Europe is a beautiful continent with stunning scenery, rich history, amazing culture, art and not forgetting the wonderful food and wine! There is really so much for you and your wedding guests to experience, before and after your Celebrant-led Ceremony! So in this short blog, I wanted to set out my own experiences and some reasons as to why you might choose Switzerland, Austria or Bavaria for your destination and adventure filled wedding or cosy elopement.
I have been so fortunate to have worked in the German speaking parts of Europe in the last few years, and with their open borders, excellent transport and travel routes, Europe has become a really popular destination for smaller weddings, and Elopements too!
So what is it about these countries that really stand out and make them such a bucket list destination? Well, for me, hands down it is the scenery. I adore mountains and lakes! But let’s dive a bit deeper, and also consider the impact we make when planning to celebrate with nature as the silent witness, and look at the highlights of each country!
Chocolate Box Switzerland: Where Majestic Mountains Meet Glacial Lakes
This country is so small, but unimaginably beautiful. I have been so fortunate to have visited several times, for weddings, and simply being a tourist myself, and it really is jaw droppingly beautiful. I want you to imagine exchanging your personally written vows in front of towering peaks of ancient mountains, or on a beach beside the clear waters of Lake Geneva, or standing amongst the lush green vineyards of the Lavaux region.
Switzerland offers a breathtaking backdrop for your outdoor wedding, and there are so many things to do and experience both before and after the ceremony. Many of my couples exchange private vows before their wedding vows with their guests, usually by taking a short hike to a secluded alpine meadow. They might then take a boat trip across one of the many lakes, or organise a picnic at a beauty spot they’ve discovered.
Austria: Where Romance and Alpine Charm meet and shake hands!
Austria really does make me feel I am Julie Andrews, stepping out into the lush green alpine meadows that ring with the sound of endless cow bells, wandering past charming half timbered houses in traditional villages, and the majestic Austrian Alps in the background. Isnt this an idyllic setting for your outdoor adventure wedding or elopement?
You might decide to exchange vows in a traditional Austrian Herrenhaus, a historical hunting lodge, and include fun, light-hearted wedding traditions like the Log Sawing Ritual, or the Sheet Cutting Ritual.
Weddings in Europe can of course be held all year round, however Autumn can be the perfect time to rent or buy your Dirdnl and join in the Oktoberfest Celebrations! Get in training for raising those Bierstein glasses, which weigh considerably more than we are used to!
For the more adventurous outdoorsy couple, why not take a hike to a secluded waterfall for an intimate ceremony, and then jump on a horse-drawn carriage and ride through the scenery waving at the passersby as if you’re royalty!
Bavaria: Embrace Beauty in the land of Fairytales
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I absolutely adore my weddings in Bavaria, everything just blends together to create a fairytale-like setting for your celebrations, with wedding guests, or if you simply decide to come together and experience this magic as you step into your marriage. Exchange your vows in front of Neuschwanstein Castle, yes – the Disney Castle itself, which sits high above the meadow in Schwangau. Bavaria was the home of Prussian Emperors for over 500 years, whose castles and hunting lodges offer a beautiful setting for your own celebrations. The incredible Linderhof, Hohenschwangau and Herrenchiemsee are simply too stunning to miss!
Germany’s highest mountain, die Zugspitze, at 2962 metres (I know this so well i dont even have to look it up anymore !) sits behind a beautiful glacial lake, Eibsee, and the smaller green lake, Frillensee. This is where many of my Elopements and intimate weddings are held, as the mountain backdrop is simply spectacular!
Again, hiking, cycling, swimming, paddle boarding and more are possible in this area and on the lake (which freezes completely in winter). I have so much love for this place, it really is unique, but can get busy, so I also recommend the Riessersee as this is on the opposite side of the Zugspitze, and a little quieter. The local area is stunning, with charming onion topped churches, endless walks and trails though meadows filled with flowers. And let’s not forget the cog wheel railways that chug regularly up and down the hills giving amazing panoramas, and the icy waterfalls and streams to refresh you on hot summer days.
So what’s the difference between all these gorgeous countries? The weather is 4 seasons, and beautiful at any time of year. The infrastructure is well serviced, local and regional trains are clean and run (mostly) on time, and each country has its own charm and beauty.
Well the main difference is how far your budget can stretch. Switzerland is probably the most expensive, followed by Austria which is also very close to prices in Germany for day to day items, food, drink, travel and accommodation. So for a €3.50 average cost of a capuccino in Germany and Austria expect to pay twice that in Switzerland. (Swiss tax rates are generally lower though which seems to drive prices up more so there is that!)
Taking that into consideration, might mean it is wise to choose local vendors and suppliers to assist you, and if you are considering any of these locations then do reach out to me as i am more than happy to share my experience, knowledge, and expertise with you.
My diary is open for autumn and winter 2024 and for 2025 too, so get in touch soon!
WhatsApp +447800543426 or email ivvey@hotmail.com
Happy Planning!
Warmest Wishes
Yvonne