Hello fellow adventurers! If you're envisioning a wedding as epic as your love story, you're in for a treat. As an Iceland wedding and elopement photographer, I've been fortunate to capture love stories amidst some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. While adventure elopements are a fantastic way to explore Iceland's diverse terrain, there's another avenue for experiencing Iceland's beauty - through stunning venues that allow you to celebrate with your nearest and dearest.
Iceland boasts a treasure trove of unique wedding venues that promise an unforgettable experience. Many of these even offer the magical opportunity to witness the northern lights right from your accommodations. So, without further ado, let's dive into some incredible venues for your Iceland wedding.
Nestled about an hour and a half's drive from Reykjavik, Hotel Rangá is a charming countryside escape and the only 4-star resort in South Iceland. If you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your Iceland wedding day, this place is a must-visit.
Imagine the romance of exchanging vows in a lovely country church with beautiful stained glass windows or having an epic ceremony within a hidden cave softly illuminated by candlelight. All of that is possible at this amazing place! Hotel Rangá welcomes weddings of all sizes, from grand celebrations to intimate gatherings in such diverse settings.
You also have the freedom to choose from various ceremony settings within the hotel itself. The spacious Glass Hall is perfect for larger gatherings, while the River Hall offers a more private and cozy atmosphere. If you prefer a small, intimate wedding, Hekla Hall is just the right size. And don't forget to check out their amazing suite options – each one is beautifully decorated to ensure that your accommodation is as memorable as your ceremony. They even offer wedding packages that may include a stay in one of these charming suites.
Within Reykjavík's vibrant Botanical Gardens, Floran Garden Bistro is a real gem for weddings. They've been dishing up catering delights since 1997, earning a devoted local and visitor following. No matter the size of your party, they're here to make every event unforgettable.
And let's not forget the setting – you're surrounded by lush greenery. But here's where Floran truly shines: the food. If you're after a unique and exceptional dining experience on your big day, this place deserves a spot on your list. What really makes Floran stand out is their dedication to top-notch ingredients. In the winter, they cultivate their own raw materials, ensuring the freshest produce for your special day. Come summer, they lean heavily on their own crops, and they make a point to source organic ingredients straight from the Icelandic countryside whenever possible. This commitment to quality guarantees the freshest and most flavorful dishes, adding a delightful (and delicious) touch to your wedding celebration.
Aurora Basecamp is like a dream come true for those who've always wanted an outdoor wedding beneath the Northern Lights, but with all the comfort and amenities of a traditional venue. And the best part? This unique venue is strategically placed for optimal Aurora sightings, chosen because statistics show that the Reykjanes Peninsula offers the best opportunity for seeing the lights in the capital area. And it's just a short 20-minute drive from Reykjavik, making it super convenient for you and your guests.
Here, you've got the stunning dome structures that add a super unique touch to the setting. These domes, combined with the inviting warmth of fireplaces, create a cozy and unforgettable atmosphere. When it comes to guest count and planning, Aurora Basecamp can accommodate up to 120 of your nearest and dearest. It's got everything you need to make your special day truly unforgettable, including some of the best Aurora viewing spots around. This isn't just a wedding venue; it's an incredible experience where the Northern Lights might put on a colorful show just for you. Plus, those beautiful lava field views will provide a mesmerizing backdrop to your celebration. So, with great chances for nature's light show and this incredible location, your wedding is set to be truly epic.
Hotel Búðir situated on the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers a truly distinctive wedding experience. This charming venue is filled with character, giving a feeling of home that sets the perfect atmosphere for your Iceland wedding day.
Located just over a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik, Hotel Búðir boasts a variety of stunning ceremony locations. Whether you choose the intimate charm of the small black church in the backyard or the dramatic oceanfront setting with the rugged beauty of a unique sandy white beach, your wedding will be nothing short of unforgettable. Surrounded by a lava field and with the majestic Snaefellsjokull glacier in view, your wedding photos will be absolutely spectacular.
While celebrating your love, you and your guests can indulge in delicious delicacies from the in-house restaurant. Hotel Búðir goes above and beyond to accommodate couples' wishes, ensuring your wedding day is nothing short of extraordinary. This venue's commitment to creating a personalized and memorable experience makes it an excellent choice for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind wedding in the heart of Iceland's breathtaking landscapes. Plus, it's dog-friendly, so your four-legged best friend can join in on the joyous occasion.
The Friðheimar greenhouse in Reykholt is another gem of a wedding venue, and it's as eco-friendly as it is enchanting. You don’t even have to bring your own flowers for decoration; this place has its own natural flora that's both beautiful and makes it budget-friendly.
It's only a 75 minute drive from Reykjavik city center, which is fantastic. But here's what really makes it special: no matter when you plan your wedding, even in Iceland's challenging climate, this greenhouse stays lush and green all year long. It's like a perpetual summer inside, giving you a vibrant and picturesque setting for your big day, and a break from the Icelandic weather.
There's another awesome twist – this place is actually a thriving tomato farm. It adds a unique touch of whimsy to your wedding, and if you're all about sustainability, it's an excellent choice. They're really into eco-friendly farming practices, which is fantastic for our beautiful planet. The greenhouse itself has an intimate and cozy vibe, which sets the stage for a wonderfully romantic wedding, especially if you're planning something small and intimate. So, whether you're into year-round greenery, sustainability, or just want something totally unconventional and memorable for your wedding, the Friðheimar greenhouse is a fantastic choice.
