How to Elope in Switzerland in 2025
Last updated: December 21, 2024
This will be the best moment of your life.
Thinking about ditching the big wedding chaos for something epic? Switzerland is where it’s at. Picture this: giant snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes as vibrant as your personalities, and you two, madly in love, doing things your way. Let’s get you two hitched in the land of mountain dreams. Here’s everything you need to know to pull it off.
Table of contents:
Things to know when eloping in Switzerland
Budgets for eloping in Switzerland in 2025
Transportation in Switzerland
Best time to visit Switzerland
Best elopement locations in Switzerland
Accommodation in Switzerland
Activities in Switzerland (for eloping, or just for fun)
To-do list
Tessa +Dante's 3-day elopement
- The locations in Switzerland are straight-up legendary! Think towering peaks, villages that come straight out of a Brothers Grimm book, and meadows that look like they were hand-painted by Bob Ross. If you're into waterfalls, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is basically the supermodel of waterfall spots, with options ranging from misty cascades to towering free-falls. You'll find lakes so blue they look Photoshopped (but I don't touch the colours, I swear they're real!) and places where you can walk in the snow in mid-July. You will feel like you're dreaming, but it's all legit.
- Book your photographer and accommodation first, because these are booked sometimes more than a year ahead! If you need vendor recommendations, your photographer should be able to help you out with those things. I suggest chatting with/booking your photographer before setting specific dates and booking accommodation, because your photographer can help you with finding the best areas for you to look since they have local knowledge.
- The weather can be crazy. Don't forget you're in the mountains here. The highest guarantee for the best weather is in the summer, but still there is no guarantee on anything. It can be windy and cold, you can get a snow storm in the middle of summer, or it can be just plain wet and rainy. I don't want to scare you off at all, this is just the reality of eloping in the mountains. Prepare for anything, and do some sun dances leading up to the day. Misty mountains also look very cool, you can have some really moody photos as an outcome.
- Rent a car, and be careful about what you're renting. Most of the cheap cars are manual transmission, and I don't recommend learning how to drive that in a foreign country. Make sure to filter on automatic if you need that. If you end up with an electric car, there are plenty of chargers along the way. Just make sure to ask the rental company if you should download any apps to use at the chargers, and add your credit car to them ahead of time. Watch out for crazy drivers, there's lots of those over here! And a heads-up: there are speed cameras, and the fines are hefty.
- If you choose to take public transit, you can still get to a lot of places. But you won't be able to explore much beyond the major tourist hubs, so I don't recommend it.
- Learn some basic (Swiss) Italian and/or German and/or French...depending on where you're going. That's right, they speak 3 languages there. Get on Duolingo, bring a translator, "German for Dummies"; whatever works for you. Some basic phrases may come in handy because you won't always find English speakers, especially outside tourist centers. And even if you don't need to use it, the locals always appreciate a little language effort!
- You will be able to get around using your credit card, aside from at some more remote huts. To avoid fees and bad conversion rates, I highly recommend using Wise or Revolut. They are both free to use, Wise is probably a bit cheaper overall, but Revolut is more known. I use both and am super happy with them! They don't charge fees for international charges like credit cards, they use a very good conversion rate, they give you cash back for keeping money in the account, and they are the cheapest way to transfer money to people internationally (say, your photographer)! You can use my referral codes if you do need to transfer money internationally, and want a first free transfer:
Wise
Revolut
Heads up; I'm not affiliated with either, they have just made my life a lot easier when travelling and for accepting payments, so I'm stoked to support them. - If you're hiking, download an offline map like Organic Maps or Maps.Me. They will help you with pinning trail locations so you can plan your hiking routes, and even can tell you how long they will take, elevation, and water stops. Recently, I've found Maps.Me to be inaccurate for time estimations (way over estimating) so be cautious and compare with what you find online.
Good things to know when eloping in Switzerland:
It's difficult to elope "cheap" in Switzerland, because it's just an expensive country. That being said, you can still make it more budget friendly, if you need to. Check out XE.com to find the conversion rates for your currency, where they use Swiss Francs (not the Euro). I will use USD in my prices.
