Iceland elopement locations on the South coast are widely considered some of the most spectacular in the country, and there is a very good reason why this route has become so popular in recent years. This region is arguably the most versatile and epic part of Iceland; because the most famous attractions sit right next to the Ring Road, you can access stunning backdrops all year round —even in a small 2WD car.
As a photographer who has traveled a lot around and captured countless photoshoots in Iceland, I am excited to share my top 15 elopement spots for the best elopement photos on the South coast.
Gljufrabúi & Seljalandsfoss waterfalls
One of the most impressive and unforgettable waterfalls on the South coast of Iceland which leave anyone speechless.
Gljúfrabúi is a beautiful choice for couples planning an intimate Iceland elopement, especially those who don’t mind getting a little (or quite a lot) wet for the experience. It looks best in light overcast conditions, and it’s a very short photo stop as you get soaked pretty quickly and there are not many angles to shoot from.
It is a perfect addition to your gallery though if you are looking for variety and something truly epic.
Seljalandsfoss is probably the most famous and most visited waterfall in Iceland. It can be quite overcrowded especially during peak season but coming very late in the evening or early in the morning is always the best way to avoid a lot of tourists. It looks the most magical around midnight in late June when the sun sets directly behind it creating the prettiest orange glow. Be aware that in the wintertime if the temperatures are below freezing the access to the path behind the waterfall might be closed.
Írárfoss waterfall
Írárfoss is a lesser-known waterfall about 60 meters tall (197 feet), offering a quiet and peaceful setting away from busy tourist stops.
For couples seeking a peaceful Iceland elopement location, Írárfoss offers simplicity and privacy. This waterfall photographs beautifully in soft light at sunrise or sunset, or moody/cloudy days especially in calm weather. It is located really close to the main road number 1 and you can park almost right there next to the waterfall.
Kvernufoss waterfall
Kvernufoss is a beautiful choice for couples planning an intimate Iceland elopement, especially on days with changing or windy weather, low visibility or even in the winter.
The surrounding canyon offers natural shelter, and the waterfall looks best on cloudy/overcast days. It’s perfect for couples who want a quiet, romantic location with a sense of adventure without a long or difficult hike (the walk from the parking lot is only about 10-15 min). I love this elopement spot because it is quite versatile and offers multiple different angles and viewpoints as you walk through the gorge.
Dyrhólaey viewpoint & the cave
A stunning and easy to reach location with 2 different viewpoints overlooking black sands, sea stacks and mossy hills.
Dyrhólaey is an incredible option for couples planning an Iceland adventure elopement with variety and scale. It photographs best lightly overcast or clear weather, particularly at sunset, when the cliffs and coastline are bathed in soft golden light.
This elopement location is perfect for couples who want epic scenery without committing to long hikes as you don’t need to walk more than 5 minutes from the parking lot.
The cave is another photo stop and is located on the way to the viewpoint and requires a short walk and a bit of a steep climb at the very end (nothing crazy but might be a bit slippery with loose gravel and sand so good grippy shoes are always recommended).
The view from the cave is breathtaking and there are often birds flying around which adds to the whole fairytale atmosphere there. Getting there could be very challenging during or after a lot of rain as it will get very muddy, so I always suggest this location in dry weather only.
Glacier Sólheimajökull
Sólheimajökull is one of the most accessible glaciers in Iceland which attracts a lot of tourists all year round, especially those interested in ice hiking, ice climbing and ice cave exploration.
One of the key features of this glacier is how easy it is to reach it, takes only about 15 minutes of walking from the parking lot to get up close with the ice. The glacier is constantly retrieving and ever changing so it looks different every time. The blue hues in the ice look more pronounced during winter months so it looks even more impressive, meanwhile in the summer the glacier tends to be more white covered with black streaks of lava sand.
It photographs best in partially cloudy or overcast weather, especially when it’s very still – if you are lucky you can get beautiful reflections in perfect weather conditions.
Secret lake & waterfall
A stunning hidden lake and a waterfall where you are guaranteed to be alone.
This secret elopement location is know only to very few people and ideal for couples planning a quiet, off-the-beaten-path Iceland elopement. The lake and waterfall look best in calm weather with soft light, particularly at sunrise or sunset and only in good visibility, as the view disappears when it’s foggy or if you have really low clouds.
This location is best suited for snow-free months, looking its best when the hills turn green, making it perfect for summer Iceland elopements and for adventurous couples want to feel completely alone.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations and definitely the most iconic black sand beach, known for its dramatic basalt columns, mesmerising crashing waves, and striking volcanic black sand.
For couples planning an Iceland black sand beach elopement, Reynisfjara offers some of the most striking scenery in the country. The beach looks its best in moody overcast weather, especially after the rain or during sunrise (in spring and fall), when softer light enhances texture and depth for unforgettable Reynisfjara wedding photos.
