Imagine the land of high waterfalls, lush valleys, high and mighty mountain peaks, and some of the best train routes in the whole world. That land is called Switzerland, and it exists. Since we do a lot of our elopement photography in this stunning country, we are bringing you an article about the Switzerland elopement, something a lot of couples choose as a step into a new chapter of their relationship.
We have been Europe elopement photographer and videographer (you can find our work under the Love and Ventures name) for many years now, and Switzerland is one of our favorite countries for elopements in Europe. Even though we are from nearby Croatia, we do a lot of work all across Europe, so we travel to Switzerland quite a few times in a year.
Switzerland is the kind of place that looks like a dream, and we love its landscape. We love many other things about it too, but the landscape is the main backdrop for our elopement in Switzerland work, so it’ll always be number one when we speak about this central European country. So if you’re thinking about eloping in Europe, a Switzerland elopement will offer you more than just stunning scenery. It’ll offer peace, intimacy, and the chance to end up with the elopement experience you won’t forget for a long, long time.
Let’s see what makes Switzerland one of the most favorite countries to elope in Europe.
Why Choose Switzerland for Your Elopement? We are starting with just a few reasons why we believe Switzerland is a great country for elopements. Since we are from Croatia, and we do a lot of sea-themed elopements here, Switzerland is always a nice experience for us. Different. Life by the Adriatic Sea is beautiful, but it’s nice to exchange it for equally stunning mountains and valleys once in a while. Another thing we love so much about Switzerland is their sense of organization and punctuality. It’s something you have to experience for yourself to get it, but everything seems in place in Switzerland. Everything is so well organized that it’s almost hard to imagine.
Here’s what makes Switzerland a perfect country for elopement in Europe:
1. Breathtaking Scenery Year-Round
2. Intimate and Amazing Locations and Backdrops
3. World-Class Services and Hospitality
4. Great for Adventure or Relaxation
5. Elopement and honeymoon in one
Elopements are such a great experience because they often feel like a wedding and a honeymoon in one single experience. You’ll probably stay in Switzerland for a week or so, and the actual elopement will take just one day. The rest of your trip can pass in traveling and exploring this stunning country.
6. Perfect for easy travel and scenic road trips
Trains are the main means of transport in Switzerland and there is almost no place railway doesn’t reach. Traveling through Switzerland is not only easy, but also very scenic. Look for the Bernina Express, one of the most scenic train rides in the whole world. Then there are multiple mountain passes and other stunning road routes. Switzerland is a country made for great travel experiences.
Top Elopement Locations in Switzerland The whole of Switzerland is beautiful, but we like the alpine parts the most. A lot of our Switzerland elopement work is done in the Jungfrau region, one of the most famous Swiss regions. Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Top of Europe, Oeschinnensee, Bachalpsee, all of these are located in this region, which is one of the most visited parts of Switzerland. In the section below, we are going to present only a fraction of the most famous places to elope in Switzerland.
Zermatt & the Matterhorn
Lauterbrunnen Valley This is the place we work most at when documenting elopements in Switzerland. Often called the valley of waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is a magical place with high cliffs, wildflowers, and views of the Jungfrau. It’s a favorite for couples looking for a nature-based elopement. This place served as the inspiration for The Lord of the Rings Middle-earth, a series made by J.R.R. Tolkien, who visited Lauterbrunnen on many occasions.
Lake Geneva Region
Interlaken
Lucerne
St. Moritz or Davos
When to Elope in Switzerland The answer to this question largely depends on your preferences. Switzerland is a year-round destination when it comes to elopements and overall tourism as well. We would say that it’s equally visited in the summer as well as during the winter. But both of these periods offer different experiences. Think about what kind of Switzerland elopement you dream about? Is it a snowy fairytale, or on a meadow full of blooming flowers? Both of them are doable and will result in a perfect experience.
Winter elopements in Switzerland do have some limitations, and you might not be able to reach some places due to the snowfall, but it’s not something that should discourage you if you really want to elope in a snowy landscape. Here’s a short overview of the seasons in Switzerland so you know what to expect out of each:
Spring (April–June) : Melting snow reveals lush meadows and waterfalls.Summer (July–August) : Warm weather, blooming wildflowers, ideal for lake elopements and hiking.Autumn (September–October) : Crisp air, golden colors, fewer tourists.Winter (November–March) : Snowy romance, cozy chalets, great for snow elopements.
Legal or Symbolic Ceremony? We have been in the wedding and elopement industry for more than 10 years now, and most of them have had symbolic ceremonies. Even though Switzerland recognizes legal marriages for foreigners, the paperwork can be complex and time-consuming, so most couples choose a symbolic ceremony and handle the legal part in their home country. And we have to say that we love symbolic ceremonies because they are not as stiff as the legal ones and can be personalized in any way you want to. You can include vows, incorporate local traditions, and really end up with a one-of-a-kind experience.
Still, if you want to legally marry in Switzerland:
Apply through the local civil registry office
Expect translations, apostilles, and waiting periods
Be prepared to appear in person before the wedding
It’s best to start planning as early as possible in case of legal elopements in Switzerland. Don’t be discouraged by it, just expect some paperwork, and that’s it.
Tips for Planning a Switzerland Elopement As we are closing in on the end of this article about the elopement in Switzerland, with some tips that will help you with the planning process.
Hire a Skilled Photographer
Work with a Planner or Guide
Think About Altitude
Bring the Right Gear
Add Personal Touches
Go on a mutual adventure
Switzerland is a great country for all sorts of adventures, so why shouldn’t you join one? Helicopter rides, paragliding, rafting, kayaking, ziplines – there’s almost anything you can think of. You can include such activities on your elopement day or on any other day.
Think about buying a Swiss Pass
If you are going to travel a lot in Switzerland and you plan to use a lot of trains, then the Swiss Pass is a great thing for you. Not only does it cover most of the train rides in the country, but you’ll also get discounts on many other rides and attractions. Furthermore, there are special passes for each region, so you can, for example, buy a Jungfrau Pass that will cover all the train and cable car rides in the region.
Before You Venture to Elopement in Switzerland We are sure that you like what you have seen and read in this article. We hope that it was helpful for you, too, and that it gave you useful insights about the magic called Switzerland elopement . It’s the ultimate country or nature-based elopement in Europe and a dream for all hikers and outdoor enthusiasts out there. If you would like to get even more inspiration and read a few real Swiss elopement stories, we suggest you visit our Switzerland elopement photography and videography website and learn more about us and our style.
See you in Switzerland!
