Wedding in Reykjavik
Iceland
Why choose Reykjavik for your wedding?
Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital and a practical base for a wedding that combines city comfort with Icelandic nature. Keflavík International Airport lies on the Reykjanes peninsula south-west of the city, with direct flights from many European and North American cities and an airport bus into Reykjavík, which makes Iceland a rare destination that sits between Europe and North America. Waterfalls, geysers and black-sand beaches are all within a day trip, so the city works well as a hub for couples wanting urban comfort with rapid access to nature.
Outdoor wedding season runs roughly June to mid-September, with nights that barely get dark around the summer solstice. Winter draws couples hoping to marry under the northern lights, which need dark skies and so can only be seen from autumn to spring, and are never guaranteed. Summers are cool rather than warm, and wind is a constant factor year-round: plan for it as much as for rain.
Weddings in Reykjavik - style, venues and atmosphere
Reykjavík offers two clear wedding styles. The first is urban: a church ceremony in the city centre, for example at Hallgrímskirkja or at Fríkirkjan beside the lake Tjörnin, followed by dinner at one of the city's restaurants. Ask the church early whether it marries couples from abroad and on what terms.
The second style is a city base plus a ceremony in nature: guests stay in Reykjavík and travel by coach or hire car to the ceremony site. Þingvellir National Park, where the boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates runs through the landscape, is the classic choice. Under the park's rules, commercial photography and filming need permission from the Þingvellir Committee, so ask the park in writing what applies to your ceremony and your photographer.
Legally, Iceland is open to couples from abroad. Civil marriages are performed by the district commissioners (sýslumenn) and their legally trained representatives. If you do not live in Iceland, you submit a certificate of marital status from your home country, which may not be more than 12 weeks old when you submit it, together with birth certificates and a copy of your passport, and two witnesses certify that there is no obstacle to the marriage. Processing times vary between offices, so contact the office early. The official requirements are set out on island.is.
Insider tips for Reykjavik
- If you plan a ceremony outside the city, hire the car at Keflavík airport and check that it is allowed on the roads you will use: highland F-roads are open only to four-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Take guests to one of the city’s geothermal swimming pools for a relaxed break the day before the wedding.
- For a winter wedding, tell guests the northern lights are never guaranteed and plan the evening so that it works without them.
- Ask the Þingvellir Committee in writing before you plan a ceremony in the park: commercial photography and filming there need its permission.
- Time your certificate of marital status carefully: according to island.is it may not be more than 12 weeks old when you submit it to the district commissioner.
Highlights in Reykjavik
- Cultural city
- Good hotels
- Near attractions
- Northern lights
Who is Reykjavik for?
Couples who want accessibility
Wedding costs in Reykjavik (our estimate)
€7,500 - €19,500
An estimate, not measured. Replaced by the median budget from couples' briefs once we have at least five.
Our tips
Hallgrímskirkja offers fantastic views. Blue Lagoon can be combined with wedding. Book high season (June-Aug) early.
Practical info for Reykjavik, Iceland
Our recommendation for Reykjavik
We recommend Reykjavík for couples with a small to medium-sized party who want a legally valid wedding abroad with easy access to nature. Choose June to August for long days, or winter for a chance of the northern lights. Book a coordinator - language is no barrier, but logistics and permits are much easier with local help.
Editorial team, Wedding Abroad · Updated: October 2026
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Frequently asked questions about weddings in Reykjavik
When is the best time to get married in Reykjavik?
The best season to marry in Reykjavik is usually Jun-Aug (sun), Sep-Mar (aurora). Hallgrímskirkja offers fantastic views. Blue Lagoon can be combined with wedding. Book high season (June-Aug) early. Bear in mind that high-season weekends are often booked 12-18 months ahead, so start early if you have a particular date in mind.
Are weddings legally valid in Iceland?
Yes For full details on which documents are required and how the marriage is registered in your home country, see our guide to legally valid weddings abroad.
What type of wedding suits Reykjavik?
Reykjavik is a particularly good fit for Couples who want accessibility. The highlights include Cultural city, Good hotels, Near attractions. Whatever the style, it is worth visiting in advance, or working with a local coordinator who can recommend the right venue for your vision.
Other destinations in Iceland
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