NOW BOOKING FOR FAROE ISLANDS & ICELAND ELOPEMENTS AUGUST 2026!!!

(updated for 2026) This Faroe Islands elopement planning guide is for adventurous couples who aren’t sure where to start. The Faroe Islands are otherworldly, but it is a tricky location to get to and plan for. The Faroese weather is also notoriously moody and unpredictable, so it’s important to travel prepared and with managed expectations.

Is an elopement in the Faroe Islands right for you? I’m going to break down a budget, what to pack, which islands have the best scenery, my favorite trails, where to stay, and of course, the weather.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Faroe Islands Elopement Overview
• Who is a Faroese elopement for?
• How to Budget for a Faroe Islands Elopement
• How to Get there:
• Booking a rental car:
• Where to go on the Faroe Islands for Photos
• Hiking on the Faroe Islands
• Bird-watching and puffin season on the Faroe Islands
• How to dress for a Faroe Elopement
• What to pack for the Faroe Islands
• How many days to spend on the Faroe Islands
• Where to stay on the Faroe Islands
• How long should our photography package be?
• How to hire a Faroe Islands elopement photographer

Faroe Islands Elopements: who is it for?

A Faroe Islands elopement is for couples who love moody and dramatic aesthetics. It is a rugged, treeless archipelago, with wild winds and craggy shores shaped by roiling seas, similar in geography to parts of Scotland, Ireland and Norway, with touches of Iceland. Couples who want to be outdoors all day, who love to hike, and aren’t put off by cool, wet climates will love a Faroe Islands elopement.

YOU’LL LOVE: I&S’s two day Faroes and Drangarnir elopement

Faroe islands elopements: who is it NOT for?

Before you get too deep into your Faroe Islands Elopement planning, be honest about what you want. The Faroe islands is not an ideal elopement location for couples who want “polished.” You will not find a ton vendors, luxury hotels, shopping and fancy dining. It’s not for people who get frustrated by fast changing weather, winds and cold rain. You will get wet, a little muddy, your boots will get covered in sheep poop (shoop?), and your hair will be everywhere. It’s also not ideal for couples eloping with guests, or anyone with limited mobility.

It’s a place with more sheep than people, long inhabited by descendants of vikings and fisherman. If you’re planning an elopement in the Faroes, then it’s because you’re drawn to that mystique. It sounds enchanting rather than desolate.

YOU’LL LOVE: S&D’S Traelnipan hiking elopement on the Faroe Islands

The Best Month to Plan a Faroe Islands Elopement

June. In June, you can experience almost constant daylight, making it easier to plan around weather. It isn’t busy season for European travelers yet either, and is peak puffin nesting season.

Realistically, you can plan your Faroe elopement anytime between mid May and the end of August. This period has the warmest, driest weather, and optimal daylight hours. Remember that the high latitude of the Faroe Islands leads to extreme daylight hour fluctuations. In summer, the sun barely sets, while in winter, it barely rises. Therefore, a winter elopement here is not ideal.

YOU’LL LOVE: Midsummer sunset elopement on the Faroe Islands

Where to go on the Faroe Islands for Photos

The drives along the island offer lots of pull off areas to get out and take photos. This is also great due to weather, since there may be days or times when you’ll want to be in a warm, dry car rather than out on the exposed, windy hills. The island’s famous “Buttercup” routes are great scenic drives across the country and backup options for poor weather.

What is a Reasonable Budget for a Faroe Islands Elopement?

Budget is fundamental part of Faroe islands elopement planning. Because it’s an island, the Faroe islands is a relatively expensive destination. Food and groceries are expensive, and the flight will require one or two layovers. A professional, experienced Faroe Islands elopement photographer will be your biggest expense.

