West Iceland, The Snæfellsnes Peninsula

West Iceland (known as Vesturland) is geographically close to Reykjavik but so very different. It showcases the varied landscapes and terrain that Iceland is famed for that West Iceland, especially the long arm of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, so much so that it is often referred to as a ‘miniature Iceland’. Another reason to head out to this area for a photoshoot is the lack of tourists especially the remoter parts which you’re likely to have all to yourself. Perfect!

Icelandic Weather – What to Expect

The weather in Iceland can be pretty challenging to put it lightly. It seems to serve up the full spectrum of weather-fronts which often dramatically change from what seems like one minute to the next. So the best advice I can muster up if you want to elope to Iceland, or you’re one step ahead and planning an Iceland elopement, is to be ready for anything and everything Iceland might throw at you!!

Let’s be honest, if you’re eloping to Iceland then you’re likely to get rained on from every conceivable angle, snowed on, hailed on, and probably swept off your feet by crazy winds!! Believe me, your once pristine wedding dress will tell quite a story afterwards. But that’s half of the thrill of an Iceland elopement or wedding isn’t it? Embrace it, it’s an experience, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Best Times to Visit Iceland

Iceland is stunning whatever time of year you go. The high season in June to August is obviously the busiest time for tourists, especially south Iceland and Reykjavik but endless daylight is a big plus at this time of year. My photoshoot with Alicja + Arnþór was in mid-October so fell into Iceland’s low season (October to April). Although the weather conditions can be very extreme in this season, the long nights increase the chances of experiencing the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights in Iceland

Being close to the Arctic Circle Iceland is also one of the best countries to see the northern lights and it’s well known to conjure up breathtaking views of the Northern Lights to a lucky few. Catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis is notoriously elusive though with many people never managing it.

Although Iceland is one of the best places in the world to view the aurora lights, you’ll still need luck on your side because it’s near impossible to predict a sighting much in advance. So you basically need to get there and maximise your chances. Be ready to head out at very short notice, at any time of the night, and then cross your fingers and toes for the right conditions to materialise. Hotels usually offer a wake-up service if the aurora lights appear in the middle of the night and there are lots of aurora tours that take you out to remoter areas where there is less light pollution. I didn’t manage to catch a sighting with Alicja + Arnþór but I wasn’t disappointed on another Iceland photoshoot: Northern Lights Iceland. When it happens though, wow, it’s mesmerising to look up and experience the lights dancing across the night sky. Magical!

Iceland Elopement Photographer

So popping my Iceland elopement photographer hat on for a few days was a dream come true to say the least. Having now visited Iceland for a few photoshoots I can safely say that as far as elopement destinations go it’s nothing short of sensational. There’s no question that Iceland deserves its place at the top of so many bucket lists.

So if you’re thinking of eloping to Iceland and need an elopement photographer to capture your adventure, or you’re planning an elopement wedding in the UK then I’m your guy! Drop me a message – I’d love to hear all about your plans!