Why Iceland Was the Perfect Elopement Destination for Tahlia and James

Imagine exchanging vows against Iceland’s stunning landscapes—this was the dream Tahlia and James brought to life in their two-day elopement adventure. 

Having travelled from Australia, Tahlia and James chose Iceland for its breathtaking scenery and as a perfect backdrop for their ultimate ‘date day,’ focusing on their love and creating an unforgettable experience.

Horse Riding in Iceland: A Unique Start to Their Elopement Day

Their elopement began with a horse-riding adventure through the Icelandic countryside. Riding horses has slowly become a cherished tradition for them, and it was a must-have for their special day! After a quick lesson, we all set off on a surreal ride through rivers and rugged terrain. The surprise puppy cuddles in the stables at the end of the tour was an added touch of joy to their adventure (we were all ready to take one home!). 

The team at Hlidarbergshestar were so amazing with helping us capture their experience and tailored the tour to our needs!

Intimate Vow Writing and Elopement Details: A Personal Touch

Back at their accommodation, Tahlia and James had an intimate moment writing their vows into beautifully crafted vow books and we also spent time capturing the intricate details of their elopement.

One of the most touching details was the postcards with their engagement session photos that we took a few months earlier at Mount Hotham. They wrote daily love notes to each other leading up to their elopement, a tradition they continued throughout their honeymoon.

First Look Under Icelandic Waterfall

For their first look, we carefully coordinated timing to ensure a private and intimate moment. Driving in separate cars, Linden and I coordinated to ensure they didn’t accidentally see each other. We discovered the stunning Skútafoss waterfall in a secluded valley, where Tahlia and James shared their first look. The beauty and emotion of the moment were so overwhelming that both Linden and I couldn’t help but shed a few tears as well! 

Picnic in the Fog: A Romantic Elopement Experience in Iceland

After their breathtaking first look beneath the waterfall, Tahlia and James made their way to a charming picnic spot in the valley behind Skútafoss Waterfall. This secluded nook was the perfect backdrop for a cosy and intimate picnic.

The spread was filled with delightful, personal touches: fairy bread, a nostalgic Australian treat that brought a slice of home to their adventure, and handmade “husband and wife” chocolates, crafted in Amsterdam on their journey to Iceland. 

They exchanged heartfelt letters from family members and shared thoughtful gifts. James gave Tahlia a stunning ring, and Tahlia surprised James with a book she’d promised to write during one of their first dates (check out James reaction below when he realises what it is!).

The Most Emotional Ceremony on Hofn Beach

The pinnacle of Tahlia and James’s elopement was their profoundly emotional ceremony on the secluded black sand of Hofn Beach. With the dramatic backdrop of Iceland’s towering mountains and enveloping fog, their ceremony was as raw and natural as the landscape itself.

There was no elaborate setup—just the two of them, the wild beauty of the beach, and the breathtaking Icelandic scenery. This minimalist approach allowed nature to play a central role in their vows, making the moment feel incredibly intimate and personal.

Tahlia and James shared deeply personalised vows, holding a rock carved with their initials—a meaningful piece that James had crafted during one of their first dates. This simple yet powerful symbol of their journey together made their promises even more special..

My favourite moment of the ceremony was at the end when, hand in hand, they looked at each other and said, “We did it.” It was such a sweet and affirming moment, capturing the essence of their love and the triumph of their unique elopement adventure. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever, reflecting the pure joy and commitment that defined their special day.

Embracing Iceland’s Weather: How Tahlia and James Made the Most of It

It wouldn’t be an Icelandic elopement without moody weather! Tahlia and James embraced the fog with grace, turning it into a part of their unique elopement experience. Their positive attitude was a testament to their focus on celebrating their love and adventure.You cannot control the weather, but you can control how it makes you feel and how fun your elopement experience is.

Exploring Ice Caves: Day 2 of Tahlia and James’s Iceland Elopement

Their elopement experience continued the next day with an ice-caving adventure at Katla Ice Cave, the only ice cave that is open during summer. It was the most amazing adventure through the vast, remote landscape. The team at Katla Track was absolutely incredible, sharing stories about Iceland, volcanoes and ice-caves, ensuring we were able to have fun and create amazing images whilst being safe.

Custom Wedding Dress and Accessories: Tahlia’s Stunning Elopement Look

Tahlia got her dress created at the wonderful Soho Bridal Geelong, Victoria. Her sleeves reflected the ice and was the perfect dress for her setting. James had previously given Tahlia pearls and Tahlia secretly got them added to her dress which was such a beautiful touch to making her dress that much more special. Finishing the outfit, Tahlia also had a custom veil created by Chasing the Sun Bridal which included a line of one of her poems “He is exactly the poetry I want to write.” Tahlia is a beautiful poet, you can check out her work here Apricot Daisies.

Iceland Adventure Elopement Highlights video

Relive Tahlia and James’s incredible adventure through our highlights video and witness their unforgettable day.

Client Testimonial: Tahlia & James Share Their Elopement Experience

“Wow, where do I even begin? Having Rochelle and Linden involved in our elopement was hands down the best decision we’ve ever made. From their professionalism, expertise, creativity and endless passion and love for what they do, this dream team played such a vital and valuable role within our day and we simply couldn’t imagine it without their infectious, bright personalities and talent! Our photos and video are going to be such treasured memories that we will forever cherish. You can truly feel the love and dedication that these two pour into their craft, therefore, we wouldn’t recommend anyone else. They’re the best at what they do, they’ll always go above and beyond and at the end of the day, it’s just like spending time with lifelong friends. Thank you again Rochelle and Linden, you’re absolute superstars! Xoxo” – Tahlia & James