Wedding in Reykjavik
Iceland
Why choose Reykjavik for your wedding?
Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital and over the last decade has gone from peripheral outpost to one of Europe's most sought-after wedding destinations. Direct flights from London Heathrow take 3 hours with Icelandair and PLAY, and Keflavík airport sits 50 minutes from the city centre by Flybus or hire car. From New York Newark, it is a 5h 30min direct flight with Icelandair - making Reykjavík the rare destination genuinely between Europe and North America. For couples wanting urban comfort with rapid access to nature - waterfalls, geysers and black-sand beaches all 60-90 minutes away - Reykjavík is logistically unbeatable.
Outdoor wedding season runs June to mid-September, peaking around the summer solstice (21 hours of daylight on 21 June). Winter draws couples wanting to marry under the aurora - the season runs late September to March, with peak activity in February. Expect 4-7°C in summer and significant winds year-round. Iceland's weather differs from continental Europe through constant wind rather than cold.
Weddings in Reykjavik - style, venues and atmosphere
Reykjavík offers two clear wedding styles. The first is urban-elegant: ceremony at Hallgrímskirkja or Fríkirkjan beside Lake Tjörnin, followed by dinner at Dill (Iceland's first Michelin-starred restaurant) or Matur og Drykkur in the old harbour. Budget EUR 130-200 per cover for fine-dining wedding dinner with paired wines.
The second style is urban base plus nature ceremony: couples stay at Reykjavík EDITION, ION City Hotel or Sand Hotel (EUR 250-470 per night) and take a coach or hire car to natural sites for the ceremony itself. Þingvellir National Park - where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet - requires a permit (free, apply via thingvellir.is at least 4 weeks ahead) and is probably Iceland's most photographed wedding location.
Legally, Iceland is simpler than Norway: international couples can marry with just 28 days' advance notice to Sýslumaður, a certificate of no impediment (issued within the previous 6 months) and a passport. Civil marriage costs ISK 25,000 (around EUR 170) and can be held at Iceland Wedding Planner-approved venues. Many couples book Bjarni Mar or Pink Iceland as coordinators (EUR 2,500-5,800 for full planning).
Insider tips for Reykjavik
- Hire a 4WD from Keflavík airport - Sixt and Hertz have the best fleet of vehicles cleared for F-roads inland. Budget EUR 100/day for a Dacia Duster in July.
- Sundlaugar (open-air geothermal pools) are dotted across every neighbourhood - Vesturbæjarlaug is the insider favourite for a rehearsal-dinner break with guests (entry EUR 7).
- Pink Iceland is an LGBTQ+-friendly coordinator with a strong portfolio of Nordic and British weddings - a good fit if you want someone who understands Scandinavian aesthetics and pricing.
- Winter ceremony: the aurora is never guaranteed - book a photographer offering "northern lights insurance" (free follow-up shoot if aurora does not appear on the wedding day).
- A Þingvellir permit is free but strictly enforced - couples without one have been escorted out by rangers mid-shoot. Apply 4 weeks ahead through the online form.
Highlights in Reykjavik
- Cultural city
- Good hotels
- Near attractions
- Northern lights
Who is Reykjavik for?
Couples who want accessibility
Wedding costs in Reykjavik
€7,500 - €19,500
Our tips
Hallgrímskirkja offers fantastic views. Blue Lagoon can be combined with wedding. Book high season (June-Aug) early.
Practical info for Reykjavik, Iceland
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.
What does a wedding cost in Reykjavik?
A wedding in Reykjavik costs on average €7,500 - €19,500. Expect an intimate ceremony at the lower end of the range, a mid-sized wedding of 30-50 guests in the middle, and a lavish wedding with more guests or several days at the upper end. Travel and accommodation for your guests come on top.
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.
How long is the flight to Reykjavik?
The flight time to Reykjavik is 3-3.5 hours. Direct flights are usually available in high season. Book your guests' travel at least 4-6 months before the wedding for the best fares.
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.
Our recommendation for Reykjavik
We recommend Reykjavík for couples aged 28-45 with 10-40 guests, a budget of EUR 13,000-33,000, who want a legally valid wedding without paperwork at home afterwards. Best months are June-August for daylight, or February for the aurora. Book a coordinator - language is no barrier, but logistics and permits move much faster with local help.
Editorial team, Wedding Abroad · Last updated May 2026
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