While the scenery is unmatched, this location is best suited for couples who are comfortable embracing Iceland’s raw elements and following strict safety guidelines due to powerful and unpredictable waves (which can be quite dangerous if you ignore the safety rules).
Katla ice cave
Katla is a natural ever changing ice cave that melts and then rises from the ashes (volcanic in this case) again.
This area is definitely worth splurging on even though it requires a special tour with a guide (you cannot get there in a regular car), for example Katla track. There are some smaller ice caves nearby that you can go through which create some jaw dropping backgrounds for your Iceland adventure wedding photos. Sometimes if you are lucky you can spot an elusive Arctic fox, the only land mammal native to the island.
Yoda cave
Yoda cave or Gígjagjá in Icelandic is a unique lava cave inside a mountain surrounded by black sand plains, views of glaciers and lupine fields in June – July.
Yoda Cave is a great elopement location for couples planning a cinematic Iceland elopement with a playful and adventurous edge. It looks best in sunny (sunrise or sunset) or lightly overcast conditions, when light fills the cave opening and creates strong contrast. In early to mid-summer, the surrounding area is often covered in blooming lupine fields, adding soft purple tones that contrast beautifully with the dark volcanic rock.
Dverghamrar
Dverghamrar, also known as the Dwarf Cliffs, is a striking area of hexagonal basalt columns rising from a mossy, lava-covered landscape.
This could be a perfect short stop on your South coast elopement adventure. It is easily accessible from the main road and is quite versatile with a couple of interesting angles, one of them cinematically framing the tall waterfall in the distance. It looks best in soft even light either around sunset or in overcast conditions.
Fjallsárlón
Fjallsárlón is a quiet glacier lagoon at the edge of Vatnajökull, filled with floating icebergs and surrounded by dramatic mountain views.
Fjallsárlón is a great elopement location choice for couples who want glacier lagoon scenery without the crowds of Jökulsárlón. The area is easy to access, and you can get close to the water and ice without a long walk or technical terrain. It photographs best in overcast or softly lit conditions (best at sunset), which help bring out the blue tones in the ice.
This location works especially well for couples who want a peaceful, scenic stop that feels intimate and unhurried as part of their South Coast elopement day.
Skógafoss waterfall
One of Iceland’s most iconic and powerful waterfalls on the South coast that I will guarantee will have a strong impression on you.
This waterfall is a must-stop because of its sheer scale and the way it makes humans look tiny against the landscape. While it is a popular spot so I usually don’t recommend it for intimate vow exchange, it is ideal as an epic photo stop while exploring the South coast. If you’re feeling adventurous, the climb to the top marks the beginning of the famous Fimmvörðuháls trail, offering even more rugged, mossy canyon views just a short walk away and usually with way fewer tourists.
Svínafellsjökull glacier
Svínafellsjökull is an outlet glacier in Vatnajökull National Park, known for its dramatic ice formations, dark volcanic ash, and wide open views.
Svínafellsjökull is an amazing option for couples who want glacier photos without hiking on the ice itself. You can get very close to the glacier from the valley floor, which makes it ideal for elopements where safety and accessibility matter. It photographs best in overcast or softly lit conditions (perfect for winter elopements), which bring out the details in the ice without harsh contrast.
This location suits couples who want a dramatic Iceland backdrop without too much effort.
Múlagljufur canyon
Múlagljúfur is a remote canyon with steep cliffs, multiple waterfalls, and sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.
Múlagljúfur is best suited for couples who are comfortable with a moderate hike and uneven terrain. Reaching the viewpoints takes about an hour each way, but the reward is privacy, silence, and some of the most impressive scenery on the South Coast. This elopement location looks beautiful in calm, clear or lightly overcast weather, especially in summer before sunset when daylight lasts late into the night (this photo on the left was taken at midnight in July). I would also advise agains hiking there in a lot of rain as it gets quite muddy and could be potentially dangerous.
It’s a great choice for couples who want their elopement to feel intentional, adventurous, and visually impressive.
Stokksnes beach (Vestrahorn)
Stokksnes is a vast black sand beach with grassy dunes and incredible views of Vestrahorn mountain, one of Iceland’s most striking peaks and a place that a lot of my couples usually mention as the highlight of their entire trip.
Definitely one of the most impressive elopement locations in Iceland that looks beautiful in any season, with snow or without it. It is ideal for couples looking for a quiet, expansive beach location with a mountain backdrop. The area offers plenty of room to move around, making it easy to find privacy even during busier seasons. It looks best in moody weather or soft light at sunrise or sunset, when the mountain reflects beautifully on wet sand (if the conditions are right).
This spot is perfect for couples who love wide landscapes, mountain views and a calm but powerful feel to their elopement day.
Real Elopements On The south coast of iceland
Here are a few real celebrations that show what’s possible on the South coast of Iceland.
Elopement Photographer?
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