So, you want to get married under the Northern Lights? Bold choice. And I love it. Because honestly, what could be more magical than standing in the middle of Iceland’s wild landscapes, wrapped in love and northern glow?
Planning a wedding under the auroras is part fairy tale, part adventure. But let’s be real—it’s also part “how do we not freeze during our vows?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best locations, planning secrets, and pro tips for a breathtaking Northern Lights wedding in Iceland.
Best Northern Lights Wedding Locations in Iceland
1. Vík – Black Sand & Celestial Glow
Imagine: black volcanic sand, roaring Atlantic waves, and a sky ablaze with green auroras. Vík í Mýrdal is one of the most dramatic spots for a wedding, thanks to its surreal landscape. Reynisfjara Beach, with its towering basalt columns, creates a scene straight out of a Viking legend. Plus, the charming Reyniskirkja Church nearby offers a cozy alternative if the weather decides to be… well, Icelandic.
🔗 Visit Vík
2. Seljalandsfoss – Say “I Do” Behind a Waterfall
Getting married inside a waterfall? That’s a story worth telling. Seljalandsfoss lets you do just that, thanks to the hidden path that runs behind it. Picture saying your vows with a shimmering curtain of water in front of you and the Northern Lights dancing overhead. Just bring waterproof shoes (and maybe a spare outfit).
🔗 Seljalandsfoss Information
3. Skaftafell – Glacier Wedding Wonderland
For the couple who laughs in the face of the cold, Skaftafell is the ultimate wedding backdrop. Towering glaciers, electric-blue ice caves, and an open sky perfect for aurora viewing—it’s an epic, once-in-a-lifetime setting. Feeling adventurous? Hike up the ice and exchange vows on a glacier. Yes, really.
🔗 Skaftafell National Park
4. Siglufjörður – Intimate Fjordside Magic
Tucked away in North Iceland, Siglufjörður is a hidden gem with some of the clearest night skies in the country. No light pollution, no tourist crowds—just you, your love, and the auroras reflecting off the fjord. It’s like nature built this spot just for Northern Lights weddings.
🔗 Siglufjörður Travel Guide
5. Hotel Rangá – The Ultimate Northern Lights Wedding Venue
Want the auroras without the frostbite? Hotel Rangá is the perfect mix of luxury and adventure. This boutique hotel is famous for its Northern Lights observatory, cozy wooden lodges, and gourmet dining. Oh, and did I mention they have an aurora wake-up call? You won’t miss the magic, even if you fall asleep dreaming of your perfect wedding.
🔗 Hotel Rangá
6. Thingvellir National Park – Marry in Viking History
Standing between two tectonic plates while saying your vows? That’s an energy shift if I’ve ever seen one. Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers breathtaking landscapes and some of Iceland’s clearest, darkest skies. If you want your wedding photos to look straight out of a fantasy movie—this is the spot.
🔗 Thingvellir National Park
Can You Get Married Under the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Yes, and it’s easier than you think!
- Legal Ceremony: You can legally marry in Iceland, even if you’re not a resident. Just check out Iceland’s official marriage requirements.
- Symbolic Ceremony: If you prefer, you can handle the legal paperwork at home and have a breathtaking symbolic ceremony under the auroras.
Either way, it’s going to be legendary.
How to Plan a Winter Wedding in Iceland
📅 Best Time for a Northern Lights Wedding
The aurora season runs from September to April, with peak viewing between October and March. Avoid full moon nights (it makes the sky too bright), and check the aurora forecast at Vedur.is.
🧥 What to Wear for a Winter Wedding
- For Brides: Thermal leggings under the dress. A stylish faux-fur cape. Chic boots (heels + ice = bad idea).
- For Grooms: Layer up! Wool suits, thermal socks, and stylish gloves are your best friends.
📸 Photography Tips for the Northern Lights
Capturing the auroras isn’t as simple as just clicking a button. Here’s why you need a pro photographer (spoiler: that’s me!):
- Northern Lights require long exposure settings.
- You need tripod stability (wind in Iceland is no joke).
- Balancing artificial light (your faces) with natural aurora light is an art.
Trust me, you don’t want blurry green blobs instead of breathtaking wedding photos.
🏨 Where to Stay for the Best Northern Lights Views
- Hotel Rangá – Ultimate luxury + Northern Lights wake-up call.
- ION Adventure Hotel – Nestled in Thingvellir, perfect for aurora watching.
- Hótel Búðir – Cozy, romantic, and right in the middle of nature’s playground.
Final Pro Tips for Your Aurora Wedding
✔ Be flexible with dates. Iceland’s weather is unpredictable—having a backup day is a lifesaver.
✔ Book a 4×4 rental car. Some of the best locations require driving through actual winter wonderland terrain.
✔ Hire a local guide. They know the best (secret) spots where the lights shine the brightest.
Let’s Capture Your Northern Lights Love Story!
Your wedding deserves to be as breathtaking as the Northern Lights themselves. Whether you dream of a Viking-style elopement on a glacier or a cozy ceremony under a sky full of stars, I’m here to capture every magical moment.
🔗 Explore my portfolio
🔗 Check my wedding photography packages
🔗 Let’s start planning your unforgettable wedding adventure
Let’s chase the lights and create memories that will shine forever! 💫
