talk about unforgettable moments on your adventure wedding day!

Oh la la romantic Iceland wedding moments in front of glacier ice caves… Love!

Uniquely shaped mountains like these always make me melt!  Then add in a gorgeous Iceland wedding couple and it takes it to another level!

One of my favorite parts of their wedding day was the 3rd part… We said goodbye to two super jeeps and Alison and David continued on to a super secret canyon area with a private waterfall for some intimate adventures!

The contrast of the dark and light together is AMAZING to me in this Iceland wedding photo!  Major high-fives to Alison and Dave who went into total “mountain goat” mode to get to this spot!

Once everyone got back to Hotel Ranga after the days adventure, they had some time to rest and refresh before they were invited to a BEAUTIFUL Iceland wedding reception in River Hall.

Fun Fact: The bride’s grandmother had past away and in remembrance of her, we had lavender at each place setting.  It filled the room with a 5 sensory experience!

As a sweet little party favor to all of their guests, Dave and Alison gifted them with “Let the Adventure Begin” bottle openers!  How fun!

Following the overall theme of “Adventure” and “May 4th” they had 2 beautiful handmade cakes by the groom’s talented sister!

Iceland wedding Groom’s cake!

Can I just say, I LOVE Hotel Ranga’s food?!  Seriously folks, I often drive 1.5 hours from Reykjavik just to have their delicious Mushroom Soup and Reindeer Carpaccio (pictured below), no joke! Alison and Dave’s Iceland wedding menu was fit for the best foodies!

A lovely smoked salmon dish with rye bread served as their 2nd course!

Did you know with the rental of River Hall at Hotel Ranga, you have access to their beautiful balcony and impeccable view?!  Comes in handy for Iceland wedding photos!

When Alison and I were brainstorming about something fun to decor their Iceland wedding reception dancing space (Hekla Hall) we came up with some awesome ideas but in the end LOVE balloons and candles would win!  I think we made the right choice!!

First dance magic!

So many folks forget about a “send off” for the couple at the end of the night.  We crafted something super fun for this group… complete with sparklers and an “Adventure” marque sign!

Truly an unforgettable Iceland wedding day you shared Alison + Dave!  Keep reliving it!!

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

The post Iceland Wedding at Hotel Ranga: Alison + Dave appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

For one, you have a really good chance of seeing Northern Lights during the months of December-March.  Two, during your Iceland elopement you could hold your wedding ceremony in natural ice cave!  …and how epic is that thought?!  An ice cave will melt over the summer and never exist again for anyone else, only for you in that moment!

But with all of that good stuff, there are some potential challenges that can also emerge with planning a winter wedding in Iceland…. Such as a snowstorm (or blizzard), gale force winds, and road closures.  It’s all about timing and having plan A, B, and C options in place ahead of time (and we got you covered!).

Knowing all this, Trishia and Chris who hail from the big island of Hawaii embraced all that winter could throw at them and were super excited to EXPLORE on their Iceland wedding day.  So come along with us today and experience their adventure wedding in Iceland!

The perfect combination for an elopement in Iceland: Lace Wedding Dress and BOOTS!

Our Iceland wedding hair and makeup team always does an incredible (and long lasting) job on our brides!

Trishia’s Iceland wedding bouquet made me swoon hardcore! So wild and wonderful!

…and Chris’ Iceland wedding boutonniere was the perfect mix of rustic elegance!

Hiking to their Iceland wedding ceremony location!

Safety first… time for crampons!

My favorite thing about ice caves is hunting for new ones at the beginning of every season AND knowing they will never be the same after the season ends… Making it a naturally unique Iceland wedding location!

The textures and tones an ice cave presents… Layers of black, white, and blue!

Chris and Trishia’s Iceland wedding ceremony in an ice cave was simply INCREDIBLE!

Oh la la the magic in their Iceland wedding photos!

Fun Fact: Chris proposed to Trishia on a beautiful black sand beach in Hawaii so it was only fitting that we find some black sand near this subglacial volcano!

Tiny people, Big landscape.

Add in the beginning of a snow storm, some cuddling and the romance ensued!

Snow up to your knees at times, no sweat for this adventurous couple during their elopement in Iceland!

After their glacier cave wedding ceremony, we found our way to one of the most AMAZING places I have ever found to have an Iceland Luxury Picnic!

