A church ceremony at Búðakirkja with family and friends, wild Snæfellsnes weather, and private vows by the waterfalls a few days later

Kimberly had travelled a lot, but nothing compared to Iceland for her. She had been trying to get Blake here for years, so when they decided to get married, they combined the two. As she put it, they killed two birds with one stone. She found me on Instagram, and on 17 August 2023 I had the joy of photographing their wedding at the black church in Búðir.

They were friends for seven years before they became more than friends, and you can feel it: they tease each other constantly, and they both love sarcasm, which made my job very easy. (Blake admitted he’d probably feel awkward in front of the camera. A few well-timed jokes fixed that.)

A slow morning at Hotel Búðir

They got ready at Hotel Búðir, right next to the church. Kimberly started her morning with coffee, curled her own hair, did her makeup with a friend’s help, and copied her vows into their little vow booklets while listening to music. The details said so much about them: a ring borrowed from her grandmother, their Iceland mug, the vow booklets, and of course the hotel dogs. They missed their own black lab, Cash, back home (Blake is an accountant, so he’s officially named Cash Money), so the Búðir dogs had to stand in for him.

Kimberly loved the lace on her dress. Blake loved his vest and his brand new hiking boots.

A church ceremony at Búðakirkja

About 25 of their favourite people flew to Iceland to be with them: parents, siblings, grandparents and their closest friends. At 2pm, Reverend Brynhildur Óladóttir led their ceremony inside the little black church, with lava fields, wandering sheep and moody rain clouds all around. Búðir is one of my favourite places in Iceland, and it has never looked more dramatic.

When the Snæfellsnes weather turned wild

After the ceremony, the weather really showed its Icelandic side. The wind picked up, the rain got heavier, and I could see Kimberly and Blake’s energy starting to drop. We had planned to explore the peninsula for photos, but pushing on would have meant cold, wet, tired people and photos that didn’t feel like them. Before the weather fully turned, we made it to Arnarstapi, where Kimberly and Blake braved the wind on the famous stone arch above the sea.

So I suggested something different: let’s stop here, enjoy the celebration, and meet again another day when the weather is kinder. They spent the evening with their family and friends over pizza and champagne, exactly as they had planned.

A second chance on the South Coast

A few days later, we met again on the South Coast. The sun came out, Kimberly and Blake put their wedding clothes back on, and it felt like a completely different day. We explored three waterfalls: quiet little Írárfoss, the hidden Kvernufoss, and mighty Skógafoss. They laughed, danced, and shared private vows, just the two of them. Waterfall photos had been at the top of Kimberly’s wish list from the very beginning, and seeing her dream come true was the best feeling.

What if it rains on your Iceland wedding day?

It’s the question every couple asks me. Here’s what Kimberly and Blake’s day taught us:

• Rain can be beautiful. Moody skies and dark lava fields make some of the most dramatic photos Iceland can give you.
• Leave room in your trip. If you can, plan a few free days after your wedding, so there’s time for more photos if the weather ruins the plan.
• Your comfort comes first. Cold, miserable couples don’t make good photos. Sometimes the best decision is to pause and try again.
• Bring layers and good boots. Blake’s new hiking boots turned out to be the smartest part of his outfit.

Kimberly and Blake, thank you for trusting me, for your patience with the weather, and for letting me be part of both of your wedding days.

Planning your own Búðir church wedding or Snæfellsnes elopement?
Let’s plan it together.