These Grooms Said "I Do" at a Charming Little Church in the Middle of Iceland

Love sometimes shows up when we least expect it, and for Adam and James it proved that opposites can attract and make magic together. In May, the beautiful couple eloped to one of Iceland’s most picturesque locations, making their union not only heartfelt, but also wildly adventurous.

“We met when both of us lived in Columbus, Ohio,” shares the couple. “Our first date was at a Mexican restaurant … in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adam is a mathematician and professor, James is an English major who works with people in communications.”

Their dynamic? One loves fine cuisine, the other hole-in-the-wall tacos. One grew up in New Jersey’s hustle, the other in the Midwest. But those differences? They brought color and joy to each other’s lives.

“Adam proposed to James in Mexico City in 2023 in front of the Palacio de Bellas Artes. We celebrated with a walk around the city, a delicious meal and a trip to the Corona Salon.”

Now happily relocated to Texas for Adam’s new role, their next adventure was a wedding day just for them.

“Our first international trip as a couple was to Iceland in May of 2022,” they reminisced. “Our first visit was a magical experience, especially on Snæfellsnes, where we fell in love with Búðir and its lovely black church. When we saw it, we knew this was where we’d get married, and we’re so lucky we did three years later!”

Búðakirkja, a little black wooden church dating to 1848 and perched in the rugged lava fields of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offers intimacy and epic scenery all in one.

There were no guests, no sprawling wedding party. Just them, their vows, and Iceland’s breathtaking backdrop.

They recall, “The sun was bright. You could clearly see the Snæfellsjökull glacier behind the church. It felt like the world was right there with us holding its breath when we began the short ceremony, and read our vows from little booklets. For both of us, finally BEING MARRIED was the best feeling ever!”

After the ceremony, the adventures continued: a road trip along the coast, climbing a waterfall, wind-blown cliffs, and a photo session at Kirkjufell, their favourite spot in Iceland.

Kate and Kerstin's Love-Filled Buddhist Wedding

Instead of a big reception right away, they opted to celebrate with family later. In the meantime? Iceland’s natural elegance was their décor.

No huge theme, no extravagant styling. Just two suits with blue hues that stunned against the setting, minimal fuss, and maximum emotion. Because love really is all you need.