Hailey & Kris

Chasing Light, Lava & Love: A 7-Day Adventure Vik Elopement

Itinerary of their Vik elopement

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

Day 1 – Wednesday
9:30–10:30 AM:
Breakfast
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM: Relax and enjoy a magical moment in the Blue Lagoon, with a lunch at the restaurant
5:00–6:30 PM: I will pick the couple up and take them to the restaurant
6:30–7:45 PM: Dinner
7:45–8:00 PM: Drive to the grocery store
8:00–8:30 PM: Grocery shopping for the breakfast on elopement day
8:30–9:30 PM: Drive to the couple’s lodge for the night
9:30 PM: End of the day

Day 2 – Thursday (Elopement Day)
7:45–9:45 AM: Getting ready
9:15 AM: I’ll meet the couple in their room for getting ready shots and atmospheric moments
9:45–10:00 AM: First look
10:00–11:00 AM: Drive to the waterfall
11:00–11:15 AM: Walk to the waterfall
11:15–11:45 AM: Photoshoot
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM: Lunch
12:45–1:00 PM: Meet the celebrant and walk to the ceremony spot
1:00–1:30 PM: Ceremony
1:30–2:00 PM: Couple photoshoot
2:00–2:15 PM: Walk back to the car
2:15–2:45 PM: Drive to the glacier
2:45–3:15 PM: Photoshoot by the glacier
3:15–3:45 PM: Drive to the beach
3:45–4:15 PM: Photoshoot on the beach
4:15–4:45 PM: Drive to the cliffs
4:45–4:50 PM: First dance
4:50–5:15 PM: Sunset photoshoot
5:15–5:45 PM: Drive to the hotel in Vik
5:45–6:00 PM: Check-in
6:00–7:00 PM: Rest at the hotel
7:00–7:15 PM: Walk to the restaurant
7:15–8:45 PM: Dinner
8:45–9:15 PM: Stargazing and northern lights photoshoot (if conditions allow)

Day 3 – Friday
10:30–11:15 AM: Drive to the waterfall
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM: Photoshoot
12:15–12:30 PM: Drive to the restaurant
12:30–1:30 PM: Lunch and break
1:30–3:00 PM: Drive to the next waterfall
3:00–3:15 PM: Walk to the waterfall
3:15–3:45 PM: Photoshoot
3:45–4:00 PM: Walk back to the car
4:00–4:30 PM: Drive to the church
4:30–5:00 PM: Photoshoot at the church
5:00–7:15 PM: Drive to the hotel
7:15–7:30 PM: Check-in
7:15 PM: End of photography coverage
8:00–9:00 PM: Dinner
9:00 PM: Optional evening stroll to discover the city by night

Day 4 – Saturday
9:30–10:30 AM: Drive to the National Park
10:30–11:30 AM: Photoshoot in the park
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Lunch
12:15–12:45 PM: Drive to the church
12:45–1:15 PM: Photoshoot
1:15–2:30 PM: Drive to the lake
2:30–3:00 PM: Photoshoot
3:00–3:30 PM: Drive to the forest
3:30–4:00 PM: Photoshoot
4:00–4:30 PM: Drive to the lighthouse
4:30–4:55 PM: Photoshoot
4:55–5:00 PM: Drive to the church
5:00–5:30 PM: Sunset photoshoot
5:30–5:45 PM: Drive to the airport
5:45 PM: Drop-off at the car rental at the airport
5:45–6:15 PM: Check-in at the car rental company
6:15–6:30 PM: Drive to the hotel

Day 5 – Sunday
9:00–10:30 AM: Drive to the waterfall
10:30–11:00 AM: Walk and explore the waterfall
11:00–11:10 AM: Drive to the beached whalers
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM: Discover the whaling boats (steep walk or cliff view)
12:00–12:45 PM: Drive to the restaurant
12:45–2:30 PM: Lunch
2:30–4:00 PM: Drive to the cliffs
4:00–5:15 PM: Sunset at the cliffs
5:15–5:45 PM: Drive to the hotel
5:45–6:00 PM: Check-in
6:00–7:00 PM: Break
7:00–9:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant
9:00 PM: End of the day, possible northern lights viewing

