Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Iceland Elopement | Adventure Elopement Photographer

Iceland Elopements are always such an adventure to document, every dang time. Especially in the winter time when the sun doesn’t come out, at all.

This time was no different, the only expectation you can expect is to expect the unexpected. At least, when it comes to weather. Katie & Brendan had an Iceland Elopement in the winter time, which should tell you how adventurous they are. As happens in winter in Iceland, if you don’t get any break in the clouds, the sun will not be seen at all. The day was dark, it rained a lot, but we still had so much fun and they have a day that was all theirs.

We started out at the Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel in Reykjavík, right off the harbor. It was dark, the sun doesn’t rise until about 11:30am during that time of the year, if it even shows up at all. They got ready in separate rooms next door to each other, where I was bouncing back and forth and helping them with their final touches to their outfits. They wanted a first look, which if you have read any of my other blogs ever, you will know I love First Looks. I set Brendan up on a side street in downtown Reykjavík, where Katie walked up the street toward him. From there we jumped in my car and headed out to the ceremony location where we met Helga, their celebrant. It was snowing, raining, and even hailing during their FREEZING ceremony, but both of them were just so stoked it didn’t even matter. After their ceremony, we adventured around, got even more soaked with rain, had a bunch of laughs, tried to squeeze all of the light out of the day that we could, and made their day. truly theirs.

Read some words they had to say about their experience and see what will help you in your planning!

What did you love most about working with Zakas Photography?
Steph was always available and super helpful...not just with the actual plan for our big day but really for anything travel related. She had great referrals for vendors in the area and recommendations for what to see/visit. Most importantly, she took the time to figure out what we were really looking to get out of our wedding day and she made that happen. It was the perfect combination of having an agenda and being pleasantly surprised.

How did you personalize your wedding? What about your wedding was most unique?
I’d say the fact that we traveled to Iceland was probably fairly unique. We eloped so we were truly just able to focus on what we wanted from the day and didn’t have to worry about pleasing anyone else. Steph also did a great job of making the day fun and natural. None of the posed/awkward photos everyone dreads. I think she captured the spirit of the day so perfectly.

Anything you would have done differently?
Not a thing.

What details are you most proud of?
I think just taking the leap to elope in the first place...deciding to just do things our own way.

What particular moment of your day will you remember most?
Probably the ceremony. It had started to snow like crazy on the way up to the waterfall. It was super private and personal.

Best advice for another couple?
Just do it! Don’t worry about what others might be expecting of you for your wedding day. Plan your dream day and have everything exactly as you imagined it to be. Stay focused on the reason you’re marrying your favorite person. That’s all that matters.

What was the biggest surprise of your wedding day?
Welllllllll, the weather wasn’t the most cooperative, but we (Steph) really made it work! Also, we couldn’t have imagined some of the places she took us. Absolutely breathtaking.

Anything else you'd like to add?
You made the experience completely stress-free and a ton of fun. Thank you so much.

Hotel: Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel
Dress: Martina Liana
Hair & Makeup: Bertmarí Ýr
Florals: Þórdís Zophía
Officiant: Helga