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Some love stories are so special they deserve a setting as amazing as the couple’s bond. Carli and Bradley’s elopement in Iceland was just that…full of love and some incredible scenery!

Romantic wedding portrait in front of majestic waterfall with rainbow.

A Morning to Remember


The day started at Seljandsfoss Horizons, where Carli and Bradley got ready together. It was a calm and meaningful morning. They took their time, helping each other get dressed. They still incorporated some traditional wedding details that were important to them.

You can see the excitement and sweetness just by looking at the photos.
A bow tie being adjusted on formal wedding attire in black and white.
Couple gazing through cabin skylight at snow-covered mountain views.
Silhouette of someone looking out a window while wearing a robe.
Two people in white clothing having conversation in indoor setting.
A couple shares a sweet moment while getting ready in formal attire.
A person in a white shirt adjusts their hair while standing near a window.
Person adjusting their bowtie while wearing glasses and a white dress shirt.
Black and white candid moment of wedding preparation in modern interior.
An intimate moment captured in a modern cabin with natural lighting through a window.
A couple adjusting their formal attire in preparation for a wedding ceremony.
Side profile of someone in white silk robe smiling by window.
Wedding preparation scene with person in white robe getting hair styled.
Wedding preparation scene with silk robe in natural window light.
A bride wearing a veil and white satin robe sits contemplatively at a table.
A person in a white robe sits thoughtfully by a window with a floral arrangement nearby.

A Ceremony at Black Sand Beach


Carli and Bradley’s ceremony was held at Black Sand Beach. With the dark sand beneath their feet and the sound of waves around them, they exchanged their rings and vows. The wind was strong and the air was cold, but it didn’t take away from the special moment they shared. The waters are fast and furious - they have "Sneaker waves" that you always have to be on the look out for. We just about say a handful of influencers get swept into the sea because they ignored the warnings. I was thankful to have additional photographers with me so we could have one person be the look out for the waves and dangers.
Couple walks hand in hand across volcanic rocks during their intimate beach wedding.
Intimate moment between newlyweds on a rocky volcanic beach at sunset.
Romantic wedding portrait of couple embracing on a black sand beach with rocky cliffs behind them.
Intimate wedding moment between couple embracing on dramatic black sand beach.
Intimate wedding portrait on black sand beach with volcanic cliffs in background.
Black and white intimate portrait of newlyweds sharing tender moment on rocky coastline.
Black and white intimate portrait against textured rock formations.
Wedding couple poses against textured volcanic rock wall in winter attire.
Elegant wedding couple poses beside textured volcanic cliff face on rocky shore.
A romantic embrace on a black sand beach with dramatic sea stacks in the background.
Intimate wedding couple embraces on dramatic black sand beach with towering sea stacks in Iceland.
An intimate moment captured between a couple in winter wedding attire against dark rocky cliffs.
Wedding couple stands on rocky beach with distant cliffs and overcast sky.
Hearts drawn in black sand with a wedding dress and formal shoes visible in the frame.
Wedding couple explores dramatic black sand beach with distant sea cliffs in Iceland.

Exploring Iceland’s Wonders


After their vows, Carli and Bradley went on an adventure to explore some of Iceland’s most famous spots. They visited the amazing Skogafoss waterfall, where mist from the falls made everything sparkle. On our way out, we were even surprised by a beautiful rainbow! Then they went to the Dyrholaey Lighthouse and its nearby Lava Arch, where cliffs rise dramatically over the sea. Along the way, they found other places that made their day even more unique and unforgettable.

Skogafoss Waterfall

A couple shares an intimate moment in front of a cascading waterfall wearing wedding attire.
A romantic wedding photo of a couple embracing in front of a majestic waterfall in black and white.
A couple admires a towering waterfall on their wedding day.
A wedding couple walks hand in hand along a dark rocky beach with towering cliffs in the background.
A couple in wedding attire walk along a rocky beach near dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.
A distant view of newlyweds standing before a massive waterfall.
A powerful waterfall cascades down brown rocky cliffs into a dark pool below.
A couple holds hands in front of a majestic waterfall with rocky terrain.
A romantic wedding photo shoot on a rocky beach with dramatic cliffs and elegant attire.
A romantic wedding portrait on a rocky beach shows a couple in an intimate embrace.
A romantic wedding couple embraces against a dark background as her dress flows in the wind at their outdoor ceremony.
A wedding couple embraces as the bride's dress and hair blow in the wind by a waterfall.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a rocky beach shoreline with dramatic cliffs in the background.
Intimate wedding portrait of a couple embracing on a rocky beach beneath towering cliffs.
Tender wedding moment captured against dramatic cliffs and rushing water.

