ICELAND
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Photographers AND SUPER 8 VIDEOGRAPHERS for your intimate destination wedding or elopement
For the Nostalgic, Storyteller, and Cinema Lovers
Let‘s have a Simple but Deep Connection
WHY
ICELAND?
Dream Weddings Start in ICELAND
If you're dreaming of a wedding that feels more like a cinematic love story than a traditional event, Iceland could be your perfect destination. With its raw natural beauty, otherworldly landscapes, and deep sense of serenity, this Nordic island offers couples an unforgettable backdrop for intimate weddings and elopements.
From black sand beaches and moss-covered lava fields to dramatic cliffs and glacier lagoons, Iceland is a visual masterpiece. It’s a land of contrasts—where fire meets ice, where the weather changes within minutes, and where light plays a starring role in every photograph. For couples seeking an emotional and visually powerful celebration, Iceland delivers in every way.
Beyond the scenery, Iceland is peaceful, uncrowded, and infused with a sense of timeless romance. There’s something deeply moving about exchanging vows beneath a waterfall, on a remote cliffside, or beside a glacial lake with no one else in sight. It’s not about grandeur; it’s about presence, emotion, and connection.
This article will guide you through why Iceland is one of the most breathtaking and meaningful places to elope or host a small wedding. We’ll cover the landscapes, venues, legal details, and ideal seasons—plus what to expect from an Iceland wedding photographer who knows how to capture this wild beauty with a cinematic lens.
ICELAND: A Breathtaking WEDDING AND Elopement Destination
Getting legally married in Iceland is very doable for foreign couples, though a bit of paperwork is involved. Many international couples choose to take care of the legal part at home and enjoy a symbolic ceremony in Iceland, but for those who want to legally wed here, here's what you need to know.
Legal Wedding Requirements for Foreigners:
Notice of marriage form must be submitted to the Icelandic National Registry at least 3 weeks before the wedding.
Required documents include:
Passports for both partners
Original birth certificates
Certificate of marital status (proving you're free to marry)
If divorced, final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate
All documents not in English or Icelandic must be officially translated. You'll need to send everything to the District Commissioner (Sýslumaður) handling your wedding location.
Ceremonies can be civil (often in Reykjavik or local town halls) or conducted by licensed officiants in nature, churches, or hotels. If you're planning something remote, be sure your celebrant is authorized to perform legal weddings outside.
Symbolic Ceremonies:
Many couples choose this route, allowing for complete flexibility with the location, script, and experience. No legal constraints—just your story, your way.
Each season in Iceland tells a different story. Deciding when to marry here depends on the mood you want to capture, the locations you plan to visit, and your comfort level with weather variations.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is Iceland’s most popular wedding season—and for good reason. Days are long (almost endless, thanks to the midnight sun), the weather is milder, and many locations are easily accessible. You’ll find the Highlands open, rivers calm enough to cross, and a general sense of brightness and life. Perfect for elopements in the wild.
Best for: Golden light, lush landscapes, warm evenings, adventure elopements.
Autumn (September to October)
Autumn brings stunning colors, quieter trails, and the beginning of Northern Lights season. The landscapes take on a moody, painterly quality—ideal for cinematic photos. You’ll want to bundle up, but the atmosphere is deeply romantic.
Best for: Rich tones, soft light, fewer tourists, chance to see auroras.
Winter (November to March)
Winter is wild and magical. Snow blankets lava fields, waterfalls freeze into ice sculptures, and skies fill with Northern Lights. Roads can be tricky, and daylight is limited, but the drama is unmatched. Perfect for couples wanting something cozy, mystical, and off the beaten path.
Best for: Snowy backdrops, intimate indoor weddings, unique portraits under the aurora.
Spring (April to May)
A transitional season, with fewer visitors and melting snow. Days begin to stretch, and the country slowly comes to life again. A quieter but rewarding time.
Best for: Peaceful vibes, flowing waterfalls, and blooming nature.
Why ICELAND is the Perfect Place for Your Intimate Wedding
Iceland is a place that strips everything back to the essentials—raw landscapes, crisp air, elemental energy. It’s the perfect canvas for a love story told through an intimate, cinematic wedding or elopement.
