Your Guide to an Ice Cave Wedding

Do you want a special and unique wedding that’s certain to be something you remember forever? Then perhaps you’ve already considered getting married in an ice cave.

Perhaps it’s not for everyone, and it’s certainly not for the traditionalists, but if you have a sense of adventure, and love to visit unique, and pristine places, then an ice cave wedding may be just what you’re looking for.

Ice caves, which can be found in the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and, of course, Iceland, make for spectacular settings. They’re flawless, blank palettes where you can display colors against a backdrop of clear, blue ice and sparkling white snow. Here’s what you need to know to start planning.

Why an ice cave?

Ice cave weddings are a part of Norse tradition because of the caves’ natural beauty and their symbolism. Openings in the ice often carved out by waterfalls during warmer months, or a natural earthen opening in a mountainside, symbolize two lives entering the cave as separate people and emerging as one. It is a truly remarkable and romantic experience.

The most popular destination for ice cave weddings is Iceland. It is a beautiful country, rich with natural beauty and friendly people, and it has long been a favorite spot for adventure seekers. If you’re still on the fence, it’s worth looking into an ice caves tour Iceland offers to see how beautiful a cave can be. There is even a chapel made of ice located at Langjӧkull glacier that can be used year-round.

Planning an ice cave wedding

Planning an ice cave wedding is different from any other type of wedding, as you might imagine. It’s best to look into local wedding planners who specialize in ice cave weddings, because they can help you with your plans.

There are definite advantages to having a local wedding planner facilitate your event. Unless you are an avid world traveler and are familiar with Iceland and its laws, having a local presence to make the reservations, get required permits or licenses, and generally handle last minute problems is a very prudent decision and worth the investment.

As you might imagine, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so if you’re planning an outdoor event, having a “plan B” is a necessity. As with most other wedding planners, you can hire them for the amount of assistance you feel that you need to make the day a success.

What else do you need?

Iceland is an easy place to get married when it comes to the legalities, but there will be paperwork; another reason for a local wedding planner to help. First of all, you have to be 18 years old. Any required documents must be originals and must be in English, a Scandinavian language, or translated. All paperwork must be sent in at least one month before the wedding.

Some documents you will need are birth certificates, certificates of marital status (proof of divorce if that applies), and current passports. Before making your trip, it’s well worth your time to read about the history, geography, and culture of Iceland, because it’s rich with folklore. Learning about the country and its history and people will make the experience all the better.

The cost of such a wedding depends on the number of people you invite, how elaborate the plans and activities are, the location you choose, and the level of accommodations. Of course, the most cost-effective wedding is an elopement.

But if you keep the wedding party small, and don’t go overboard, the cost does not have to be extravagant. After all, you’re saving money by combining your wedding and honeymoon into one trip, and it’s hard to place a price tag on the enduring memories you will make.