Dyrholaey Lighthouse & nearby Lava Arch

Wedding couple stands on volcanic rocks overlooking dramatic Icelandic coastline with black sand beach.
A couple walking down stairs along Iceland's dramatic coastline with sea stacks visible in the distance.
Couple shares romantic moment on windy cliff edge with dramatic black sand beach coastline below.
Black and white wedding photo on dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking a black sand beach.
A romantic wedding kiss captured against dramatic coastal cliffs and crashing waves.
Intimate black and white portrait of couple sharing tender moment against cloudy sky.
Wedding couple embraces on rocky overlook with Iceland's iconic black sand beaches stretching into distance.
Wedding couple embraces on rocky overlook with dramatic black sand beach and ocean waves below.
Dramatic rocky cliffs overlooking a vast Icelandic landscape with water and mountains in the distance.
Dramatic black sand beach coastline with dark volcanic sand stretching along cloudy oceanfront in Iceland.
A couple walking along a coastal path with dramatic ocean views and overcast skies.
A couple walks along a path towards a white lighthouse on a cloudy coastal day.
Black and white image of couple near white lighthouse tower under overcast skies.
A white lighthouse stands tall against cloudy skies as a couple walks nearby.
Bride in lace dress walks along fenced path with dramatic coastal scenery.

A Little Pit Stop with a Mountain View


On our way to the next location, we had to pull over and take advantage of the stunning views!

A couple walks down a mountain road with snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Newlyweds walk along a remote mountain road with dramatic snow-capped peaks in view.
Black and white photo of newlyweds walking down a mountain road with peaks in background.
A couple strolls hand in hand on a mountain road with dramatic peaks and blue skies.
A couple in formal wedding attire walks hand in hand on a mountain road with dramatic landscape views.
Wedding couple walking down the center of an empty mountain road with snow-capped peaks behind them.
A couple in formal wedding attire walks down a dramatic mountain road surrounded by peaks.
Wedding couple holding hands while walking down a mountain road with stunning alpine scenery.
Couple in wedding attire walking along a mountain road with dramatic alpine landscape behind them.
A couple in wedding attire walks joyfully down an empty road with snow-capped mountains in the background.
A couple runs playfully on a mountain road during their wedding photoshoot.

Icelandic horse

If you're exploring Iceland, you will more than likely come across beautiful horses at some point. We stopped to pet them and it made a great photo op!

Close-up profile of a dark Icelandic horse with distinctive flowing mane against rocky terrain.
Brown and white spotted horse standing in a field with mountains in the background.
Brown and white spotted Icelandic pony stands in field with snow-capped mountains behind.
Black and white close-up of a white horse's eye and mane.
A dark horse walking away on a path beside a rocky cliff.
Paint horse grazes in open field with majestic snow-covered mountains in distance.
Close-up of a black Icelandic horse's mane and face eating dry grass.
Close-up portrait of a dark-colored Icelandic horse with rugged cliffs in the background.
A black and white spotted horse stands in a mountainous landscape with other horses grazing in the background.
A paint horse stands in a field with snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Black Icelandic pony with long mane stands in front of a small building in mountainous terrain.
A dappled gray Icelandic horse stands in a rugged mountain landscape.
Profile view of a dark-colored horse with long flowing mane in front of rocky terrain.
Black and white portrait of an Icelandic horse with windswept mane.
Close-up portrait of a dark-coated horse with flowing mane against a rocky background.

Traditional Touches in a Unique Day


Even though they eloped, Carli and Bradley included some classic wedding traditions. They had a first dance. They also cut a cake, a small but sweet way to celebrate their love. These moments added a perfect mix of tradition to their adventurous elopement day.
Getting ready scene with white dress and brown leather chair by large window.
Black and white detail shot of feet and high heels on wooden flooring.
A person in a white dress and heels sits elegantly on a chair in a modern room with wooden floors.
Black and white detail shot of someone adjusting a garter on their leg.
Modern black cabin with couple standing in doorway on grey desert landscape.
Modern black barn-style building with silhouettes visible through doorway against cloudy sky.
Elegant couple sharing a moment in doorway of modern black cabin.
Couple celebrating with champagne outside a modern black building.
Couple toasting with champagne glasses inside modern cabin.
A couple toasts with champagne beside large windows during an intimate celebration.
Formal attire and stylish footwear visible at a glass table setting with hardwood floors.
Couple celebrating with champagne at small table by window with scenic view.
Person in white dress sitting with champagne glass in modern interior.
Black and white photo of two people clinking wine glasses at a table near a window.
Two hands clinking ornate crystal champagne glasses together in celebration.

