You want to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your partner to tie the knot, but you don’t want to pick a common destination or setting. With more nations including marriage equality as their “law of the land,” finding places to wed your sweetheart is becoming easier than ever. Whether you’re in love with majestic natural landscapes or you want to infuse your nuptials with a bit of Viking culture and attitude, Iceland may the perfect location for you and your beloved to say “I do.”

Making It Legal in the Land of Fire and Ice 

Iceland legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, according to a Reuters report from June of that same year. It was the ninth country in the world to do so, with the United States lagging behind until the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision of 2015. The public was largely in favor of the move at the time, and there was no major opposition from its legislative body.

Obtaining a marriage license from the country will take a little preplanning and work, however. The Iceland New York Consulate General’s website lays out some basic requirements you’ll need to meet. Both you and your future spouse will need to be at least 18 years old. Along with the application and the required fees, be prepared to submit your birth certificates and proof of marital status through either a notarized “declaration of honor” stating that you are unmarried, a divorce decree or a document showing that a deceased former spouse’s estate has been settled. You’ll also need to present proof that you’re legally allowed to be in Iceland, such as a residence permit or visa, along with your valid passports. Finally, Brides online states that you’ll need to arrive in the country at least two business days prior to your ceremony to pick up your marriage license.

Getting Married the “Old Norse Way”

Gay Iceland revealed in 2015 that Iceland is a popular destination wedding spot, with more couples opting for Viking-styled nuptials. Clergy from the nation’s prominent pagan religion, Ásatrú, are generally welcoming of same-sex couples and are happy to officiate these ceremonies. Ethical humanist organizations also have officiants legally capable of solemnizing marriages, so you can opt for an old Norse-inspired joining or a non-religious wedding. Happily, ethical humanist groups and Norse pagan organizations were two top supporters of the move toward marriage equality in the country.

Want to tie the knot like the Vikings of old? Unless you’ve got a lot of time on your hands, you might need to enlist the help of a travel agency such as Pink Iceland. Many employ dedicated wedding planners who help couples navigate the legal requirements, travel arrangements, accommodations and more.

Tie the Knot in Majestic Landscapes

Although Iceland has plenty of churches and first-class hotels in which you and your sweetie can say your vows, many couples opt for the grandeur of its natural scenery. Brides online reveals that you needn’t get a permit to marry outdoors, but it doesn’t hurt to have a “plan B” in case the weather proves to be foul. Popular sites include the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Reynisfjara’s visually striking black-sand beach or the gorgeous basalt cliffs located at Arnarstapi. Summer in Iceland is a pleasant time to wed, with daytime temperatures ranging between 50 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. However, summer is also the country’s peak tourism season, so you may not have these splendid locations all to yourself.

Same-sex couples seeking a unique destination for their nuptials are opting for Iceland. The “Land of Fire and Ice” has a plethora of locations, from small country churches to the grandeur of its natural outdoor wonders. With the proper planning, your dream Iceland wedding can be easily within reach.