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A beautiful wedding at Hotel Rangá. Photo by Iceland Wedding Photo/Bragi Thor.To make getting married in Iceland a little bit more accessible, our wedding coordinator compiled a quick list of frequently asked questions and answers. She provides personalized service to all our happy couples and is available for questions and inquiries via her email: wedding@hotelranga.is.
How to get married in Iceland: Why Iceland?
Visiting Iceland is an unforgettable experience. The country is unique in terms of culture and geology and is located between North America and Europe – making it accessible to international guests and a convenient starting place for further travel. The incredible scenery of the south coast makes for a stunning backdrop for photographs and the ceremony itself.
How far in advance do we need to book?
A wedding can be organized in only three months. However, if you are bringing your family and friends it’s better to book a bit further in advance to make sure we have availability. Of course, the appropriate timing depends on the size of your party and can vary from about three months to a couple of years before the big day.
Can you help organize elopements?
Yes, we can! We have helped with numerous elopements in the past few years. Don’t hesitate to write to our wedding coordinator, weddings@hotelranga.is.
Can we get married legally?
In Iceland, marriage is legal between any two consenting adults, regardless of gender. In order to get married legally in Iceland, you will need the following documents.
- Certificate of marital status (Notice of marriage appointment). It differs from each country which papers are accepted, please contact our wedding coordinator for more information.
- Birth certificates.
- Flight tickets to and from Iceland.
- Copy of passports.
- Marriage notification form filled out.
- If you have been divorced or a previous spouse passed away, different documents apply. Please contact our wedding coordinator for more information.
Where can we get married?
Anywhere your heart desire (within certain reason) as long as the weather permits and the person that is performing the ceremony is willing to travel to the destination.
Your wedding could take place at Hotel Rangá or in an old Icelandic church, in a cave lid up with candles or even in an ice cave – but then it might be best to leave the candles for later. Say yes on top of a volcano, on a glacier, a black sand beach, next to a waterfall, or a geyser. You can get married by a popular tourist destination or somewhere more secluded yet scenic – we have a list of ideas ready in case you need some inspiration.
Who will marry us?
There are four options:
- Priest: Christian ceremonies in a church.
- Humanist wedding celebrant: Non-religious ceremonies performed by celebrants who have the full legal authority to conduct marriage ceremonies.
- District commissioner: Non-religious ceremonies.
- Ásatrúargoði (Pagan wedding): The pagan ceremonies are based on descriptions from the Sagas and old manuscripts of old Norse traditions, before the time of Christianity in Iceland. In a pagan wedding ceremony, the couple recites personalized oaths much like the vows a couple prepares for many North American ceremonies.
What is the weather going to be like?
Weather in Iceland can be very unpredictable. There might be sunshine and calm weather, it might be raining, there might be a snowstorm… be prepared for anything!
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we always have the option of moving outdoor ceremonies inside Hotel Rangá.
What clothes should we wear?
Bring sturdy shoes and warm coats or jackets for before and after the ceremony: Woolen capes have also been a popular option for brides.
Can we order flowers?
Yes absolutely, we work with a local florist who endeavors to fulfill all your wishes. As Iceland is an island, we can’t always guarantee the availability of the exact type of flowers you would like at the time of the wedding, but our florist works hard to find similar flowers to match your color scheme.
What kind of food/wine do you offer?
We have an acclaimed gourmet restaurant here at Hotel Rangá, with a menu inspired by Nordic cuisine. There are a few different menu options for wedding receptions and can also tailor-make a menu to suit everyone’s taste and dietary needs.
We have an extensive international wine selection to choose from: check out our wine list on our webpage.
Who will do my hair / make up?
We have worked with local hairdressers and makeup artists for the last few years. They come to the Hotel on the wedding day and upon request, they can also do the bridesmaids’ hair and/or the mother of the bride/groom.
Can we order a wedding cake?
Absolutely! Our baker has a true passion for making beautiful cakes and will do her utmost to make your dream cake come true. So far, she has handled requests for a Northern Light cake, a cake with puffins and penguins on it, flowers cascading down the cake, and so on. She never fails to deliver.
Can we book activities for the guys in the morning while the girls are getting ready?
There are numerous activities available for those who need less time getting ready, such as horseback riding, ATV tours, Buggy rides, Snowmobiling and much more.
Do you have an iron/steamer at the hotel?
There is an iron board in all our rooms and we have a hand-held steamer for the wedding dress upon request.
Can we book rooms for our guests?
Yes, you can. We are more than delighted to have your guest stay with us if we have availability. To check for availability and prices please contact our wedding coordinator.
Can we have a first look at the hotel before we go out?
Yes, you certainly can. A first look outside the Hotel by the Rangá river is the most popular choice.
Can you help us book a photographer?
Yes, we have a list of amazing photographers who we recommend.
Can you arrange decorations for the dining room?
We would love to arrange decorations for you. Let us know what you have in mind and we will do our very best.
Can I bring my own decorations?
Yes, you can.
Can we bring our own music?
Yes, we have a sound system where you can plug in an iPad or iPhone to play music during the reception and for dancing after dinner. We even have a separate dancing room close to the dining room itself. Music will have to be turned off at midnight but the bar is open all night long, so you can keep the party going.
Can you arrange live music for the ceremony/dancing?
Yes, we have a list of the numerous musicians we work with. We can arrange for a choir, violin, and guitar players, stand-alone singers, and more. We can also arrange for a DJ or a troubadour to come and play after dinner for dancing.
Is there a question we didn’t answer? Do you feel the need to brainstorm? Our wedding coordinator is available via wedding@hotelranga.is and excited to help you make your dream wedding come true.