Budgets for eloping in Switzerland in 2025:
The costs of just being there (Approx. $3,000–$10,500):
- Flights to Switzerland (from North America: $600–$1,500 per person).
- Rental car or camper van ranges from $85–$160/day, plus gas/electricity ($7–$8/gallon or $10-$50 for a full charge home vs supercharger) and parking fees.
- Hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs: $110–$500+/night
- Camping or camper van stays: $20–$45/night.
- Groceries: $55–$110 for a few days-week of essentials.
- Dining out: Around $30–$45 per meal per person for casual dinner spots, and more for fancier dining.
Elopement-Specific Costs (Approx. $6,800–$12,000):
- Photographer: $6,000–$10,000+ (depending on hours, experience, whether they offer some form of planning, and travel coverage).
- Hair & Makeup: $500-$800 for on-location services.
- Bouquet/Floral Design: $100–$300 for a bouquet, boutonniere, and maybe a head piece
- Outfits: Dress, suit, and accessories — costs vary depending on how extra you want to go, and most likely you will get these at home anyway.
Optional Add-ons to Make It Extra Special:
- Glacier hike ($160–$270 per person).
- Ice cave tour ($160–$220 per person).
- Helicopter ride for next-level views ($330–$1,100 per person).
- Officiant or Celebrant (optional): $1,100+.
- Videographer: $3,300–$6,600.
- Elopement Planner: $1,200-$5000 if you want someone to handle the logistics.
- Live Music: A local musician (alphorn or violinist) costs around $220–$550.
- Adventure Gear: Snowshoes, sleds, or other gear rentals are $25–$55/person.
In the summer, renting is easy, nothing to worry about (aside from making sure to get automatic if you need it). Renting a car during winter, though, can be daunting. Make sure your rental company can put winter tires on your car, and if you're not overly comfortable driving in the snow, opt for a 4WD or AWD vehicle.
Public transport is also not too bad. You can get pretty much anywhere quite easily! On your wedding day, though, do you really want to wait for the train and carry around a bunch of extra things? Probably not. So I really recommend renting a car for at least 3 days to ensure you can get around without worry on your wedding day.
Hot tip: download Waze for driving directions. There are a few hidden speed cameras along the way, and if you turn the volume on, Waze will tell you when they are coming up! If you need data, you can get an e-sim from companies like RedteaGo. It will be a lot cheaper than roaming!
How to get around in Switzerland in 2025:
Best Time to Visit Switzerland in 2025:
Spring (April–May)
Spring in Switzerland is when the country wakes up from its snowy slumber. The ski season slowly winds down, mountain streams swell with fresh snowmelt, and wildflowers start popping up everywhere. Temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) in the lowlands, but up in the Alps, it’s still chilly, and you can even ski at higher elevations until late April. Spring is known for its unpredictable weather; one minute it’s sunny, the next you’re caught in a random rain shower...but it's not so bad, because at least the waterfalls won't disappoint, especially in Lauterbrunnen. It’s also shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation, and a much more relaxed vibe in the cities and countryside.
Summer (June–August)
Switzerland in the summer is delightful. The lakes are crystal clear, the hiking trails are endless, and the temperatures are warm but never too hot, ranging from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F) in the lowlands. If you love the outdoors, this is your season. You can swim in Lake Geneva, paraglide over Interlaken, hike in Zermatt, or just soak up those unreal alpine views with a picnic of fresh bread and Swiss cheese. That being said, summer is peak tourist season, so expect crowds in popular spots like Lucerne, the Matterhorn, and Jungfraujoch. Hotels book up fast, so planning ahead is key. Festivals are also in full swing; think the Montreux Jazz Festival, open-air cinema nights, and, of course, Switzerland’s National Day on August 1st. The one thing to watch out for? Afternoon thunderstorms. They roll in fast, especially in the mountains, but they’re usually gone just as quickly.
Autumn (September–October)
If you want all the beauty of Switzerland without the summer crowds, autumn is your time to shine. The temperatures cool down (8°C to 20°C / 46°F to 68°F), and the landscapes turn into a mix of golden forests, deep red vineyards, and misty lakes. September is still technically summer until the end, and you can feel it, but by October, the real autumn magic begins. My favourite time to be here is mid-September until late October, I love the fall colours. By November, winter starts creeping in, with chilly mornings and the first snowfalls in the Alps. Mountain passes begin to close, and ski resorts start gearing up for the season.
