A Rainy Iceland Elopement With DIY Details | Adventure Elopement Photographer

Elopement photos in Iceland almost always have a variety of landscapes, weather, and adventure.

This elopement with Ashley & Joe was DEFINITELY one that will never be forgotten. The day was planned, the locations were scouted and picked, but Iceland had other plans for us that day, as she often does. Ashley brought her family for part of her elopement day. They wanted to have their vows private and be an intimate moment just between them after family photos.

But, those plans had to change just a bit. That morning, a HUGE rainstorm was covering the area we had planned to exploring for their elopement. It was such a massive storm it took up half of the country. We couldn’t do the first look outside, could grab family photos before the adventure, couldn’t do anything we had planned.

Most couples choose to elope partly for the epic elopement photos, but always have to be ready for a quick change of plans in their adventure.

We thought on our feet, I initiated my ‘Operation: Weather Plan B’, and the day went on. Ashley got ready with her mom which was something that meant so much to her. Her and her mom went to a local flower shop together before the elopement to pick out her bouquet, a dream Ashley has since her first visit to Europe. She also wore a DIY lace shawl that her mom made her to put over her dress!

“I also always dreamed of going to a little European flower shop the day before my wedding and picking out my bouquet. I did it! I loved my bouquet!” - Ashley

After their first look at the ION Adventure Hotel we hightailed it out of there and drove in the opposite direction, for a few hours, until the clouds cleared exactly where I thought they would. Which if you know anything about Iceland is a miracle in itself.

The first elopement photos had a huge rainbow that appeared after the Iceland rain shower ended.

We took some family photos and then continued on our adventure together. It was a day filled with spontaneity, magic, and finding the most perfect private waterfall for them to say their vows. Read more about what Ashley & Joe said below, and check out their elopement being featured on Junebug Weddings!

What moments of your elopement with each other were the most special to you?

“Saying our vows - that were prepared just for each other - not for hundreds of other people. It was so special and by a beautiful waterfall in the middle of nowhere, Iceland.”

What was the biggest surprise of planning your elopement day?

“We woke up to a crazy rainstorm! Steph showed up to our hotel and had a new game plan for us within minutes. We drove four hours north to outrun the storms, but Steph didn't skip a beat.

When we finally got to better weather, a big rainbow came out and we jumped out of the car for a picture - it's probably my very favorite picture of the day. We were SO happy!”

What made you choose to elope versus having a big wedding?

“We wanted our wedding to be completely for ourselves - this was a celebration of our love and our future. We love to travel and love everything outdoors. I think it would have been a big compromise to ourselves and the beginning of our marriage to do it any other way.”

Anything you would have done differently about your elopement in Iceland?

“Nothing - it was perfect!”

Best advice for another couple planning their elopement?

“Stumble across Zakas Photography! Choosing Steph was the best decision we made. Your photographer/planner is the most important part of the process.”

What did you love most about working with Steph at Zakas Photography?

“Steph was amazing - in every way! She was so easy to work with and along for the adventure. The photography speaks for itself! We only have the sneak peaks so far, but they are beyond anything we could have hoped for! Beyond the photography, Steph had the best recommendations for our stay - she gave us recommendations for our entire itinerary, and I don't think we could have anywhere near the same experience without the advice and knowledge of a local.”

Anything else you'd like to add about your elopement planning, your elopement day, or even the honeymoon portion after?

“Take all of Steph's recommendations for hotels, restaurants, etc. and make an adventure out of your entire experience! When we think of our wedding, we have the sweetest memories of our entire stay in Iceland - from coffee shops to waterfall hikes to long drives in the wilderness.”