Where you choose to hold your wedding in Iceland is a memorable experience for you and your loved ones. It is important to base yourself in an area that in entices your five senses and envelops you within nature. After all, that is exactly why you decided to get married in Iceland right? Allow us to today, to share with you what weddings at Hotel Klaustur look and feel like…
History of Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Firstly, the history of the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur runs deep not only in Icelandic antiquity but also within the culture. For example, Irish monks and Benedictine nuns are thought to have settled this area in the late 1100’s. Secondly, there are countless folklore stories surrounding the area. For instance, stories of the good and sinful nuns, hidden people, bandits, and ghost stories as well. A few of those spots are super close to Hotel Klaustur as well such as the following:
- Systrafoss (“waterfall of the sisters”).
- Systravatn (“water of the sisters”) which is the Crater Lake above the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
- Systrastapi (sister’s rock) where two nuns were once buried after some brutal accusations.
Fast forward to circa 1783 when the famed Lakagígar Volcano erupts! This is where the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur begins to get noticed… When the local priest Jón Steingrímsson gave what is now referred to as “Fire Sermon” (eldmessu) to literally and figuratively stop the massive lava flow to stop the town from being consumed!
Furthermore, for hundreds of years, the town was isolated from the rest of Iceland because of the ebb and flow of the massive glacier rivers on either side (towards Vik or Höfn). Why? Because it was not every day that one could cross successfully on horseback. And even then the journey on horseback took days.
Next, it wasn’t until the earlier 1900’s that a daring adventurers from Vik tried crossing the glacier rivers in a Ford Model T. Mainly it was to shuttle important folks like the local priest to / from for funerals, weddings, etc.
However the beginning of Hotel Klaustur’s history doesn’t start until 1974 when the idea is founded to the doors opening officially in 1993. A few rooms over time have grown to 57 rooms, truly ready to accommodate just about any group size!
Weddings at Hotel Klaustur
From the moment you arrive to Hotel Klaustur you will feel at ease. Not only all that but the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur serves as a perfect waypoint to discovering the south and east of Iceland. Where the largest national park and famed glacier lagoons can be found. Meanwhile, within a tiny charming town and several nature spots within walking distance you’ll know you made the right choice!
What to Expect:
Upon arrival, the reception team will greet with you smiles, care, and an easy check-in process. Therefore, once given your key, you’ll find your way to your Suite, Superior or Standard room. Comfy beds, delicious drinks and culinary delights await you stay, so it is important to book reservations in advance. Meanwhile, the aesthetics of large windows, a balcony, cozy sitting areas, private dining spaces, and Scandinavian-chic décor make it an ideal Iceland wedding host hotel.
The suite is traditionally where Iceland wedding couples have stayed. Typically choosing at least a 3 night stay to enjoy their event and have time after to decompress.
Planning an Iceland Wedding:
Hotel Klaustur does not have the capacity nor offer staff to help you plan your wedding in Iceland. Mainly because there are in advance permissions / permits, many moving parts, and decisions to planning an Iceland wedding. Therefore, it is best to work with a local planner who will then communicate thoroughly with us. Two that work with Hotel Klaustur often are Iceland Wedding Planner and Iceland Weddings & Honeymoons.
Both teams offer very different experiences and budgets. For example, IWP plans adventure experience driven weddings and elopements via super jeeps and private property locations. Whereas, IWAH offers a-la cart services for any budget.
Elopement or Wedding Locations:
Elopement or Wedding Locations:
Deciding to have a wedding or elopement in Iceland means you’re going to have your pick of an endless list of locations! Believe it or not there are a few near to Hotel Klaustur such as the following:
- Kirkjubaejarklaustur Chapel
- Systrafoss
- Systravatn
- Systrastapi
- The Church Floor
- Dverghamrar (requires in advance permission)
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (requires in advance permission)
- Skaftafell National Park (requires in advance permission)
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (requires in advance permission)
- Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon (requires in advance permission)
- Lakagígar (requires 4×4 and in advance permission)
- Fagrifoss (requires 4×4 and in advance permission)
- Other nearby private property waterfalls (please contact a local wedding planner to arrange).
Iceland Wedding Menu:
Imagine having the best day ever and coming back to the hotel with a warm up “snack hour” with hot coffee, tea and treats! Or what about a trendy happy hour with signature drinks and mountain views?! Maybe after a short rest you two and/or your wedding group rest and refresh to then find your way down to one of our private rooms for a delightful group dinner for a table for two…
Klaustur Restaurant strives to acquire locally grown ingredients. Not only for the organic fresh taste but to ensure local farmers are supported within the community. Hotel Klaustur is not just a hotel within Kirkjubaejarklaustur, but it is an important part of the community. To illustrate, the arctic char is caught from the waters that flow from Skaftáreldarhraun lava field. Further, the lamb is always from a local farmer, not the store along with herbs and the locally produced Skyr!
To provide you another visual, here is an example of a previous Iceland wedding menu at Hotel Klaustur:
Course 1: Klaustur Salad (fennel confit, tomato concasse and wild rucola served with basil oil).
Course 2: Lamb Carpaccio (with rocket salad, dill oil, balsamic and blueberries).
Course 3: Icelandic Lobster Ravioli (lobster, fennel, hazelnuts, dried sage and buerre blanc).
Course 4: Choice of…
- Grilled Arctic ,,Lava” Char with sautéed fennel, leeks, potatoes and dill hollandaise sauce.
- Icelandic lamb in Two Ways (rack of lamb and confit shoulder, potatoes, moss gratin and bone marrow jus).
- Chicken Ballantine (puy lentils, lardons, capers, wood sorrels and port wine jus).
Course 5: Arctic Thyme and Honey Crémé Brûlée with white chocolate mousse and passion fruit.
Note: In advance accommodations for vegetarians and diet concerned folks can always be made. But, how impressed will you and your guests be, truly?! You’ll find yourself craving another dining experience ASAP.
Additional Services at Hotel Klaustur:
Although, Hotel Klaustur is a countryside hotel, the service is still higher than most expect in Europe. For instance, outside of the general amenities within your room, some additional services that are offered upon in advance request and at an additional service fee follows:
- Baggage Service.
- Room Service.
- Wedding or Group Brunch Experience.
- Pool and Gym (nearby).
- Custom Menus.
- Champagne Service.
- Appetizers and Cocktail Hour (possible add on for groups).
- 2- Private Dining Rooms.
- Local Souvenirs for purchase (near the reception area).
- Tour Recommendations and Bookings (within website).
- Outdoor Patio (free of charge).
