Ah, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—a place where wild Icelandic landscapes meet pure romance. If you’re dreaming of a wedding where towering cliffs, black sand beaches, and majestic glaciers serve as your backdrop, then you, my friend, are in for a treat.
This guide will take you through the most breathtaking wedding venues in Snæfellsnes, insider tips on planning your special day here, and why this slice of Iceland might just be the most magical place on Earth to say “I do.”
1. Hotel Búðir – The Fairytale Wedding Spot
📍 Hotel Búðir
Picture this: You and your partner, standing before a glacier-covered volcano, the salty breeze from the Atlantic whispering through your vows. Sounds like something out of a Viking love saga, right?
Hotel Búðir is one of Iceland’s most famous wedding venues, and for good reason. It’s surrounded by lava fields, rugged coastlines, and the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The hotel itself is charming, intimate, and cozy, making it perfect for both elopements and larger weddings.
💡 Pro Tip: The hotel has an incredible in-house restaurant, so your guests will be treated to a feast of fresh Icelandic seafood, local lamb, and handcrafted desserts.
🎥 Photo-Worthy Moments:
- Sunset photos by the black sand beaches nearby.
- Moody, dramatic shots in the lava fields.
- A wedding ceremony overlooking the ocean.
2. Búðakirkja – The Iconic Black Church
📍 Búðakirkja
A tiny black wooden church, standing alone in a sea of golden grass and lava rocks—Búðakirkja is as dramatic as it is romantic. This 19th-century chapel is one of Iceland’s most sought-after wedding locations, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.
💡 Pro Tip: You’ll need special permission to have your wedding here, so plan ahead and contact the local parish in advance.
🎥 Photo-Worthy Moments:
- Moody, Nordic vibes with the black church against stormy skies.
- Soft, golden light during summer evenings for dreamy portraits.
- Windblown romance—because Iceland’s weather loves surprises!
3. Arnarstapi Cliffs – For the Adventurous Souls
📍 Arnarstapi
If you’re the kind of couple who feels most alive with the ocean crashing beneath your feet, then Arnarstapi might be your perfect wedding spot. Imagine standing on a cliff’s edge, exchanging vows as waves explode against the basalt formations below—an absolutely epic setting for an elopement.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring a warm wedding cape or a woolen shawl—it gets seriously chilly here, even in summer.
🎥 Photo-Worthy Moments:
- Clifftop vows with the endless North Atlantic as your backdrop.
- Dramatic wedding portraits on the rugged lava formations.
- Seabirds flying overhead, adding an untamed beauty to your day.
4. Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach – Wild, Remote, and Stunning
📍 Djúpalónssandur
If you want your wedding to feel like a scene from a Viking legend, Djúpalónssandur is the place. This stunning black sand beach, dotted with mystical lava rock formations, is a true hidden gem for adventurous elopements.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid high heels—this beach is made for barefoot vows or sturdy boots.
🎥 Photo-Worthy Moments:
- Epic shots with volcanic rock formations framing the sea.
- Romantic slow dances on the beach with nothing but the waves as music.
- Wind-swept veil moments that look straight out of a fantasy movie.
5. Kirkjufell – Iceland’s Most Photographed Mountain
📍 Kirkjufell
If you’ve ever googled “Iceland” (and let’s be real, you totally have), you’ve definitely seen Kirkjufell. This iconic cone-shaped mountain is one of the most breathtaking places to elope or have wedding portraits taken.
💡 Pro Tip: The area around Kirkjufell is popular with photographers, so plan a sunrise or late evening ceremony for a more intimate experience.
🎥 Photo-Worthy Moments:
- Cascading waterfalls and the famous mountain in the background.
- Fog rolling in for a mysterious, otherworldly vibe.
- Northern Lights wedding photos in winter—yes, it’s possible!
Essential Iceland Wedding Planning Tips
✔ Best Time to Get Married in Snæfellsnes:
- Summer (June–August) for midnight sun and warmer weather.
- Winter (November–March) for Northern Lights magic and moody landscapes.
✔ Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Iceland:
- You’ll need to submit paperwork at least 3 weeks before your wedding.
- Both partners must provide birth certificates, passports, and proof of marital status.
- A legal officiant (priest, humanist, or civil officiant) is required.
✔ Iceland Wedding Vendors to Check Out:
Let’s Capture Your Snæfellsnes Love Story!
If you’re ready to have your once-in-a-lifetime wedding adventure in Iceland, let’s make sure your memories are as breathtaking as your surroundings. As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing the raw beauty and deep emotions of elopements and weddings in Snæfellsnes and beyond.
📸 Check out my portfolio here: Your Happy Moments Blog
💰 Explore my photography packages here: Investment
📩 Let’s chat about your dream wedding! Contact Me
Final Thought
Snæfellsnes is not just a wedding destination—it’s an experience. Whether you’re drawn to black sand beaches, majestic mountains, or charming churches, this magical corner of Iceland offers unparalleled beauty and adventure for your wedding day. So pack your love, your vows, and maybe an extra sweater, and let’s make magic happen. ✨
