Can You Actually Get Married in Iceland?
When you start dreaming about getting married in Iceland, it’s totally normal to wonder, “Can we actually make it official there, or should we just sign the papers at home?” I get this question all the time from couples planning to elope in Iceland, and the truth is: you’ve got options. Yes, it’s absolutely possible to legally get married in Iceland! You’ll just need to follow a few rules and send in some documents ahead of time. On the flip side, plenty of couples skip the paperwork stress and choose to have a symbolic ceremony instead, the same breathtaking views, the same vows, minus the legal hoops. Let’s break it all down so you can figure out which route feels right for you!!
What You Need for a Legal Marriage in Iceland
If you’re planning to make it official while you’re here, here’s what you’ll need to know.
Documents & Requirements:
- You both have to be at least 18 years old.
- You’ll each need a valid passport or national ID.
- Birth certificates for both partners.
- A certificate of marital status (sometimes called “no impediment to marry”). If your country doesn’t issue one, you can provide a sworn declaration instead.
- If either of you has been married before, you’ll need proof that the previous marriage has legally ended (a divorce decree or a certificate confirming the estate was settled if widowed).
When and Where to Submit Everything:
- All documents need to be sent to the District Commissioner’s Office (Sýslumaður) in Iceland.
- Make sure to submit everything at least three to four weeks before your ceremony date. If you can, do it earlier to be safe!!
- Documents not in English or a Scandinavian language will need to be officially translated and certified.
How the Ceremony Works:
- You can have a civil ceremony at a registry office or a religious/humanist ceremony with an authorized officiant.
- Outdoor legal ceremonies are totally possible, as long as your officiant is officially recognized by the Icelandic authorities.
- Once you’re married, you’ll get a marriage certificate (usually available in English) that’s legally valid in most countries.
Just a quick note: laws and requirements can change occasionally, so it’s always smart to double-check the details with Iceland’s official government website before finalizing plans!
The Pros & Cons of Legally Getting Married in Iceland
There’s no right or wrong choice here, just different vibes. Here’s a quick look at both sides so you can decide what fits your vision.
Why You Might Love the Legal Route:
- You’ll walk away with an official Icelandic marriage certificate, such a cool keepsake.
- Your ceremony will feel fully “real” in the moment because it’s legally binding right there in that epic landscape!
- It adds to the sense of adventure, your love story literally becomes part of Iceland.
What to Keep in Mind:
- There’s paperwork involved, and it has to be submitted on time.
- Some documents might need to be notarized or apostilled, depending on where you live.
- It’s not hard, but it’s not as spontaneous as a symbolic ceremony, you’ll need to plan ahead!!
Why So Many Couples Choose a Symbolic Ceremony
If you love the idea of keeping things stress-free and just focusing on your experience, this might be your path!
Here’s how it usually works:
You get legally married at home first, at your courthouse or local registrar’s office, then come to Iceland for the real celebration! You exchange vows, pop some champagne, and adventure through waterfalls and glaciers without worrying about deadlines or paperwork. Your day still feels 100% real because, let’s be honest, it is. A symbolic ceremony lets you be completely in the moment without anything holding you back. And in a place like Iceland, that freedom makes it even more magical!
How to Choose What’s Right for You
A quick way to think about it:
Go for a legal ceremony if…
- You love the idea of it being officially recognized right there in Iceland.
- You don’t mind a bit of planning and want that Icelandic marriage certificate as a keepsake.
- You have help from a planner or officiant who can guide you through the process.
Go for a symbolic ceremony if…
- You want zero stress and all adventure.
- You’d rather focus on your experience than paperwork!!
- You want to be flexible with your day, maybe chasing the light or picking your ceremony spot last-minute.
Either way, your wedding day is going to be unforgettable, the paperwork doesn’t change the magic of it.
A Quick Example
Picture this: you’ve already taken care of the paperwork back home, and now you’re standing in front of a waterfall with the wind whipping around you. You say your vows, laugh through the chill, and feel that mix of calm and adrenaline that comes with being somewhere this wild. That’s what so many couples love about doing a symbolic ceremony in Iceland, no stress, just pure connection and adventure!!
Ready to Plan Your Day? Let’s Chat!
Holly Meyer | Iceland Elopement Photographer
Whether you decide to make it legal in Iceland or keep things simple with a symbolic ceremony, your day deserves to feel easy, meaningful, and true to you. I’ll help you every step of the way, from understanding the paperwork to finding the perfect ceremony spot. So… ready to start planning your Iceland elopement and for me to capture it? Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
