iceland
explore the wildest nordic island
SO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE THE VAST REMOTE fjords, black sand beaches and towering waterfalls?
south coast, iceland
welcome to...
imagine booking an iceland elopement like this
Private Vows at Seljalandsfoss: Exchanging intimate vows at the base of the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, surrounded by cascading water and lush greenery.
Glacier Adventure: Embarking on a thrilling glacier hike, exploring the otherworldly beauty of Vatnajokull Glacier National Park.
Midnight Sun Elopement: Opting for a midnight sun elopement, experiencing the magical glow of the sun at the edge of the Arctic Circle.
Hidden Gem Hot Springs: Discovering a secluded hot spring, indulging in a private soak while surrounded by Iceland's rugged and untouched landscapes.
Northern Lights Spectacle: Witnessing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for their celebration.
Ice Cave Exploration: Venturing into a stunning ice cave beneath Vatnajokull Glacier, marveling at the breathtaking blue hues and intricate ice formations..
F-Road Expedition in a Defender: Embarking on a thrilling adventure, navigating through the challenging F-Roads in a rugged Defender, exploring the highland landscapes and crossing rivers.
Black Sand Beach Serenity: Sharing a quiet and intimate moment on the dramatic black sand beach of Reynisfjara, with its towering basalt columns and the sound of crashing waves.
all you really want is to have an entire year solely booked out with dream all-day elopements in bucket-list locations just like this one — you see other elopement photographer’s living this every single day, and you’re discouraged that that’s not your reality yet.
and at the end of the day -
Believe me when I say I get it… because I’ve been exactly where you are right now.
You don’t have actual photos of realistic all-day Adventure Elopements in the epic-AF destinations you want to book.
And the missing key? The reason you aren’t getting epic inquiries like this?
You can book out your calendar with all-day adventure elopements in those epic-AF bucket-list destinations like iceland even if you haven’t booked an elopement yet.
But here’s the good news…
Just imagine what that would actually be like:
No more spinning your wheels, shouting from rooftops that you’re a “Destination Elopement Photographer” – now you get to show-up with REAL epic destination elopement content and prove that you’ve been the destination expert all-along.
You got your very first international elopement inquiry, and your heart drops – it’s in ICELAND .. a destination that you visited, know well and are confident you can guide your couple. And the couple is so stoked to find you through all of your expertise and guidance.
Your couple sees all of the adventure elopement experiences you've documented in Iceland, and they're wildly inspired. They see all of the epic locations & excursions and boom - they want to book a 2-DAY ELOPEMENT!
You dive into elopement planning - you've been practicing and rehearsing your incredible location-finding skills and just waiting for this day to come. You find the most dramatic, remote locations and your couple loves them.
You step off of the plane in Iceland and your whole body tingles with goose bumps - "could this really be my job?"
A “pinch me” moment… you’re photographing this dream elopement, you hiked into the most remote fjords you've ever seen, the clouds just rolled away and the alpenglow is strong. And the best part? You're with two people who truly value who you are & the monumental memories you're creating for them.
all of that can be your reality
after you attend...
iceland
south coast, iceland
august 26-29, 2024
what we have
planned
4 MULTI-DAY ADVENTURE ELOPEMENTS:
4 COUPLES / 8 SHOOTS / 4 ELOPEMENTS / 4 CASUAL SHOOTS
But let’s not just call them “Styled Shoots”. These shoots mimic real elopements. They are planned out from beginning to end, just like an actual elopement. You’re walking away with so much more than “pretty photos” for your hero website image and viral-potential insta post. You’re walking away with a full realistic gallery of a real elopement experience. We’re creating intentional images built upon our storytelling methods – allowing your potential clients to truly envision themselves in this story.
check out where we're shooting:
3 NIGHTS, 4 DAYS STAY AT EIRÐ LAKEFRONT RETREAT
hella, iceland
Eirð is an exclusive water front retreat on Icelands south coast. It is uniquely located on a peninsula by lake Gislholtsvatn, providing extra privacy and connection to nature. Eirð consists of one original building, a new larger building and three spacious A-Frame Cabins, mixing together an old scandinavian lodge style with modern scandinavian architecture.
