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Iceland Elopement Photographer | Destination Wedding Photography by Kathleen Gemma

ICELAND

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Award-Winning New Jersey & Destination Wedding Photographer

I’m a New Jersey based wedding photographer specializing in authentic, documentary-style wedding photography for couples who value real moments over posed perfection.

I recently returned from photographing and attending the World Photographic Cup in Iceland, where I placed third in the world in wedding photojournalism representing Team USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This experience reinforced everything I believe about wedding photography:

The most powerful wedding photos are not staged, they are felt. If you’re looking for a destination wedding photographer in Iceland or New Jersey, you’re in the right place.

I recently traveled across Iceland documenting landscapes, exploring elopement locations, and attending the World Photographic Cup in Reykjavík.

My Route Through Iceland:

 World Photographic Cup Recognition

 

 

 

 

 

Night 1: Vík í Mýrdal Hotel 

A beautiful dramatic coastal small town. Surrounded by black sand beaches and cliffs. Where I explored Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach, Vík í Mýrdal Church stands one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks over looking the water, beautiful horses, yummy food and crepes! This is one of the most popular regions for Iceland elopements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Night 2: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon 
From here I explored:

  • Gígjagjá ( Yoda Cave) Northern Lights

  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Glaciers and ice caves

  • Diamond Beach

  • Stokksnes Peninsula, located near Höfn on Iceland’s southeastern coast (mirror Beach)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Night 3: South coast igloo stay

From here I explored:

  • Kvernufoss a hidden gem waterfall that you can walk behind

  • American Bus Cafe ( unique cafe experience) ​

No Northern Lights this night. But an unforgettable experience sleeping beneath the stars in Iceland.

World Photographic Cup Recognition

I attended the World Photographic Cup in Reykjavík at the Hilton Reykjavík Nordica.

  • 28 countries participated

  • Top wedding photographers worldwide

  • I placed 3rd in the world in wedding photojournalism

  • Team USA won overall

This recognition reflects my commitment to story driven, emotional wedding photography for couples worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iceland Elopement Photography Locations

If you are planning an Iceland elopement or destination wedding, these are some of the best photography locations I personally experienced:

 South Iceland (Best for Elopements)

  • Vík í Mýrdal

  • Skógafoss

  • Seljalandsfoss

  • Kvernufoss

Perfect for couples wanting variety, waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines in one region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glacier Lagoon Region (Most Cinematic)

Near Höfn

  • Diamond Beach

  • Glacial landscapes

  • Ice caves (seasonal)

  • Epic cinematic lighting for wedding portraits

 

This is one of the most visually powerful elopement regions in the world.

 Golden Circle (Accessible + Iconic)

  • Waterfalls

  • Geysers

  • Volcanic landscapes

  • Close to Reykjavík

Perfect for shorter elopements or couples staying near the capital.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

celand Elopement Tips (From a Photographer)

As a destination wedding photographer in Iceland, here’s what I recommend:

  • Stay in multiple regions (don’t base in one spot)

  • Build flexibility into your timeline for weather

  • Prioritize light and emotion over rigid schedules

  • Embrace unexpected moments, they often become the best photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Couples Hire Me

I photograph weddings with a documentary, emotion. Driven approach focused on real moments, natural connection, and genuine energy rather than stiff or overly posed photography. My work is about storytelling. Capturing your day as it naturally unfolds so you can relive it exactly as it felt.

 

Whether you’re planning a wedding in New Jersey or an Iceland destination wedding, my goal is always the same: to create images that feel like your memories, not just photos of them.

Based in New Jersey, I photograph weddings and elopements across Iceland, Europe, throughout the United States, and worldwide for destination weddings and travel elopements. If you’re dreaming of an intentional, meaningful, or adventurous wedding experience, I would love to be part of it.

Whether you’re planning an Iceland elopement, a destination wedding anywhere in the world, or a wedding close to home in New Jersey, let’s connect. Your story deserves to be captured in a way that feels real, emotional, and timeless.

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Hudson Valley Wedding Photographer, Cornwall NY Wedding Photographers, NY Wedding Photographers, New York Wedding Photographer, Upstate Wedding Photographer, Cornwall Weddings, Catskill New York Wedding Photographer, Professional Wedding Photographers, Professional Wedding Photographers in NY, Upstate Ny Wedding Photographer, Upstate New York Wedding Photographers

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CONTACT US

EMAIL: INFO@KATHLEENGEMMA.COM

PHONE: 845-522-2630

KATHLEEN
GEMMA

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