Known for being the land of cheese, chocolate, and scenery that makes you feel like you stepped into a fairytale, who wouldn’t consider eloping in Switzerland? From the peaks of the Swiss Alps to the cobblestone streets of its romantic villages, there’s a never-ending list of elopement locations to consider, views to explore, and culture to experience.

Now that I’ve got you thinking about it, I know how quickly those endless questions pop up. “How do I plan a destination elopement??” “Can I legally get married in Switzerland?” “Where do I even start?”

Luckily, as a BC wedding photographer, eloping in the mountains is kind of my entire personality. So with some help from newlyweds Arielle and Thomas, I’m here to give you a little nudge of confidence to help you plan. Keep scrolling for useful info and tips!

Ariel and Thomas’ Mountaintop Elopement in Switzerland

When this elopement inquiry landed in my inbox, I nearly squealed with excitement! While photographing a wedding in Switzerland was at the very tippy top of my dream shoot locations, I still wondered how they managed to find me all the way in Vancouver when searching for an elopement photographer.

Their answer was extremely flattering, to say the least. They shared that they reached out because it seemed like, if we were to go on a hike and adventure together, we’d be able to get along as friends, too. That and my extensive experience in mountain climates.

For Arielle and Thomas, getting married in the mountains was always a no-brainer. She’s from Hong Kong and he’s from France, but they live together in Switzerland and wanted to get married with a private ceremony, somewhere beautiful, in the country that is so special to their relationship. And let me tell you, they couldn’t have made a better choice!

Searching for the best chance for privacy, they researched and found a dreamy spot on the top of a mountain near a gondola. In Switzerland, while the gondolas and trains make many beautiful spots accessible, they also attract crowds. But in this case, the gondolas had yet to open for the season, requiring a hike to reach the top and as a result, hopefully, fewer people.

But there’s one aspect of planning you can’t predict as easily as crowds – the weather. Leading up to their elopement day, the forecast was unpredictable. But because Arielel, Thomas, and I were no strangers to moody mountain climates, we were prepared with a back-up day just in case. A planning pro tip that paid off, as we had to switch things up due to some significant rain on the surrounding days.

On the backup day, the weather was much better, sunny and clear. And even with a moderately difficult hike laced with snow patches and pierced with cold temperatures, we still managed to soak up every single view we got, from the mountain peaks to the grazing cows to the valley below.

After a sweet ceremony, the newlyweds snacked on charcuterie at a lookout point, celebrating one of the most iconic elopement days to date. As dusk fell, we whipped out lanterns for some after-dark photography and then made our back down under a sky that was just as mesmerizing as every other view that day.

It was a dream.

Helping you answer, “Should we elope in Switzerland?”

When it comes to planning a destination elopement, it all truly depends on what you enjoy! Choosing to elope gives you a blank slate for what your day could look like – one minute you could be hiking a mountain and popping champagne at a lakeside picnic or saying “I do” at the courthouse and chowing down at your favorite pub. Your elopement location could be a place that is sentimental to you or a bucket list destination, but no matter the reason, make sure it has everything you’d want for your happiest day yet.

Here are a few reasons why a Switzerland elopement might be for you:

Nature enthusiasts, look no further for endless elopement locations. If you’re a mountain lover, a Swiss elopement might be the most iconic destination you could find. But the country's romance, charm, and beauty go far beyond just mountainscapes. Here’s a quick peek at the best places to elope in Switzerland and why they stand out from the rest:

Zermatt and the Matterhorn for world-class amenities and endless adventure! The Matterhorn is among the most photographed places in the country, so if you want quintessential Swiss views, look no further! But views like that will cost you both money and privacy.

Interlaken for the lake lovers and thrillseekers! Nestled in the west, Interlaken sits on two of the most stunning, blue glacial lakes with insane mountain views. Adrenaline junkies from far and wide flock here to paraglide, skydive, raft the white waters, and more.

Lauterbrunnen for all of the fairytale vibes! This valley has drastic mountain peaks, 72 waterfalls, and a village that feels like you’re stepping into The Lord of the Rings green screen. If you’re looking for a serene and lush nature-centric getaway, this is the elopement spot for you.

