If you want your proposal to be more than just a memorable moment—if you want it to be a whole memorable adventure—then an Iceland proposal is the way to go!

Think about it. This is a moment that you and your partner will remember forever. It’s the moment when you tell the love of your life that you’re all in.

A man puts a ring on a woman's finger during an Iceland proposal adventure as the moment is captured by Iceland photographer Steph Zakas.

So I say, make a thing of it. A great BIG thing, as big as your love for each other. And while you’re at it, have the adventure of a lifetime together!

As an Iceland elopement photographer and planner, I’ve also had the pleasure of shooting several Iceland proposals. But I’m not just talking about your average down-on-the-knee moment here—I’m talking about badass proposal adventures that take up a full day, with some seriously incredible proposal photos to show for it!

Is an Iceland Proposal Adventure for You?

There are plenty of reasons to book an Iceland proposal adventure. Maybe you love traveling together. Maybe Iceland is already on your bucket list. Maybe you just really want to celebrate this special day in a new, exciting, and unforgettable way.

In any case, you have several Iceland proposal experiences to choose from. The day’s itinerary can be totally customized to your liking! Start your day with a picnic, walk around town, or take a relaxing dip in a hot thermal pool. Spend the afternoon hiking or exploring the most scenic landscapes. End your day with a delicious Icelandic meal or, if you’re lucky, with an unforgettable show of northern lights. The Island is your oyster!

I’m also happy to help you not only capture, but plan, your special day! I’ve spent hours and hours exploring Iceland and I know pretty much everything there is to do in this beautiful country (including all the best hidden gem photo spots!).

Iceland Proposal Locations & Experiences

Here are some awesome adventure ideas and off-the-grid places to pop the question.

Take a helicopter tour to a private glacier

Helicopter tours in Iceland are definitely a thing. The landscape here is so diverse, and being able to see it from up above and watch as it evolves is breathtaking!

A man down on one knee asking a beautiful woman to marry him at an amazing Iceland proposal location.

Plus, there are some rad spots that are pretty tough to reach otherwise. Like the top of your own private glacier, for example. Sound cool? That’s because it is.

Hike to a private waterfall

This is an Iceland proposal classic that never gets old! Iceland is covered in beautiful waterfalls. Some have become pretty big tourist attractions and get busy at certain times of the year, like the waterfalls at Kirkjufell, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss.

However, there are still some hidden gems out there that make the perfect backdrop for a more private proposal moment (I can take you there!).

Visit the Game of Thrones waterfall

If your partner is the Daenarys to your Jon Snow (minus the...you know...death and stuff) then they’re going to love it when you get down on one knee in front of the Game of Thrones waterfall in Iceland.

An epic Iceland proposal in action as a man gets down on one knee in front of a huge waterfall in Iceland.

A beautiful woman in a red dress and handsome man in a blue suit stand in front of Skogafoss, the Game of Thrones waterfall in Iceland.

Skógafoss appeared in season 8 of Game of Thrones, in the scene after Jon and Daenarys ride dragons together. For a GoT fan, it doesn’t get much more romantic than that!

Snuggle up under the northern lights

If you’re here at the right time of year, and you’re lucky enough, you may even be able to propose under the northern lights.

Iceland is one of the few places in the world whose skies light up so beautifully. The best time of year to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis in Iceland is from September to April.

Go whale watching

Iceland is a unique ecosystem that is home to over 20 species of whales throughout the year. How crazy is that?

It’s no surprise that whale watching tours are a popular attraction in Iceland. If you’re a couple of animal lovers, especially when it comes to ocean life, this is a great option!

Many whale watching tours in Iceland run year-round, and there are various pros and cons to booking in the summer or the winter. But as with any Iceland adventure, it’s important to note that the weather can be harsh, especially in the winter.

Take a multi-day hike through the Icelandic Highlands

If you and your partner love trekking, why not take your adventure off-the-beaten-path with a multi-day hike through the volcanic landscape of the Icelandic Highlands?

There are different treks and itineraries to choose from, but no matter what, you’re bound to see some incredible stuff. Awe-inspiring mountains, lava fields, rivers, valleys, hot springs, glaciers, lakes...you’d be hard-pressed to find this variety of scenery anywhere else in the world.

