The Northern Lights and Elopements in Iceland
What you need to know about the Northern Lights in Iceland and Scandinavia. How to see them, and how to get married under them!
Oh, the glorious Northern Lights! With Iceland being close to the Arctic Circle makes it a prime location to witness this magical natural phenomenon. Especially between September and April, as the nights are longer and darker. If you’ve stumbled upon this blog, chances are you love the lights as much as we do and are seeking tips and tricks to incorporate the northern lights into your wedding plans in Iceland.
Aurora Borealis, the Latin for northern lights, showcase one of nature's most breathtaking light displays. Whether you are hoping to check it off your bucket list or to take a stunning photograph, seeing the Northern Lights often requires traveling to remote locations, which only adds to the experience itself. The list above is not comprehensive, so we encourage you to seek out someone familiar with the areas if you aren’t a local!
What causes them
The answer to this question can get complex rather quickly. Essentially, charged sunlight particles smash into gas particles that are floating around in Earth’s atmosphere, carried along by solar winds toward Earth’s magnetic poles. The shimmery magical displays are due to this collision.
How to have a wedding or an elopement under the Northern Lights
This is a tricky one! There is no guarantee. In Iceland, where I am from — we would often go weeks without seeing them. If you are planning a wedding or elopement in Iceland and want to possibly have a ceremony or portraits taken with the Aurora, your best bet is to be flexible. Look for times when solar storms are strong as they increase the activity of the northern lights. When you are in Iceland, keep looking at the Aurora Forecast and have a photographer who is both flexible and willing to hop out on short notice.
Tips for the best chances to see the Northern Lights?
1. Picking the right time of year is important. In Iceland, the best time to see the northern lights is during the winter months (September to April) and during the long and dark nights. Make sure to bundle up!
2. Location, Location, Location: It may seem obvious, but hike north to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights! You might also find a local guide or a knowledgeable photographer to help you plan the trip.
3. Check out the aurora forecast: There are specialists who update solar activity and make it available for public viewing. This is a great resource!
4. The darker the better: Dark skies mean the best chances of you seeing the northern lights! Cities and towns with too much ambient light (light pollution) can inhibit your ability to enjoy the view.
5. Patience is key: The northern lights are not on a set schedule, and they don’t promise to come on time. Sometimes it can take a few nights, so set up camp and get cozy!
6. Taking pictures? Try a tripod: A tripod can help you take a sharp image, give you a long exposure, and work great in low light conditions.
7. Dress for the occasion: Winter months mean very chilly weather, so layer accordingly!
8. Don’t Give Up! The aurora can appear and disappear quickly, so stay outside and keep your eyes peeled!