Love Through It All


Carli and Bradley couldn’t stop smiling the entire time! They laughed, embraced the wild weather, and created memories they’ll never forget. Their day wasn’t just about stunning views or taking photos; it was about their deep connection and the joy of sharing this journey together.
A wedding couple poses on a dramatic black sand beach in Iceland with sea stacks visible in the background.

Behind the Lens


The day was beautifully captured by me (Black Saddle Photography) , with help from Jessica Douglas Photography and Matt Besenyodi Photography. The photos tell a story of love, adventure, and choosing to celebrate in a way that feels true to you.

Wondering what a session with me feels like? See what my clients are saying!

"We had the pleasure of first meeting Sara in Italy at a family wedding where she wowed us with her stunning photography and warm personality. We feel so lucky to have worked with her for our own destination elopement only a few months later! From the moment we decided to elope on a whim, she helped us plan and prepare for our day without feeling any pressure or stress. She is an incredibly talented photographer who made it easy to trust the process and let her work her magic. She had a really special way of making us feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera which allowed us to really be in the moment and enjoy our day together. We could not have asked for a better experience and are forever grateful for the beautiful photos she captured. I would recommend Sara to anyone, especially if you are planning a destination wedding or elopement!"


- Carli

Tips for Iceland Elopements & Destination Weddings


As someone who has photographed many destination weddings and elopements, I’ve learned that this stunning country requires a little extra planning, but the results are always worth it! Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your own elopement or destination wedding in Iceland:



A wedding portrait on a dramatic black sand beach with rocky cliffs and sea stacks.
A majestic waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs with a rainbow visible in the mist.
A couple stands on an empty mountain road with snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Flights



These can be expensive, especially if you're coming from outside Europe. To save, book your flights early.

Food



Food costs can be high. Many meals focus on hearty foods like pizza, burgers, and hot dogs. Gas stations sell hot dogs with crunchy onions that make for a quick snack. But, if you want something lighter, you might need to look harder for fresh options. Side salads are non-existent. Be prepared to mainly be eating pizza and hot dogs - don't forget to bring some Pepto!

Food Considerations



You won’t find traditional salads or veggies in many restaurants. If you’re craving something fresh, you may need to get creative or head to the grocery store. A heads up: grocery stores don’t always carry salad dressing. So, if you’re used to a particular diet, be ready to adapt!

Accommodation



Hotels and guesthouses can be pricey, especially in popular tourist spots. Booking in advance or choosing more remote locations can help save money.

Expect Long Drives



Iceland is huge, and locations are often far apart, so lots of driving is necessary, especially if you want to see a variety of landscapes. Make sure to account for the driving time when planning your elopement day.

Weather and Wind



Iceland is known for its unpredictable weather. It can be sunny one moment and stormy the next, but wind is a constant, especially in coastal areas. When planning for your elopement day, wind is something to really watch out for. 90 km/h winds on the day of Carli and Bradley’s elopement forced us to reschedule for the next day — so again be flexible with your timing and plan for weather changes.

Car Rentals



You’ll need a car to explore, but be aware that rental vehicles can be smaller than you expect. Iceland's winds can also damage windshields, so double-check your rental contract and get the extra insurance for the windshield. If you're carrying luggage or gear, a compact car might be tight with multiple people.


Vehicle Rental Tips


  • Always ask for help when filling up at gas stations — it’s a little different than what you might be used to, and it can be confusing.
  • Expect delays with rental companies — sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as planned. For example, the rental company was late picking us up, and we ended up waiting at an unmanned airport. Be prepared for these little bumps and try to be flexible.
  • Make sure to rent something with 4 wheel drive. The roads aren't always that good and due to the wind, often are snow covered.


Final Thoughts



Carli and Bradley’s elopement wasn’t just a wedding — it was a chance to share something deeply personal in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It’s a reminder that when two people are truly in love, every moment becomes special, no matter where you are. And Iceland’s wild, unpredictable weather? That’s just part of the adventure! 


Iceland is a magical place for elopement. If it’s calling to you, know that it’s where love is celebrated in unforgettable ways. The experiences you have here will stay with you for years to come. So why not go for it?

A photographer takes pictures from a rustic wooden balcony indoors.

All love welcome!


Hi, I'm Sara, your Documentary + Traveling Photographer for the nostalgic + unrefined.


I am offering my services for destination weddings, elopements, intimate weddings worldwide. 


DESTINATION WEDDINGS 📍Italy, NY, Iceland, Mexico, BC+



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