1 epic multi day story: how to plan both an intimate mountain elopement and a luxory zermatt wedding
written by a Zermatt wedding photographer and elopement planner
zermatt wedding photographer
(Scroll down to see a small selection of photos, curated by the couple, of their wedding days)
Are you torn between an intimate mountain elopement and a big wedding celebration with your favourite people? Many couples planning a wedding in Zermatt feel they have to choose: the epic, intimate adventure or the traditional wedding party.
But what if you didn’t have to?
As a Zermatt wedding photographer and Swiss elopement experience planner, I specialise in helping couples to create a “best of both worlds” experience (together with a local wedding planner for the big wedding). Today I’m sharing the story of a couple who chose it all – a private, stargazing elopement on the mountain and a high-energy, music-filled mountain wedding in Zermatt.
zermatt wedding photographer
An intimate elopement with Northern lights magic
For their mountain top elopement they ditched the crowds and took the mountain train to stay overnight at high altitude. They had the entire landscape to themselves for a sunset hike and vow exchange.
As a mountain elopement photographer, my approach is never about “posing” for hours. Instead I focus on the experience. While they enjoyed the sunset moment I was there to capture the genuine, quiet magic. At night we were even treated to the almost impossible: a rare once-in-a-lifetime backdrop with stars and Northern Lights dancing over the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa massive.
Read more about Zermatt elopements
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– to stay up on the mountain when Northern lights happens! It’s like winning on the lottery!
Zermatt Elopement photography:
A Luxury Zermatt mountain wedding
The civil ceremony – an intimate friday at the zermatt town house.
They began with a legal civil ceremony at the Zermatt town house without any guests. After the ceremony they shared a champagne toast in the village before welcoming the rest of their guests for a pre-wedding reception at Hotel Alex.
The Luxury Mountain wedding – From Aperitif to a church ceremony.
The main wedding day focused on the “united” part of their story. After a morning aperitif in the sun at Elsies Wine bar, the couple got prepared at Hotel Unique post.
- The first look: A private moment on the roof top terrace with the Matterhorn as a witness.
- The Ceremony: A traditional ceremony in the church in the heart of Zermatt.
- Horse & Carriage: A typical and romantic transportation to the Sunnegga funicular in car-free Zermatt.
- Alphorn: Traditional alphorn musicians were waiting for the crowd in front of the church.
An authentic Wedding reception at Chez Vrony: A mountain wedding celebration with music
As a wedding photographer in Switzerland, I’ve seen many venues, but Chez Vrony remains a pinnacle of Swiss mountain authenticity. Epic views, friendly hosts, good food and cute decorations. The afternoon was a sensory experience:
- Food, wine, sun and laughs
- Music: A professional curation of violins, jazz bands and traditional yodelling.
- Wellness: Wine tasting paired with Swiss Cheese and even foot massages for guests on the terrace.
The wedding party
The celebration moved from the mountain heights to the centre of Zermatt, dancing until the early hours at Mamacita (now Street side)
Zermatt civil wedding photography & pre-wedding celebration:
How to plan a destination wedding and elopement in zermatt
Malin, a Zermatt Wedding photographer & Switzerland elopement experience creator at Wild Souls United planned the elopement and documented it all with documentary and creative photography.
The big wedding and pre-wedding reception has to be planned and coordinated by Mary – a local wedding planner at Marry Me Zermatt.
Planning your Zermatt multi-day wedding: how to structure your timeline
Whether you want your elopement the day before or after your big wedding or as a completely separate adventure, my approach at Wild Souls United is to document your full wedding story. You can have the quiet, rugged mountain peaks for your vows and the chic, cosmopolitan vibe of Zermatt’s best venues for your party.
To plan the elopement before the big wedding feels more logical. Think about that the preparation for the big wedding may be more stressful than you’ve planned for. The option to plan the elopement a couple of days before may be a good idea – to have a break and time to coordinate the last details before the big wedding. Or planning it after the big wedding could also reduce the stress during the elopement.
Getting ready & pre-wedding Aperitif photography:
A Zermatt wedding photographers pro-tip for your zermatt destination wedding
Zermatt wedding logistics
Zermatt has the advantage of being car free. For foreign couples this is charming but requires a little more planning. Guests will arrive via the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Täsch. Zermatt is well equipped and offers both luggage service and electric taxis to help guests with the logistics of being a car free town.
Legal vs Symbolic Ceremonies in Switzerland
Most international couples choose to do the “paperwork” in their home country and hold a symbolic ceremony in the Alps.
- Important to know: In Switzerland, a legal marriage MUST take place at the Town House (Zivilstandsamt).
Best time for a mountain wedding and wedding photography in zermatt)
- Summer (July-September): Best for warm weather, alpine lakes and hiking access.
- Autumn (October): My personal favourite for the “Golden Larch” season and crisp, clear air (ideal for photography!). But many venues, hotels and are closed for the low-season.