1. Landscapes Unlike Anywhere Else on Earth
The true power of an Iceland elopement lies in the setting. The scenery is nothing short of epic, and each location tells its own story. Some of the most visually stunning places for elopements include:
Skógafoss Waterfall – Ideal for dramatic photos and powerful symbolism.
Vík’s Black Sand Beach – Windswept, moody, and unforgettable.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Icebergs floating serenely beside you.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Often called “Iceland in Miniature” with its diverse scenery.
Kirkjufell Mountain – A striking peak often seen in films and iconic photos.
Landmannalaugar Highlands – A surreal landscape of colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal springs, perfect for adventurous souls.
There’s an emotion to the land—quiet, powerful, untamed. It evokes introspection and intimacy. Every corner feels like it was designed for epic storytelling.
2. The Cinematic Light
One of Iceland’s greatest gifts to photographers is the light. Whether it’s the golden glow of the midnight sun or the deep blue shadows of overcast skies, the lighting conditions change constantly—adding drama and emotion to every frame.
An experienced Iceland wedding photographer will know how to harness this natural theatre, turning fleeting moments into visual poetry. The country’s ever-shifting skies, fog, and northern lights make every shoot unpredictable—in the best way possible.
3. Cultural Simplicity Meets Natural Grandeur
Icelandic culture is built on respect for nature, minimalism, and authenticity. This philosophy makes it easy to plan a wedding that feels intentional and real. There's no pressure to conform to a set format—your elopement can be fully yours, free from convention.
Couples can keep it simple with just the two of them and an officiant, or invite a handful of close family and friends. Most Icelandic wedding planners and vendors are familiar with international couples and offer services that honor your story while embracing local customs, folklore, and traditions—if you choose.
4. Unique Venues for Intimate Celebrations
If you’re not heading deep into the wild, Iceland also offers a variety of cozy and stylish venues ideal for small weddings:
Hotel Búðir – A boutique hotel near the iconic black church, surrounded by lava fields and ocean views.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – A luxurious spa resort perfect for couples wanting indulgence and serenity.
Deplar Farm in the North – A remote, luxury lodge for those looking to combine wilderness with comfort.
Icelandair Hotel Hérað – A great base for exploring the East Fjords.
You can even rent a private cabin or glass-roofed lodge to fully immerse in nature without sacrificing comfort.
5. Vendors Who Understand the Magic
Iceland’s wedding industry is small but high-quality. Many photographers, planners, and florists are creatives who specialize in elopements. They know the terrain, the weather patterns, the laws—and how to help you create something meaningful, even in the most rugged of places.
A good Iceland wedding photographer won’t just capture images; they’ll help shape the experience—guiding you through timelines, weather plans, and finding those secret spots that make your photos uniquely yours.
CONCLUSION
Iceland isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. It’s the thrill of being surrounded by nature’s raw power, the hush of standing beneath a waterfall with your person, the goosebumps from Northern Lights swirling overhead. For couples who crave intimacy, emotion, and epic beauty, there’s simply no better place for a wedding or elopement.
This is a country that invites you to slow down, feel deeply, and honor your connection in a truly meaningful way. Whether you're exchanging vows in a volcanic field or celebrating with loved ones in a cozy boutique lodge, Iceland offers a wedding experience that’s both grounding and elevated.
With the right photographer and vendors who understand the landscape and mood, your Iceland wedding becomes more than an event—it becomes art. It becomes your story, told against one of the most breathtaking backdrops on Earth.
So if your dream wedding feels more like a film than a formal gathering—moody skies, emotional vows, windswept kisses—Iceland is calling. Answer with love, adventure, and a photographer who sees the world the way you feel it.
PHOTOGRAPHER FOR SMALL AND INTIMATE WEDDING, ELOPEMENT, ADVENTURE ESCAPADES & COUPLE STORIES
WE ARE so delighted to see you on OUR website, let’s talk about your wedding IN ICELAND and create a small but deep connection
Thank you for visiting my website! If you’re seeking a wedding photographer who combines a journalistic, fine art, and storytelling approach, you’ve come to the right place.
As a French destination wedding photographer with a passion for traveling the globe,
I am especially captivated by the beauty and spirit of ICELAND.
It’s my mission to showcase the magic of your wedding day through my lens, and THIS LOCATION provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments.