Egadine Valley for couples looking to go off the beaten path! You’ll find adorable hilltop villages, lesser-known hikes, and relaxing thermal baths in this region. There’s something for everyone – from the glitzy ski town of St. Mortiz to the pine forests of Graubünden.

Lake Lucerne for unique fjords and views! If you like variety in your views and activities, Lake Lucerne is calling your name. Hop on a historic paddle-wheel steamer as you cruise through its fjord-like landscape, taking in the truly epic Swiss Alps and lakeside towns along the way.

It’s the perfect honeymoon spot for travel fanatics. Otherworldly views, rich culture, romantic villages, super well-connected transit – it’s a bucket list vacation spot for sure! Why not turn your Swiss mountain elopement into a honeymoon retreat? Spend your days moseying around medieval towns like Stein Am Rhein, gasp at the sweeping views from the Breinz Rotham Railway, hike the infamous alpine views in Jungfraujoch, or bask in the newly married bliss at some of the most renowned resort spas in the world. A Swiss vacation is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so what better way to celebrate getting married?!
Epic photos are in abundance. Must I explain? I won’t lie, I’d move to Switzerland in a heartbeat. As a wedding photographer, it’s a dreamscape for the most insane backdrops I’ve ever seen. 10/10 recommend.
It’s the definition of laid-back luxury. While planning an elopement in Switzerland will likely cost you a pretty penny, it’s the ideal location if you’re a fan of splurging for the best. You’ll get the best of both worlds – an easy-going, outdoorsy atmosphere from their natural resources and an opulent ambiance with world-class resorts, spas, and restaurants.
You’re down to have a symbolic ceremony. While you can get legally married in Switzerland as a foreigner, the fees and paperwork pile up quickly. So if you’re okay with dealing with the legalities back home before jetting off for your symbolic Swiss ceremony, then let’s do it! If you want to be legally married on the day you elope, it might be better to steer clear of this plan.

Tips for planning your Switzerland elopement:

Just a note: Clearly I am not based in Switzerland (though I’d move there in a heartbeat)! So these are a collection of my experiences in the country combined with some insider tips from my local clients. However, I am a seasoned pro in mountain regions, so whether it is the Rocky Mountains or the Swiss Alps, I know how to navigate getting married in the mountains!

Have a Backup Day (or Multiple): Weather in Switzerland can be unpredictable, even in the summer. Flexibility is key, so plan for a backup day and even a backup location to ensure your elopement goes off without a hitch.
Choose the Right Season for You: For mountain elopements specifically, mid to late June is a great time for an elopement. The grass is green, the flowers are in bloom, and it’s just before the peak tourist season. July offers a better guarantee of good weather, but you’ll encounter more crowds. Of course, you can get married in Switzerland in the shoulder or off-seasons, but this might not be possible for mountain top elopements due to harsh weather conditions! But that doesn’t mean you can have a winter wonderland elopement with skiing and spa days, you just have to plan the right time for what you’re looking for.
Prepare for Varying Temperatures: Swiss weather can be chilly, even in the summer. Pack layers and be prepared for a range of temperatures, especially if you’re hiking or spending time at higher altitudes.
Do Your Research: Switzerland is known for its well-maintained trails and efficient public transportation, but it’s important to research the specifics of your chosen location. The Swiss love their rules and don’t have a problem letting you know if you’re out of line! Keep in mind that road accessibility isn’t always as straightforward as checking Google Maps, as some are permit-only roads. I’d recommend downloading All Trails maps for any hiking or backcountry adventures. And don’t forget to check into the schedules for gondolas and trains!
Give Yourself Time: Switzerland has so much to offer beyond its mountains. Plan a longer stay to make the most of your time there! I’ve found that two weeks is the *perfect* stay, allowing for down days to explore the charming towns and soak in the local culture while giving you plenty of buffer time in case you need to use your backup elopement days because of dicey weather!

Planning your own destination elopement in the mountains?

Switzerland comes highly recommended, but whatever mountain region is calling you — COUNT ME IN! If you’re looking to book a wedding and elopement photographer specializing in hiking and mountain elopements, tap the button below because I’m your girl!

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