As you may already know, mountain elopement is just as adventurous and thrilling as it sounds.

And as for the root of this trend, it mainly originates from the adventure elopement, which is all about turning the most important day in your life into an exciting, unique, and unforgettable wanderlust.

That’s not even the BIGGER picture!

You would be surprised to know that in 2019, the average cost of a well-arranged traditional wedding was about $28,000. This makes it SUPER obvious that people are now into exploring different options rather than a large traditional wedding.

When it comes to your wedding, you should have it in a way that truly feels and define yourself, and since most of us love mountains and breathtaking views, mountain elopements are, without a doubt, the BEST choice!

So, want to get married in the mountains but have NO idea how?

Let me fill you up with the details then…

newlyweds in mountains, Titlis Switzerland (Mountain Elopement)

Choosing The Location Comes First:

Choosing the IDEAL location is a MUST if you’re thinking of getting married amid evergreen nature and fulfilling your mountain elopement wish to come to life. And if you’re stuck between multiple choices, I might have some recommendations to help you point dart in the right direction.

Here are the deets…

– Zermatt, located in Switzerland’s Valais Canton
– Caumasee, located in Grisons, Switzerland
– San Barnerdindho, located in California, LA
– The Alpine Region of Switzerland

Though you don’t need any permits in Switzerland, in most countries, you’ll need a permit if you want to elope in nature, whether in a national or state park. Some locations may require both a wedding and a photography permit; on the other hand, some will also include charges.

wedding boho couple, switzerland (Mountain Elopement)

Wedding Date Confirmation

If we’re talking about confirming the wedding date, then the first thing that you should consider is the essence of the weather at the time of the year. If you haven’t been to high elevations before, you may be unaware that the weather can be extremely unpredictable and can change in an instant.

In Zermatt, snow can fall 14,000 feet on top of a mountain in October and November. It all depends on your altitude. So consider your ideal weather and run some online research to determine which month is best in that location.

P.S: If you take it from me, then the BEST time of the year to be around in the Zermatt mountains is between June and September since the temperature stays comparably warm ( from 12 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius).

guests dancing wild on the wedding (Mountain Elopement)

Hire The Vendors

To be honest, if it’s about mountain elopement and you’re getting married in an area you don’t know quite well, then it would be BEST to hire local organizers or vendors.

Why exactly?

It’s obvious that they will know all knacks and secret spots of those areas, which will eventually make your BIG day even more unique and one to remember.

That’s not it!

Doing so will save both your traveling fees and receive valuable advice from them.

P.S: If you’re looking to get married in Switzerland, then be sure to reach me as I know many secret spots that will add more memories to your wedding.

Anyway, I’ve been to many weddings, and from my experience, I think you should mix/match the vendors you feel you need. Here’s my list of recommendations:

  • Videographer
  • Elopement photographer
  • Hair & make-up artist
  • Stationary artist
  • Florist
  • Private chef
  • Baker
  • Officiant

wedding couple laughs and hugs in swiss mountains (Mountain Elopement)

Mountain Elopement Activity Ideas

One of the best parts of mountain elopement is the number of activities you can add to your wedding list because you’re getting breathtaking spots, zero crowds, and your loved ones alongside you.

When I’m invited to weddings as an elopement photographer and couples come up to me for suggestions regarding their wedding day activities, I always tell them to do all the things that click into their mind at that moment cause, after all, It’s a lifetime experience.

And the BEST part of your wedding day activities is that they will stay forever framed, so when you look at those after 40 or 50 years, you’ll instantly feel all those moments come back to you and take you there.

PRO tip: Do all the things you love to do at your wedding!

However, here are some wedding day activities that you can also add to your wedding day activities list:

  • Enjoy a mountain breakfast while seeing the sunrise
  • Go hiking to the top of the mountain and see the sunset itself
  • Cakes are a good idea
  • Maybe go snowboarding or skiing
  • Hire a personal chef to cook dinner and set up a campfire
  • Don’t miss the waterfalls
  • If it’s in your budget, then take a helicopter and set tour on the majestic areas that are offroad
  • If you own pets, then be sure to take them with you

That’s about it from my end, but there’s no holding you, do whatever you love and desire.

wedding couple laughs and hugs in swiss mountains (Mountain Elopement)

What Time of Year Should You Elope?

While planning your mountain elopement, the first thing that comes to mind is, ” what time of year should I have my wedding?” Sounds relatable, right?

So, Summer, spring, winter, or maybe fall? When do you think you plan your elope? Let’s break down all the pros and cons of each season so you can decide the perfect time for yourself. So, let’s dive right in!

couple kissing in the winter, Switzerland (Mountain Elopement)

Winter

Winter weddings are magical as there is something about winter that makes every event enchanted. The freshly fallen snow on the trees looks esoteric and pleasant to the eye. Despite winter being a stunning season but it’s COLD, even too COLD sometimes.

And due to heavy snow, you may encounter unexpected road closures and flight delays. But with proper navigation, that won’t be an issue.

wedding couple, dam and swiss mountains in the background

Spring

Spring is mostly about FOGGY rainy, and who doesn’t love them, right? Well, I do! Though not all days rain or stays foggy in spring, you also get fresh and green new trees.

But to be honest, Spring is a bit of a gamble as you might face unexpected snow or heavy rains in some places. And that’s something to consider immensely if you’re planning to hold an outdoor wedding. Despite everything, spring is a perfect time to get married as it’s known for bringing new color to nature and your life.

wedding couple on the beach during sunset

Summer

A summer wedding is a perfect plan if you want to spend more time under the sun. Also, you can plan infinite activities at a summer wedding since you’ll be getting the sun, more daytime, and awesome weather.

Early summer weddings are great for both mountain and scuba elopement. Especially in the Swiss mountains, summer evenings are a blast. On the other hand, late summer can be HOT, and you might not be able to choose your wedding attire since daylight comes with HEAT. Also, out of excitement, don’t dehydrate yourself.

Fall

When it comes to elopements, Fall is most likely the favorite season because we all love cooler weather, don’t we? On top of that, nature changes its color, the weather stays moody, and everything in the Falls feels coddling and amazing.

Since the Fall stays on the top of everyone’s favorite wedding list, there’s a high possibility that you’ll face a decent amount of crowds, especially all over the sphere.

Finally, all seasons are perfect for mountain elopement. Though each season has some setbacks, they also offer dazzling scenarios too. So, ready for your perfect mountain elopement? I would love to be a part of that!

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