Winter (November–March)
Switzerland in winter gives snow globe-vibes. Think Après ski chalets, frozen lakes, twinkling Christmas markets, and steaming mugs of glühwein. Temperatures drop to -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), but it’s totally worth layering up because this is when Switzerland shines. Ski season kicks off in December and peaks in January and February, with resorts like Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Verbier drawing in winter sports lovers from all over the world. There are also opportunities for sledding, snowshoeing, scenic train rides (the Glacier Express), and just cozying up in a Swiss mountain hut with a hot chocolate. After the holidays, things quiet down, making late January and February ideal if you want fewer crowds but still crave that snow globe scenery.
Zermatt + Matterhorn Mountain
Anyone else remember that ride at Disneyland? Well this is the real deal! This is THE place if you want that classic Switzerland vibe. charming mountain chalets, flower-filled meadows, and one of the most recognizable mountains in the world as your backdrop. The Matterhorn looks insane from every angle, but you can level up your elopement by saying your vows on a glacier, hiking to a remote alpine lake, or even taking a helicopter ride over the peaks. You gotta know where exactly to go, though, because not all viewpoints are created equal!
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Best Elopement Locations in Switzerland for 2025:
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is basically the Rivendell of Switzerland—a valley filled with 72 waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and those classic green meadows dotted with cozy little huts. There really is nowhere else in the world that can beat these fairytale vibes...Hallstatt (Austria) takes a close second, but the amount of tourists vs actual walking pathway kind of kills it. But anyway, there are some truly beautiful spots here, even outside of the instagram photo, but I wouldn't base your whole day here.
Seealpsee
If you want an intimate, off-the-beaten-path elopement spot, Seealpsee in Appenzell is a total hidden gem. Picture rolling green hills, jagged peaks, and a calm mountain lake, all with way fewer crowds than the more famous spots. The area is also known for its adorable Swiss farmhouses and traditional culture, so it has that authentic, small-town Switzerland feel. The hike in isn't too bad, either! You can rent a cute rowboat here if you stay the night, and sunrise is spectacular.
Oeschinen Lake (Oeschinensee)
Oeschinen Lake is one of the most jaw-dropping lakes in Switzerland, and that’s saying something. The water is shockingly turquoise, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and alpine meadows that make the whole place feel wild and untouched. It’s the kind of spot that looks fake in photos, but it’s 100% real. You can get here via gondola or by hiking, and it's well worth the visit. There are a lot of tourists, though, so you need to know when to go!
Bachalpsee
Bachalpsee is one of those places that looks straight out of a dream. It’s a serene alpine lake with crystal-clear water that perfectly reflects the surrounding peaks, including the legendary Eiger. If you’re looking for a spot that’s breathtaking yet peaceful, this is it. Plus, the hike to get there is pretty easy, making it perfect for couples who want a relaxed adventure elopement without an extreme trek. Just take a gondola and hike for an hour. Not so bad, right? It makes it a little quieter than most other tourist destinations, because by sunrise/set, most people aren't there.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald is exactly what you picture in your head when you think of Switzerland; cows, fields, wood cabins, and surrounded by some of the most breathtaking peaks in the Alps. If you want an elopement that feels both authentic and adventurous, Grindelwald is the place. With towering mountains like Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in the background, it’s an ideal spot for couples looking for that classic Swiss Alps vibe, but with the added bonus of an adorable village to explore afterward.
And there are so many others! Both highlights, and random spots. Your photographer and/or planner should be able to help you find the best place for you and whatever it is that you want/require. You just need to tell them what your goal is, whether it's hiking, taking a gondola, driving with photo stops, staying in huts, quiet places... everyone has different things in mind and "non-negotiables".
This is a huge part of the reason you hire experts; not just for beautiful photos, but to help you with the most seamless experience possible, tips and tricks you can't find on your own, and overall professionalism.
