Introduction
My favorite hidden gem in Europe is the Chamonix- Mont-Blanc region of France! Located in the French Alps, near the Swiss border, Chamonix-Mont Blanc is perfect for couples wanting an easily accessible town to elope in with stunning mountain views and easy spots to eat after! Chamonix is great for a wide range of budgets with options to go all out in Luxury, or a small and perfect mountain top celebration!
Table of Contents
- Where is Chamonix
- Why you should elope in the French Alps
- FAQ’s about eloping in Europe
- The best elopement locations in Chamonix
- When to get married in the French Alps
- Where to stay in Chamonix
- European Elopement Photographer
- European Elopement Packages
- Final Tips for eloping in France
- More European Elopement Resources
1: Where is Chamonix, Mont Blanc?
Hidden in the beautiful European Alps, Chamonix is a small mountain town in France, but close to the Swiss border! Chamonix is home to the tallest peak in Europe, Mont Blanc, and is a known tourist town for those into mountaineering and skiing! The town itself is a picturesque European village, surrounded by huge mountain peaks. It’s easily accessible from Geneva, Switzerland.
Closest Major Cities/Towns:
Once you’re in Europe, it’s pretty easy to get around! Public transportation is abundant in Europe and very reliable, but sometimes you still want a car depending on the activities you have planned! Here are some of the closest major cities! Since Chamonix is in France, you may have some informal border crossings. You should have your passport on hand, but sometimes they don’t check or stamp your passport!
- Driving Time From Geneva, Switzerland: 1 hour
- Driving Time From Milan, Italy: 4 Hours
- Driving Time From Lyon, France: 2.5 hours
How to Get to Chamonix-Mont Blanc
Closest Major Airports:
These are the closest major airports when flying into Chamonix!
- Geneva Airport: Driving Time: 1.5 hours
- Milan Airport: Driving Time: 4.5 hours
How to take public transportation to Chamonix
If you’re avoiding driving in Europe, there’s still a few ways to get to Chamonix by public transportation! From Geneva, the bus is the fastest and easiest way! You can get on the bus at the airport (1 hour 15min) or from the central bus station in Geneva (1 hour.) Its about 20 euros and a full bus!
Train is also an option from Geneva, but turns into a 3.5 hour journey with multiple transfers and it’s closer to 90 euros.
If you’re not driving, I recommend taking the bus! It still has luggage storage, and great views while you drive into the Alps!
2: Why Should You Elope in the French Alps?
If you’re obsessed with mountains like I am, heading to the Alps is a no brainer! Unlike spots like The Dolomites, Chamonix and Mont Blanc are a lot more of a hidden gem. You’ll still meet some tourists, but odds are you’ll have a more intimate experience. Mont Blanc has some stunning views, but the town itself is also so fun to hang out in! There’s plenty of restaurants and little shops with gorgeous views. It’s easy to get to and a beautiful place to say “I do!”
3: FAQ’s About Eloping in Europe
Answer any FAQ’s about this venue that a couple may be wondering about. Oftentimes websites will have FAQ’s that you can paraphrase or that can help you get an idea of what couples typically ask.
Where is the easiest place to Elope in europe?
Chamonix, Mont Blanc in France is an easy spot to get to and say “I do”!
Can Americans elope in Europe?
Yes! Sometimes it’s easier to do all the legal paperwork at your local courthouse and have the celebrations in Europe.
How can Americans get married in Europe?
If you don’t want to get legally married in the states, you usually still can in Europe, but it’s a bit more tricky. Depending on the country, you need valid passports, birth certificates, documents completed in the local language, etc.
Where to get married in France?
Mer de Glace and Mont Blanc by Chamonix have beautiful locations to get eloped!
Is Mont Blanc expensive?
As a tourist town, Mont Blanc- Chamonix can be expensive, but you can find relatively inexpensive accommodation and shop at grocery stores to spend less on food!
Where to elope in the Alps?
Chamonix- Mont Blanc is a beautiful hidden gem in the French Alps!
Where to elope in Europe?
If you’re looking for a mountainous European location, Chamonix in the French Alps is the perfect spot to get married in!
4: Best Locations/Hikes/Spots for Your French Alps Elopement
Some of my favorite spots in Chamonix! They range in accessibility and how you view each spot! Everywhere always has a stunning mountain!
1. Mer de Glace
Mer de Glace is accessible by a little red train and takes you up to a pointy mountain peak, or you can hike down to the glacier! It’s a quick, 15-20min train ride with stunning views!
2. Mont Blanc
You can go up to Mont Blanc by gondola! There’s a few stops depending on wind and weather. It gets you closer to Mont Blanc itself, and there’s room to spread out and take in the views!
3. Lac-des Gaillands
This lake is in the valley of Chamonix with beautiful views of the mountains! You can park and walk around the lake. It’s great for people that don’t want to travel too far up but still get mountain views!
5: The Best Time of Year to Get Married in the French Alps
Since it’s the alps, getting married during mountain season is important! Snow doesn’t usually clear until Mid June, and weather can start getting rocky in late October. If you want a snowy wedding day, it’s still accessible in the winter since it’s a ski town, but it’s up to your preference!
Chamonix Weather
Located in the Alps, it never gets too hot because of the elevation! Eloping in September may be your best bet since it’s close to a shoulder season, but not at a point where weather could be affecting the accessibility of certain trails you may want to explore!
Chamonix Crowds
Summer will always be the most popular for tourists, but Europe tends to be fairly crowded year round! Shoulder season in September/ October would be your best bet for some quieter days!
6: Where to Stay Near Chamonix-Mont Blanc
Here’s a wide range of places to stay in Chamonix! Depending on the vibe you’re going for, if you want friends/family to stay with you, or need a picturesque location for getting ready/dinner photos, check these out!
Airbnbs/VRBOs
Small European Chalet $92 USD a night
Cute Apartment in Chamonix $77 USD a night
Large Luxury Chateau $1600 USD a night
Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts
Plan B Hotel $125 USD a night
Heliopic Hotel and Spa $115 USD a night
Alpina Eclectic Hotel $104 USD a night
7: European Elopement Photographer
Hey!! I’m Meghan, an American born, European living elopement photographer! I grew up in the states and photographed small weddings for years before moving to Europe to explore this new continent! I love helping American clients elope abroad, help answer any questions you have about the European planning process, while still knowing American culture when it comes to elopements! I can’t wait to meet you in Europe!
8: European Elopement Packages
All of my European Elopement Packages include my travel, a welcome box with my European elopement guide, a location guide with how to get around, my favorite spots in the area you choose, where to stay, and vendors! You have the option to add on film and super 8, or more in depth travel planning! We’ll spend our time together exploring Europe and making a whole vacation out of it!
9: Final Tips for Eloping in France
I’m here to help! Make sure you’re bringing your passports, having a couple of credit cards, as well as local currency in Europe! Learning a few French phrases may be helpful, but most people speak English in this touristy part of town! Double check your travel itinerary!
10: European Wedding Inspiration / More Europe Wedding Planning Resources
I’ve loved exploring Europe! If Chamonix is your spot, or you’re looking for a few more options, here’s some other articles you should check out!
18 European Costal Wedding Locations