Seriously, most amazing place I have ever found… These two rocked the romance in it too!

The colors and textures were indescribable for their Iceland elopement photos!

The snow was really putting on a show for us!  All apart of the unforgettable Iceland wedding day EXPERIENCE!

After all that white, we went on plan b… Searching for some GREEN!  This secret canyon is usually pretty green no matter the season but the storm took over as we arrived creating a super fun exploring experience!

When Iceland gives you sleet and snow, you reply back with smiles and jokes!

Plan C enters…. And I gave them GREEN!  The beauty of hiring a local Iceland Wedding Planner and Photographer… We know this place like the back of our hand!

These quite sweet moments get me every time during an Iceland wedding day… Pretty pretty!

An afternoon snack of dried fish and Brennivin (aka Black Death) was on the agenda and these two savored every bit!  It’s fun to introduce cultural elements to your Iceland elopement.

After a quick rest and refresh, they enjoyed a romantic delicious dinner for two for their Iceland wedding reception!

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

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Although these two had been to Iceland once before, they were called back to this magical landscape to have their dreamy Iceland elopement!  Iceland is one of those countries that you can continuously visit and never see the same thing twice, forever!  Seriously folks, I live here and I am still adventuring to new places each day/week!

This winter has been one of the mildest on record for decades.  Typically in March, we have a lot more snow in the mountains and the ground, but for Stacey and Aaron, this was the PERFECT amount!  So come along with me today to witness their beautiful elopement in Iceland!

Ohhhhhhh swoon!  Look at that Iceland wedding dress!

….and Aaron’s tartan suit!

Stacey’s arrival into that sweet little black church gave me goosebumps!

Awww and Aaron’s reaction of seeing his beautiful bride was uber sweet!

Can we hit the pause button for a sec and admire Stacey’s unique Iceland wedding bouquet?!

Every Icelander will tell you that the Snaefellsnes is not only a stunning place to visit but that the peninsula is enchanted!

Don’t worry, even though it’s been a super mild winter, we found a glorious amount of snow to have for some romantic Iceland elopement photos!

Kirkjufell Mountain (and waterfall) is incredibly beautiful when it has a light dusting of snow on it… Making way for stunning elopement photos!

There are many secret places within the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to escape away from tourists… We took a little trip to one of my favorite secret waterfalls for a fun little adventure crossing rivers and such!

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is known to have an abundance of golden sand beaches ready for you to explore!

Ever think about venturing to a shipwreck beach with crazy awesome lava rock formations?!  These two ROCKED IT!

Toasting with bubbles cliffside, is a must do during your Iceland elopement!

When the weather changes in Iceland, it’s just a wonderful opportunity to HUG harder!

…and laugh harder that you have somehow experienced 4 seasons in one day

Take a page out of Stacey and Aaron’s book and make sure you take time to truly enjoy the view too!

As if their day was not adventurous enough, these two opted in on my suggestion of heading down inside of a 8,000 year old lava tube to explore it!  Special Note:  All of these images were taken in 100% darkness!  How cool, right?!

After 10+ hours of awesome adventures, it was time to rest, refresh, and get their second wind for their Iceland wedding reception for two!

It started snowing again so sadly no Northern Lights graced us, but we mocked up a super fun nighttime wedding photoshoot instead for Stacey and Aaron!

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

The post Iceland Elopement at Hotel Budir appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

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.

We have all kinds of topics for you to consider so please take a few minutes (to click the below link topics) to peruse and contact us if you find something of interest to use for your Iceland wedding day (Note: We are happy to rent to non-clients too)!

Iceland Wedding Dresses

Iceland Wedding Bridal Accessories

Iceland Wedding Groom Accessories

Iceland Wedding Flowers

Iceland Wedding Ceremony Decor

Iceland Wedding Lighting

Iceland Wedding Signs

Iceland Wedding Reception Decor

Iceland Wedding Reception Centerpieces

Iceland Wedding Reception Linens

Iceland Wedding Votives and Vases

Iceland Wedding Place Card Holders and Table Numbers

MISC Iceland Wedding Rental Items

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

The post Iceland Wedding Rentals for Ceremony and Reception Details 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.

Your adventurous, avid travelers, and are seekers of moments, not things.  You yearned for an EXPERIENCE, not just a wedding day, right?

