Marriage in Iceland (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Iceland's Marriage Act is gender-neutral — same-sex marriage has been legal since June 2010.
- Minimum age: 18 — no exceptions.
- Monogamy requirement: You cannot marry while already married.
- Prohibited marriages: Close blood relatives (consanguinity rules apply).
Two types of ceremony:
- Civil ceremony: Performed by District Commissioners and their legally trained representatives.
- Religious ceremony: Performed by ministers of the National Church, ministers of registered religious associations or leaders of registered secular life-stance associations — all must be certified by the District Commissioner.
Registered cohabitation (sambúðarfélag) also has legal recognition regarding property, custody and other family-law matters.
When does it apply?
- You want to get married in Iceland.
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
What to do if you want to get married in Iceland
- Apply for a review of marriage conditions with the District Commissioner.
- Submit the necessary documents: ID, proof that you are not already married, and a birth certificate.
- Choose between a civil or a religious ceremony.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't marry while already married — bigamy is prohibited.
- Don't skip the District Commissioner's process — a ceremony without proper authorisation may not be legally valid.
About Family Law in Iceland
Marriage and divorce in Iceland fall under Hjúskaparlög (the Marriage Act, Lög nr. 31/1993) — minimum age 18, gender-neutral since 2010. A divorce can be granted immediately by mutual consent or after 6 months of separation, through the Sýslumaður (District Commissioner). Custody, paternity and maintenance follow Barnalög (the Children's Act, Lög nr. 76/2003) — joint custody is the default and the benchmark is the best interests of the child. Domestic violence is dealt with in Almenn hegningarlög (the General Penal Code, Lög nr. 19/1940) and Lög um nálgunarbann (the Restraining Orders Act, Lög nr. 85/2011). Inheritance follows Lög nr. 8/1962 with a forced-heirship share.
Common Questions
Is same-sex marriage legal in Iceland?
Yes. Iceland's Marriage Act has been gender-neutral since June 2010 — same-sex couples have the same right to marry as opposite-sex couples under Hjúskaparlög (Lög nr. 31/1993). Both a civil ceremony performed by District Commissioners and a religious ceremony by certified ministers have equal legal weight.
What is the minimum age to marry in Iceland?
18, with no exceptions. Both parties must be at least 18. You also cannot marry while already married — bigamy is prohibited. Marriages between close blood relatives are prohibited under consanguinity rules. Registered cohabitation (sambúðarfélag) also has legal recognition regarding property, custody and other family-law matters.
How do you get married in Iceland?
Apply for a review of marriage conditions with the District Commissioner. Submit ID, proof that you are not already married, and a birth certificate. Then choose a civil ceremony (performed by District Commissioners) or a religious ceremony (performed by certified ministers of the National Church, a registered religious association or a registered secular life-stance association).
What is the marriage right in Iceland?
Iceland's Marriage Act is gender-neutral — same-sex marriage has been legal since June 2010.Minimum age: 18 — no exceptions.Monogamy requirement: You cannot marry while already married.Prohibited marriages: Close blood relatives (consanguinity rules apply).Two types of ceremony:Civil ceremony: Performed by District Commissioners and their legally trained representatives.Religious ceremony: Performed by ministers of the National Church, ministers of registered religious associations or leaders of registered secular life-stance associations — all must be certified by the District...
When does it apply — marriage?
You want to get married in Iceland.Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
What should I do to get legally married in Iceland?
Apply for a review of marriage conditions with the District Commissioner.Submit the necessary documents: ID, proof that you are not already married, and a birth certificate.Choose between a civil or a religious ceremony.
What should you NOT do — marriage?
Don't marry while already married — bigamy is prohibited.Don't skip the District Commissioner's process — a ceremony without proper authorisation may not be legally valid.