The Engadin Valley
If you love those beautiful autumn colours, the Engadin Valley is where it’s at. This region is home to pristine lakes, rolling meadows, and the famous town of St. Moritz, making it the perfect mix of wild nature and luxurious Swiss charm. The valley is stunning year-round, but especially magical in autumn, when the golden larch trees light up the landscape.
There are so many options. Many are what you would normally book, a hotel or Airbnb, but you can book some really unique places here.
You've got some choices of yurts, mountain huts (rifugios/hütte), hotels, glamping and various other forms of camping.
If you're up for adventure, but still wanting the luxury and comfort for your elopement day, I recommend trying out a mountain hut or two. Where I'm from in Vancouver, we don't have so many of these. If you're going into the mountains, you better bring a tent and your own food, because you're lucky if there's an outhouse. Here, you can hike into the "wilderness" without much of anything, and end up at a place where you get warm food, showers, and comfortable enough beds. Many places even have private rooms and fancy duvet covers.
Glamping is a big thing here. There are some really cool mini A-frame cabins (just with beds, nothing else), yurts, and canvas tents that you can stay in. You can sometimes choose to get certain meals included here too, cook yourself, or eat out.
If you want to enjoy, relax, and do a bit more of a "typical" stay here, I recommend trying out a 4 or 5 star spa hotel. Spa hotels are really big here, everyone loves their saunas and steam baths. Just a heads-up (not everyone knows this), people here do go full-on naked in the saunas, and it's totally normal. I know we're talking about Switzerland here, but the Finnish will even have business meetings in the sauna. Crazy, right? But anyway, if you choose for a spa hotel, don't forget to do your cold shower after you hit up the sauna. It's invigorating!
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Accommodation in Switzerland in 2025:
So, you can:
- Ride a Scenic Train Through the Alps
Switzerland’s scenic trains aren’t just transportation, they’re moving postcards through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Picture yourself sipping Swiss wine in a panoramic train car, watching snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and storybook villages roll past your window. Some trains, like the Glacier Express, have gourmet dining on board, so you can literally toast your new adventure while crossing the Alps. - Take a Helicopter Ride Over the Matterhorn
Seeing the Matterhorn from the ground is already unreal. A helicopter ride lets you experience the full scale and drama of the Swiss Alps, soaring over glaciers, deep valleys, and rugged peaks. Many helicopter tours even include a glacier landing, where you can step out, take epic photos, and even pop a bottle of champagne at over 3,000 meters altitude. You can find another article I've written about helicopter elopements here. - Hike to a Secluded Mountain Lake
Switzerland’s alpine lakes are super blue, green, or blue-green depending on the day. The contrast with the scenery around makes them so amazing in photos with an elopement dress, especially during autumn. If you’re up for a short but stunning hike, Bachalpsee near Grindelwald offers one of the most magical views of the Swiss Alps; a still, mirror-like lake with the snow-capped peaks perfectly reflected. For something more remote, Lac de Louvie in Valais is a quiet mountain lake where you might see more ibex than people. And if you want dramatic turquoise water surrounded by cliffs, Oeschinensee is unbeatable (you can even rent a rowboat there for extra romance). - Paraglide Over Interlaken
Ever dreamed of soaring like a bird over the mountains? Paragliding over Interlaken is an adrenaline rush mixed with pure serenity. The flight starts from a high mountain launch point, where you and your tandem pilot will take off, floating high above two stunning lakes (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz), lush green valleys, and snow-dusted peaks. But don’t worry; paragliding isn’t just for thrill-seekers! It’s surprisingly calm and peaceful, with a gentle glide that lets you take in the incredible scenery. You can even do it together as a couple, launching at the same time for an unforgettable, shared experience. I used to do it as a kid, it's really relaxing once you're up there! - Have a Private Fondue Picnic in the Mountains
Nothing says Switzerland like melting cheese with a mountain view. Many local guides and farms offer private fondue experiences, where they set up everything for you; outdoors, on a mountain, surrounded by Alpine scenery. If you want to DIY it, grab a portable fondue set and head to a secluded spot like Lauterbrunnen Valley, Zermatt, or the shores of Lake Geneva. Melt Swiss cheese over a small burner, dip fresh bread, sip local wine, and enjoy one of the most romantic meals of your life. Bonus points if you bring Swiss chocolate for dessert! And if you're a vegan like myself, there are vegan fondues out there, don't worry! You won't miss out. - Explore a Glacier & Go Ice Caving