If you prefer to bunk solo, you can still choose to book a non-lodging ticket!
check out where we're STAYING:
4 Multi-day Adventure Elopements:
4 Couples / 8 shoots / 4 Elopements / 4 Casual shoots
But let’s not just call them “Styled Shoots”. These shoots mimic real elopements. They are planned out from beginning to end, just like an actual elopement. You’re walking away with so much more than “pretty photos” for your hero website image and viral-potential insta post. You’re walking away with a full realistic gallery of a real elopement experience. We’re creating intentional images built upon our storytelling methods – allowing your potential clients to truly envision themselves in this story.
Picture these kinds of moments:
✨A day-before elopement shoot in casual clothes – cuddled up inside awe-inspiring scenic glass lodge
✨A day-before elopement shoot in their swimsuits, exploring a hidden hot spring
✨A slow morning of their elopement, sipping coffee & gazing at the icelandic horses
✨Helping each other get their dress and suit on – lit only by the lanterns and headlights of their cars
✨Writing their vows separately before they embark on a rugged 4x4 F-Road adventure in their defender
✨ Arriving to the remote fjords just as the alpenglow is hitting - what perfect timing for a sunrise ceremony
✨Sharing icelandic gas station hot dogs (iconic) in front of towering waterfalls
✨ Driving the wild F-Roads roads, finding the next stop for epic portraits
✨Dancing under the midnight sun on a remote and secluded black sand beach
✨Ending the night sharing a first dance in front of the headlights on the beach
3 Nights + 4 Days of Overnight Lodging at EIRÐ LAKEFRONT RETREAT
Eirð is an exclusive water front retreat on Icelands south coast. It is uniquely located on a peninsula by lake Gislholtsvatn, providing extra privacy and connection to nature. Eirð consists of one original building, a new larger building and three spacious A-Frame Cabins, mixing together an old scandinavian lodge style with modern scandinavian architecture.
If you prefer to bunk solo, you can still choose to book a non-lodging ticket!
A focus on diversity and inclusivity
Eloping is for everyone. And it’s important for us to showcase that in every single aspect of our businesses. Elope Academy prioritizes couples that are local to the culture of the area that we are traveling to, as well as BIPOC & LGBTQ+ couples.
An Informational Guide of the Area
As soon as you sign-up, I’ll send you a full informational guide with everything you need to know. The best way to travel to our retreat, activities in the area if you’re choosing to extend your stay, favorite recreational hikes & things to see – everything that you (and your future elopement couples 😉) would need to know traveling to the area for the very first time!
VIP Attendee chat Group
You’ll get immediate access to a VIP group with all of your fellow attendee friends! Most attendees come alone – not knowing anyone that’s going! This is a great way to meet the others & plan any carpools/coordinate travel!
Networking & Community
You’re going to be immersed in this retreat experience with other elopement photographers who are exactly where you are. You’re going to leave this retreat with so much more than just content & a unique experience. You’re going to leave with lifelong friends and elopement-industry connections. It’s not something that most attendees think about before attending, but it’s a takeaway that ends up becoming priceless.
experience
the Elope Academy iceland Retreat is a 4-Day Elopement Retreat consisting of epic-AF realistic multi-day Adventure Elopement content shoots, thrilling local adventures, luxury overnight lodging, and entirely immersive experience of the local culture.
let's breakdown the elope academy retreat
A complete immersive experience to the local icelandic culture & cuisine
We will be exploring the most iconic, remote locations that the country has to offer. Everyone will be given the opportunity to explore together & dine together! You’ll receive top recommendations given by locals & the community to the best eateries & most authentic restaurants. (Please note that meals are not included, these are solely recommendations)
An Intimate Retreat Experience
Because we’ve all been there – knocking elbows and fighting for the center shot. But that won’t be here. Our shooting groups will stay small. And the photographer’s you’re shooting alongside? You’ll call those your friends. An intimate setting for fun adventurous excursions, exploring the local cuisine and creating an adventure of a lifetime.
BONUS: ANOTHER ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT!
In addition to our jam-packed 4 days of 8 shoots, you are invited to come to an exclusive remote black sand beach on the south-eastern side of Iceland Thursday, 8/29, at sunset for an ADDITIONAL couple + adventure elopement - meaning 9 total content shoots! If you are not ready to head back to the airport yet - we would love for you to join us on this little road-trip to Stokksnes for even more content!
ELOPEMENT EXCURSION: OFF-ROADING IN A DEFENDER!
We will be taking on an epic excursion prop: a defender! We will be using the defender for action in & around the defender with one of our elopement & casual couples!
