Emotional Iceland Elopement in a Hidden Canyon
Bailey & Tiernae eloped on a warm August day, surrounded by their closest friends and enveloped in the magic that only Iceland can create. The air was calm and golden, and the landscape stretched on endlessly with mossy hills, rugged cliffs, and waterfalls that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Everything about this day felt so organic, fun, and easy, which is exactly how these two are together. Their emotional Iceland elopement in a hidden canyon was the perfect reflection of their love: deeply emotional, joy-filled, and a little bit wild.
My connection to these two made the day feel even more special. I first met Bailey years ago when she was a barista at Quills Coffee in Indianapolis (you could always find me there when I lived in Indy!). Tiernae, who’s an incredible wedding photographer herself (seriously check out her work here!), brings that same sense of creativity and intentionality into everything she does. Getting to photograph another photographer’s elopement, especially one as heartfelt and adventurous as this, was such an honor. And I couldn’t adore these two more ❤️
Vendors:
Bailey’s outfit: Sezane & Dr. Martens
Tiernae’s outfit: Reformation, Sezane, Blundstone
Second photographer: Huge shoutout to my girl Kelsey who helped me throughout the day & felt right at home with these two & their crew!
We started the morning at their cozy Airbnb tucked into the countryside, where Bailey made coffees and the two of them finished writing out their vows. This Airbnb was seriously so special – meadow views complete with a quiet forest just behind the house that we explored before adventuring to our more rugged spots for the day.
When Bailey & Tiernae dreamed of their perfect Iceland elopement, they envisioned a location that captured everything they loved about this country: green canyons, cascading waterfalls, and that sense of untouched wonder that makes Iceland feel otherworldly. After scouting around, we found a hidden canyon that felt like something straight out of a fairytale. Moss-covered cliffs framed a secret waterfall, and the sound of rushing water filled the air as they exchanged vows. Their ceremony was filled with equal parts laughter & tears, the kind that comes from knowing you’ve found your person and your place all at once.
After the ceremony, we lingered for a while to soak it all in. The canyon felt sacred, like it was holding space for the moment.
As the sun dipped lower, we wandered down to the coast in search of puffins. Sure enough, the cliffs were alive with them – hundreds of tiny black-and-white birds swooping and diving over the sea. It was one of those moments that felt impossible to plan but absolutely perfect in the way it unfolded.
Because no adventure is complete without a sweet treat, we made a quick stop at a nearby crepe stand to celebrate. There’s something so grounding about taking a moment to just enjoy good food and each other after such an emotional day. On the drive back to the Airbnb, my second shooter, Kelsey, and I caught a glimpse of green lights flickering across the sky. The northern lights had arrived early that season. We immediately texted Bailey & Tiernae to go outside – and they saw them too. The day began with the softest light and ended with the aurora dancing overhead. It couldn’t have been more magical if we had planned it.
And as if one perfect day in Iceland wasn’t enough, we got to reunite with them again just after their elopement for my Iceland photography workshop – Ends of the Earth! Bailey & Tiernae modeled for us at the glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, and another breathtaking canyon spot. The weather that day was a completely different side of Iceland -wild, windy, and drenched in rain – but they were absolute troopers. Even through the wind whipping around us and the cold that settled into our hands, they laughed through it all. Watching them embrace every bit of the experience, from the calm of their elopement day to the chaos of the storm, was such a beautiful reminder of how love can thrive no matter the weather.
This Iceland elopement was everything I love about photographing couples here: the sense of freedom, the deep connection between two people, and the wild unpredictability of nature. Bailey & Tiernae embraced it all with open hearts, and the result was 2 beautiful days filled with beauty, laughter, and love that felt as endless as the Icelandic sky.
If you’re dreaming of your own Iceland elopement – one that’s filled with emotion, adventure, and the untamed beauty of this landscape – I’d love to help you bring it to life. You can learn more about my Iceland elopement packages or get in touch through my contact form!
Planning your own Iceland elopement? Check out my full guide!
