Iceland, Winter, December
Ice Caves near Vik, South-Iceland, Vik, Black Sand Beaches
Ellen and Jonathan’s Iceland engagement session at the Ice Lagoon — Jökulsárlón — took place during the darkest time of the year, right around the winter solstice. Yet that morning, the sky was painted with one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever witnessed in Iceland.
Jonathan proposed to Ellen at Jökulsárlón, kneeling between the glaciers slowly drifting toward the open sea — one of the most breathtaking places imaginable to say “yes.” Often called the crown jewel of Iceland, Jökulsárlón is connected to the nearby “Diamond Beach,” where pieces of crystal-clear ice scatter across the black sand, sparkling like diamonds. Every time I visit this lagoon — whether as a wedding photographer, a couple’s photographer, or simply a guest — it feels entirely new. You can never predict what awaits you, but one thing is certain: it will always take your breath away.
Typically, the beach is full of ice chunks floating toward the sea, though sometimes it appears ice-free — especially in spring, when changing tides pull the ice back into the lagoon. In my opinion, the area is at its prettiest during autumn, when the air is crisp and larger ice formations cover the shore. Whenever I return, I’m completely captivated by its ever-changing beauty and could spend endless hours there, especially on those rare, calm-weather days.
Since the lagoon is about a five-hour drive from Reykjavík, we spent two long days photographing with Ellen and Jonathan. Over the years, this area has become one of the most popular locations among couples. Later that night, we returned to the beach with our monster truck to capture the atmosphere in complete darkness. We also tried our luck spotting the Northern Lights, but thick clouds kept them hidden — and from my experience, the odds of seeing them are much higher in North Iceland, especially on clear, cold nights.
Getting engaged in Iceland is truly an unforgettable experience. If you’re reading this and are thinking of proposing, my biggest piece of advice is to drop a small hint to your partner that something special might happen during your trip — but keep the exact location a surprise. Plans often change due to weather, and sometimes the perfect moment reveals itself naturally — just like it did for Jonathan and Ellen. We didn’t plan that epic sunrise or the spectacular ice formations that morning… it just happened, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Don’t worry too much about the “right” moment — Iceland will give you plenty of magical ones to choose from. Take the first day of our trip, for example: we explored a stunning blue ice cave that easily could have been a dream proposal spot too. Of course, visiting ice caves safely requires joining a guided tour, either private or with a group. Each cave is a unique masterpiece, formed anew every year — made entirely of centuries-old, shimmering ice. You’ll never forget walking through them; it’s like stepping inside a frozen cathedral.
If you’re planning to propose, or simply want to experience an unforgettable adventure in Iceland, don’t hesitate to reach out. Alongside capturing your story in timeless photographs, I’ll guide you through my favorite hidden gems — places that most tourists never find.
See you in Iceland.