IÐNÓ in Reykjavik is a truly exceptional wedding venue, blending historical charm, a central location, versatile event spaces, picturesque surroundings, and profound cultural significance. Housed in a historic building originally constructed in 1897, IÐNÓ's rich history and stunning architecture create a uniquely Icelandic and culturally significant backdrop for your wedding day.
Conveniently located in the heart of Reykjavik, IÐNÓ allows easy access for your guests. Its central location means that after your wedding ceremony, you and your loved ones can readily explore Reykjavik's vibrant city life, savoring its restaurants, and indulging in its attractions.
IÐNÓ offers a range of versatile event spaces. The main hall is a graceful, high-ceilinged room featuring wooden floors and large windows, creating a magnificent setting for both ceremonies and receptions. Additionally, there's a charming café/bar area and an outdoor terrace that offers breathtaking views of Reykjavik, particularly in the evening when the city's lights twinkle. This terrace is an ideal spot for capturing those cherished wedding photos.
Eyvindartunga, just an hour's drive from Reykjavik in the heart of Iceland's countryside, is a fantastic Iceland wedding venue to consider. Surrounded by lush forests, serene lakes, and majestic mountains, it's a stunning setting for your ceremony and wedding photos.
Adding to the charm, this area has fun significance as the former home of Eyvindur and Halla, famous outlaws in Icelandic folklore. Their story adds a touch of mystique and intrigue to the venue.
Eyvindartunga has a beautifully lit and decorated barn for your rustic wedding reception. There’s also plenty of outdoor space for celebrations, whether big or intimate. You can even rent it for the whole weekend!
This traditional sheep farm runs on renewable energy from the Sandá River, and the explosive Strokkur Geysir nearby is perfect for photos or a pre-wedding adventure. It's the ideal spot for a countryside wedding in Iceland, blending nature, folklore, and sustainability in one memorable package.
Hotel Grímsborgir, located just 70 km east of Reykjavik in the heart of the Golden Circle, offers a wedding experience surrounded by the stunning Icelandic landscape. Nestled on the bank of the river Sogid, it provides easy access to some of Iceland's most iconic natural, geographical, and historical landmarks.
Many couples seeking a touch of adventure opt for an outdoor ceremony amidst Iceland's breathtaking nature, such as Þingvellir National Park or the nearby Kerið crater. After exchanging vows, they return to Hotel Grímsborgir for a heartwarming wedding reception, followed by a cozy stay in one of the elegant apartments or rooms available.
Hotel Grímsborgir can accommodate up to 240 people, making it suitable for weddings, parties, and celebrations of all sizes. With a restaurant and two banquet rooms seating up to 200 people, the hotel provides everything you need for a memorable wedding, including refreshments, beautiful natural surroundings, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Your special day in this picturesque setting is sure to be unforgettable.
Miðhraun Lava Resort, a family-run retreat on the Snæfellsnes peninsula's southern edge, offers an unforgettable Iceland wedding experience. With well-furnished accommodations, an on-site restaurant, and geothermal baths, it's a true haven of comfort and relaxation.
Tucked among moss-covered lava fields and the foothills of the Light Mountains, this tranquil resort is perfect for nature lovers. It provides an ideal base for exploring the peninsula and capturing stunning wedding photos.
Moreover, this exceptional venue can host weddings of 120-130 people, with accommodation for 100-120 guests. Please note that during the high season, from June 1st to October 1st, the entire venue, including accommodations and the venue space "Hlaðan," must be booked.
Additionally, they offer catering services with customizable menus, making every effort to accommodate special requests and create a unique dining experience for each wedding. All catering arrangements can be made through Hlaðan, which handles both food and beverage services.
The resort offers both indoor and outdoor venues, ensuring a beautiful backdrop for your special day. Miðhraun Lava Resort effortlessly combines natural beauty, tranquility, and comfort for an unforgettable Iceland wedding experience.
ION Luxury Adventure Hotel, located just under an hour's drive from the lively Reykjavík, is the kind of place that makes your wedding feel like a grand adventure. Imagine saying your vows against a backdrop of breathtaking mountainous lava fields or the Northern lights – it's like a scene only from a dream.
The hotel offers flexible spaces for your big day, including a private conference room that can host up to 60 guests and the option to have a banquet tent on their lava field patio, perfect for up to 200 people. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, ION has you covered.
And if you're looking for something truly special, consider starting your journey at Úlfljótsvatn Church, just half an hour away. This century-old church adds a touch of classic romance to your ceremony.
ION Adventure Hotel also stands out with its sleek and modern Nordic design, including floor-to-ceiling windows that bring nature's beauty inside, making it an elegant backdrop for your wedding photos. But it's not just about the aesthetics; this place is a paradise for adventurous couples. From hiking to glacier tours and horseback riding, you can turn your wedding into an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.
So, there you have it—some of the most epic wedding venues in Iceland. No matter which one you choose, your love story is bound to be framed by Iceland's breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable adventures. As your Iceland wedding and elopement photographer, I can't wait to capture your love story against these incredible backdrops.
Happy wedding planning, adventurers!
