An Epic Iceland Elopement: From Selfoss to Skógafoss & Reynisfjara Beach

Stop One: Selfoss & Icelandic Horses

Selfoss is a charming town in South Iceland and an ideal starting point for an elopement. Surrounded by farmland, volcanoes, and wide-open skies, it’s also one of the best areas to experience Icelandic horses up close.

Interesting Facts About Icelandic Horses

• Icelandic horses have remained purebred for over 1,000 years.
• They are known for their friendly, curious personalities.
• They have five gaits, including the famous tölt.
• Once an Icelandic horse leaves the country, it cannot return.

Including horses in your elopement photos adds a sense of place and authenticity that is uniquely Icelandic.

Places to Stay in Selfoss

• Hotel Selfoss – A riverside hotel with spa amenities and easy access to South Iceland.
• Bakka Apartments – Modern, comfortable apartments in the heart of town.
• Local farm stays and countryside Airbnbs offer privacy and beautiful surroundings.

Other Things to Do Near Selfoss

• Kerið Crater – A colorful volcanic crater lake.
• Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) – One of Iceland’s oldest natural hot springs.
• Þingvellir National Park – Where tectonic plates meet.

Stop Two: Skógafoss & Kvernufoss Waterfalls

From Selfoss, drive east along the Ring Road to reach two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. These locations are perfect for elopement vows surrounded by raw natural power.

Skógafoss Waterfall

Skógafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, plunging 60 meters straight down. On sunny days, rainbows often appear in the mist, making it a symbol of magic and new beginnings. We were granted rainbows at BOTH waterfalls so you know what that means!!!!

• Width: approximately 25 meters
• Legend says a Viking treasure chest is hidden behind the falls
• Accessible year-round

Kvernufoss Waterfall

Just a short walk away, Kvernufoss offers a more secluded and intimate experience. This waterfall allows you to walk behind the cascade, creating incredible photo opportunities and a sense of privacy ideal for elopements.

• Less crowded than Skógafoss
• Located in a dramatic canyon
• Accessible via a short hiking trail

Nearby Places to Explore

• Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
• Dyrhólaey Peninsula and Lighthouse
• Glacial rivers and black sand plains

Reynisfjara Beach Near Vík

End your elopement day on Iceland’s dramatic southern coast at Reynisfjara Beach, located just outside the village of Vík. This lesser-known black sand beach offers moody cliffs, crashing waves, and a sense of wild isolation. Jas and Lauren changed it up for the beach with a stark red veil and necklace and gloves with red jeweled accents and nails. The look paired so well with the sunset glow, the stark black sand beach, and the basalt columns.

Interesting Facts About Reynisfjara Beach

• It features volcanic black sand formed from cooled lava.
• The beach is known for its dramatic basalt formations.
• Powerful waves make it visually stunning but unsafe for swimming. The waves are no joke. Make sure to pay attention to the safety lights and sign at the entrance to the beach.

This location is perfect for sunset portraits, wind-swept vows, and embracing the raw beauty Iceland is known for.

Places to Stay in Vík

• Hotel Vík – Modern comfort with coastal views. Good breakfast and a cool lounge. I stayed here - twice
• Hótel Kría – Stylish, eco-friendly accommodations.
• Black Sand Hotel – Minimalist luxury close to the coast.

Places to Eat in Vík

• Black Crust Pizzaria – A great spot for pizza made with black dough
• Ströndin Bistro – Cozy atmosphere with Icelandic-inspired dishes.
• The Soup Company – Famous for warming soups, perfect after a beach walk. Same building as the lava show.
• Smidjan Brugghús – Burgers and local craft beer.
• Tiny Crepe Stand – Unbelievably delicious crepes. A perfect boost after hiking and chasing waterfalls.

Final Stop: Back to the Airbnb in Selfoss

The end of the day concluded with a cozy vow ceremony at their Airbnb outside Selfoss. They both wrote their vows in letters and sealed them with a wax stamp of "The Lovers" tarot. It was a very sweet and special moment. The perfect way to end a pretty perfect day.

10 Reasons Iceland Is the Ultimate Destination for an Untraditional Elopement

1. Otherworldly Landscapes in Every Direction
   Iceland offers an unmatched variety of landscapes within short driving distances—waterfalls, black sand beaches, moss-covered lava fields, glaciers, volcanoes, and dramatic cliffs. Each location feels cinematic and raw, perfect for couples who want their elopement to feel wild, intimate, and visually unforgettable.
2. Freedom to Break All the Rules
   Eloping in Iceland naturally lends itself to nontraditional timelines, attire, and ceremonies. Whether you’re exchanging vows at midnight under the summer sun or hiking to a secluded canyon, Iceland encourages couples to create a day that reflects their values rather than expectations.
3. Incredible Natural Light
   During summer months, Iceland experiences the Midnight Sun, offering hours of soft, golden light that’s ideal for photography and extended adventures. In winter, shorter days bring dramatic skies and moody tones that enhance the emotional depth of an intimate ceremony.
4. Intimate Locations with a Sense of Isolation
   Despite its popularity, Iceland still offers countless quiet, remote locations where you can exchange vows with no one else around. With thoughtful planning, it’s easy to find spots that feel private, peaceful, and deeply personal.
5. A Legal Process That’s Straightforward
   Iceland’s marriage requirements are relatively simple for international couples, making it an appealing destination for elopements. The process is clear, well-documented, and accommodating, allowing couples to focus more on the experience than the paperwork.
6. Adventure Built Into the Day
   An Iceland elopement can include hiking to waterfalls, exploring ice caves, soaking in geothermal hot springs, or driving scenic coastal roads. Your wedding day becomes an experience—one that feels more like an epic adventure than a formal event.
7. Minimal Décor Needed
   Iceland’s landscapes speak for themselves. Couples don’t need elaborate décor or rentals when nature provides the backdrop. This simplicity aligns perfectly with an untraditional elopement focused on meaning, connection, and presence.
8. Ever-Changing Weather Adds Drama
   Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, but that’s part of its magic. Rolling fog, shifting clouds, wind, and light create a dynamic atmosphere that adds emotion and authenticity to your elopement story.
9. Perfect for a Wedding and Honeymoon Combined
   Iceland is ideal for couples who want to seamlessly transition from elopement into honeymoon. From road trips along the Ring Road to cozy cabins and luxury stays, it offers endless opportunities to celebrate your marriage beyond the ceremony itself.
10. A Deep Connection to Nature and Storytelling
    Iceland is rooted in folklore, mythology, and a profound respect for nature. Eloping here feels symbolic—timeless, grounded, and intentional. It’s a place where your story feels small in the best way, woven into something far bigger than a single day.

Why This Iceland Elopement Route Is Perfect

This Selfoss-to-Vík elopement route offers everything couples dream of when envisioning an Iceland elopement: intimate moments with Icelandic horses, legendary waterfalls, and a dramatic coastal finale. With manageable driving distances and endless scenic stops, it’s an ideal blend of adventure and romance.

If you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels wild, meaningful, and deeply connected to nature, South Iceland delivers at every turn.