< Enter in the idea for a destination wedding >

Then the brainstorming began of where would have endless adventures, dynamic landscape for wedding photos, and be affordable for the majority of your wedding guests…

< Enter in Iceland >

Then you stumbled upon the idea of having an adventure wedding in Iceland… BRILLIANT. DONE. SOLD.  Woohoo!  Now that you’re planning a wedding in Iceland  with guests (and not eloping in Iceland), you need to devise a plan so that your Iceland wedding day is going to go down as: THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR.  So how do you do that successfully with or without an Iceland Wedding Planner?

Step 1:

Create a wedding website with useful information that makes it easy for your guests to make the decision to come (IE, Why you chose Iceland for your destination wedding location, Accommodation Room Block Information, Rental Car Info, Things to Do, How to Drive in Iceland, What to Pack, What to Wear to an Iceland Wedding Day, Best Hot Springs, Your Iceland Wedding Day Schedule, Pre/Post Wedding Itinerary, Gift Registry, etc).

Step 2: 

Get Your Guests EXCITED to come!  How?  Send a little “gift” with your invitation (like a map of the island, Icelandic candy, etc).

Step 3:

Send a newsletter update via email at the 9, 6, 3 and 1 month away marks to formally connect with your guests (also helps you track your room block information, meal choices, and reminds your guests that you care about them having an unforgettable time when they come to your Iceland wedding!).

Step 4:

Take your honeymoon 3-6 months after your wedding in Iceland so that you can design an epic pre and post wedding adventures WITH your guests in tow.  After all, you CHOSE Iceland for some fantastic reasons, so show them the best of the island (your way)!  Even if many your guests are not as adventurous as the two of you, they will live vicariously through you and feel honored to participate at different points.

Step 5:

When your guests check in to your Iceland wedding hotel, have welcome bags for them (either have the front desk give to each guest at time of check-in OR ask your fabulous Iceland Wedding Planner or Hotel if they can put them into each guests room).  Iceland Wedding Welcome Bags can have things in it like… Water, Tissues, Antacids, Tylenol/Advil, Hangover Kit, Hand Lotion (check out Soley products), Hand Sanitizer, Pepto-Bismol, Breath Mints, Shout Wipes, Chapstick, Eye Mask and Earplugs (if getting married in Iceland during summer solstice), Snacks (peanuts, cliff bars), Umbrella / Rain Poncho, Local Icelandic things like (dried fish jerky, licorice, chocolate, a wool item, map, or other awesome party favors).

Step 6:

Hold a “Welcome” Dinner or Cocktail Hour the day before your Iceland wedding day.  It gathers and focuses people.  Plus, it builds the anticipation of embarking on your adventure wedding day in Iceland!  Have a signature drink, either Icelandic (or American) appetizers OR a full sit-down 3 course meal.  If doing appetizers and drinks only, I suggest a 5-6pm timeframe.  If doing dinner, then start at 7pm (30 minutes per course).  NOTE: It’s important for people to GET SLEEP, so be mindful of this.

Step 7:

At the beginning or end of the welcome event pass out a physical Timeline Card/Schedule to each guest.  This is critical so that everyone is fully aware (no excuses) of when and where they need to be.  No one wants to be “that guy/gal” who shows up late, holds everyone up, or ruins an itinerary.  Set your guests up for success (and less stress) by communicating the schedule to them.  See here or here for an example Iceland wedding timeline card.

Step 8:

Allow us to design a full day adventure for your Iceland wedding day.  The landscape is unforgettable and being able to explore it with your guests is unlike anything they will EVER experience.  Imagine yourself saying “I do” at a private waterfall with zero tourists, discovering secret caves, marveling over massive glaciers, green mountains, trekking through canyons, and secluded black sand beaches with stunning rock formations!  Say what?!  Um yeah, seriously.  Your guests will be left speechless by the end of the day.

Step 9:

Seat your wedding guests during your Iceland wedding ceremony.  Nothing worse for a guest than having to stand through a ceremony in the cold/wind/rain, etc.  So be kind and courteous to their needs since they came all that way!  See HERE for more information on that topic.

Step 10:

Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony.  Why?  See our previous blog post HERE to understand better.  It encourages your guests to be PRESENT and in the moment WITH YOU.  Your guests may be miffed for a hot second but in the end, it will prove to have a larger impact on them, I promise.