A couple hikes through Iceland while their photo is taken by surprise proposal photographer Steph Zakas.

This option is definitely for adventurous souls and not for the faint of heart. It’s extremely important to be prepared, and it’s best to plan this kind of trip for the summer months (like I mentioned above, the weather here can be intense!).

Book a Super Jeep tour through the Highlands

Does exploring the Icelandic Highlands sound great, but being out in the elements for days...not so much? An Iceland Super Jeep Tour might be the perfect option!

Super Jeeps are modified to take explorers to remote locations that can’t be easily accessed otherwise. Super Jeeps are a popular adventure here in Iceland and there are several different tour companies, pick-up locations, and destinations to choose from.

Visit frozen waterfalls in the winter

If you want your proposal to look like a scene from a fantasy movie, Iceland is the place to do it.

It gets cold here in the winter. Like, really cold. Bundle up.

A couple poses for photos with Iceland photographer Steph Zakas in front of a beautiful waterfall in the winter.

But there are benefits to Iceland’s chilly winters, like the gorgeous snowscapes and even frozen waterfalls! Talk about majestic.

Skógafoss is a popular frozen waterfall to visit in the winter, but there are a few others as well.

Book a horseback riding tour

Riding horses is a popular pastime in Iceland. We even have our own unique breed of Icelandic horses!

Exploring the country by horseback is an awesome experience. There are plenty of different horseback riding tours in Iceland to choose from, depending on where you are, where you want to go, and your experience level. These gorgeous animals will take you to quiet areas, and you can choose the perfect place to hop off and pop the question.

Make a splash behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is a well-known waterfall in Iceland, and one of the coolest things about it is that you can walk all the way behind it at certain times of the year.

A couple poses behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall after a surprise elopement in Iceland.

How many people you know can say that they proposed behind a massive waterfall in Iceland? That’s what I thought!

Go on a glacier ice cave tour

Iceland’s glacier ice caves are stunning! Imagine exploring one of these natural wonders together, taking in the blue crystal-like structures before finding a private moment to propose. Now that would make for some freaking cool photos (no pun intended).

Make sure you book a proper tour if you’re planning to visit a glacier cave, and that you know the difference between the glacier caves and regular ice caves. Some are much prettier than others!

Fly across the Island in a private plane

So this might sound kind of intense, but it only really takes about 45 minutes to fly across the entire Island.

In that time, though, you’ll see such an impressive array of landscapes. Plus you can spend a couple of hours exploring a whole other area of Iceland!

Nothing says “romance” quite like a private plane ride over one of the world’s most unique and magnificent countries.

Find a unique location to propose in Iceland

Even if you have other activities planned for your day and don’t have time for a full eight-hour adventure, you’ll still be able to find the perfect spot to pop the question in Iceland.

Because the actual size of the island is rather small, but the land is so natural and varied, there’s always an incredible photo location nearby.

A couple walks through a beautiful field of wildflowers together after an Iceland proposal.

Your Iceland proposal can happen in front of a giant glacier, on top of a volcano crater, between the tectonic plates, in a private canyon or cave...you really can’t go wrong!

Whether you love to hike or prefer to explore by vehicle, and no matter what else you have planned for your day, I am confident that we can find an amazing location that will leave your partner breathless. Not to mention the photo opps!

Planning Your Iceland Proposal

There are definitely a few things you need to know before planning any trip to Iceland, including an epic proposal adventure. You might find this Beginner’s Guide to Iceland helpful!

I also recommend talking to someone who knows the area—like me! You’re 100% going to want a professional photographer in Iceland to join you (for at least some of your adventure) to capture this experience. After all, the gorgeous backdrops are probably one of the reasons why you considered Iceland in the first place!

Whether you want me there for a full eight-hour adventure, or just for part of the day to capture the big moment, I am SO down. I can also help you plan every aspect of your Iceland proposal, from helping you decide where to stay, to picking the best location to propose, to making sure everything remains a surprise for your better half.

Ready to make it happen? Let’s chat and start planning the romantic adventure of a lifetime!