If I could sum up Brittany and Crystal’s elopement day in Iceland, I would say this: it was an unbelievable day of bliss and joy that felt true to who they are and their relationship. After months of planning together, collaborating, and catching the vision of their dreams, what we were left with on the day of was the most romantic, adventure-filled, perfect time together in Iceland celebrating their relationship! ♡

Planning a Dream Elopement in Iceland

Oh, let me tell you, from the moment I had that first phone call with Brittany and Crystal, I was buzzing with excitement to take their love story to Iceland! It was like meeting old friends I didn’t know I had. We laughed, we shared stories, we connected on veganism, and in no time, I was swept up in their infectious enthusiasm. These two were not just a couple; they were a force of nature, ready for a romantic adventure that highlighted all of their favorite parts of their relationship!

In order to craft the perfect elopement day, specifically for Brittany and Crystal, I had to get to know them, so we spent a lotttt of time getting acquainted. As we delved into the details, I learned about their wanderlust – their love for exploring hidden gems, their spontaneous road trips, and the moments of quiet connection that made their relationship truly extraordinary. In those first few weeks of planning, I asked a lot of questions. I asked them how they wanted to feel as they vowed forever to each other. I asked them to imagine their ideal day. I asked them about what they were dying to see and do on their elopement day. They thought about it for a while before coming back to me with their ideal wishlist: a zero stress day with vegan food, easy hiking, lots of running and playing, black sand beaches, quiet and private vows, thundering waterfalls, a meaningful first dance, and icy glaciers – their vision was nothing short of cinematic perfection.

I took in all of their requests and crafted a few different options from which they chose their itinerary for the day. (Spoiler: they picked a GOOD ONE!) As an expert in elopement planning and weddings, it is so fun and special to curate and plan your day with you so that it’s everything you ever dreamed of and more!

I also want to note how special and important it is to honor the “Leave No Trace” principals and vision. The earth is ours to explore, enjoy, and help keep it beautiful. Adhering to it means planning ahead, not sharing exact locations, and carefully treading through spaces and places! Brittany and Crystal shared the passion I have for “Leave No Trace,” which made planning things so much better 🙂 As we set out to find the perfect environment to share B+C’s story, the three of us were all on the same page about prioritizing our planet, which makes my heart soar :’) Adventure and wondrous sights are out there if you are ready to go looking for them!

An Adventure-Filled Wedding Day

The day began bright and early. It was an extraordinarily windy day in the middle of April and we woke up less than a mile from the rocky, cliffy coast and the raging sea. Brittany and Crystal got (mostly) ready together and quietly exchanged gifts. It was such an intimate and special morning, full of everything they wanted. We took it slow, being intentional about giving time and space for every emotion. When we felt ready, we set off for the black sand beaches. We planned ahead, knowing we’d want a slow morning and that would mean waking up extra early so that we could get to the beach before anyone else in order to have the whole place to ourselves. This helped to alleviate anxiety from onlookers and make space for a private first look (I am once again urging you to ask yourself how you want to feel on your wedding day). They both agreed that a first look would add a special element to getting dressed for their day, so out on the black sand beach, Crystal turned her back while Brittany slipped into her wedding gown. Giddy with excitement at the day ahead of us, Brittany and Crystal spent some time running around the beach, climbing up onto the rocks, and chasing the waves as they rolled in. It was the ideal easy start to a long day of road tripping around a country that was new for all of us! Road trips have long been one of B+C’s favorite ways to make new memories, and I was grateful for that because exploring Iceland is nothing if not a lot of driving. This road trip was extra special, because it wasn’t just about hopping off at a volcano to take some sick photos for Instagram. This was about Brittany and Crystal and making lasting epic memories to cherish for lifetimes to come.

Adventure, my friends, was the name of the game. We ventured into lava rock fields, stumbled upon hidden waterfalls, and found secret nooks all along the drive. We even stopped at a renovated school bus to eat the best vegan breakfast EVER! The owner and waiter were so excited for Brittany and Crystal, and asked to take a photo with them on their wedding day – how freaking CUTE! 😭 The most wonderful thing about choosing an intentional elopement day rather than a traditional wedding is that you can do whatever you want whenever you want! Stop and hike to a waterfall, eat breakfast slowly, take the long route: whatever you choose!

Brittany and Crystal’s choice was to spend most of the day exploring Iceland and ending their day with the ceremony. Our logic was: this would allow B+C to be truly present for their vows and not worrying about “what comes next.” For me, this is something that really sets elopements apart from traditional weddings. When it’s just about the two of you and nothing else, you can truly craft a day that looks however you want. Have your ceremony at 8:13pm, who cares! We spent the whole day driving from one adventure to the next. We took a midday hike to a waterfall with a view for miles, where Brittany and Crystal took a midday break and shared a vegan meal from the world’s largest fully vegan grocery store in Reykjavík before cutting their cake (a little cupcake from the same store). We stopped off at lava rock fields, exploring a curious new terrain. We drove past volcanoes and towering cliffs as we made our way north to our final stop of the day.

Picture a secluded spot near a glacier lagoon, surrounded by the grandeur of Icelandic nature. This is where B+C landed on for the most special part of the day. The whole reason we were there. The ceremony. Brittany insisted on officiating, and she did so in a very comedic fashion. She is really, really funny. They exchanged vows, their eyes sparkling with excitement and love. A little seal swam by in the background. Then another. And another. They were very curious and it was extremely cute. Crystal took a minute to express fear that they might be sea lions, and we might be dinner. They weren’t, we weren’t. The whole thing is as clear in my mind today as the moment it happened; time truly stood still, like we were the only people anywhere in the world.

The final experience Brittany and Crystal wanted was to share a first dance together as a married couple. It was a fantastic finish and an energetic was to celebrate their unique journey, and it felt as if the universe itself joined in their joy (again, another seal swam by!! David Attenborough could have narrated the scene, I mean truly). My entire heart was BURSTING with happiness for these two!

As the sun began to set (because we went before the season of the midnight sun started), Brittany and Crystal chose to spend the rest of the night together snuggling into their hotel room (which came with a view), winding down slowly instead of going out with a big dance party. They ended their day the way they started their day: doing what felt right to them. ♡

YOUR Elopement Day Awaits!

Now, my friend, it’s your turn! If your heart races at the thought of a wedding day that defies convention, that speaks to the very core of your being and feels like YOU, then buckle up because we’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Imagine saying your vows amidst the roar of a waterfall, or on a cliffside with the wind whipping around you, or maybe in a hidden grove surrounded by ancient trees. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination, and I am here to turn those dreams into reality!

This isn’t just about a wedding; it’s about a bespoke celebration, a day filled with exhilarating moments, tender embraces, and wild, uncontainable joy. Your elopement should be a reflection of your love story, a day that makes your heart race with anticipation and your spirit soar with happiness.

So, my fellow adventure-seekers, if you’re ready to toss tradition out the window and embrace a wedding day beyond your wildest dreams, then I’m your girlie! Reach out, and together, we’ll craft a day that’s more than you ever imagined, because your love story deserves nothing less than sheer, unadulterated excitement :’)) Let’s make your elopement an adventure that will be talked about for generations to come. Get ready to experience the extraordinary – your dream elopement awaits, and it’s going to be nothing short of epic!

To book your own adventure elopement and create timeless memories, contact me or view my portfolio! Also, check out my Pinterest profile for more inspiration and follow me on Instagram!

Photos by: Kara McCurdy Photography