 Step 11: 

Keep Guests Comfortable.  If going forward with an adventure wedding in Iceland, then you need to make sure (if you haven’t hired us as your Iceland Wedding Planner) there are scheduled bathroom breaks, a bathroom on the bus, or you have porta potties in tow.  Also be sure to have lunch and/or snacks available to your guests throughout the day (IE, fruit, snack sized chips, cliff bars, waters, sodas, etc).  This will avoid anyone getting “hangry.”

Step 12:

Have a scheduled “bail out” point if needed during the day (if your guest list includes any children under 10, over 70 years old or just in general less adventurous fair weather folks) AND a designated “rest” time between the adventure portion and the reception dinner.  At least an hour is needed for guests to be able to rest, refresh, and catch a second wind.  They will thank you later for this!

Step 13:

Introduce your Iceland wedding guests to some cultural elements!  Craft your wedding menu to have some local delicacies such as the following: Mushroom Soup, Icelandic Meat Soup, Langoustine, Scallops, Arctic Char, Reindeer, Lamb, or Skyr Cake.  Adding in an Icelandic Wedding Cake is a fun option as well!

Step 14:

Save any speeches or toasts for after the main course.  Toasts are best enjoyed by everyone on a full belly.

Step 15:

Have an open bar (unless there are sensitive circumstances as to why you cannot).  It’s not very pleasant for a guest to have travelled thousands of miles to find out their “friends” cannot buy them a glass of wine or a beer.  But know it’s okay to have curved limits like stating on the bottom of your menu “Beverages: Sodas, Coffee, Tea, Beer, and Wine” which implies cocktails or hard liquors are on the guests’ dime.  Or telling the hotel it’s okay to have an “open bar” if bottles or 30-year-old whiskies, etc are not included.  Just be tactful about it and not tacky to save a few bucks.

Step 16:

Be sure (if you have not hired us as your Iceland wedding photographer) you specifically ask your Iceland wedding photographer to take candid and posed photos (of the couples).  It’s a nice keepsake for you and the couples to have and remember later!

Step 17:

Schedule some post wedding day awesomeness for you and your Iceland wedding guests.  Maybe an activity like Inside the Volcano? Glacier Ice Climbing or Hiking? Horseback Riding? Scuba or Snorkeling between the famed tectonic plates?  Or how fun would it be for you all to caravan with walkie talkies throughout the Golden Circle and end the day in some secret hot springs?!  It would be an unforgettable end to your wedding events!

Step 18:

Send “thank you” notes to your guests regardless of them sending you a gift or not.  That simple.  If they came to your Iceland destination wedding, they deserve to be “thanked”  for coming formally.  Do it within 6 weeks after your Iceland wedding day.

Following these easy straightforward steps will ensure your guests are happy during your wedding day in Iceland and them remembering yours as THE BEST DAY EVER!

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

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

The post 18 Steps to Planning an Iceland Wedding Your Guests Will Never Forget appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

To Seat or Not to Seat Your Guests

Seating your guests can be a tricky little decision to make but today, I’d like to give you some Iceland wedding advice for why you should and when you can get away with not…

Why should you seat your guests for your Iceland wedding ceremony?

1. Comfort of your guests (An Iceland wedding can bring in a whole new level of interesting dynamics like 16+ mph winds, sideways rain/snow, blazing sunshine, or a late starting ceremony.  A chair can make a world of a difference to the guest avoiding fatigue or becoming antsy).
2. For the sake of your EPIC Iceland wedding photographs!  No joke folks… The framing on your wedding photos will be stellar if you have your guests seated versus not.  If there is not a taller point (or your Iceland wedding photographer doesn’t come with a ladder like we do) then your photographs may not have as awesome of a depth and defining point between you two and your guests without it (Note: There are exceptions to this rule as you will read below).
3. Allows for you to have a pretty and/or formal aisle way to make your walk down (whether that means you get walked down by someone special, your strut yourself down it yourself or hand in hand with your soon to be!).
4. This also sets the scene for you to have a rockin’ exit! Hello petal throw, bubbles, or banner waving!
5. We offer Iceland wedding ceremony seating rentals… Making it very EASY on you!  See HERE for more information on items we rent.

So then you’re probably curious as to how you should seat your guests during your wedding ceremony in Iceland, right?

