Waking Up at 3 AM for Sunrise on Diamond Beach – An Iceland Wedding Story
Iceland is unlike anywhere else I’ve filmed—a mix of black sand beaches, icy landscapes, and weather that changes by the minute. It’s not the kind of place where you can plan every detail, but that’s part of what makes it so interesting to work in.
You can find wedding film for Eden & James here.
When Eden and James decided to swap their original UK wedding for a small elopement in Iceland, I knew we’d be in for something a bit different. They wanted a day that was relaxed, simple, and focused on them—not a set schedule.
The Early Start
With my team (my wife and my friend May) we set alarms for 3 AM to catch the first light at Diamond Beach. The icebergs washed up on the shore glowed softly in the morning light, and the only sounds were the waves and the crunch of ice underfoot. Eden and James stood together, quietly taking it all in while I filmed. Those moments work best when they’re not staged—you just notice them and press record.
On the Glacier
Later, we met our guides from Icepic Journey, led by Strawhat Backpacker. They took us onto a glacier, where the air felt still and the ice reflected light in subtle shades of blue.
There’s a calmness on the glacier that you don’t often get at a traditional wedding. No background noise, no one rushing to the next part of the day—just space to focus on the couple.
Why Iceland Works for Adventurous Couples
Iceland isn’t for everyone. The weather changes fast, travel takes time, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get the exact conditions you imagined. But for couples who like the idea of an unhurried day, who want to spend most of it outdoors, and who are happy to go with the flow, it can be ideal.
Filming With That in Mind
For me, destination weddings and elopements are about capturing what’s actually happening, not forcing a shot list. On this trip, the sound of waves, the wind through Eden’s dress, the crunch of snow as they walked—all those details made their way into the film.
At Perky Pug Films, I try to create videos that feel real to the people in them, whether that’s on a glacier, a beach, or in a city hall. This one just happened to be in Iceland.