GROUP COACHING / Q&A
We will spend our "down-time" during the first evening to have a casual group coaching session and any q&a's. We will go over actionable sales & marketing methods that you can implement into your own elopement business.
Not included: Flights, Transportation to/from the retreat & shoot locations, Meals. Must be comfortable with hiking. Must rent a 4x4 vehicle (or carpool with others) to access F-Road Shoot Locations.
day 1 - august 26
Attendees should fly into Keflavik & pick-up rental cars or carpool with other attendees
Check-in begins at 5:00pm
Get settled into the airbnb, group together in the main communal area for welcoming, Group Coaching and Q&A
Relax for the evening & get to know everyone!
day 2 - august 27
Pre-sunrise/Sunrise Elopement I & Casual Adventure Session I at Panorama Glass Lodge (potential northern lights)
Defender Shoot
Afternoon/Sunset Elopement II & Casual Adventure Session II at Landmannalaugar
day 3 - august 28
Midday Elopement III & Casual Adventure Session III at Hot Springs
Sunset Elopement IV & Casual Adventure Session IV at Waterfall
day 4 - august 29
Hugs & Goodbyes, Check-out by 10:00am
Optional Bonus Shoot: Sunset Adventure Elopement at a remote black sand beach in Stokksnes
the itinerary for the week:
You’re going to be immersed in this retreat experience with other elopement photographers who are exactly where you are. You’re going to leave this retreat with so much more than just content & a unique experience. You’re going to leave with lifelong friends and elopement-industry connections. It’s not something that most attendees think about before attending, but it’s a takeaway that ends up becoming priceless.
Please note that this is a tentative timeline & may vary. Exact shoot locations are not disclosed to the public (only to attendees) to preserve the environment and abide by Leave No Trace.
Attending an Elope Academy Retreat is the missing link that will help you finally become a Destination Adventure Elopement Photographer.
- JUST LIKE THESE ONES
You’ll get real-world elopement experience, gain cultural insight from exploring iceland, learn the logistics of photographing in iceland, and leave with bounds of knowledge to be able to bring in destination elopements
meet your retreat host
First hi, I’m Kasey Jo
I used to be exactly where you are... feeling like I wasn’t good enough and never understanding what I was doing wrong, and getting nowhere trying to become that photographer traveling the world to most remote locations & photographing the most epic elopements.
I spent YEARS and more money than I can count doing allllll the things… offering my services for basically free, attending random workshops/retreats/content days that left me unfulfilled and frustrated, applying every bit of knowledge that I got from any industry “educator” ... you name it, I tried it.
Then I learned the power of attending intentional and realistic adventure elopement retreats. And boom – it all clicked for me.
I’ve taken everything that I learned on my journey and put it into Elope Academy Retreats because it’s exactly what I wish I had when I was on my path to becoming a destination adventure elopement photographer.
It’s my mission to help as many elopement photographers as possible skip past by simply focusing on what works.
The Elope Academy Retreats would have saved me SO MUCH time & energy. I can’t wait for it to do the same for you.
meet kasey
there is a reason that I, like so many others, keep coming back!
I have attended seven of Kasey's retreats/content days and let me tell you one thing - there is a reason that I, like so many others, keep coming back!! My business would not be where it is today if I didn't invest time and time again in Elope Academy's retreat and content days. I have gained so much knowledge in the craft of photography at its core, in business education, posing, location scouting, the list goes on. I have also made so many connections and made amazing friends that I never would have met without these events. 5 years ago I took a leap of faith in attending my first ever retreat with Kasey, and today I am a successful, six figure business woman who gets paid to travel and capture love stories. I am truly living my dream, and I could not have gotten here if it weren't for everything that I have gained attending seven of these events! <3
- Emily Watkins, Emily Watkins Photo
Most of all, Kasey ACTUALLY cares about your success.
“I have been on a few different styled shoots to help build my photography business, but Elope Academy’s styled shoot COMPLETELY stands out. That shoot was, by far, my favorite that I have attended because of several reasons.
1. The locations that they chose are amazing. They know how to handle the logistics so that you are able to take full advantage of the destination and walk away with truly beautiful photos for your portfolio. They have 3 separate couples, 3 different locations, and each couple had an outfit change so you really got 6-9 different shoots out of the one day. It was AMAZING. She took her time seriously and made it really worth it.