• VIP’s in the first row (IE, Parents / Grandparents).
• If going a traditional route and wanting people to “pick sides” then anyone there specifically supporting the bride would sit on the left hand side (lucky left!).
• Groom’s family and friends would then sit on the righthand side.
• The following rows consist of other immediate family and friends.

Additional sensitive issues to keep in mind…

• Any elderly folks should be seated in the front few rows to be able to see and hear properly.
• Any parents with small children seated at the end towards the back incase they need to step away.
• Folks who have any injuries, diseases, or disabilities seated on the ends so their equipment has space.

So then you are now dying to know what seating options are available here in Iceland for your wedding ceremony.. Some sweet and unique selections follow below and vary in price (also be sure to check out our Ceremony Rental section):

1. Standard Wooden Folding Chairs (typically in black or white)
2. Chiavari Chairs with Cushions
3. Clear Chairs
4. Benches (with and without fur)
5. Sheep Fur Stools
6. Wooden Pallets
7. Antique Chairs
8. Hay Bales
9. Driftwood
10. Icelandic Wool Blankets or Reindeer Skins

Iceland wedding locations or scenarios where you do not need to seat your guests:

1. Iceland Church Wedding (because they are already there!).
2. Iceland Glacier Wedding (it’s just not safe between the ice, potential of glacial quick sand, or the length of walk/hike to get to the perfect ceremony spot).
3. Moss Covered Lava Field (we cannot ruin nature).
4. Your Ceremony is less than 5 minutes.
5. You have under 3-6 guests attending and they are fully aware and on board.
6. You have hired a very capable Iceland Wedding Planner (Day of Planner) who can take charge and clearly direct guests to standing spots that create a nice aisle for you to walk down and your photographers to shoot through.

So what is our preference for you to have during your wedding ceremony in Iceland?  Have chairs, just do it.  They may seem like an unneeded expense at the time of planning but  when you get your wedding photos back, you’ll be so happy you splurged for them (happy comfortable guests)!

Outside of the fabulous choices for Iceland wedding ceremony decor, you should also make the decision on whether or not you will have an unplugged Iceland wedding ceremony.  Our vote is that you for sure DO IT.  I hope today has provided you with some “food for thought” as you plan your epic adventure to Iceland for your wedding!

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

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

The post Iceland Wedding Ceremony: To Seat or Not to Seat? appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

So now that I have you on the edge of your seat, the story goes like this… Katie and Joe boarded a plane leaving Istanbul going to Dushanbe and were surprisingly plane seat mates.  After several amazing moments talking through the overnight flight they decided they needed to have an official “first date” upon landing.  Both having a deep desire for adventure, outdoors, and hiking, they found themselves bonding while on a 4,000 feet hike up the Laylakul Pass.

Can much even top that first meeting and first date?  Um, yeah somehow Joe + Katie topped it.  When Katie’s plans to go to Kyrgyzstan didn’t pan out, they met in Cappadocia and Joe surprised her with an all-day adventure and an unforgettable hot air balloon ride!  Swoon! Swoon! Swoon!!

So happily ever after begins then, right?  Wrong!  After countless adventures in the following years, they settled on having an incredible elopement in Iceland!  So how where they going to top their daily lives and previous adventures with an elopement?  By hiring us of course!  We are the one and only skillful and experienced providers of Iceland adventure weddings in secret offbeat locations.  ….oh oh and we came up with an EPIC Iceland wedding adventure for these two!  I invite you to come along with me today as I share with you their unforgettable Iceland elopement.

When a bride asks me, “Ann, is it a good idea for me to have two wedding dresses and a cute coat?”  My response is always YES!  I love having options and I love that a bride is fearless too, to run around in her wedding dress with no inhibitions.

Hello waterproof boots!  You are a bride’s best friend during an adventure wedding in Iceland!  Did you know Hunter Boots make all kind of crazy cute colors too?

Katie and Joe, chose to have a “first look” and exchange sweet little cards with each other at the hotel before beginning their Iceland wedding adventure!

More often than not, our adventure weddings in Iceland require a hike or a fun river crossing like this!  Katie made it look easy!

The river crossing and the hike was worth it to get to this amazing ice cave spot for the Iceland wedding ceremony!

A little after the sun started peaking over the mountains is when we began the Iceland elopement ceremony.  It was beautiful spiritual ceremony led by my favorite Iceland wedding pastor in front of a huge ice cave wall.

