Hi! I’m Jo, and I’m a copywriter for wedding pros. Fortunately or unfortunately, you have stumbled across the one blog that has absolutely nothing to do with writing website copy, blogs, or email marketing. If you want to learn more about that stuff, click here! But this blog? This one is for me. Read on if you’re interested in hearing about (and seeing some jaw-dropping photos) from my destination wedding in Iceland at the Skalakot Manor Hotel (aka, the best place on earth). 

Why We Chose to Have an Iceland Destination Wedding 

Up until planning my own wedding, I wasn’t a huge fan of destination weddings. Sure, I love to travel, but I didn’t feel like a wedding was the right time to go on some big adventure. However, as we started planning our wedding, and trying to create a guest list, and balance a budget, and manage everyone’s expectations, the idea of just leaving because harder and harder to resist. 

For some extra context, I’m an extrovert. When I’m being honest with myself, I know I love being the center of attention. But my husband? Not so much. The idea of spending the “best day of his life” forced to greet every extended family member, make small talk, and have people clink their glasses to make us kiss… well, it sounded a lot more like an obligation than a day to look forward to and cherish forever. 

So we had a heart-to-heart. We made a list of our priorities. And we brainstormed untraditional wedding ideas that would allow us to enjoy our day and spend time with the people who are closest to our hearts. At the end of that conversation, we made a humbling discovery. We could host a wedding weekend in Iceland with 20 guests for the same cost as a single wedding day would cost for 110-150 guests. 

We were sold. 

Psst! Wondering why we chose Iceland? Long story short, it’s my husband’s favorite place in the world. He describes it as the closest we can come to seeing God’s original creation, untouched by human hands. Having been there myself now, I have to agree. There is simply nothing like it. And then we found Pink Iceland. Our wedding planner, Heiðrún, was so kind and listened to us so well. She made us feel safe and confident in our choice. We knew whatever happened, we would be in good hands. 

Our Wedding Weekend at the Skalakot Manor Hotel 

We met our guests at the Skalakot Manor Hotel the night before the wedding. We booked the entire boutique hotel and farm for our stay, ensuring that our guests could travel without the stress of paying for accommodations. Since we live a few states over from most of our close friends and family, the welcome dinner was the perfect opportunity to hug our long-distance friends, catch up, and spend low-pressure, intentional time together. The night ended with an impromptu dip in the hot tub at Skalakot’s spa. 

The Morning of the Wedding 

Since we only had 20 guests, I implemented an open-door policy for all the girls on the morning of the wedding. Everyone could come or go as they wanted, getting ready together while I got my hair and makeup done. We set up shop in the master suite, meaning there was plenty of room for everyone and a stunning balcony view overlooking the grounds and stretching over the ocean! Flynt and his best friends hung out in the Mini Suite, and though I wasn’t there to experience it (I was kind of busy at the time), I could tell from the photos that they had a ton of fun. 

We sent all of our guests to the ceremony site before us, giving Flynt and me privacy for our first look and private vows. If I’m being honest, I hardly remember this moment. I remember laughing and saying our vows, but I had to find Flynt’s later and re-read them because I couldn’t remember a word he said. 

Wedding Ceremony in Front of Irafoss Waterfall 

I still can’t quite believe this exists. For me, seeing the waterfall was the most surreal part of the entire wedding. Pictures don’t do it justice. You cannot tell how tall it is or how vibrant the mosses growing around the black rocks are. I still struggle to wrap my mind around the fact that we got to stand before this incredible monument and declare our love and commitment to each other. 

One of the things I remember most vividly from the ceremony was walking down the aisle with both of my parents. Before we reached the last row of guests, my dad stopped us. He made us pause and drink in the moment we were in: standing on the threshold of a new chapter of life, in an absolutely stunning place. Later, during the reception, he summed up the feeling very well. He said, “We are living in the miracles we used to pray for.” 

Immediately after our ceremony, we had a picnic! I am still mad I didn’t try more of the incredible, traditional Icelandic food and desserts. We got to hug our friends and family and take photos in front of Irafoss. I was so happy to see the same awe and joy on our guests’ faces as I felt. My joy came not just from marrying my best friend, but from being able to share such an once-in-a-lifetime experience with my closest people. 

The Photo Tour 

Let’s be real. When you think of getting married in Iceland, there are a few iconic landscapes you picture. And we wanted to be there. 

Part of working with Pink Iceland included a 4-hour photo tour, during which one of our planner’s team members would drive us to these iconic landscapes. During this time, we gave our guests free reign to do whatever they wanted. Some stayed at the hotel and visited the spa. Others took a guided horseback riding tour with Skalakot’s staff, and others explored the nearby area. But I still think we had the best experience. 

Our guide, Haffi, was so fun to talk to and knew everything there is to know about the location and its history. He took great care of us, wrapping us in warm coats when we were cold, holding my bouquet, and generally keeping us on track, on time, and feeding us snacks. 

We first stopped at Dyrhólaey, then the famous black sand beach, Reynisfjara, and we ended our tour at Kvernufoss. I cannot tell you which was my favorite. Each location was so different and so breathtaking… my mind had trouble processing it all. Flynt and I had so much fun getting to experience these different landscapes, many of which we have been dreaming about seeing together for years. Not only did we get to see them, btu we got to see them as man and wife. Not much can compete with that experience. 

A Four-Course Dinner at Skalakot Manor Hotel 

We wanted our wedding reception to feel like a family dinner. So we chose to focus on quality time (and quality food) and opted out of having a dance floor or party vibe. Instead, we created one big U-shaped table and had an overwhelmingly delicious four-course meal at Skalakot. One of my favorite details from our wedding was surprising our guests with Polaroid-style photos of us with them instead of seat numbers. It was a great way to spark conversation and relive memories with our closest and oldest friends. 

I could go on and on about the food, but it would be cruel because—unless you’re sitting in Skalakot’s dining room right now—you wouldn’t be able to do anything about the cravings the description would induce. So I’ll just say that everything was amazing, and I still have dreams about the mango dessert. 

For me, the highlight of the reception was surprising our mothers. Our wedding took place the day before Mother’s Day, so we wanted to do something special to celebrate the women who have shaped us. Working with our wedding planner, we bought two Icelandic wool blankets and gifted them to our moms during the reception. I have rarely managed to surprise my mom, so it felt especially triumphant. 

Returning to Normal Life

We’re now a month out from our wedding, and I’m still processing what an incredible experience we had. Every time I look at these photos, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. We are so blessed to have had the opportunity to do this with the most amazing people in our lives and work with such incredible vendors. This blog, despite being longer than a typical real wedding blog, doesn’t even do it justice. I just hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our experience and looking at the amazing photos by Carina Danielle Photography. Soon, I’ll post more copywriting-related stuff. But until then, I’ll be basking in the love and newlywed bliss. 

(That doesn’t mean I’m not working, I am. Click here to inquire if you’re interested in my copywriting services!) 

Vendors: 

Venue: Skalakot Manor Hotel

Planner: Pink Iceland 

Photographer: Carina Danielle Photography 

Hair & Makeup: Berglind Lára Bjarnadóttir

Wedding Dress: Jenny Yoo at Hand Me Gowns Bridal 

Reception Dress: Show Me Your Mumu 

Groom’s Attire: Britches of Concord