2. The culture of friendship amongst every attendee at the styled shoot was amazing. Most styled shoots can feel awkward or even competitive..They created a space that felt safe so ask questions and learn from each other. I was a very green photographer as I felt affirmed in my abilities by every single person who attended. I completely give credit to them for choosing individuals and setting the tone so that it unlocked everyone's barriers. We were all good friends, fast. This detail alone allowed me to feel brave and experimental with my art and I learned more because of it.
3. Most of all, Kasey ACTUALLY cares about your success. She stopped and gave me 1-on-1 attention to learn new techniques so that I could succeed. She encouraged and offered any and all wisdom... AND she took the time to grab headshots of me so that I could have that for my business too! She is truly in this for the right reasons and wants to help photographers build their dream careers and feel confident in it!
I cannot say enough good things. I loved every second of my experience. Thank you for being a launching pad for my, now, full-time photography career!”
- Kait Hubbard, Kait Hubbard Photography
These retreats are pure magic, offering both professional growth and unforgettable experiences.
“Attending Kasey Jo's retreats and content days has been an incredibly uplifting experience. Kasey's relaxed and welcoming energy, combined with her creativity, makes every event special. It's amazing to photograph real couples in stunning locations and to connect with fellow photographers. I've been to four of her content days and the Dolomites Retreat, each unique and beautiful, especially the ones in Dolomites and Grand Teton with their majestic mountains and horses.
These events have helped me grow my network, leading to new bookings and an increase in my social media engagement. A highlight was booking a surprise proposal in the Dolomites, a chance that came directly from attending the retreat. My work from these retreats has significantly boosted my elopements bookings in Upstate NY and the Catskills.
One of my favorite moments was encountering draft horses in the mountains, creating magical photo opportunities, and the joy of sharing dinner and laughs with everyone, especially during a memorable palm reading session with lemoncellos in the Dolomites. These retreats are pure magic, offering both professional growth and unforgettable experiences.”
- Corey Lynn Tucker, Elope with Corey
epic elopement experience?
are you ready for this
if is the right answer for you,
get ready to experience results like:
"yes"
✔️ Become a destination adventure elopement expert by showcasing REAL imagery paired with real world experience in the iconic destination of Iceland
✔️ Inspire your elopement couples to choose epic adventure excursions through your storytelling imagery
✔️ Book out your travel schedule with all-day adventure elopements in your bucket-list locations
✔️ And finally have that epic elopement photography business that you've always dreamt of.
here's everything you'll walk away with:
Photos of 4 (+ 1 bonus) Multi-Day Adventure Elopements in iceland
3 Nights, 4 Days Luxury Overnight Lodging at eird retreat
An Adventure defender elopement Experience
Group coaching + Q&A
An Informational Guide of the Area
Access to the VIP Attendee Group
Friends for a Lifetime
1 payment of $3600
2 payments of $1850
4 payments of $950
you'll get all of this (and more) for only...
sold out - waitlist here
how it works:
apply for the retreat - or if it's sold out, put your info on the waitlist
step one
I’ll review your application – if accepted you’ll receive a “You’re accepted!” email
step two
You’ll have 24 hours to sign your retreat contract & make your first payment
step three
You’re IN! And I’m so stoked to have you along
step four
Can’t make it to this Retreat? Sign up for the waitlist at the bottom of this page for future 2025 Retreats or check out one of the other retreat locations!
At the retreat, you could be experiencing life-changing moments photographing the most epic adventure elopements which means that this could be the key-turning point for your business.
2 months after the retreat, you could be reeling in destination adventure elopement inquiries with the abundance of content & knowledge from the retreat which means you’re one step closer to the dream job that you’ve been asking for.
And in a year after the retreat, you could have an entire bucket-list destination travel schedule booked out with the most epic adventure elopements.
now you've got choices:
two
one:
Close this page and keep doing what you’ve been doing... exhausting all of your energy, discounting your services, and wishing you were where you want to be.
two:
Apply for your spot in the Elope Academy Iceland Retreat and take the first step towards becoming the destination adventure elopement photographer.
you know which option i'm voting for.
because...
But that’s ONLY IF you choose option 2 and follow the proven roadmap to becoming the adventure elopement photographer.
SOLD OUT - WAITLIST HERE
you might be wondering...
These retreats are put on with INTENTION. Intentional, realistic elopement content that your ideal client can truly see themselves in. My drive as a host and business coach is seeing my students succeed – everything that is showcased in each content day is very meticulously planned out and strategically mapped out to bring your business exactly where you want it to be.
