Ian had been planning this surprise proposal for weeks, wanting it to be nothing short of magical. His dream? A northern lights proposal in Iceland, but with Icelandic weather being as unpredictable as ever, we pivoted to an equally breathtaking option—Kvernufoss waterfall. After over 70 emails back and forth (mostly about the weather!), we embraced the uncertainty and ended up with a proposal that was even more spectacular than imagined.
Planning the Perfect Proposal in Iceland
Ian first reached out on December 24, determined to create an unforgettable moment for his girlfriend, Maggie. From the start, he had a clear vision:
“I would love to surprise my girlfriend in the most romantic and spectacular place possible. I want the snowy and icy landscape to make this special moment one to remember.”
We debated locations for weeks, discussing northern lights vs. waterfalls vs. glaciers. Ultimately, we decided that a clear and stunning waterfall proposal at Kvernufoss was the best choice due to heavy clouds, warm temperatures (5-10°C in January!), and consistent rain predictions.
One of the funniest parts? We spent so much time trying to avoid heavy rain, but in the end, Kvernufoss itself became the biggest challenge! The melting snow turned the waterfall into a powerful, misty force, making everything soaking wet—even without rain. But that only made the moment more epic.
The Proposal at Kvernufoss
On January 15, 2025, we met at Kvernufoss waterfall, and miraculously, it was just the three of us there—no other tourists, making the moment even more intimate. However, since we were alone, it was nearly impossible for me to pretend to be a tourist without looking suspicious.
When Ian dropped to one knee, Maggie was completely surprised. After six years together, she hadn’t been expecting a proposal on this trip, let alone at this hidden Icelandic waterfall. Her reaction was pure joy, and she had no idea I had been photographing them the whole time. Ian did an incredible job keeping it a secret!
It was an emotional, joyful, and truly once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Exploring Iceland After the Proposal
After capturing their joy at Kvernufoss, we continued the adventure.
📍 Stop 1: Skogafoss Waterfall
A quick stop at Skogafoss gave us some moody and dramatic photos. Due to the melting snow, the waterfall was extremely powerful, and we couldn’t access as much ground as usual. But the misty atmosphere only made the photos look more cinematic.
📍 Stop 2: Sólheimajökull Glacier
At Sólheimajökull Glacier, the weather suddenly shifted. The clouds hung low, creating a mystical, moody atmosphere. Then out of nowhere, the entire sky turned golden—the sun peeked through just enough to cast a dreamy, film-like glow over the glacier. The colors in the photos looked like they had been edited with a vintage preset, but it was all natural light.
📍 Stop 3: Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Our last stop was Gljúfrabúi, the hidden waterfall near Seljalandsfoss. But due to the extreme water flow, it was too wet to go inside safely. Instead, we captured a few last photos outside before saying goodbye.
Final Thoughts
Planning a surprise proposal in Iceland is always a challenge, but Ian’s flexibility and excitement made this day incredibly special. From Kvernufoss to the golden glacier moments at Sólheimajökull, their engagement was the perfect balance of adventure and romance.
Thinking About Proposing in Iceland?
Iceland offers some of the most incredible backdrops for a proposal, from glaciers and waterfalls to black sand beaches and hidden canyons. If you’re thinking about popping the question in Iceland and need help planning the perfect location—let’s chat! I’ll help you navigate the unpredictable weather, choose the best location, and capture the moment in a way that feels natural and emotional.
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