I&S’s 2 day elopement in the Faroe Islands took advantage of the most perfect weather window I’ve had there. The calm, golden evening we had is a rare treat for this rugged archipelago. Taking advantage of a private boat hire and guide to take us on this private overlook near the Drangarnir sea stacks ensured privacy and all the time we would need to soak it in. Getting to this epic viewpoint for these conditions is otherwise not possible.

If you want to know how we went about planning it, here is the breakdown of their elopement over 2 days. Remember, flexibility is KEY for catching good weather in the Faroes. If you are planning an elopement here and conditions like this are your dream, you have to narrow your search down to photographers who understand the weather patterns, and are open to being flexible.

Day 1 of this elopement in the Faroe Islands: Whiskey tour, fish & chips and sunset vows

With the conditions around sunset being best one day earlier than planned, we worked with our guides to make sure we could swap days. (It’s a good thing we did, because the day we originally planned had sideways, pelting rain and very cold temperatures! This location would not have been remotely possible.)

Knowing we had that time frame secured, the rest of the day focused on food and a local whiskey tour with Faer Isles Distillery. Faroese whiskey is interesting because, although the Faroe Islands share many of the same conditions and geography as nearby Scotland and Ireland, distilling is in its infancy. There is a strong movement to bring whisky distilling to the Faroes, and they are experimenting with very interesting concepts, like vodka made from an ancient subsea aquifer. The full tour and tasting was a fascinating cultural experience and a look into the future of tourism and trade for the Faroes.

Whiskey tour at Faer Isles Distillery

After the tour, we definitely needed some food before meeting our guides. The best fish and chips on the islands (and I’ve tried quite a few) is a small food truck humbly called “Fish an Chips” along the main road through Miðvágur. We each loaded up with a full plate and headed toward the harbor in Sørvágur to meet our guide.

Boat tour to Drangarnir with sunset vows

Sunset is pretty late during the Faroese summer. In August, the sun doesn’t set until close to 9:30pm. That means the days are long and you have plenty of time to explore. To account for the boat ride, we met our guide at 5pm, planning to spend about 4 hours total at the location.

We were extremely lucky that day, since the conditions were placid and calm. We were not only able to pull up with ease and jump on the shore, but we also were able to drive under, through and around the famous Drangarnir stacks, which we’d spend the rest of the evening viewing from a distance.

The five of us jumped off with our guide, and the boat driver pulled away. It was just us and the sheep now, with the sun shining down and only a light breeze.

The walk up to our first stop was a short 30 minute hike. We gained a bit of elevation, and from here, the shore and all the surrounding islets were fully visible. They found a spot to change, and enjoyed the view with some cold local Faroese beers.

With the sun sinking lower, it was time to find a spot for their vows. I suggested lower, closer to the stacks. They agreed and we began our descent, passing a number of curious sheep on the way down. The tall, jagged islet of Tindholmur was casting a shadow on Drangarnir and the ledge before it, so we stayed higher, where the sun still touched. The misty haze over the sea shone like a golden halo behind them.

They read their vows as I stood from afar, capturing every angle I could. The sun washed everything from their skin to the cliffs behind them in a peachy-golden tone. Seagulls cawed in the distance and waves lapped the shores somewhere far below us. They hugged and cried through emotional words, giggling occasionally. The rays of light flared between them, and almost before I could react, he swooped her onto his back and they ran down the slope toward their backpacks, where a bottle of whiskey waited.

Cheers to that!

Day 2 of this elopement in the Faroe Islands: a sunrise hike to Traelnipan, dancing with some locals, and a swim in Lake Sorvagsvatn

The second day of this elopement in the Faroe Islands started at 5:30am. We chose sunrise for a couple reasons, mainly, how busy this trail gets and also the weather forecast. Heavy rain and strong winds were moving in around noon, and the weather window was closing fast. As it turns out, there was a bonus third reason that was just dumb luck and also extremely hilarious.

When we showed up at the parking lot just before 5:30, the sky was just beginning to show signs of dawn, and we could hear muffled music coming from the area you normally pay the toll at. We walked up to the plastic pavillion, just as Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” started droning out a pair of large speakers. A handful of excited Faroese greeted us, absolutely thrilled that new dance partners had straggled over. Apparently, they had been partying all night, and wanted to share the vibes. They were so enthusiastic about us dancing just one song with them, we couldn’t say no. We must have done a great job, because the farmer who normally collects 200dkk per person for the hike let us pass. To this day, it’s one of the funnest 5:30am memories I have.