Expense Category	Estimated Range (USD)	Notes
Round-trip Economy Flights x2 (US/Canada → Faroes)	$2,000-3,000 p/p	Connecting routes via Copenhagen or Reykjavik; prices vary by departure city & season.
5 Nights Accommodation	$1,400 – $3,500	Based on mid-range to boutique/quality lodgings (~$280–$700/night)
Car Rental (5 days)	$500 – $1,500	Varies by vehicle type & supplier
Fuel (Gas)	$80 – $200	Driving scenic routes; depends on mileage.
Tunnel Fees / Tolls / Ferries	$60 – $150	Undersea tunnels and ferries link the islands. Tunnel fees are collected automatically by cameras outside the tunnels and a bill will be sent via your rental company a couple weeks later.
Food & Dining (5 Days, 2 People)	$600 – $1,000	Mid-range mix of cafés + dinners.
Photography + Full Elopement Logistics (Mariah Arianna)	$8,000-12,000	Luxury, all-day coverage, weather backup dates and planning expertise.
Misc / Contingency	$300 – $600	Small tours, souvenirs
TOTAL ELOPEMENT COSTS:	± $12,000 – 20,000	Accommodation and hours of photography coverage account for the majority of the range

How to Travel to the Faroe Islands:

The islands are remote, and the only direct flights depart from Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen or Reykjavik. You’ll need to factor in one full day of travel to and from the islands from the US or Canada, and even from within most of Europe. Use this to your advantage by spending a couple days in your connecting city.

You will be flying into the Faroe Islands Intl. Airport located on the southwestern side of Vágar Island. The drive to the main city of Tórshavn is 45 minutes, and passes multiple great locations to get out and hike, or enjoy roadside views.

Transport on the Faroe Islands: booking a rental car, buses, ferries, tolls and tunnels

🚘 Rental cars

You will pick up and drop off your rental car directly at the airport. The cheapest and most readily available cars will be manual. If you can’t drive a manual vehicle, make sure to reserve your car early, as they book out faster. I recommend booking a hatchback, as it’s really convenient for road tripping, and organizing luggage and wet gear. The higher clearance is also good in order to navigate some of the rocky dirt parking lots and roads close to trail heads.

⭕ Tolls and subsea tunnel fees

Most the roads and tunnels on the Faroes have tolls. They are automatically scanned and calculated by roadside cameras using your license plate while you’re driving. You’ll receive a bill from the car rental company a week or two later.

🚎 Buses and public transport

There are plenty of buses connecting the towns and cities also. If you go to a very small island, like Kalsoy, I recommend using public transport to reduce traffic and the impact of tourism on these areas. Sometimes, locals can’t get home between islands due to increased traffic from rental cars.

Hiking on the Faroe Islands

Almost all of the Faroe Islands is private land. Therefore, many owners charge a fee at the trailhead (like Traelnipan). Some hikes (like Drangarnir) require a guided tour. Please respect posted signage and try to spend money in local cafes and shops.

Here is a full list of regulated hiking trails as well as the Faroe Islands Tourism Office’s Official Faroe Hiking Guide.

You can read about my 5 favorite easy hiking trails on the Faroe Islands as well, which I recommend especially for landscape photography and puffin viewing.

Other activities to incorporate into your Faroe elopement:

Surfing 🏄‍♀️

Really! There is great surfing off the coast of Saksun for all levels. Book a guided surf session for a truly unique experience and one of a kind photos. Get in touch with the Faroe Islands Surf Guide for information on guided surfing, SUP tours, cave tours and cliff jumping.

Whiskey tasting & Distillery Tour 🥃

The Faer Isles Distillery is a really cool experience and a great way to learn about local culture. If you love spirits, or just enjoy the process, I really recommend this tour!

Grab a bottle to go and hit up the best roadside fish and chips spot on the island.

Rent Bikes 🚲

A great way to explore Torshavn’s historic city center is by bike. The quaint old town and harbor are very charming, and there are many fun shops and cafe’s to see.

Horse Riding 🏇

The Faroe islands have their own breed of horses, similar to Icelandic horses. They’re stout and strong, and it’s a special treat to hang out with these small, powerful animals up close. Horseback riding can be booked at locations across the island. See horse tours here.

“Buttercup Route” scenic drives 🌼

When the weather shuts down all your other activity ideas, get in the car and go on a drive. There are tons of roadside lookouts. Breaks constantly open up in the clouds, and you can check webcams and weather radars to follow the sun. It’s very common for one side of the island to be rained out, while the other is clear.

