Iceland isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. Maybe it’s the thundering waterfalls, the endless black sand beaches, or the way the sky literally dances at night. There’s something untamed about it, something wild and cinematic. It’s the kind of place where a wedding doesn’t feel like a ceremony—it feels like an adventure.
But before you throw on your hiking boots and run straight to a glacier, let’s talk about the real stuff—money. How much does an Iceland elopement actually cost? Spoiler alert: It depends. Some couples pull it off for under $3,000, while others go full Viking mode and drop $20,000+ on a multi-day adventure.
So, what’s it gonna be? Let’s break it down.
What You’re Paying For
Flights ($600 – $2,500 for two people)
This part? Hit or miss. If you plan ahead, you can score roundtrip flights for as little as $300 per person from the U.S. or Europe. But if you wait too long or book in peak season, expect to pay $1,000+ per ticket. Iceland doesn’t care about your wallet—it does what it wants.
💡 Save some cash: Fly in the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when flights are cheaper, crowds are smaller, and the landscapes are just as mind-blowing.
Where You’ll Stay ($800 – $3,500 for a week)
You could wake up to snow-capped peaks outside your window or a simple guesthouse with just the basics—it all depends on your budget.
🏕️ Budget: $100 – $150 per night (guesthouses, hostels, Airbnbs).
🏡 Mid-range: $200 – $350 per night (boutique hotels, cabins, and cozy lodges).
🏔️ Luxury: $500+ per night (private spa hotels, lodges with geothermal pools, or a fancy retreat in the middle of nowhere).
💡 Pro tip: Iceland is small, and good places book up FAST. If you see something you love, lock it in ASAP.
Photographer & Videographer ($2,000 – $7,000)
Iceland looks like a scene from a fantasy movie, and trust me—you don’t want bad wedding photos.
📸 Budget-friendly photographer: $2,000 – $3,500 for a half-day shoot.
📸 Top-tier adventure photographer: $5,500 – $7,000 for a full-day experience with multiple locations and epic lighting.
📹 Want video too? Add $2,000 – $4,000 for a cinematic wedding film.
💡 Save money: Hire a local Iceland-based photographer to skip travel fees.
Car Rental or Private Driver ($500 – $3,000)
Iceland’s best spots aren’t next to the airport—you’ll need a car.
🚗 Budget option: $500 – $800 for a small rental car (good for paved roads).
🚙 Better option: $1,000 – $2,000 for a 4×4 SUV (necessary if you want to reach those wild, off-the-grid locations).
🚐 Luxury option: $3,000+ for a private driver or a Super Jeep tour to the most remote places.
💡 Pro tip: A 4×4 isn’t always necessary, but if you’re planning to explore, it’s worth it.
Officiant & Legal Fees ($300 – $1,500)
Want to legally get married in Iceland? You’ll need:
✅ A registered officiant ($300 – $800).
✅ A marriage license (~$100).
✅ A bit of patience for Icelandic bureaucracy.
💡 Easier option? Handle the paperwork at home first and have a symbolic ceremony in Iceland—same magic, way less hassle.
Adventure Add-Ons ($0 – $2,500)
Your wedding day in Iceland shouldn’t be boring. Here are some ways to make it unforgettable:
🏔️ Glacier Hike: $150 – $250 per person
🚁 Helicopter Elopement: $2,000 – $3,500 (for a totally private ceremony)
❄️ Ice Cave Tour: $200 – $500 per person
🛁 Hot Springs: Free – $50 (Skip the crowded Blue Lagoon—there are better ones!)
🐎 Horseback Riding: $100 – $200 per person
💡 Budget-friendly tip: Some of Iceland’s most jaw-dropping places? Completely free.
Wedding Attire ($500 – $4,000+)
Iceland’s weather is a little dramatic (think wind, rain, and sudden temperature drops). Your wedding outfit needs to handle it.
👗 Budget-friendly: $500 – $1,500 → Simple, adventure-friendly dress & suit.
👗 Mid-range: $1,500 – $3,000 → A dramatic, flowy dress & tailored suit.
👗 Luxury: $4,000+ → Designer gown, custom suit, main character energy.
💡 Pro tip: Bring a cool jacket—a wool coat, faux fur, or even a chic cape. It’ll keep you warm and look amazing in photos.
So, Is It Worth It?
Absolutely.
Eloping in Iceland is not about saving money—it’s about spending it on something that actually matters. Instead of dropping $30,000+ on a giant wedding you barely remember, you’re spending it on an experience.
You’ll be standing in front of a waterfall, hiking across lava fields, or exchanging vows under the northern lights.No pressure, no stress—just you, your person, and the wildest wedding backdrop on Earth.
So the real question isn’t how much it costs. The real question is: When are you going? 😉
