Marriage Paperwork Guide:
How to legally get married in Iceland

Eloping in Iceland is a truly magical experience. The wild natural beauty of this country will leave you feeling as if you are in a fairytale, with rolling green mountains, glacial waterfalls and vast blue glaciers stretching out before you. The crystal clear air is filled with the tranquility that only Iceland can offer, and the night sky lights up with breathtaking aurora borealis displays that are sure to create an unforgettable moment for your special day. Whether you choose to elope on a remote beach or amongst ancient hot springs, Iceland is the perfect place for couples to discover something unique and memorable together.

So how do you legally get married in Iceland once you’ve decided on an Iceland elopement?

1. You will need a Marriage Notification form (Hjónavígsluskýrsla in Icelandic) from the District of Magistrate in Reykjavík. This form needs to be filled out and signed by both of you PLUS two witnesses. (Fun fact: I am often a witness on these during elopements! Multitasking photographer!).
   From the Iceland Registry website it says, “Notifications of marriage ceremonies are received from heads of religious associations or their representatives, priests or district commissioners to be registered in the National Registry”
   -Here is some information on this from the Icelandic Government and you can find the form here from the ÞJÓÐSKRÁ ÍSLANDS / Registers Iceland.

2. Both of your birth certificates and attach to the Marriage Application Form. Only originals or officially authorized (stamp or seal) are accepted.

3. Certificate of Marital Status (to show that you are already not married). You will get this from your home state. This paperwork needs to be issued within 8 weeks prior to your wedding ceremony. If your country does not offer these, you will have to get a certificate issued by the relevant authorities of your country stating you are not married.

   You will also need to show the paperwork if you are divorced or a widower to show you are no longer married to this person.

   AFFIDAVIT OF SINGLE STATUS (DECLARATION OF NON-IMPEDIMENT)

   It is not always a requirement to produce a Certificate of No Impediment when you are getting married abroad. Some countries will be happy with an Affidavit sworn before a notary public. This document may also be known as an Affidavit of Single Status or Declaration of Non-Impediment.

4. Valid Passports (and Visas if necessary) so you can show that you are legally within your rights to stay in Iceland and not violating any visas.

5. Proof of legal stay in Iceland (stamp in passport, visa, plane tickets, etc.)

• You both must be 18yrs or older to get married in Iceland.

• If you have been married before must show documentation of proof of divorce.

• If you are a widower, you must show a decree that the estate of the deceased has been finalized.

• All documents must be handed in as the original paperwork and not a photocopy.

• All documents must be submitted 3 weeks prior to your ceremony. You can email the documents first and then turn in the physical copy once you get there.

• If your country of origin has paperwork that is not in English or another Scandinavian language, you must have accompanying translation with the paperwork.

• Your birth certificates and other original certificates handed in can be picked up after the wedding ceremony.

• After the ceremony, it is possible to obtain your marriage certificate in English.

• If you want to legally get married in Iceland you need an officiant. This officiant does not need to be a part of any religion, though. You can even pick a priest from the Nordic Pagan or a Humanist.

• You do not need a church to get married in Iceland, you can get married anywhere out in nature and a permit is not required.

• If you want to get married inside a church, there are hundreds to choose from. From giant churches in Reykjaviík to tiny churches in the countryside.

• If you don’t want a church wedding, we can go outside and hike and have a tent wedding. There are so many options!