Breathtaking LGBTQ+ Elopement in the Swiss Alps

Courtney and Lauren’s LGBTQ+ elopement in the Swiss Alps was simply perfect. These two were so thoughtful and planned their wedding with intention. The pair packed in adventure, incredible views, and lots of love to celebrate their wedding. Courtney + Lauren eloped in the Engadin region of the Swiss Alps. This is one of my favorite autumn elopement locations due to its brilliant fall colors.

If you’re looking for inspiration and tips for your own LGBTQ+ elopement in Switzerland, don’t miss this wedding.

Elopement Day Timeline

This queer Switzerland elopement included three locations in the Engadin. You can check out Courtney + Lauren’s wedding timeline overview below. 

• 7:30 am – Meet at sunrise for a funicular ride up the mountain. Sunrise portraits & sharing tea on the mountain. 
• 9:30 am – Descend the mountain and head to hair & makeup
• 12:30 pm – Wrap up at Salon + head to Airbnb to finish getting ready & have a lunch break
• 2:00 pm – Leave Airbnb, head to lake for first look. Exchange gifts. 
• 3:00 pm – Drive to ceremony location trailhead
• 3:30 pm – Arrive at trailhead parking lot, begin hiking
• 5:00 pm – Arrive at lake.
  • Exchange vows
  • Champagne pop
  • Evening portraits
  • Read letters from family + friends
• 7:00 pm – Hike down from lake in the dark
• 8:00 pm – Coverage ends, say goodbyes.

Courtney + Lauren’s Swiss Alps Elopement Video 

For Courtney + Lauren’s wedding, they booked both photo and video coverage of their Swiss Alps elopement. You can check out their highlight video below. 

Sunrise Switzerland Mountain Adventure

To kick off Courtney and Lauren’s elopement, the two opted to catch the sunrise on a mountain above St. Moritz. We took the first funicular of the morning. Giddy with excitement, we stared out the windows in awe as the mountains glowed orange in the first light. 

As soon as we got off the funicular, we were hit with the cold air. Since it was mid-October, temperatures hovered around freezing that morning. Courtney and Lauren donned warm clothing and kept things casual for this first adventure of the day. 

For the next couple of hours, we explored on top of the mountain and took portraits. We also made hot tea to sip on while enjoying the epic panorama.

Getting Ready in St. Moritz 

Eventually, the sun rose higher in the sky, and it was time for Courtney and Lauren to get ready in St. Moritz. They had a mid-morning appointment at Meraki Beauty for hair and makeup. The brides hoped to do a first look in their wedding attire, which meant they needed to stay separate. Meraki Beauty was so accommodating and kept Courtney and Lauren away from each other while styling them. Everyone at the salon was so kind. 

After hair and makeup were wrapped up, Scott and I drove Courtney and Lauren separately back to their Airbnb, just a few minutes away. They each had their own room to change in. While they finished getting ready, we documented their elopement day details. Courtney and Lauren had scored some beautiful accessories on Etsy. Their ring box is one of my favorites! 

First Looks at the St. Moritzersee 

Once Courtney and Lauren were ready, once again, Scott and I drove the two separately to the first-look location, the St. Moritzersee. The blue lake glittered in the sunshine, and the golden larch trees looked brilliant. 

Courtney and Lauren stood back to back, and on the count of three, turned around to look at each other. It was heartwarming to see. One of my favorite moments is when Lauren, who is from Texas, showed off her white cowgirl boots. A few people passing by congratulated the couple. 

Exchanging Wedding Gifts

Courtney had reached out to me before the elopement, and let me know she wanted to give Lauren a wedding gift at some point during the day. We decided after the first look would be a good time to do it. Courtney had written a song for Lauren, framed the lyrics, and commissioned someone to put it to music. I don’t think there was a dry eye during that moment. 

Sunset Hike and Alpine Lake Ceremony 

For the final activity of the day, Courtney and Lauren chose to hike to a small alpine lake, where they’d hold their ceremony. As we drove to the trailhead, the sunny sky grew overcast. After parking, Courtney and Lauren changed back into their hiking clothes. Our hike followed a wide logging road that steadily climbed uphill. Dotting the roadside were countless larch trees, which shone bright yellow despite the gray skies. 

When we reached the lake, Courtney and Lauren changed back into their wedding attire. We also had first picks for the ceremony spot, since no one else was at the lake. 

As Lauren and Courtney exchanged vows, it began to lightly sprinkle. The rain added to the intimate feel of their lakeside ceremony. 

After wrapping up vows and exchanging rings, the two warmed up and ate dinner. Dinner consisted of dehydrated backpacking food, heated up with the help of a Jetboil. While it may not sound glamorous, it was delicious. Since it was getting dark quickly, we squeezed in a few portraits too. 

It didn’t take long for the sun to completely set, so we pulled out our lanterns and headlamps. Courtney and Lauren read letters from friends and family next to the dim light. In the dark, the rain began to pick up, so we packed up for the hike back to the trailhead. We couldn’t end the night without a few last photos lit by their car headlights, though! It was a fun way to wrap up what can only be described as an adventure-filled elopement day in Switzerland.

Switzerland is LGBTQ+ Affirming

Planning an LGBTQ+ wedding in Switzerland? Switzerland is LGBTQ+ affirming and welcoming. Gay marriage is legal in Switzerland. 

I wholeheartedly believe love and adventure are for everyone. It’s important to me to create a safe space where everyone feels welcomed and celebrated.

I vet all the wedding vendors I refer to my eloping couples before sending any referrals. (celebrants, HMUAs, florists, and more). I’ve worked with many wedding professionals in the industry who are excited to help you celebrate your Switzerland wedding or elopement.

Real Switzerland LGBTQ+ Elopement Experience: A Review from my Couple

‘’If you are looking for not only an incredibly talented photographer but also an adventure-elopement planner, look no further! Christine is an angel! She goes above and beyond for her clients to make it a truly unforgettable and tailored day. Without her assistance and planning, it would have been 100% more stressful, and I say 100% more because there was 0 stress involved. She was very communicative and really takes the time to get to know her clients so she can give them the best experience ever! And I mean, come on!! Her photos and work speak for themself. She’s down to earth, charismatic, thoughtful, and makes the day fun. She makes getting your photo taken enjoyable and not “awkward” for us camera shy people. I can’t say enough good things about her. Just… book her now before she’s all booked up!’’

-Courtney & Lauren

Want to start planning your adventure wedding or elopement in Switzerland? You can view my Alps Elopement Pricing + Packages here, or contact me to get started.