Adam Thorndike

The Black Church of Budir

A pandemic romance that
turned into a forever story.

The settlement of Budir lies on a peninsular on the West coast of Iceland. It was a bustling fishing village and a major trading post in the Middle Ages. Eventually, the area declined and traders abandoned the post in the 19th century. Today, though, Budir is a beautiful stop for visitors like you, who want to enjoy the peace and beauty of Saefellsnes, and perhaps get glammed up to witness two men get married.

The hotel you have all booked into is one of the few remaining buildings. It takes its name from the nearby Budir estuary, and its setting is as remote as it is completely natural.

Today’s hotel is a latter-day incarnation of the original but is still family-run and has a correspondingly intimate and homely feel that’s not unlike a contemporary take on a rustic hunting lodge. There are views of the glacier or bay from almost everywhere, vintage-style sofas and lamps in the public areas, plus framed old photos on the wall, and a working fireplace that you will sit next to as we compete in the quiz the night before the wedding.

Aside from rugged lunar-esque lava fields and the choppy Atlantic, the only thing to be found outside the door is a picturesque wooden church - the black wooden Budakirkja.

The church is the last remaining building from the old trading post days. There has been a church in the area since 1703, but the building that we will be married in dates from 1849. Made from locally sourced wood, it was approved by the King of Denmark and has since become a tourist attraction and beautiful place to get married. When we spotted it online last year we knew it was exactly where we needed to say, I do.

Timeline

Thursday 9 October

15:00 – 18:00 Afternoon Arrivals

Shawn and I will be at the hotel the day before and so as soon as you arrive message us and we will come and greet you. There is no rush to arrive and so take your time, the views are truly outstanding on the drive up from Reykjavik.

1900 - 2100 Fireside Challenge

Sample delicious food sourced from a famous Icelandic bakery in Reykjavik and get ready to pair up with a new friend to complete in the quiz of the year. The questions will be based on our experiences with all of you, so be prepared for some red faces!

Friday 10 October

0830 – 1000 Breakfast

Tuck into a rather delicious buffet spread on us of warm dishes such as scrambled eggs, sausages and bacon (all sourced from Iceland), plus freshly baked breads, Icelandic cheeses and ham, cereals and porridge.

1500 – 1545 Wedding Ceremony

Walk over to the church where you will be greeted by us at the door. Marta, a talented cellist, will provide some traditional music as the ceremony is conducted by Brynhildur the Pastor.

Expect to participate the ceremony as Brynhildur will invite you to join in, reciting prayers in Icelandic.

1800 – 1900 Words and Wine

Don’t worry we wont be asking you to say anything, but Shawn and I want to share some words with you. This will be accompanied by a local singer, who will provide some entertainment as wine is served.

Friday 10 October

1030 – 1230 Wedding Walk

After you indulge in what we think is the best hotel breakfast in the world, you are invited to join us on our wedding walk.

A trail lies between Budir and Frambudir, where there are ruins of fishermen’s huts and trading booths. As you walk you will be able to see the lava that flowed from the crater 8000 years ago. The backdrop of mountains and cascading waterfalls coupled with the crashing waves and ocean gusts off the north Atlantic will make it a ramble to remember. Not to mention the drinks and cakes on arrival at the ruins.

It’s an easy hike. But, bring some comfy shoes and a warm coat.

1630 – 1800 Canapes and Bubbles

Marta and her husband (also a talented musician) will be next to the fireside playing a range of music, from Icelandic to contemporary, as you drink bubbles and eat a selection of canapes with us.

1900 – 2200 Reception Meal

The restaurant at Hotel Budir has a reputation way beyond the hotel. Icelanders travel even from Reykjavík to dine here, thanks to its romantic location, wood-heavy setting and top-notch cuisine that includes dishes such as Arctic char, smoked lamb, shellfish soup, cod dishes and other staples, along with seasonal dishes and a three-course tasting menu.

Although we can’t confirm the wedding menu yet expect it to be delicious. We will also be sat separate to the restaurant, in a glass gallery on the side of the hotel overlooking the ocean.

If we are lucky we may well get to see the Northern Lights, it isn’t a promise, but it would be a great end to the day.

Saturday 11 October

Morning - Departure

You will all be heading off to explore Iceland, so we will be around to say our goodbyes and thank you for joining us at the start of our adventure as husband and husband.

Timeline

Thursday 9 October

1300 – 1830 Afternoon Arrivals

1900 - 2100 Fireside Challenge

Friday 10 October

0830 – 1000 Breakfast

1030 – 1230 Wedding Walks

After you indulge in what we think is the best hotel breakfast in the world, you are invited to join us on our wedding walk.

It’s an easy hike. But, bring some comfy shoes and a warm coat.

1500 – 1545 Wedding Ceremony

Walk over to the church where you will be greeted by us at the door. Marta, a talented cellist, will provide some traditional music as the ceremony is conducted by Brynhildur the Pastor.

Expect to participate the ceremony as Brynhildur will invite you to join in, reciting prayers in Icelandic.

1630 – 1800 Canapes and Bubbles

Marta and her husband (also a talented musician) will be next to the fireside playing a range of music, from Icelandic to contemporary, as you drink bubbles and eat a selection of canapes with us.

1800 – 1900 Words and Wine

1900 – 2200 Reception Meal

Although we can’t confirm the wedding menu yet expect it to be delicious. We will also be sat separate to the restaurant, in a glass gallery on the side of the hotel overlooking the ocean.

If we are lucky we may well get to see the Northern Lights, it isn’t a promise, but it would be a great end to the day.

Saturday 11 October

Morning - Departure

You will all be heading off to explore Iceland, so we will be around to say our goodbyes and thank you for joining us at the start of our adventure as husband and husband.

Things You Might Like To Know

The weather in October is unpredictable at best. When Shawn and I were in Budir in early April (that has the similar weather to early October) it would go from sun, to rain, to a covering of snow in a matter of minutes. As such, it is best to pack for a chance of rain.

The hotel is pretty limited on its food and the times it will serve, so if you are wanting to eat as soon as you arrive, please order from the bar – the burger is great, so too the fries.

The nearest town, Olafsvík, is around 12 miles away and has basic services such as a supermarket and petrol station as well as a couple of decent restaurants, including Sker, which serves pizza, burgers, and fish and meat dishes in an elegant setting. Olafsvikis also a base for whale and puffin-spotting tours, and the wider Snaefellsnes region, which contains a peninsula and a glacier, is an absolute dream to explore if you’re into natural scenery.

Finally, we aren’t having a photographer but instead ask you to download the app POV so that you can use your phone camera to share a collection of images for everyone to keep (or delete!). Shawn and I will be selecting the best wedding picture that will be printed and framed, and whoever the photographer is will win a bottle of something rather nice.

Adam & Shawn

A pandemic romance that
turned into a forever story.