Day 6 – Monday
10:00–10:30 AM: Walk and visit the church area
10:30–10:45 AM: Drive to the gorge
10:45–11:45 AM: Explore the gorge
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Drive to the beach
12:00–12:15 PM: Walk on the beach
12:15–12:30 PM: Drive to the crater
12:30–1:30 PM: Hike to the top of the crater and explore
1:30–1:45 PM: Drive to the restaurant
1:45–3:15 PM: Lunch
3:15–3:30 PM: Drive to waterfall 1
3:30–4:30 PM: Admire the waterfall
4:30–4:45 PM: Drive to waterfall 2
4:45–5:15 PM: Walk and view the waterfall
5:15–5:45 PM: Drive to waterfall 3
5:45–6:15 PM: Little walk around the waterfall
6:15–6:45 PM: Drive back to the hotel
6:45–8:15 PM: Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant
8:15 PM: End of the day

Day 7 – Tuesday
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Drive to Reykjavik
12:30–1:30 PM: Lunch
1:30–1:35 PM: Walk to the museum
1:35–2:30 PM: Museum visit
2:30–2:35 PM: Walk to the car
2:35–3:00 PM: Drive to the gym
3:00–5:00 PM: Gym session
6:00–7:00 PM: Drive to the airport
7:00 PM: Return the rental car, end of our adventure together

What they have to say about their adventure

Stunning shoot beside a waterfall surrounded by moss and magic in their Vik elopement
Tiny Icelandic mushrooms captured during this Vik elopement

Reflections on the Day

As I think back on the seven days in Vik, Iceland, I find myself enveloped in the beauty of the landscape and the emotions that unfolded there. Each morning greeted us with a crisp, invigorating air that hinted at the day’s adventures ahead. The wild beauty of Iceland, with its waterfalls rushing with a fervent energy and its rugged coastlines, served as the perfect backdrop for an elopement steeped in love and spontaneity.

There’s a unique pulse to this land, one that inspires freedom and a give-it-a-go mentality. As I traveled through crisp fields and alongside powerful glacial rivers, I became acutely aware of the connection between the couple and the magnificent scenery surrounding them. Their laughter echoed against the cliffs, mingling with the rush of the nearby waterfalls. It was as if nature conspired to amplify their joy, reminding me of the power of love to instigate growth and healing.

The ceremony by the waterfall—it was a moment frozen in time. As they exchanged vows, their voices were almost swallowed by the sound of cascading water, yet their promise resonated with clarity, a testament to their bond. I felt privileged to witness such an intimate moment. It captivated me how a simple declaration, made amidst the majestic splendor of nature, could transform the air into something palpable, vibrantly alive. The couple became part of the landscape, their love woven into the very fabric of Iceland’s beauty.

Every day unfolded like an adventure story. The journey was not merely about traveling to stunning locations; it was about exploration—discovering not just magnificent landscapes, but also deeper layers of connection and community. From navigating the rugged terrain to cozy evenings spent sharing stories over warm drinks, I found myself reflecting on the importance of being present, of feeling deeply rooted in each experience. There’s a rhythm to adventure, a melody that lingers long after the trip has ended.

With each click of the shutter, I captured not merely images but emotions—the warmth in a shared glance, the warmth radiating from their laughter, and the comfort found in shared silence. It brought me joy to engage with them in a relaxed, friendly manner, to be a shoulder to lean on as they navigated through this significant moment in their lives. It was a reminder that, in our haste to capture every image, we must also cherish the connections made—seeing the world through someone else’s eyes adds depth to our journey, brightening our own path in the process.

Returning home, I was mindful of how these experiences bind us together, creating a tapestry rich with stories, emotions, and growth. Each adventure offers deep introspection, forcing me to reflect on my own journey and how these moments have sculpted my path. Just as the landscapes of Iceland are shaped by the elements, my own narrative has been forged by the encounters and experiences I have welcomed along the way.

This Vik elopement was a celebration of two souls bravely stepping into a shared future, and in witnessing that, I cannot help but feel a shift within my own understanding of adventure and love. There’s a beauty in unraveling the layers of connection—not just in the framework of a photograph, but in the very act of living it fully. With a heart open to possibility and a spirit ready for exploration, I find that every adventure invites us to grow—and this one, in particular, left an indelible mark on my soul.

Behind the scenes of their Vik elopement

A short anecdote: We had to change an entire day of plans last-minute because of a road closure—yet somehow, it turned into one of the most magical days of the whole trip, filled with unexpected beauty and spontaneous adventure.

2
Guests
7 days
Photography + guiding

This elopement won 2 international photography awards

Photos of this Vik elopement