Breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear lakes and beautiful wildflower meadows make Switzerland one of Europe's most picturesque wedding destinations. You'll be spoilt for choice with unique locations that reflect the cosmopolitan culture of this sophisticated country.
With its temperate climate, astonishing scenery and a vast choice of wedding destinations, Switzerland is well worth exploring. You’ll find everything from boutique mountain hideaways to private intimate lakes, luxurious hotels to the outdoor wedding venue of your dreams.
Due to its unique location at the heart of Europe, Switzerland offers you a myriad of options for a memorable wedding. So whether you're looking for French romance or Italian style, Switzerland has it all.
Our wedding guide will help take the stress out of your preparations for an unforgettable Swiss wedding.
Head for the glamorous Alpine resorts of Gstaad and St Moritz if a wedding in the clouds appeals to your sense of adventure. Perfect for a summer or winter wedding, these Alpine destinations promise breathtaking blue skies and endless panoramas for incredible wedding photos.
A lakeside wedding in Lake Lucerne oozes romance, while Lugano on the Italian border offers a fascinating blend of cultures. City lovers will adore a chic hotel wedding in Geneva or Zurich.
Gstaad is an irresistible destination if you love to ski, but don't discount this luxurious resort for your summer wedding. There's a fantastic choice of luxury hotels and hideaway chalets, ideal for an intimate boutique wedding or a grander celebration.
For a fairytale wedding in the clouds, try the Muottas Muragl, a stunning destination hotel in St Moritz reached by its own funicular railway. There’s a strong French influence in the region. So why not enjoy French romance with gorgeous Alpine scenery?
The clear, sparkling waters of Switzerland's lakes are another unforgettable backdrop. Try the neo-classical Villa Heleneum in Cosmopolitan Lugano or an art nouveau villa overlooking the breathtaking setting of Lake Lucerne.
If stunning lakeside views are your dream wedding backdrop, then the Bellevue in Lucerne offers you the choice of wedding venues with its spectacular grounds, magnificent ballroom or very own belle-epoque paddle-steamer Le Montreux.
But for a truly unique wedding destination, try Tarasp Castle in Scuol. Constructed in 1040, this is a fascinating heritage venue for couples looking to combine history with a spectacular and unusual celebration.
Switzerland is a culturally rich and diverse country, with four different languages and unique customs and traditions across its Cantons.
You'll be assured of a warm welcome, from traditional chalets in the high mountain pastures to luxury hotels in the big cities. What’s more, it's a heaven for food lovers, too, with culinary influences from Italy, France and Germany.
Switzerland is heaven on earth if you love wide-open spaces and mountain adventures. But with more than 600 museums, fascinating architecture and a thriving arts scene, it's also a fabulous destination when you want to explore Europe's rich cultural heritage.
Despite its high mountains, Switzerland enjoys a moderate climate with highs of 28C in summer and lows of -2C in winter. But don’t be fooled because Switzerland has plenty of climactic quirks - like the Schafskälte, a cold snap in June, the “old wives' summer” in autumn and the Foehn wind that brings dry and mild weather.
Generally, Switzerland doesn’t experience extreme temperatures, and the gentle climate makes it an ideal wedding destination, with an average of over 2,000 hours of sunshine every year. The region of Zermatt-Matterhorn is the sunniest, offering piercingly blue skies and majestic peaks for your wedding backdrop.
Meanwhile, Lugano is among the warmest destinations, while St Moritz is one of the most dependable resorts for snow, making it a perfect destination for a summer or winter wedding.
If you're thinking of tying the knot in Switzerland, it couldn't be easier. Like other European countries, Switzerland only recognises a civil ceremony in law. However, once you've completed this part of your marriage, you're free to organise a religious ceremony. Fortunately, Switzerland has numerous delightful mountain churches for a memorable blessing. Gay marriage has been legal in Switzerland since 2020.
Getting married in Switzerland is straightforward, provided you and your partner are over 18 and are not already married. Remember that you may need a visa to stay in the country until the marriage ceremony is completed, so you should contact the Swiss Embassy for more details. Once you have all the required paperwork, one of Switzerland's Civil Register Offices can help arrange your marriage.
Another option that many couples choose is to get married in a civil or church ceremony in their home country and arrange a blessing and celebration in Switzerland.
Getting married in Switzerland opens up the whole of Europe as a fantastic honeymoon destination.
Pop across the border to Lake Maggiore in Italy for a stylish passagiare at the aperitvo hour in the playground of the rich and famous. Or drive one of the most famous roads in the world and take the St Bernard’s Pass to Chamonix, then onward to the French Riviera for a beachside honeymoon.
If outdoor adventures speak to your soul, hike up into the Alps. Zermatt is a paradise for adventure lovers, while Interlaken is a dazzling honeymoon destination in the heart of nature. For those who relish spending time amidst the snowcapped mountains, Grindelwald is a must-visit.
Lucerne, with its beautiful lakeside backdrop and romantic architecture, is difficult to beat for fairytale romance. While Lausanne, with its spectacular castle, is the nightlife capital of Switzerland, with bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants galore.
If a big city vibe fuels your dreams of romance, Zurich offers fabulous dining and shopping on the fabled Lake Geneva. Or enjoy views of the world-famous Crillon Castle and Jet d’eau Fountain on an incredible cruise in artsy Geneva.
Matthew Oliver Weddings are luxury wedding planners that specialise in destination weddings around the world. Switzerland is the perfect backdrop for a luxury wedding, which is why we love working in this country so much. Please get in touch if you want us to plan your dream day!
