Hayley & Brandon

A 3-Day Reynisfjara Elopement Adventure with Star Wars Magic

Itinerary of their Reynisfjara elopement

Due to Leave No Trace policy, the exact location names have to stay undisclosed

Day 1 – Saturday
8:30–9:45 AM: I meet the couple in front of the car rental company and arrival at the National Park
9:45–10:00 AM: Discovery of the site
10:00 AM–12:30 PM: Short hike by the lake and photoshoot at different spots
12:30–2:00 PM: Lunch
2:00–4:30 PM: Drive to the waterfall (with scenic stops on the way)
4:30–5:00 PM: Couple photoshoot at the waterfall
5:00–5:30 PM: Drive to the next waterfall
5:30–6:00 PM: Walk to the second waterfall and epic photoshoot
6:00–6:15 PM: Walk back to the car
6:15–6:45 PM: Drive to the beach
6:45–7:15 PM: Couple photoshoot at the beach
7:15–7:45 PM: Drive to the brewery
7:45–9:00 PM: Dinner
9:00–9:10 PM: Drive to the hotel
9:10–9:30 PM: Check-in
9:30 PM: End of the day

Day 2 – Sunday May 4th: Elopement Day!
9:30–11:00 AM: Getting ready in the room
11:00–11:30 AM: Atmospheric shots
11:30–11:45 AM: First look
11:45 AM–12:00 PM: Leaving the accommodation
12:00–2:30 PM: Visiting the National Park + picnic with a view
2:30–3:15 PM: Drive to the glacier and short photoshoot
4:00–4:15 PM: Drive to the waterfall
4:15–5:00 PM: Photoshoot at the waterfall
5:00–5:30 PM: Drive to the cliffs
5:30–5:40 PM: Arrival and short walk to find a secluded ceremony spot
5:40–6:00 PM: Ceremony
6:00–6:30 PM: Couple photoshoot
6:30–7:00 PM: Drive back to town
7:00–7:30 PM: Photoshoot by the church
7:30–9:30 PM: Dinner at the restaurant

Day 3 – Monday
9:30–10:00 AM: Drive to the cave
10:00–10:15 AM: Photoshoot at the cave
10:15–11:30 AM: Drive to the café
11:30 AM–12:45 PM: Lunch
12:45–1:45 PM: Drive to the museum
1:45–2:00 PM: Short photoshoot
2:00–2:30 PM: Drive to the waterfall
2:30–5:00 PM: Hike to the waterfall, photoshoot, and return
5:00–7:30 PM: Drive back to the airport and end of our adventure together

What they have to say about their adventure

Star Wars meets Icelandic wilderness in this unique Reynisfjara elopement
The rough beauty of an Icelandic waterfall, captured during a Reynisfjara elopement

Reflections on the Day

As the dawn broke over the jagged cliffs of Reynisfjara beach (Iceland), the whispers of the ocean effortlessly intertwined with the brisk Icelandic air. It was a morning pregnant with promises—of laughter, love, and connections forged in the most unconventional manner. This three-day elopement adventure, draped in the whimsical spirit of Star Wars, became more than just a backdrop for celebration; it evolved into an odyssey for the soul.

Stepping into this dreamlike scene, I found myself not merely an observer but a part of a larger narrative, cascading through the symphony of emotions that each moment offered. The couple, dressed with playful nods to the beloved saga, moved like celestial bodies around one another, creating an atmosphere that felt both magical and deeply grounded. As they shared a kiss under the watchful gaze of basalt columns and rolling waves, a warmth enveloped the chilly air, reminding me of the courage it takes to step beyond the comfort of familiarity.

The adventure unfolded effortlessly. Embracing spontaneity, we roamed the black sands and frolicked amongst the striking rock formations, each frame filled not just with scenes but with an essence of joy and connection. I felt an exhilarating thrill in capturing not just the striking visuals, but the very fabric of their bond—the little moments when their eyes sparkled with laughter, or when a quiet understanding passed between them amidst the roaring waves. Photography for me has always been a dance, a rhythm that beats in harmony with the core of human experience. Moments like these are the notes that linger long after the last shot is taken.

As we explored the hidden trails and gazed at breathtaking vistas, the journey took on a transformative quality. I found peace in my role as a facilitator of their adventure, a friend alongside them in the unfolding story. Each click of the shutter felt like a heartbeat, echoing with the essence of joy, excitement, and connection. It was an art of being fully present—a conscious blending of my intentions with their dreams.

There was something profoundly enlightening about this elopement, framed against a landscape that carried whispers of time. In that rugged beauty, I caught glimpses of resilience and strength, not just in the couple’s unyielding love, but within the volcanic forces that shaped the land itself. This rugged terrain became a metaphor for the unpredictability of life—of forging one’s path amid uncertainties and embracing the wildness of existence. In those stark contrasts between dark cliffs and white-capped waves, I witnessed not just an elopement, but a celebration of all that is raw and beautiful about being human.

Whether it was a brief pause for reflection while wanderlust took over or the spontaneous laughter shared over a playful lightsaber duel on the beach, each moment was a thread, intricately woven into a tapestry of joy. The light, ever fleeting, taught me to appreciate the impermanence of moments that feel like eternity. The ocean’s rhythm, crashing soothingly against the rocks, mirrored the ups and downs of cherished memories—fleeting yet weighty, filled with laughter and sometimes tinged with bittersweetness.

By the end of this joy-filled odyssey, I emerged transformed, carrying within me the shared energy of adventure and those moments suspended in time. I was reminded of the journeys that shape us, of how every encounter with beauty carries with it a potential for connection, understanding, and growth. As I finally bade farewell to the couple, who had traversed both the landscapes and the depths of their love so effortlessly, I realized that I too was part of a larger story—a narrative of love, friendship, and the exhilarating pursuit of living fully in the moment.

In the quiet aftermath of their departure, with the sun setting in a palette of gold and violet, I savored the lessons imparted by the experience. Life, like this adventure, is a collection of fleeting beats—we merely need the courage to feel them, to acknowledge their beauty, and to share them with others. And as I walked back along the beach, footprints mingling with the tide, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that every moment is an opportunity waiting to unfold; all it takes is the spirit of adventure and an open heart.

Behind the scenes of their Reynisfjara elopement

A short anecdote: Even if it was early May, most of the small roads were still closed due to the snow, so we had to improvise a big chunk of the itinerary! I created a brand new itinerary filled with some new locations for the days 2 and 3 and it ended up being even more amazing that what was planned in the beginning!!

2
Guests
3 days
Photography + guiding

This elopement won 13 international photography awards

Photos of this Reynisfjara elopement