Sheep and highland cow challenge 🐏

Probably one of my favorite things to do is just explore until you come across the most beautiful sheep or highland cows you can find. Real life Pokemon Go!

Faroe Island Elopement Planning FAQs and Quick Tips:

Is it possible to have a hair and makeup artist for a Faroe Elopement?

You’ll likely have to DIY it. There is not a huge local market for professional (modern) bridal hair and makeup. Remember, wind and rain is a given. I recommend keeping hair and makeup on the natural side. Some false lashes, dewy skin, and a tinted lip are easy to maintain while hiking. That said, anything is available for a price, and I can recommend great HMUA to fly in.

How many days should you spend on the Faroe Islands?

5-7 days at a minimum. This allows for flexibility around the weather, and time to see the various islands. Remember, if you book 5 days, its likely the weather is so bad on at least one of those days you can’t go outside. Factor that in!

How do we transport or hike with our outfits?

Get a good, waterproof garment bag. Make sure it fits in your backpack. A rain cover is a must. Plan on changing at least 1-2 times throughout the day. Your attire will probably get a little damp at one point or another, so also bring a microfiber towel.

What footwear do you recommend?

Boots. Hiking boots. Not trail running shoes, not tennis shoes, definitely no Air Force Ones and absolutely no sandals. If it starts to rain (it will) and the trails get muddy (they will), your running shoes will not keep your feet warm or dry. Hiking boots past the ankles with good traction and water resistance are a must. You can change into formal shoes for photos, but don’t plan to be in them long.

What kind of dress or suit do you recommend?

Something light which you can put on fast. Consider a two piece skirt and top which you can put on separately. Pick a fabric that will dry fast. Light, roomy layers make movement easy, and get picked up by the wind beautifully.

What kind of suit color do you recommend?

Choose a color which won’t show rain drops too quickly. Light blues and light grey change color fast when wet. I’d steer away from black, however, as the color looks too severe in low light. I recommend olive greens and dark blues. Burgundies and golds look incredible as well if you’re someone who loves a bit of contrast.

How do we layer for a Faroe Islands elopement?

You will need a warm sweater and an air tight rain layer. The weather changes on a dime, so expect to be photographed in your rain jacket and warm coverups. I recommend choosing your outer layers just as carefully as your wedding attire, so you can look cute (and dry) while hiking.

When are the best months to see puffins on the Faroe Islands?

If your Faroe Islands Elopement Planning is around puffin season, I recommend May and June. Officially, the puffins begin nesting starting in May, and they are most often seen until the end of August. While you can see puffins and other nesting birds across all parts of the Faroes, the best sightings are on the “Puffin island” of Mykines. DOWNLOAD THE FULL FAROE BIRD GUIDE HERE

Packing List for a Faroe Islands Elopement and Adventure Honeymoon

Where to stay on the Faroe Islands: hotels, BnBs, cottages and more

Accommodation availability in the Faroe Islands is limited, especially during peak summer months. I help my couples choose locations based not only on aesthetics, but also on weather patterns, driving times, tunnel fees, ferry schedules, and backup ceremony options. All of these factors are critical for seamless logistics and a stress-free timeline.

While Tórshavn will offer the best options for hotel stays, consider booking 1-2 different locations around the island so you can experience other areas without having to waste time driving and spending more money on fuel and tunnel tolls.