To every one of the kind strangers that morning, thanks for letting us crash your party.

The music faded behind us as we walked the hour trail to the cliffs. Traelnipan is known for the optical illusion of the lake meeting the sea — but the last days, it had been so dry the waterfall slowed to a trickle and parts of the cliffs normally slick with water were walkable. We explored, with one more fun outfit change in store.

The last things I&S wanted to do was find a quiet, calm spot in the sunlight to read love letters they had written for one another. These were different from their vows, and allowed for them one more chance to celebrate where they were. The sun now spilled over the cliffs above us, and we were bathed in an orange glow.

And finally, the day ended with my favorite activity: a swim and a shot of whiskey. What’s more invigorating than that?? Leaving room for some spontaneity and fun on your elopement day is the secret sauce. It’s easy to want to cram in lots of planned things, but in my opinion, being open to just roaming a little and seeing where the conditions take you is invaluable.

What I&S have to say:

“Where do I even begin? Working with Mariah to capture our elopement in the stunning Faroe Islands was an absolute dream come true. From the moment we first contacted Mariah, we knew we were in good hands, and the end result exceeded our wildest expectations.

Mariah is not just a photographer; she is an artist with a camera. Every single frame from our elopement day was a masterpiece, telling a story, evoking emotions, and capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Faroe Islands in all its glory. We were left speechless by the sheer talent and creativity that she brought to our special day.

From the initial consultation to the day of the shoot and the delivery of the final photos, Mariah displayed professionalism, dedication, and a genuine passion for her craft. It was evident that she took the time to get to know us as a couple, understand our vision, and make sure that every moment was perfectly documented.

One of the most remarkable things about Mariah is her ability to blend into the background while simultaneously being in the right place at the right time to capture those candid, emotional moments. The result is a collection of photos that not only look visually stunning but also feel authentic and true to the essence of our elopement.

The Faroe Islands are known for their unpredictable weather, but Mariah was prepared for anything. Rain or shine, she managed to turn every location into a breathtaking backdrop for our love story. The way she played with natural light, the landscape, and our emotions was nothing short of magical.

Furthermore, Mariah was incredibly accommodating and flexible throughout the entire process. She helped us plan the logistics, scout the best locations, and even offered invaluable advice on the timing of our ceremony to ensure the most favorable lighting conditions. It’s clear that Mariah goes above and beyond to ensure that every couple’s elopement is a unique and unforgettable experience.

The quality of the final photos left us awestruck. Every image was beautifully composed, impeccably edited, and told a compelling story. Mariah has an extraordinary eye for detail, and it shows in every shot. The colors, the composition, the emotions captured – everything was perfection.

Beyond the technical excellence, what truly sets Mariah apart is the emotional depth of her work. Looking through our album, we are transported back to that magical day in the Faroe Islands, feeling every emotion as if it were happening all over again. It’s a testament to her ability to capture not just moments but the essence of our love and the beauty of the surroundings.

We couldn’t be happier with our decision to have Mariah as our elopement photographer. She has an incredible talent, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and a genuine passion for creating art through photography. If you’re considering eloping in the Faroe Islands, or anywhere else for that matter, and you want your day to be beautifully preserved for eternity, Mariah is the photographer you need. Thank you, Mariah, for making our elopement day truly unforgettable. You are a true artist, and we will cherish your work forever.”

— Isabel & Sean, Faroe Islands, 2023

Looking for an EU based elopement photographer for the Faroe Islands?

Hi! I’m Mariah. I am an elopement photographer based along the Italian and Austrian border. I specialize in intimate destination weddings and adventure elopements all across Europe.

I’m originally from the U.S., so I’m also the perfect bridge between cultures on your elopement day!

I truly want you to have the most relaxing and fun experience possible.

If you and your partner are looking for something low key and adventurous, then I know the places, the vendors and the areas for you.

Read more blogs and hiking guides for your elopement in the Faroe Islands

• The Ultimate Planning Guide to Eloping in the Faroe Islands
• Midsummer elopement at the Kallur Lighthouse
• 5 Easy hiking trails in the Faroe Islands
• Top 10 locations to elope in Europe
• Logistics Guide to Eloping in Europe

More photos from this elopement in the Faroe Islands: