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How to Get Married in Iceland as a Foreigner
A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Iceland might just be the perfect place for you. Known for its waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches, Iceland is a top destination for couples worldwide. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get married in Iceland as a foreigner. Plus, the country’s marriage laws are inclusive and simple for foreigners to navigate.
How to Legally Get Married in Iceland
1. Understand the Legal Requirements
To get married in Iceland as a foreigner, you must meet these basic criteria:
- Age: Both individuals must be at least 18 years old.
- Marital Status: Neither individual can be currently married. If previously married, official divorce papers or a death certificate for a deceased spouse is required.
2. Gather Necessary Documents
To ensure your marriage is legally recognized, you’ll need the following:
- Passports: Both partners must provide valid passports.
- Birth Certificates: Originals or certified copies are required.
- Certificate of Marital Status: This document confirms you are free to marry and must be issued within eight weeks of your wedding date.
- Proof of Legal Stay in Iceland: Such as a passport stamp, visa, or flight itinerary.
- Divorce Decree or Death Certificate: Required if either partner was previously married.
Important: If documents are not in English, Icelandic, or a Scandinavian language, they must be translated by a certified translator.
3. Submit Your Documents
Submit your documents to the National Registry of Iceland (Þjóðskrá Íslands) at least three weeks before your wedding date. Submitting earlier is advised to avoid delays.
Ceremony Options for Foreigners
When you get married in Iceland as a foreigner, you can choose from several ceremony types:
Civil Ceremonies
A civil ceremony is the simplest and most straightforward option for couples looking to legally get married in Iceland as a foreigner. Conducted by a district commissioner, these ceremonies are non-religious and typically held in an office setting. However, many district commissioners are willing to perform the ceremony outdoors, allowing you to incorporate Iceland’s stunning natural beauty into your wedding.
Civil ceremonies are ideal for couples who want to get married in Iceland, value simplicity, and prefer to focus on the legal aspects of their marriage. They’re also a popular choice for those who plan to hold a symbolic or celebratory ceremony afterward in a different location.
Religious Ceremonies
For couples seeking a traditional wedding experience, a religious ceremony officiated by an ordained minister provides a meaningful and sacred option. Iceland is home to a variety of churches, from small countryside chapels to iconic landmarks like the Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík or the Búðir Black Church.
Religious ceremonies often follow established liturgical practices and may include prayers, hymns, and blessings. If you belong to a specific denomination, it’s possible to work with Icelandic clergy to tailor the ceremony to align with your beliefs and traditions.
Humanist Ceremonies
Humanist ceremonies are non-religious yet deeply personal. Conducted by a celebrant, these ceremonies are tailored to reflect your love story, values, and personality as a couple. You have the freedom to include personalized vows, readings, music, and symbolic rituals, making the ceremony uniquely yours.
Humanist ceremonies are popular among couples who want to get married in Iceland and are looking for a modern, inclusive approach to their wedding. They can be held anywhere, from Iceland’s iconic landmarks to remote, off-the-beaten-path locations, allowing you to create a ceremony that truly reflects your unique journey together.
Symbolic Ceremonies
A symbolic ceremony is an excellent choice for couples who prefer to handle the legalities in their home country but still want to get married in Iceland and have a magical celebration. With no legal requirements or restrictions, a symbolic ceremony offers unparalleled flexibility and creativity.
You can exchange vows in any location that holds meaning for you, whether it’s atop a glacier, beside a geothermal hot spring, or under the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights. A symbolic ceremony allows you to focus solely on celebrating your love in one of the most stunning landscapes in the world while still experiencing the joy of getting married in Iceland.
After You Get Married in Iceland
Once your ceremony is complete, the next step is to ensure your marriage is officially registered. In Iceland, this process is straightforward. The officiant who performed your ceremony will file the necessary paperwork with the National Registry of Iceland (Þjóðskrá Íslands) on your behalf. This registration is what legally recognizes your marriage in Iceland and internationally.
After the registration is processed, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This certificate is essential for legal purposes, such as updating your marital status on official documents, applying for visas, or changing your last name (if applicable). It’s a good idea to request multiple copies for ease of use.
If you’re planning to return to your home country or move elsewhere, your Icelandic marriage certificate is generally recognized internationally thanks to Iceland’s compliance with international conventions. However, in some cases, you may need to have the certificate translated into your native language for legal use abroad. The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs can assist with this process.
Practical Tips for Foreigners Getting Married in Iceland
- Hire a Local Wedding Planner
A wedding planner familiar with Iceland’s logistics can make the process stress-free. They’ll help with permits, bookings, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Consider Witnesses
Icelandic law requires two witnesses for your wedding ceremony. If you’re eloping and don’t have witnesses accompanying you, don’t worry—many venues or wedding planners can arrange witnesses on your behalf. In fact, your photographer or videographer can also serve as one of your witnesses
- Prepare for the Weather
Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so have a backup plan in case of rain, wind, or snow.
- Budget
Costs for a wedding in Iceland can range widely depending on the scale of the event. A simple elopement might cost $5,000–$10,000, while larger weddings may cost significantly more.
