Best kept secrets of Reykjanes Peninsula - Iceland for elopement photography
I spent two years living in Iceland, and even after leaving, I find myself returning to its landscapes again and again; at least in my mind, and often through my photographs. There is something about Iceland that never quite lets you go. Maybe it’s the ever-changing light, the rawness of the landscape, or the feeling that the earth is still very much alive beneath your feet.
The Reykjanes Peninsula was one of those places I kept coming back to. Located just outside Reykjavík and close to Keflavík Airport, it’s often overlooked in favour of Iceland’s more famous destinations. But as a photographer, I’ve always loved how much variety is packed into this relatively small corner of the country. Within a short drive, you can move from dramatic Atlantic cliffs and endless black lava fields to steaming geothermal landscapes, colourful mountains and milky-blue waters.
And for an elopement, that variety is pretty hard to beat.
If you’re dreaming of an Icelandic wedding day that feels less like a traditional wedding and more like an adventure — one where the landscape becomes part of your story.
5+1 of my favourite places to elope on the Reykjanes Peninsula
No. 1 - Reykjanesviti & Valahnúkamöl
If you want that classic, windswept Iceland feeling, it’s hard to beat Reykjanesviti. The bright lighthouse stands above a rugged coastline where dark volcanic rock meets the endless Atlantic. Just nearby, the dramatic sea cliffs and rock formations of Valahnúkamöl create an incredible backdrop for portraits. This is one of those places where the weather actually adds to the atmosphere. A little wind, moody clouds and crashing waves can make the landscape feel wonderfully cinematic.
Perfect for:
adventurous couples
dramatic portraits
windswept Icelandic atmosphere
No. 2 - Gunnuhver Geothermal Area
For something completely different, head inland — although only a few minutes from the coast — to Gunnuhver. The landscape here feels almost otherworldly. Steam rises from the ground, mud pools bubble beneath the surface and the colours of the geothermal earth contrast beautifully with Iceland’s otherwise stark volcanic landscape. There’s also a little Icelandic folklore attached to the place. According to local legend, Gunnuhver is named after Gunna, a woman whose ghost was said to have ended up in the geothermal area. For an elopement, I love this location because it gives you photographs that look completely different from the typical Iceland waterfall or black-sand-beach imagery.
Perfect for:
couples who want something unusual
atmospheric and a little mysterious
No. 3 - The Blue Lagoon
You can’t talk about the Reykjanes Peninsula elopement without mentioning the Blue Lagoon. Set in the middle of a vast black lava field, the iconic geothermal spa is one of Iceland’s most recognisable landscapes. The contrast between the milky-blue water, dark volcanic rocks and clouds of rising steam creates a setting that feels both otherworldly and incredibly serene. For an elopement, the Blue Lagoon can be more than just a place to relax after your ceremony. Imagine beginning the day exploring the raw landscapes of Reykjanes before ending with a soak together in the warm geothermal water — a much more intimate alternative to a traditional wedding reception. The surrounding lava landscape also offers plenty of opportunities for atmospheric portraits, particularly when the weather rolls in and the steam begins to blend with the Icelandic sky.
Perfect for:
couples who want to combine adventure with a little luxury
intimate celebrations
relaxing end to their elopement day
The Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík, making it particularly convenient to combine with other locations in the area.
No. 4 - Seltún Geothermal Area
Seltún feels like another planet. Located in the Krýsuvík geothermal area, this colourful landscape is filled with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and mineral-stained earth. Shades of ochre, rust, yellow and green spread across the ground, creating an almost surreal setting. For photography, it’s particularly interesting because the landscape has so much texture and colour. Instead of the monumental scale of Iceland’s mountains and glaciers, Seltún gives you something much more intimate and abstract. It’s a wonderful option if you want your elopement photographs to feel artistic rather than postcard-perfect.
Perfect for:
creative couples
moody frames
something a little less conventional
No. 5 - Kleifarvatn
If you’re looking for solitude and a sense of scale, make your way to Kleifarvatn. Surrounded by barren volcanic mountains, this large lake has an incredibly quiet and remote feeling. The landscape changes dramatically with the weather — on a calm day, the lake can feel almost meditative, while clouds and wind transform it into something much more dramatic. It’s also a beautiful place to create a slower part of your elopement story. Rather than simply arriving, taking a few photographs and leaving, you can take your time here: walk along the shoreline, explore the landscape and let the photographs unfold naturally.
Perfect for:
couples who want peace
cinematic location
plenty of room to explore
No. 6 - Fagradalsfjall & the Young Lava Fields
And finally, for couples who really want to embrace Iceland’s volcanic character: Fagradalsfjall. The area became internationally famous after the 2021 volcanic eruption, which followed centuries of relative quiet. Today, the surrounding landscape offers an extraordinary glimpse into Iceland’s constantly changing geology. The dark lava fields, volcanic hills and immense open skies make this a spectacular setting for adventurous portraits. But this is also a location where conditions and access can change, so it requires much more planning than some of the easier-to-reach spots on the peninsula.
Perfect for:
adventurous couples
hiking elopements
extreme conditions
Planning Your Reykjanes Peninsula Elopement
One of the best things about Reykjanes is that you don’t necessarily have to choose just one location.
You could begin your day beside the ocean at Reykjanesviti, explore the geothermal landscape of Gunnuhver, wander through the colourful terrain of Seltún, stop for portraits at Kleifrvatn and finish your adventure with a soak in the Blue Lagoon.
And that’s exactly what makes Reykjanes so exciting for an elopement.
Instead of spending your entire wedding day in one place, you can treat the landscape as part of the experience — driving through lava fields, stopping whenever something catches your eye, hiking a little further, getting caught in the Icelandic wind and creating photographs that feel like a genuine reflection of the day.
A note about Icelandic weather & volcanic activity
Reykjanes is an active volcanic region, which means that conditions and access can change quickly. Roads, hiking routes and individual attractions may occasionally be closed because of seismic or volcanic activity.
Always check current conditions, road closures and official local guidance before heading out, and stay strictly on marked routes where required. And perhaps most importantly: don’t plan your Iceland elopement around perfect weather.
Plan it around the possibility of something unexpected.
Because sometimes the wind, the fog, the rain or a sky full of dramatic clouds is exactly what turns an already beautiful place into something unforgettable.
Reykjanes isn’t just a place to get married. It’s a place to have an adventure together.
Best time to get married here: from late April - to late September
Best for: Sea cliffs, Lava fields, Black sand beaches, Lakes, Mountains, Volcanic craters, Lighthouses, Hot springs.
Ideas for activities to do here: hiking, walking, hot spring experience, Jeep - 4×4, helicopter.
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