Switzerland’s glaciers are otherworldly, and some even have natural ice caves. The Rhône Glacier has a famous ice tunnel, where you can walk through a glowing blue cave carved into the ice. The Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps, offers guided hikes across its frozen landscape. - Take a Cable Car to a Viewpoint
Not everyone wants to hike up a mountain; and luckily, Switzerland’s cable cars make it easy to reach some of the most breathtaking viewpoints with zero effort. One of the best? Gornergrat, where you’ll get a panoramic view of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Another must-see is Schilthorn (Piz Gloria), a rotating restaurant with 360° views of the Alps. If you want an extra thrill, head to Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge, hanging 3,041 meters above the valley. - Go Wine Tasting in the Lavaux Vineyards
Switzerland’s wine culture is a hidden gem, and the Lavaux vineyards along Lake Geneva are absolutely stunning. The vineyards cascade down the hills, creating a dreamy setting for a relaxed afternoon of wine, cheese, and lake views. Take a vineyard hike, do a wine tasting at a family-run winery, or even book a private boat tour on the lake with a glass in hand.
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Activities in Switzerland for Your Elopement:
- Research and Choose a Location: I've given you a few pointers above, the rest is up to you. If you need any help, reach out to photographers and/or planners in the area, hiring locals is always the best choice!
- Hire a Photographer and Planner before any other Vendors: They are the first ones to get booked up, along with venues, so they should be the first ones you contact so they can help you pick your exact date. Photographers should help you with itinerary creation for the day, locations, packing lists, vendor recommendations, and those sorts of things. Planners can help you book logistical things, hotels/huts, venues, and gift further vendor recommendations + booking all of those things for you. They ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. If you're not sure which vendors you need, check out this useful resource.
- Choose a Season and a Date: I've already told you what you need to know, so choose a season, or month, and chat with your photographer or planner about a specific date. If you are planning a multi-day elopement, here are 7 reasons why you won't regret it.
- Book Transportation: If you're renting a car. Public transport can be booked closer to the date, but I still recommend booking any trains/buses from out of the country (or from far Swiss cities) at least a month in advance.
- Hire Other Professional Services: Whatever you haven't hired yet, don't leave it too last minute! You can book a videographer, florist, hair and makeup, decorators if you have a venue, stationary designer + printer, private chef, tour guides, and whatever else you need. If you hire a planner, she or he will book all of this for you.
Pro tip: Check out this free Ultimate 2025 Elopement Guide and remember to consult with professionals who can provide specific guidance based on your chosen location in Switzerland.
They will be able to assist you with the intricate details and ensure a seamless elopement experience amidst the majestic mountains. It's the best way to make your elopement stress-free!
To-do list before Eloping in Switzerland
Need more information?
- Check Legal Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements for getting married in Switzerland, if you want to do that. Contact the local municipality or consulate to understand the necessary documents, timelines, and any specific regulations, since they're a bit different everywhere. Hot tip: get married at home, and have a symbolic ceremony in Italy. It will save you a lot of grey hairs!
- Plan the Ceremony and Vows: Decide on the details of your ceremony, any rituals, or any unique elements you want to include. Consider the surroundings and the natural beauty of Switzerland to inspire your ceremony "design". With the epic backdrop, you probably won't need much, or anything at all! But it is important to include things that are dear to your heart, whether it's something physical or it's the words that come from deep within your heart.
- Optional: Invite Family and Friends (for a video call): If you've really been dreaming of eloping, but still want your family and friends to be present (read blog post on this topic here), feel free to invite a few people along, or make sure everyone has a link to a video call. Get an e-sim and make sure you get a plan with enough data for the call to last! Or make sure you've got a videographer present.
- Enjoy the Experience: Make sure you've read the 2025 Elopement Checklist, so that on your actual elopement day, you can fully take the time to soak in the beauty of the Dolomites. Allow yourself to be present in the moment and celebrate your love in this breathtaking setting. Get emotional, get crazy, and marry that partner of yours!
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