- Winter (mid December – mid April): For the ultimate “Snowy Wedding in Zermatt” vibe.
High altitude photography tips
The light at Gornergrat is much stronger than in town (always put sunscreen).
As a Zermatt wedding photographer I recommend to enjoy the golden hour to get the best light and the best experience. For this you have to book a hotel on the mountain.
- pro tip: Always pack a warm coat – even in July. the temperature drops quickly once the sun goes down behind the peaks.
wedding ceremony photography in Zermatt church :
KIND WORDS fROM THE COUPLE
We feel incredibly grateful to have had Malin as our Zermatt wedding photographer. Malin was part of our two-day wedding celebration and overnight mini elopement. She captured every moment with an extraordinary sense of presence, sensitivity, and artistry.
From the joyful, vibrant celebrations with our guests to the intimate moments of our civil wedding and elopement, her images tell the full story of our wedding in a way that feels authentic and timeless. One of the most unforgettable moments was our elopement under the northern lights — it was freezing too – Malin captured the magic with such calm professionalism and creative vision, and she made some of the pictures available to us the NEXT DAY.
Beyond her exceptional talent, Malin has a wonderful way of blending in seamlessly, making everyone feel comfortable and at ease. The result is a collection of images that feel natural, emotional, and full of life. Looking through our photos brings us straight back to those moments — the emotions, the atmosphere, the joy.
Our wedding would not be documented the way it is without Malin. We could not recommend her more highly to anyone looking for a photographer who doesn’t just take pictures, but captures stories and feelings with heart and soul.
Tips from the bride – what to think about when you plan your Zermatt wedding
Work with experienced professionals
Partnering with an experienced wedding planner makes an enormous difference — both in the preparation and on the day itself. We worked with Nicole Please Weddings and Marry Me Zermatt, and our wedding simply would not have been the same without them.
Nicole, an exceptionally experienced and internationally minded wedding planner, was an invaluable sounding board throughout the planning process. She helped shape the overall celebration, refine the timeline, and create a natural flow — especially for the traditional ceremony — while also offering countless practical tips and important watch-outs along the way.
On the day itself, Mary ensured everything ran smoothly behind the scenes — including the safe transport of our guests from Zermatt up to the mountain and back. We met Mary at exactly the right time — just weeks before our multi-location wedding in Zermatt. Coordinating 130 guests up and down the mountain (from the village to Chez Vrony and back) was no small task, but Mary made it all feel effortless. Always gracious, endlessly kind and full of surprises — she even sang live for our first dance. A moment we’ll never forget.
Choose your partners thoughtfully
Your vendors become part of your day — select them with care and trust your instincts. We are deeply grateful to the many partners and vendors whose contributions turned our celebration into something truly unforgettable.
Make space for personal moments
Take the time to share a moment and a photo with each guest. These small, intentional moments become some of the most meaningful memories.
Honor your wedding guests’ backgrounds
With guests joining us from all over the world, we translated our program and speeches into multiple languages — English, German, Finnish, and Japanese. This extra effort was deeply appreciated and helped everyone feel truly included.
wedding portraits, wedding dinner & Zermatt wedding party:
Zermatt wedding photographer
Creative wedding photography:
Wedding VS Elopement
Are you still not sure if you want both wedding and elopement and not sure which one to choose? Read about how to choose elopement vs wedding
A REAL ZERMATT WEDDING – vIDEOGRAPHY
Get inspired to get married in Zermatt, Switzerland. Watch the high-light video here
Are you looking for a local Zermatt wedding photographer and elopement planner?
If getting married in Zermatt sparks something in you, I’d love to help you create an elopement day that feels just as personal, fun, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re dreaming of:
- a grandiose big mountain wedding in Zermatt
- a winter adventure wedding
- a Zermatt elopement
- a helicopter glacier adventure
- or a mountaintop vow renewal
- or any other unique wedding idea you have…
I’ll be your wedding photographer, guide, plan, and document every moment and help you finding all other vendors needed, including the planner for your big wedding, hair/makeup, flowers and more to plan your dream Alpine wedding.
Get in touch and let’s start planning your Switzerland elopement. Your mountain adventure is waiting.
MORE EPIC ALPS MOUNTAIN WEDDINGS:
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A ski elopement in Zermatt with matterhorn as their altar
A Zermatt ski elopement in the Swiss Alps featuring private vows, skiing, helicopter views, and a wedding day built around intimacy, presence and fun.
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Ski & Snowboard Elopement in Zermatt, Switzerland: A Legendary Winter Wedding at the base of Matterhorn
ski & snowboard elopement in Zermatt, Switzerland was exactly that. These two share a deep love for skiing, so choosing a winter elopement in the Swiss Alps felt like the most authentic way for them to celebrate their marriage.
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A fairytale elopement in Appenzell Switzerland
This elopement story is about a couple who went all in and did everything “right” for their summer hiking elopement in Switzerland. With the green wedding outfits their elopement looked like something out of a fairytale.
