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Iceland’s dramatic landscapes have long inspired couples to say “I do” in unforgettable ways. Wedding couple Jordan and Ariel are no exception. Drawn to the raw beauty of the island, they exchanged vows in the mystical Caves of Hella before celebrating their love with an intimate gathering at Hotel Rangá. Keep reading to discover their magical wedding day and why Iceland was the perfect destination for their love story.
How it All Began
When Jordan and Ariel first met through mutual friends nearly ten years ago, neither of them could have guessed that their story would one day lead them to the dramatic landscapes of Iceland. “We were both dating someone else at the time and didn’t get to know each other,” Ariel recalls. “I think he secretly was into me but just couldn’t say anything at the time.” Years later, the universe nudged them together once more during an unexpected encounter in downtown Omaha. “We couldn’t stop joking and laughing,” Jordan says. “The rest is history.”
Choosing Iceland
When it came time to plan their wedding, the couple knew one thing for sure: it had to be a destination celebration. But while many couples flock to sunny beaches, Iceland’s rugged beauty called to Jordan and Ariel. “She’s never been much of a beach person,” Jordan laughs. “We both love a good hike, and she loves rocks—and Iceland happens to have plenty of both.” Ariel adds, “We’re both in awe of nature and the northern lights. It felt like the perfect fit.” Jordan’s Scandinavian roots may have played a role too, making Iceland feel both new and familiar.
Discovering Hotel Rangá
A simple Google search led them to Hotel Rangá, where the idea of a stress-free, all-inclusive destination wedding became a reality. “We were awed by the photos of Hotel Rangá and thought the wedding packages were just what we were looking for,” Ariel shares. With only about a month to plan, they were overjoyed when their chosen date was available. “We booked our reservation that same day and the wedding planning began.”
From the first email to the final check-out, the couple felt completely supported by the Hotel Rangá team—especially wedding coordinator Majken. “She made the experience of getting married in a foreign country easy and as stress-free as possible,” Ariel explains. “She helped find and get us in contact with the officiant, the makeup artist, and arranged flowers.” The hotel staff’s warmth stood out as well. “Having the room refreshed with chocolates each day will be a highlight of my memories for years to come,” Ariel says. “We even misplaced an AirTag, and when we came back the next day, it was waiting for us at the front desk.”
The Ceremony at the Caves of Hella
The wedding day itself unfolded like a dream. Ariel enjoyed endless cups of coffee while having her makeup done in the couple’s room before they set off for the Caves of Hella.
Their ceremony was intimate and deeply personal. “We had a simple non-denominational ceremony at the Caves of Hella,” Jordan explains. Officiant Margrét Harpa wrote a beautiful speech after speaking with the couple and having them complete a short survey. “She did such a fantastic job that my father even used excerpts from it for his toast at our reception in Nebraska,” Ariel recalls. “She made it feel like she knew us and our story intimately.”
To seal their vows, the couple included a symbolic ritual. “We drank from a horn as a union celebration,” Jordan shares. “Even though we forgot our champagne, water worked just the same.”
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Photoshoot
Following the ceremony, Jordan and Ariel set off along Iceland’s southern coast with their photographers, Halldóra and Hobie of Arctic Weddings Iceland. “We spent the next six hours driving the southern coast getting a photoshoot of a lifetime,” Ariel says. Rainy skies didn’t dampen their spirits. “Halldóra and Hobie were amazing and patient with the weather. They showed us incredible places and made the day so much more special for us.”
Celebrating at Hotel Rangá
After their adventure, the newlyweds returned to Hotel Rangá to celebrate with their parents at the Rangá Restaurant. “The dinner was amazing,” Jordan says. “After our long day of stunning views of waterfalls and black sand beaches we were ready to eat, and eat well we did.” The couple opted for the set menu with wine pairings—“not a single dish or sip missed the mark of perfection,” they recall.
For dessert, they enjoyed a traditional kransakaka in the hotel’s upstairs lounge, a sweet ending to their perfect day.
Looking Back
From the warm welcome to the breathtaking landscapes, Iceland offered Jordan and Ariel everything they dreamed of for their wedding day. “Visiting Iceland was an incredible experience,” Ariel reflects. “Every person we met was kind and welcoming.”
Their advice for future couples? Consider practicality when it comes to wedding attire. “One thing I wish we had planned for was shipping my dress,” Ariel admits. “I knew I should have gone with a simpler design, but I ended up with a full princess moment—and trying to navigate through everything was a bit of a challenge.”
Still, the challenges were few compared to the joy. From laughing through the rain upon arrival to raising a drinking horn in the Caves of Hella, Jordan and Ariel’s wedding was the perfect reflection of who they are: adventurous, joyful, and in love.