I invite you to explore my full stories and see highlights from previous destination weddings.
While I am based in Europe, I always cherish opportunities to photograph in ICELAND and collaborate with creative, inspiring couples like you.
If you’re interested in working together, please feel free to send me a message.
I typically respond within 24 hours, and I’d love to discuss how I can help make your special day truly extraordinary.
Discover my portfolio, read testimonials from my couples, learn more about my vision, or simply reach out to connect.
Thank you once again, and welcome!
VISUAL STORYTELLER
EST. 2014
AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE
FAQs
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Eric René Penoy offers bespoke wedding photography and videography services, specializing in intimate destination weddings and elopements. They focus on cinematic storytelling, capturing raw, unposed moments that reflect the essence of each couple's love story. The services include both traditional photography and Super 8 videography, with a unique approach that emphasizes emotions and atmosphere over staged shots. They also offer vow renewals, two-day escapades, and mentoring for photographers.
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Yes, Eric René Penoy and his team travel for weddings and elopements, offering destination wedding photography and videography services globally. They specialize in capturing intimate moments in stunning locations, ensuring each couple's love story is uniquely told, regardless of the destination, religions, cultures, or sexual preferences.
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The booking process with Eric René Penoy involves reaching out through their website’s contact form. After receiving your inquiry, they will discuss your wedding or elopement details, availability, and packages. Once confirmed, you’ll sign a contract and pay a deposit to secure the date.
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Destination photographers are experienced in adapting to weather conditions, often finding creative indoor locations or rescheduling shots to work around the weather.
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Here’s a comprehensive list of wedding types to reflect openness to all kinds of unions. It emphasizes inclusivity across cultural, religious, sexual, and racial dimensions:
Religious Weddings:
Christian (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, etc.)
Muslim
Jewish
Hindu
Buddhist
Sikh
Traditional African spiritual weddings
Indigenous and First Nations ceremonies
Pagan or Wiccan
Interfaith weddings
Civil and Secular Weddings:
Civil ceremonies
Secular or non-religious ceremonies
Commitment ceremonies
Cultural Weddings:
Traditional African weddings (e.g., Wolof, Zulu, Ashanti, etc.)
Indian weddings (e.g., Punjabi, South Indian, Bengali, etc.)
East Asian weddings (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Korean)
Middle Eastern weddings
Latin American weddings
European traditional weddings (e.g., Italian, Greek, Irish)
Indigenous weddings from any region
Same-Sex and LGBTQ+ Weddings:
Same-sex marriages (gay and lesbian couples)
Non-binary or gender-diverse ceremonies
Queer-inclusive celebrations
Interracial and Multicultural Weddings:
Interracial marriages
Cross-cultural weddings blending traditions
Destination and Adventure Weddings:
Beach weddings
Elopements
Mountain or forest weddings
Urban chic ceremonies
Intimate micro-weddings
Unique and Thematic Weddings:
Eco-friendly or sustainable weddings
Vintage or retro-themed weddings
Fantasy or cosplay weddings
Minimalist or modern weddings
Other Types of Weddings:
Vow renewals
Second marriages or blended family ceremonies
Polyamorous union ceremonies
Anniversary celebrations
Commitment to Inclusivity:
"We warmly welcome and celebrate all forms of love, unions, and traditions. Our goal is to honor your unique love story, whatever your background, beliefs, or preferences."
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Barn Wedding - Church Wedding - Religious Wedding - Hacienda Wedding - Finca Wedding - Lake Wedding - Rooftop Wedding - Rainy Wedding - Sunset Wedding - Winter Wedding - Backyard Wedding - Beach Wedding - Forest Wedding - Island Wedding -Outdoor Wedding - Ranch Wedding - Mexican Wedding - Vineyard Wedding - Circus Wedding - Indian Wedding - Chinese Wedding - Asian Wedding - Japanese Wedding - Punjabi Wedding - Korean Wedding - Same-Sex Wedding - Vietnamese Wedding - Greek Wedding - Lebanese Wedding - Scottish Wedding - British Wedding - Urban Wedding - Country Side Wedding - Jewish Wedding - Orthodox Wedding - New Orleans Wedding - Russian Wedding - Moroccan Wedding - Interfaith Wedding - Civil Wedding - African Wedding.