faq
General Questions
Why Iceland? Really, Iceland?
Yes, Iceland. "Why?" is the #1 question we are asked. As you all know, we are both love travel and adventure. After the proposal, the research began to find the adventure wedding we were looking for and super excited to plan. After all theGoogle searches and emails, we decided Iceland was the place. Google it. Just look at the images of Iceland. Find an average/standard picture…they don’t exist. We get volcanos, black sand beaches, waterfalls, caves, lava fields, glaciers, sod farms, glacier lagoons, scuba diving, ice caves, tectonic plates, whale watching and much more!
Do I need to learn Icelandic?
No, it would be good to learn a few phrases before you go, but most Icelanders speak English.
Do I need to exchange currency for this adventure?
No. ATMs are widely available in the cities and credit cards are widely accepted (Visa and Mastercard).
How do I acquire a Passport?
Visithttp://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/first-time.html for the steps and let us know if you have any questions along the way.
What will the temperature be while we are there?
September weather in Iceland has average highs in the mid-50s and lows in the mid-40s. In Iceland, there is always a chance of rain/snow. Please, please, plan accordingly. We’d recommend bringing some form of rain gear.
How do I get to Iceland?
Iceland is an island, so plane or boat. Unfortunately, no bridges or ice roads to drive there. The main international airport is Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Check out:www.icelandair.cafor the best prices. There are direct flights from Minneapolis, NY and other US airports.
What is the food like?
Lots of seafood, some lamb, potatoes, cheese. No fast food chains and no Starbucks.
What are crampons?
They are metal plates with spikes fixed to a boot for walking on ice or rock climbing. (Really helpful when walking on glaciers).
What is the time difference?
Iceland is in the Greenwich Mean Time Zone so it is 5 hours ahead of US Central Time.
How long are the days?
In September, sunrise is around 6:30am and sets around 8:10pm.
What side of the road do they drive?
They drive on the right side of the road, just like America!
Do they have elephants in Iceland?
No, not even at the zoo.
Do they have polar bears?
No, unless they come across the icebergs during the winter months. In September, you will not see any.
What should I pack?
Clothing: Layers!
Other: European voltage convertor, camera (sd cards and batteries), sunglasses
Are you going to have a local reception?
Yes, we plan to have a stateside reception in October or November. More details to come-once we get that far.
Wedding Questions
What do I need to do next?
Decide if you are traveling to Iceland or if you will be celebrating with us at the local reception (more details coming).
If you are celebrating with us in Iceland you need to do the following: acquire a US Passport or insure its validity until March 2017 (passport needs to be valid for 6 months after you return); RSVP with us you will be attending and if you want a standard or deluxe room. We will hold a hotel room for you; begin looking at airfare and where you would like to fly from--communicate with us and then wait for the excitement.
How do I get to Ion?
Rental car. There is no public transportation from the airport (or Reykjavik) to Ion. Please see below for information on rental cars.
Are you really getting married at 6:45 in the morning?
Not technically. We are getting married at a super awesome location that is a ‘small drive’ from the hotel. We’ll need to leave the hotel early to make it to the park to give us the best chance of having it to ourselves during the ceremony.
What is the difference between standard and deluxe room?
The deluxe rooms have been recently remodeled and offer a tad more comfort and modernity. Each room has beds that can be customized as twin or double as requested. Free WiFi is included both inside the rooms and in public area. Every room has fair-trade organic linens, hypoallergenic beds, powerful environmentally friendly showers and soaps and lotions from Sóley Organics.
How much is this going to cost?
Cost of any vacation/adventure really depends on what you are looking for. Here is a general outline for the wedding weekend: Friday-Monday
Flights: Direct flights from Minneapolis will run about $700-800 if booked early
Hotel: Ion Standard hotel is around $250/night and the deluxe room is around $310/night
Transport: An average compact to large car will cost about $75/day. 4x4 cars are required in some areas of the island if you are looking to get off the beaten path.
Food/Misc: This is a lot of personal preference, but food will be more expensive in Iceland than in Iowa.
We’ll be providing a welcome reception Friday evening and lunch and dinner on Saturday.
Is Breakfast included at the hotel?
Breakfast is not included in your room stay, but the hotel serves breakfast. There is nothing within 25 minutes drive, so we suggest you eat at the hotel if you are interested in breakfast. Or bring a breakfast bar with you.
Do I bring my wedding gift to Iceland?
Absolutely not. If you are celebrating with us in Iceland, we certainly don’t anticipate a gift. But if you insist, please bring it the local reception or drop it off with us in DSM.
How long should I stay?
We would suggest as long as your PTO, interest, and your pocketbook permit.
What else is there to do?
Lots! If you are interested in spending a few extra days, please let us know which area of the island you are most interested in and we’ll pass along the various itineraries our planner provided.
What are the must see spots?
We haven’t been there yet!! But here are some highlights we’d like to hit: Glacier Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Godafoss, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Vik, Geyir and more!
When do I need to arrive at Ion?
Preferably before 4 pm on Friday, September 9th.
What to wear to the wedding?
We will taking some group shots so we’d like for you to look nice, pictures are forever. Sweaters, collared shirts, slacks are recommended for the gents. Ladies, steer clear from heels and don’t be afraid to bring an overcoat.
Dress in layers. Bring a change of shoes for the activity to follow.
Luke will be wearing a suit and I will have on a something nice (including UA cold gear tights)-please don’t try and outdress us. :)
What do I need to bring with me--for wedding day?
A jacket to stay warm/dry, clothing layers, a camera to capture the moment, and decent walking shoes. We’ll have snacks and drinks for the ride, in addition to lunch.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes, and please remember batteries and SD cards.
Do I need to rent a car?
Yes, there is no public transport from the airport to ION. Let us know your plans and we can help with carpooling if you would like!
A 12% discount is available for everyone in our wedding group atwww.thrifty.isIn the booking process there is a comment area, please type: “12% IcelandWeddingPlanner Discount” in that section. That will make sure that the discount will be noted on your booking. This discount is available for any time frame and any rental type.
When you arrive in Iceland there will be an Iceland Thrifty rep to meet you and your guests upon exit of the baggage area (they will have your reservation name printed on a sign). You will take a short 1 minute shuttle to the other end of the airport and will have their paperwork and car/SUV ready!