Absolutely 100%! It’s not only important to showcase diversity in your portfolio – but it’s also important to show that eloping is for everyone. Elope Academy prioritizes couples that are local to the culture of the area that we are traveling to, as well as BIPOC & LGBTQ+ couples.
Leave No Trace is very important for us to understand & educate our attendees – especially since we are often working in nature. I am a Leave No Trace certified photographer – having researched and completed a course. Beyond this, Elope Academy educates each and every attendee on best practices for our impact on the environment and continues to educate while on the “field”.
It's very important to us to keep the shooting groups small, and include two of our couples at each shoot location! This ensures that we can break the group up into two small groups, and rotate equally between each couple. We want to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity at shooting, and that everyone has the opportunity to be photographing at all times during the shoots! This process has worked SO well!
If tickets are available, apply for the retreat. If tickets are sold-out, put your info on the waitlist. If you are accepted, you’ll receive an email with the contract & invoice for the first payment. The contract must be signed & invoice paid within 24 hours of receiving to secure your spot.
As soon as you sign the contract & pay the first payment, you’re officially in! You’ll receive the informational guide to the area, access to the VIP attendee group as well as everything you need to know to prepare for the retreat!
Payment dates are dependent on which payment plan you choose. Payments are evenly spread out between signing up & 30 days prior to the retreat.
You can sell your ticket to another interested attendee! All previous paid payments will be transferred to you from the new attendee, and they will take over all future payments! If you can no longer attend, inform us via email and we have resources for selling tickets & will outline the next steps.
Absolutely! All attendees will have access to the VIP attendee group – where you can coordinate travel and/or carpools with other attendees! Attendees often come to retreats not knowing anyone else, so this is a great way to meet beforehand!
All of the hikes for this Retreat are either drive-up/walk-up views with no hiking - or minimal hikes (you can expect no more than 2 miles one way). These "hikes" are all rated as easy - so no worries if you're a beginner! We strive to make this accessible for everyone - because we believe that adventure is for everyone!
Yes! You are more than welcome to bring someone along to the shoots as long as they're not photographing (it's on land that's open for the public!) However, overnight lodging with us is for attendees only. You can opt for a non-lodging discounted ticket (per request only) if you'd prefer to stay off-site!
Yes! If you prefer to lodge alone (or if you have a partner you're bringing along) and don't have a need for the overnight stay at our hotel, you can book a discounted ticket without lodging! You must request this before booking!
Great! Please send me an email via the contact form here!
If you’re all the way at the bottom of this page, it means you’re having a hard time deciding whether or not an Elope Academy retreat is right for you.
Here’s exactly how to know:
An Elope Academy retreat
is for you if:
You desire to book bucket-list destination adventure elopements
You want to showcase the potential of multi-day elopements with adventure excursions to your couples
You’re dreaming of visiting Iceland paired with an epic 4-day itinerary filled with the things you love most.
You’re longing for a group of industry lifelong friends and networking opportunities (because hey, we don’t have any co-workers!)
An Elope Academy retreat
isn't for you if:
You have no desire to book bucket-list destination adventure elopements
You’re so booked out that you don’t have the availability in your calendar to make time for attending a 4-Day retreat.
You don’t enjoy traveling or adventure
You aren't open to being in a group setting with other like-minded photographers
If you read through that list and you’re STILL unsure…
If your #1 business goal is to become a destination adventure elopement photographer… What is your next move on reaching that goal? Do you have a solid, actionable plan? Or are you trying what you can, and seeing what sticks? If it’s the latter, then it’s time to make a real move towards that goal. Buying your ticket to this retreat will mean you'll pay yourself back with only 1 elopement booking (and the goal is to get you SO many more bookings). I’m here with the solution for you, but it’s your turn to take that next step.
so.. what do you say?
are you ready to finally explore iceland?
SOLD OUT - WAITLIST HERE
download the free
From Inquiry To Raving Client:
The Ultimate Elopement Workflow
Craft a workflow that works for you and YOUR business, step-by-step!
Gain your time (and energy!) back by automating every step possible
Create a raving 5-star client experience (even with your very first elopement!) - hello, 5-star Google reviews! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Take an afternoon to implement my proven workflow into your business, and you’ll never have to worry how to best serve your elopement couples again!
