10 reasons for a wedding in Switzerland // Amazing Swiss wedding venues

Having lived in Switzerland from autumn 2016, I have discovered some amazing reasons why Switzerland is the perfect location for a destination wedding.

Living in Switzerland has meant I am now in touch with many Swiss wedding venues and suppliers here and I wanted to share some of the places I have discovered in the past eight months in this amazing country.

Obviously, there are many, many amazing venues for weddings, elopements and locations for honeymoons but I’ve sifted through them and, right now, these are some of my favourite ideas to indulge yourself with…

Something Old… Waldhaus, Sils Maria

Just 10km from the bustling resort of St Moritz, in an unspoiled alpine village nestled on a hill in the forest high above Lake Sils, is the Waldhaus.

If you’re looking for an intimate wedding venue then the Waldhaus in Sils Maria might be the perfect place for you. This gorgeous family-run hotel is in the Engadine Region of Switzerland. The grand hotel was opened in 1908 and has remained in the same family for five generations and is steeped in character and warmth.

It sits above peaceful Sils Maria like a fairy-tale castle, surrounded by gorgeous views of gleaming lakes and impressive mountains.

Something New… The Chedi Andermatt

What could be more magical than getting married in the Swiss Alps?

Embedded into a high alpine landscape, the super-stylish Chedi Andermatt is accessible via three Alpine passes: the Oberalp Pass to the east, the St. Gotthard Pass in the south and the Furka Pass in the west.

With its unusual combination of Alpine chic mixed with Asian elements, the luxury hotel offers a wonderful retreat and would be perfect for an exclusive and beautiful romantic experience.

Something Blue… Lake Blausee

Many of the lakes in Switzerland are glacial lakes and have a most gorgeous blue colour … and there’s one which will really take your breath away. In fact. when I arrived to film a ceremony there earlier this year I couldn’t quite believe my eyes. Lake Blausee looked like it had been dyed the most amazing rich turquoise colour.

Imagine an intimate elopement wedding here – secluded, romantic and stress-free. Perfect.

Cory and Jess loved it too when they were looking for their perfect location for a wedding ceremony in May this year. The couple travelled with a small group of their closest friends all the way from Australia and they were not disappointed by this idyllic setting for their ceremony.

Jess + Cory // A magical adventure from Story of Your Day.

The highest venue for a wedding… the Jungfrau

I love living in Switzerland and the fact that every day I can take in the view of the Jungfrau (UNESCO World Heritage) from my chalet balcony. Morning, noon and night is always looks stunning on a clear day. So, if you’re looking for guaranteed snow and ice as the backdrop for your wedding, then how about the ‘Jungfrau – Top of Europe’.

Imagine making your views on the Jungfraujoch 3,454 metres above sea level with stunning views of the Swiss Alps. Many visitors to Switzerland say it’s the highlight of their stay. Even the journey up to Europe’s highest-altitude railway station is amazing as you pass by the north face of The Eiger. Just imagine the photos you’d get here.

The Sphinx observation hall and terrace is the perfect setting once you arrive for your ceremony and reception.

Quirky… two countries at Hotel Arbez

For a honeymoon idea with a difference how about a short stay at The Hotel Arbez, also called the Hotel Arbez Franco-Suisse, where you can sleep in two countries at once. The hotel straddles the international border between France and Switzerland in the tiny village of La Cure, which is itself divided by the boundary.

The entire building houses a hotel with a dining room, kitchen and several rooms bisected by the boundary.

Famous… the Schilthorn

For the adventurous among you… how about getting married on a James Bond movie set?

The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau – iconic Swiss alpine peaks. And they could all be the backdrop for your wedding if you get married on the Schilthorn. It’s also famous for the world’s first 360-degree revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, which featured in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and also hosts Bond World, a fantastic interactive exhibition dedicated to the classic 1969 movie.

It takes 30 minutes by cable car to reach the summit of 2,970 metre-high Schilthorn with stunning views all the way – and what a way to make your entrance too.

Close by is the charming Alpenruh Hotel, nestled in the stunning village of Mürren which overlooks the Lauterbrunnen valley below. A typically Swiss hotel for either the night before or after your wedding.

By boat only… Grand Hotel Giessbach

I am so thrilled to be the recommended videographer for the Grand Hotel Giessbach. It really is an extraordinary wedding venue for so many reasons. Today, just as it was 100 years ago, the historical hotel is right next to the Giessbach Falls, high above Lake Brienz and surrounded by mountains, forests and alpine meadows. It’s a fairy-tale castle boasting a breath-taking view of the unspoiled landscapes of Lake Brienz.

In the summer months, the hotel offers the chance for many couples to get married there during a civil ceremony but in the winter, it opens for exclusive use only for weddings… catering for more than 140 guests in elegant sophistication.

One of my favourite things about the venue is that you can walk right underneath the impressive waterfalls, making a staggering backdrop for film footage on your day.

Spectacular scenery…

For a spectacular backdrop to your wedding or proposal, it’s hard to beat snow and the mountains.

Chen Yi proposed to Esther at the foot of The Eiger – the 3,967-metre world-famous mountain of the Bernese Alps – before heading to the Männlichen Restaurant for a hot chocolate and heading towards Grindelwald on a sledge.

Esther + Chen Yi // Behind the proposal from Story of Your Day.

DIY dinner… Sunstar Wengen

Remember Cory and Jess, the couple from Australia, who came all the way over to Switzerland to get married at Lake Blausee? Well their ‘wedding breakfast’ was just as intimate.

Held at the grillkota hut at the Sunstar in Wengen, a beautiful car free Swiss ski resort (I live in Wengen so I am a bit biased, of course).

But the grill cabin at the Sunstar is the ideal location for small and intimate wedding groups to enjoy a barbecue evening or cheese raclette. Regardless of the cold weather, there is a snug and warm atmosphere inside the lovingly furnished cabin, which seats 8 to 14 people.

Most original… Iglu Dorf

Here’s an interesting idea… how about getting married or even spending your honeymoon in an igloo? There are five igloo villages in Switzerland I can recommend those in Davos-Kloster, in Engelberg near Trübsee Lake, in Gstaad, on Stockhorn and also near the Matterhorn. My personal favourite is the one above Zermatt where you can also take in the views of the iconic Matterhorn.

For obvious reasons, this isn’t a venue that’s available all year round but if you’re getting married in the winter months then it’s a really original idea.

And finally,…

If you’re looking for ideas to entertain yourselves and your guests on the days before and after your wedding there’s so many things to choose from depending on whether your wedding is winter of summer. Obviously, if it’s a winter sledging and skiing are no-brainer activities. Many resorts also have ice skating.

Whatever season your wedding, there’s so much to do – in the spring, summer and autumn there’s hiking and walking in the beautiful mountains and of course Switzerland is famous for its ice blue, ice cold lakes too … my favourite is Lake Brienz… but I fear it could be the coldest too – even in the summer it’s only about 14 degrees in temperature. In the winter there’s snowboarding, skiing and sledging.

If you’re thinking of having your wedding in Switzerland, please don’t hesitate to contact me because Story Of Your Day has teamed up with Switzerland Travel Centre – the Swiss tourism experts – and together we can help you make your dream wedding in Switzerland come to life.

Please contact me or visit my Swiss Concierge Page if you’re planning to elope or get married here in Switzlerland.