City	Accommodation	Why Stay Here (Elopement Planning Notes)
Tórshavn	Hotel Djurhuus	A classic, centrally located hotel ideal for couples who want walkable access to restaurants, shops, and easy driving routes to multiple islands. Great base for flexible timelines.
Tórshavn	Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands	A modern, upscale option with dramatic fjord views — perfect for luxury-focused couples who want comfort, parking ease, and reliable amenities before and after adventure days.
Saksun	Authentic Turfhouse Cottage with Views & Trail Access	One of the most atmospheric places to stay in the Faroes. Ideal for couples prioritizing solitude, iconic scenery, and direct trail access — but requires careful planning due to weather exposure.
Saksun	Cozy Cottage	A quieter alternative to hotels, offering privacy and proximity to Saksun’s lagoon and hiking routes. Best for couples comfortable with remote logistics and flexible schedules.
Suðuroy (South Island)	Charming Sea Shanty	A unique stay for couples wanting fewer crowds and dramatic coastal scenery. Best paired with multi-day elopement timelines due to ferry crossings.
Suðuroy (South Island)	Det Lille Gule Hus	A charming, well-reviewed home offering comfort and character. Excellent for couples planning an off-the-beaten-path elopement with slower pacing.
Gjógv	Gjaargardur Guesthouse	The most well-known stay in Gjógv, located directly above the gorge. Ideal for sunrise or fog-filled elopement photos with minimal driving on the wedding day.
Gjógv	Beautiful 3-Bedroom Vacation Home	Perfect for couples bringing guests or planning multi-day coverage. Offers space, privacy, and proximity to one of the Faroes’ most scenic villages.
Klaksvík	Panorama Boathouse	A stunning waterfront property with uninterrupted views — ideal for couples wanting dramatic seascapes and easy access to northern islands like Kalsoy.
Klaksvík	Cottage by the Sea	A peaceful coastal stay that works well for sunrise/sunset timelines and northern island explorations. Requires thoughtful planning around weather and light.
Mykines	Local BnB with Optional Guided Tours	Staying on Mykines is an unforgettable experience, but accommodations are extremely limited. Best for couples working with a planner or photographer familiar with ferry schedules and weather contingencies.

Example timelines for planning a Faroe Islands elopement

One day is perfect for one hike, having lunch in one of the local cafes or the Faer Isles Distillery, and catching a sunset boat tour. Two day elopement timelines are great for those wanting optimal flexibility around weather, and to include more locations and longer tours. See different islands, discover more hidden gems and really immerse yourselves.

My two day coverage is a total of 16 hours, fully flexible, and divided as needed across two consecutive days. It doesn’t need to be split evenly across two days.

One day timeline for June: The Elopement Day

Time	Location / Activity	Planning Notes
05:00 – 10:00	Sunrise Hike; Vow location option 1	Early start for calmer winds, fewer visitors, and the most stable weather window. Sunrise light is ideal for dramatic cliff views.
	Lunch Break + Scenic Drive	Warm up in a nearby cafe and historic fish house, change layers, review weather, and reposition for afternoon locations.
13:00 – 17:00	Waterfall Viewpoints & Exploration	Built-in flexibility to wait out fog or rain. Multiple viewpoints allow us to adapt to conditions.
17:00 – 18:00	Sunset hike; vow location option 2	Intimate ceremony timed for softer afternoon light and minimal crowds.
18:00 – 20:00	Sunset Portraits & Blue Hour	Long golden hour fading into blue hour thanks to June daylight. Wide-open access allows fast pivots if weather shifts.

Day two timeline: The Activity Day, Backup Window

Time	Location / Activity	Planning Notes
08:00 – 12:00	Mykines lighthouse and puffin tour with picnic, or Saksun Surf, horse back riding, or black sand beach	Weather-dependent activity chosen morning-of for best conditions.

Hi! I’m Mariah, your Faroe Islands elopement photographer and planner

The rugged landscape and weather of the Faroe islands is not for the average wedding photographer. Out here, the ability to take pretty pictures is just not enough. Getting it right on the Faroe Islands requires airtight planning, extensive prep and years of outdoor experience.

I’m an elopement photographer who specializes in adventure elopements in rugged climates. I know the right locations, local rules and how to handle the unpredictable weather here.

Photos like these don’t happen by accident, so let’s start your Faroe Islands Elopement planning together!

What couples have to say about their Faroe Islands Elopement

More Faroe Islands Elopement Planning Resources:

• Midsummer sunset elopement on the Faroe Islands
• I&S’s two day Faroes and Drangarnir elopement
• S&D’S Traelnipan hiking elopement on the Faroe Islands
• DOWNLOAD THE FULL FAROE HIKING GUIDE HERE
• DOWNLOAD THE FULL FAROE BIRD GUIDE HERE

More Faroe Islands Elopement Photography: