My husband and I recently I got back from the most mind-blowing trip of our lives, and I can’t wait to spill every magical, adventurous, and exciting detail with you! Let me set the scene: Iceland. Yes, the very name evokes a sense of mystery, of wild beauty, and of pure, unbridled adventure. And let me tell you, it surpassed every dream I ever had about it.

Imagine a place where your wildest expectations are not only met but exceeded. A place that feels like it came straight out of a fairytale, where it’s all so surreal that you start to actually question reality, and every moment is filled with literal wonder. That’s Iceland for you, my friends. A country so stunning that it feels like you’ve stepped into another world!

For this trip, I chose to document the journey entirely on my 35mm Film Camera. As a photographer, I offer digital AND film, so the excitement I have to go back and capture Iceland on both is unmatched!! Enjoy these film scans from the best getaway of our lives.

What struck me most about this gorgeous, magical land was its serenity. Unlike your typical tourist spots, Iceland isn’t overcrowded or bustling with chaos. You’re not constantly fighting your way through crowds, trying to catch a glimpse of the beauty amidst the chaos. Instead, it’s slow-paced, allowing you to savor every moment, every sight, and every sound.

Picture this: rolling green mountains, black sand beaches met by the ocean waves, and tall waterfalls. Majestic doesn’t even begin to cover it. And the people? Oh, they’re some of the friendliest souls you’ll ever meet! And the food? Absolutely amazing!

During our 8th anniversary trip, my husband and I went all out. We flew into Reykjavik, the heart of Iceland’s cultural. From there, we embarked on a journey that took us to the Blue Lagoon, the charming town of Vik, and so many incredible waterfalls. We embraced the essence of Iceland in every step we took.

Where to Stay:

Throughout the trip, we stayed in Reykjavik, Vik, and Sangerdi. The country is small, and you can get from one side to the other in an 8 or so hour drive. I can’t wait to explore even MORE next time I go!

Reykjavik Airbnb – this was such a convenient location! We could walk everywhere.
Vik Airbnb – perfect stay in Vik, close to pretty much everything – restaurants and sights.
Sandgerði Airbnb – this was convenient for our last night because it’s only 10 minutes from the airport.

What to See:

The Blue Lagoon is a tourist trap, but it’s neat to experience! It’s only a few minutes from the airport so it’s a good thing to do as soon as you land. This is what we did, and it was so nice after the flight. Make sure you secure your tickets in advance.

Vik is where you want to go for all the waterfalls, green mountains, and the black sand beach. Kvernufoss (you have to pay for parking here) and Skógafoss are right next to each other and such easy walks to get to. Seljalandsfoss is the waterfall you can walk behind. It’s way busier than the others, but worth the stop! Make sure you have some good rain gear if you plan to explore the waterfalls.

The crashed DC plane is a hike. It took us 45 minutes to walk one way. It’s all flat, but still just over 2 miles. They have a shuttle that will drive you but it’s a pretty penny. We ended up walking to it, but then catching the shuttle back. It’s definitely cool to see though if you’re a history buff like us.

The BEST Eats:

The food here is so fresh! It’s not much different from American food, but it tastes better. We are huge foodies and ate nonstop.

Some of our favorite places that we ate at were Krōst, and Íslenski Barinn in Reykjavik, which translates to “Iceland Bar” (the fish and chips here were bangin’). My husband tried horse here, which he loved. They also had puffin on their menu!

Sandholt in downtown Reykjavik is a must! We ordered the traditional shakshuka with sausage and a cappuccino and they were probably the best things we had on the trip. They make their own bread here as well and it was divine.

We tried The infamous hotdogs in downtown Reykjavik as well. Unfortunately, we weren’t fans lol. But I’m glad we gave them a shot. They’re located in the town square at a cute little hot dog stand that dates back to 1937.

If you enjoy sushi, hit this place up – Osushi! It’s a train sushi restaurant. It’s really more about the experience than the food, but we had a lot of fun here.

Restaurant Suður-Vik has skyr cheesecake that we were obsessed with. We stopped at The Soup Company that had amazing red hot lava soup bread bowls. YUMMY.

The Weather:

We got extremely lucky with the weather during our anniversary celebration in Iceland. While we visited, it was sunny and in the mid-sixties the whole time. Usually, it’s a little colder and rainy during July. Be sure to pack warmer clothing and rain gear!

The sun doesn’t fully set during the summer in Iceland, giving you 24 hours of sunlight. The “midnight sun” gives you lots of time to explore, which is what made us able to pack so much into such a short timeframe. We would be out until 10 or 11pm. If you plan on visiting, I suggest packing an eye mask to make it easier to sleep.

Helpful Little Tidbits:

1. Vik translates to “bay” in Icelandic, which is why you see it in a lot of the town names.
2. Don’t expect to eat before 10am or after 8pm. We made this mistake a few times during our stay and went hungry once or twice. They’re a leisurely country and enjoy slow living.
3. Drinking bottled water is not a thing in Iceland. They prefer tap water instead. It’s 100% safe and some of the best you’ll ever have. Just be careful with their hot water while showering. Sometimes it smells like sulfur from them using geothermal energy to heat their water. How freaking cool?
4. You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to access the f-roads. Rental car companies require this! We didn’t do any off roading this visit, but next time we plan too!
5. Be advised gas is EXPENSIVE. We paid almost $8 a gallon in USD. 😮 You also need to make sure that you have a debit card. Gas stations will not accept any other form of payment. (They’re required).
6. The pretty purple flowers that you’ll see everywhere are called Lupines and they’re invasive.

But here’s the thing that keeps echoing in my mind: I want to go back to Iceland. It’s not just a desire; it’s a burning passion that refuses to fade. The slowness of life there, the unapologetic beauty of nature, and the sense of adventure in the air – it’s all calling out to me, urging me to return!!

And you know what? You can experience this too. You can exchange your vows amidst the breathtaking Icelandic landscapes, surrounded by the raw power of nature. An Iceland elopement is not just a dream; it’s a tangible, awe-inspiring reality. And an amazing perk? It won’t break the bank! You can have the wedding of your dreams without drowning in expenses.

So, here’s what I’m telling you: Consider an Iceland elopement. Imagine saying “I do” against the backdrop of those majestic mountains, feeling the cool breeze on your skin, and knowing that you’ve chosen a path less traveled, a path filled with adventure, love, and the beauty of the Icelandic wilderness. Don’t just dream about it; make it happen! Iceland is waiting for you, ready to embrace your love story and turn it into an epic adventure. Let’s make your wedding day as extraordinary as the love you share. Reach out, take the plunge, and let’s craft a wedding experience that you’ll cherish forever.

Trust me, it’s more than just a wedding. It’s a journey, an experience, and a memory that will be etched in your hearts forever.

For more inspiration, follow me on Instagram and check out these Pinterest Boards! Let’s book your Iceland elopement today, lovers!

Here’s to love, adventure, and the beauty of Iceland. Let’s create magic together.