LAKE OESCHINENSEE ELOPEMENT, SWITZERLAND OCTOBER 2024

Although a tiny country, Switzerland has everything a couple and their guests could wish for – stunning scenery, gastronomie and more activities than you can shake a stick at (or ski pole)  – and it was here again that we held a beautiful private elopement ceremony for our lovers who hail all the way from the USA,  at this amazing lake, which is so beautiful and famous, it has its’ own instagram page,  but which was, at this time of year, relatively quiet.  Eloping or holding a small intimate wedding in a small and highly visited country like Switzerland does make it very busy in the high season, so E and W really picked the perfect time, October, to decide to tie the knot.

Hair and make up was obviously something an eloping bride would not forgo – a chance to relax and be pampered, and to sip champagne too!  E’s result was simply perfect, with her Hollywood Waves and glamorous smoky eyes, and beautifully and carefully applied by Sinem.

She was delighted with her bouquet and the buttonhole in shades of peach, blush and cream with green eucalyptus accents.  Having held her bouquet for her for a few moments, it really did feel so precious and the scent was sublime!  All thanks to the wonderful work of the florist, bluetenhandwerk.ch

So after getting ready at their hotel in the heart of Kandersteg, which is essentially very close to the lake itself, and has fabulous views of the mountains,  I walked with gorgeous pair and our photographer and planner, Vanessza of Peach Perfect Weddings to the cable car which took us over 5,000 feet to the top of the lake.

Along the way, E and W took in the views as we climbed, and their photographer Cengiz snapped away, capturing all the excitement of what was about to happen as we reached the mountain top.

As we stepped out of the covered cable car, the cooler air hit, but it was only a few steps to the electric shuttle and a glorious ten minute zig zagging bumpy but hilarious ride down to the lakeside.  Wanderers and hikers, families and children waved and cheered us on our way!

This lake is famous for its’ beautiful colour, it’s elevation and often mystical cloud formations.  After a slightly damp morning, by the time we arrived, the clouds had moved on and our lovely couple arrived at the lake shore.  At this time of year people are still hiking, some are fishing, but as far as weddings go, everyone was so respectful and maintained a bit of discretionary distance from us.  I set up the “altar” which was in fact a huge stone, with a beautiful linen cloth, the glasses and wine for the Blending Ritual, and their Wedding Certificate, a symbolic reminder of their bond and their Vows.

They had allowed me the absolute privilege of creating a ceremony for them that they didnt want to read beforehand, which is something I am really honoured to be asked to do.  The trust they placed in me, was something I treasured, and the happy smiles on their faces afterwards was such a joy for me too.

We had the most amazing heartfelt Vows they had written themselves, and concluded with a Wine Blending Ritual, symbolising the differences and indivuality of each is as precious as the blending of their personalities and families as they step into their marriage.

After signing their keepsake Certificate, and enjoying the congratulations and warm wishes of everyone who passed we moved onto their afternoon photoshoot with Cengiz, returning later to their hotel for a beautiful dinner in luxurious surroundings, and views back to the mountain where they held their ceremony only hours before.

I am so grateful to have been a part of their day.

If you are inspired by this heartfelt couple and their story, and dream of a beautiful elopement or intimate ceremony in Europe or indeed in England, please let’s talk.  My diary is open for 2025 and 2026.  For those who are able to book early, by 31st March, there is a wonderful sweetener in my package for you too!

Contact me here: WhatsApp +447800543426, instagram @celebrant_yvonne or email ivvey@hotmail.com    Packages and prices are here