Table of Contents:
- Why Elope in the Swiss Alps?
- 5 Prettiest Places to Elope in the Swiss Alps
- Lucerne
- Interlaken
- Appenzell
- Jungfraujoch
- Swiss National Park
- How to Legally Get Married in Switzerland
- Swiss Alps Elopement Photographer
I honestly don’t know if there could be ANYTHING more romantic than running off to the mountains of Switzerland with your best friend, ready to tie the knot and dance through the alpine landscapes and explore all the charming little Swiss mountain towns. A dream, right?? If you’re not already dying to do just that, you sure will be by the end of this guide to eloping in the Swiss Alps. I’ve got all kinds of breathtaking places on this list that will have you ready to hop on a plane ASAP, so get your backpacks (and your wallets) ready—time to learn all about why you should plan a Swiss Alps elopement and how to actually do it!
Where are the Swiss Alps?
First, let’s get oriented: the Swiss Alps are, well, the Alps in Switzerland, located to the south of the Swiss Plateau. The boundary between the Plateau and the Alps runs along the shores of Lake Geneva all the way to Lake Constance, if you want to get technical about it. This massive alpine region of Switzerland covers a whopping 60% of Switzerland’s surface area, encompassing most of the highest peaks in the country! They’re often divided into two ranges: the Western Alps and the Eastern Alps. Some of the major cities in the Swiss Alps that you might recognize include Basel, Geneva, Lucerne, and Zurich!
Why Elope in the Swiss Alps?
Uhhh do I really need to tell you why you should elope in the Swiss Alps? They’re literally heaven on earth!! With 48 stunning mountain peaks, about a bajillion alpine lakes, and all sorts of wildlife, the alps are an ACTUAL paradise for mountain lovers. I truly don’t think you could ever have enough time in the alps with the insane amount of places there are to explore, from towering peaks to charming little Swiss villages, from peaceful blue lakes to forested valleys. . . everywhere you look you basically get the most breathtaking panoramic views you will ever see in your life. There’s a reason the Swiss Alps are so famous—plus they’re absolutely magical at any time of year, from sunny summers to cozy winters!
5 Prettiest Places to Elope in the Swiss Alps
I could go on forever and ever about how many gorgeous places there are to elope in the Swiss Alps, you really can’t go wrong. But to make it a little easier for you, I’ve narrowed down a list of 5 spectacular locations to start with!
1. Lucerne
First up is Lucerne, an iconic city in Central Switzerland, just a 45-minute train ride from Zurich. Known for its picturesque Old Town (Altstadt), proximity to the mountains, and quaint mountain town experience, it’s an incredibly romantic place to spend a day or two during your trip. You don’t even have to plan anything specific—literally just walk around the cute little streets, eat at local restaurants, admire the medieval architecture and you’ll be all set. Although if you do want to go on a bit of an adventure, you can take the gondola up Mount Pilatus to get some of the most spectacular views of Lucerne!
2. Interlaken
Lakes, glaciers, trains, caves, mountain villages. . . Interlaken has it all and is the DREAM place to elope in the Swiss Alps. It’s an amazing place to start your trip if you want to explore the Bernese Oberland region, where you’ll find over 800 (!!) lakes and never ending snow-capped peaks. Interlaken is accessible year-round by road and rail, so I definitely recommend taking advantage of the scenic railway and booking a ride! You could spend your time exploring the old town, shopping in Hoheweg, taking a cruise on the lake itself, or exploring stalactite caves above Lake Thun. The options are seriously ENDLESS.
3. Appenzell
Appenzell is the cutest little town in northeastern Switzerland that’ll make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. You’ll find lush hills, rustic barns, rolling pastures (with plenty of cows!), old-fashioned cheese-making demonstrations, and folk museums, along with obviously gorgeous views. It’s one of the more unique, remote places on this list that wouldn’t necessarily be considered one of the most “popular” or well-known towns in the Alps, but it’s so worth it for the one-of-a-kind experience you get!
4. Jungfraujoch
Also known as the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe, standing at nearly 3,500 meters above sea level. It offers insane views of the Swiss Plateau going all the way to France, the Black Forest, and the Aletsch Glacier, and is one of the major highlights of the Jungfrau Region. Snow and ice covers this magical winter wonderland 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so the panoramic views never disappoint—you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into your own Disney fairytale (Frozen, anyone?).
5. Swiss National Park
Finally we have the Swiss National Park, which encompasses a big chunk of the Western Rhaetian Alps and offers over 60 miles of pristine trails, all abundant with wildlife, vibrant flowers, and jaw-dropping views, of course! It’s actually the oldest national park in Europe, founded way back in 1914, and boasts a wide variety of ways to experience its natural beauty for every level of hiker, from beginner trail goer to pro trekker. Hiking trails are closed from mid-November to mid-May due to snow, so make sure to plan accordingly!
How to Legally Get Married in Switzerland
Onto the legal stuff! You’ve essentially got two options when it comes to tying the knot in Switzerland: go through the process of getting a Swiss marriage license, or get legally married at home beforehand and have a symbolic ceremony in the Alps. A symbolic ceremony is just a ceremony that leaves out the legal stuff and you’ll have already gotten legally married in your home country first—so it’s a lot simpler of a process, although no less special!
If you do want to get legally married in Switzerland as US citizens, you’ll need the following documents:
- A copy of your birth certificate, translated into German, French, or Italian, issued within the last sixth months
- Valid US passport
- Affidavit of civil status, executed before a US consular officer or public notary in the US
To learn more about fees, document translations, and witnesses, reach out to the civil registrar of the town where you’re planning to elope! You can also learn more at the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland & Lichtenstein website here.
Swiss Alps Elopement Photographer
So you’re looking for a Swiss Alps elopement photographer to document your magical, once-in-lifetime adventure through these majestic mountains. . . someone who will help you plan your itinerary, encourage you to plan your dream adventure, and capture your love every step of the way. Hi, it’s me! I can’t wait to give you the elopement experience of your dreams, reach out here and let’s make it happen!
Destination Elopement Guides
If you’re still on the hunt for your perfect elopement destination, I’ve got a few more places I’d recommend—check out my guides to eloping in Scotland, Florence, and on the coast of Europe below!