Once the Iceland wedding ceremony was complete, it was time to begin the exploration adventure around this amazing area!  Oh oh and of course take amazing Iceland wedding portraits too

During summer in Iceland, ice caves are not typically stable enough to go into safely.  No worries, there are tons of other amazing Iceland wedding portrait spots around!  The magnitude and the power in this area always leaves me in awe, hope you see why!

After we left the glacier area, we ventured on to one of my new favorite secret spots!

Lunch time came quick!  We decided to stop at a gorgeous private black sand beach to have an Icelandic hot dog BBQ! Yum!

We leave the beach and go to another amazing glacier area?!  Hell yes!  On with the Iceland elopement adventure for more awesome discoveries!

One of the really special things about having a wedding in Iceland is the fact that you can encounter so many natural wonders in one day.  Which allows your awesome Iceland wedding photographer to capture really dynamic images of you near them!

An Iceland elopement would not be complete without having a beautiful cliff view and a cuddle.

We are constantly on the hunt for new secret spots for our Iceland weddings and this is one of our latest faves.  I mean come on, look at those pretty mountains!

I love love love caves and am a constant seeker of them.  Katie and Joe humored me with a quick stop to this gorgeous one for an Iceland wedding portrait!

After all of those epic spots, we didn’t have one waterfall!  …unless you count the mini waterfalls coming off the holes in the glacier?!  Anyhow, we did for sure have to include one!  These two had this waterfall to themselves on their Iceland wedding day!

Dinner at one of my favorite restaurants concluded their epic Iceland wedding adventure, but not before some sweet sunset photos!

Katie + Joe,

Wow-wee!  Now that day rocked!  Eloping in Iceland was the right decision for the two of you.   So much love and so much adventure and these Iceland wedding photos exude it in each one!  I welcome you back to Iceland anytime for more secret adventures!  ?

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

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

The post Enigmatic Elopement in Iceland appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Allow me to introduce you to Sheena and Todd.  They rock!

Although these two hail from Seattle, Washington, they are beautiful old souls from the Norse era.  So it was only a matter of time before they found their way to the land of fire and ice, and get married in Iceland.  Everything screamed nontraditional about this gorgeous wedding from start to finish.  Todd and Sheena spent the morning together quietly getting ready before the hustle and bustle of the adventure began.

Once 8am came the everyone gathered in the hotel lobby anxiously awaiting where they were going and what they would see and do for their adventure wedding in Iceland…

Sheena and Todd held firm on the surprise and didn’t let on until we arrived at each location.  A rare lava tube cave awaited them for their Asatru wedding ceremony spot!  This specific lava tube is over 4600 years old and currently holds the record of being Iceland’s fourth longest.  To say guests were impressed would be a simple understatement.  As they took steps down into the cave and made their way to the beautiful holed platform it was like we were all transferred back in time, it was magical.

Between the setting within the cave, the fire, the words of the Norse celebrant, the oath rings, Viking horn, thoughtful vows, and the fact the groom not only presented the bride with a sword as a gift but that he read his vows from it (the bride read hers from an Emily Dickinson book of poems), I’m not sure which part blew my mind more!

As if it would be possible to top their ceremony spot, we tried!  A private black sand beach was luckily our next stop where Sheena and Todd ran around hand in hand in the sand.

We found our way to our lunch stop in one of the oldest villages in Iceland where a traditional old turf house still lives.  Everyone sat down and had a picnic, it was fantastic!

The groom adores lighthouses so of course one was next on the agenda!

A wedding in Iceland, would not be complete without a stunning waterfall to swoon over.  The one Sheena and Todd loved the most was in Thingvellir National Park, Oxararfoss Waterfall.  The guests were happy to toast well wishes to the couple and explore the waterfall and also all around the famed tectonic plates throughout this beautiful UNESCO site!

An awesome dinner complete with red velvet cupcakes was a perfect ending to this intimate destination wedding in Iceland!

Sheena + Todd, You two and the magical energy between you makes me smile!  Thank you for choosing us to plan and photography such an unforgettable Iceland wedding day!  We urge you to come back to Iceland again sooner than later for another epic adventure! ? ? ?

See more from their wedding featured on our favorite wedding blog… Offbeat Bride!

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

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

The post Iceland Wedding in a Lava Tube Cave | Sheena + Todd appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.