Rainy Iceland Elopement on the South Coast

Ever considered doing an Iceland Elopement during the off season? Julia and Ryan eloped in Iceland last November and I still can’t get over how much fun we had. The off season in Iceland brings cheaper rates across the country but also can bring in some unique weather to the island, but that is half the fun of your Iceland elopement!

The night before their big day, we met up for pizza and beer at the hotel we were all staying at. We looked at the weather forecast and it was not looking good. The weather in Iceland in November is notoriously hit or miss, and Iceland is known for its exceptionally strong winds and torrential rains.

It was supposed to rain upwards of 50mm that day, paired with winds of up to 140km per hour. I have truly never experienced anything like it.

I asked them if they wanted to figure out a Plan B, but Julia and Ryan decided to embrace it wholeheartedly instead. So we took another look at the weather map and made a plan to take on the day no matter what the day brought us.

We started the morning tucked away in a beautiful cave not too far from Vík where they were protected from the elements as they got dressed and prepared themselves for the day. Their first look was truly surreal, and we decided to head out and embrace the weather.

Sand was blowing everywhere as the gnarly wind ripped through the air, Julia’s veil dancing along with it. They laughed and screamed and welcomed every moment of it, and boy was it worth it.

From there, we turned the day into an epic road trip around Southern Iceland, hitting up all the secret spots as we danced along the winding roads and wicked weather patterns.

Although I believe there should be no rules when it comes to elopements, I do have one: Leave no trace.

Iceland has a very fragile environment, so you cannot step anywhere except the already created footpaths. So we walked along the pathways and watched a gorgeous waterfall trickle down a mountain. One of the things on their bucket list was to meet Icelandic horses as they are known for being notoriously friendly, so next we decided to seek them out and say hi.

Our final destination for the day was Diamond Beach and Glacier Lagoon.

It. Was. Pouring.

The type of rain where you step out of the car and are instantly drenched. But at this point we didn’t care so I pleaded with Julia and Ryan to take off their jackets and of course, they jumped right in.

They ran around the beach dancing and screaming, returning to the car sopping wet but with nothing but smiles plastered on their faces.

The next morning we met up after the rain had finally stopped and headed to Reynisfjara, the world-famous black-sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland. The contrast of the black sand before sunrise was the perfect way to experience the area and for the two of them to showcase their love. They said their private vows to each other teary-eyed, in another secluded cave where it felt like they were the only two people on earth. The sun tried it’s hardest to peek through the clouds as Julia and Ryan danced around the beach, twirling in each other's arms.

Our final stop for their first day of their Iceland Elopement: Skogafoss.

Julia and Ryan had been to Iceland once before, and one of their favourite photos was taken in front of the massive waterfall, so we knew that we had to return to the spot to complete their love story.

They ran around in the mist of the falls, seemingly not even feeling the cold temperatures.

I am so proud of these two. It was a kick-ass two-day Iceland elopement and I learned the true meaning of the saying, “There’s no bad weather, just bad preparation and bad gear.”

So as long as we’re prepared for anything that may come, your day can be absolutely incredible. That is a promise.