Epic Alpine Lakes Elopement in the Austrian Alps

If you’ve ever dreamed of an epic summer elopement complete with mountain lakes, sweeping meadows, and flowers…this Austrian Alps wedding may be the exact inspiration you’ve been looking for.

Jenna and Michael secretly eloped in June (the secret is safe to share now though!), and wow, was it unforgettable. These two wanted something different, and chose to get married somewhere none of our previous couples have been in the Austrian Alps. It’s in a location close to our home, and one we personally hike to every year because it’s just that wonderful. To say we were excited would be an understatement. 

Leading up to Jenna + Michael’s elopement, the one vision they both shared was one that would be beautiful, simple, and relaxed. To keep in line with this, they opted to choose a single-location that offered plenty of variety. That meant fewer logistics, less time spent driving, and more time outside soaking up the scenery.

The morning of Jenna + Michael’s elopement, we weren’t sure what the weather would bring. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and 2024 kicked off especially interesting with record flooding across the Alps. But we were prepared to pivot, and had plans for whatever would come. While driving to their accommodation, the rain came down steadily, but the first look, things had tapered off. Instead, we got mystical and moody clouds. The rains brought beautiful soft light and pleasant temperatures.

After Jenna + Michael’s breathtaking first look among mountain meadows, the pair shared cake and coffee on a quiet picnic bench in the forest. From there, we took a cable car up the mountain, hiked through sweeping landscapes, and the two exchanged vows surrounded by a cirque of towering summits. At the end of the night, even the sun poked through the clouds briefly revealing shades of pink. 

Many couples love hopping between multiple locations, but there’s something to be said for one location that has a bit of everything. Hiking elopements open up so many opportunities to conveniently see and experience so much, all along a single path. 

These souls have been wonderful to get to know better, ever since Jenna reached out last summer. We are so grateful for the trust they put into us, and the honor of working with them each step of the way. Seeing everything come together was a dream come true.

Elopement Day Timeline

This elopement included one trail with multiple great viewpoints and stops spread throughout the day. You can check out Jenna + Michael’s wedding timeline overview below. 

• 10:30 am – Meet at hotel and photograph final parts of getting ready
• 11:30 am – Finish getting ready, drive to trailhead parking lot
• 11:45 am – First looks, coffee, and cake cutting
• 1:15 pm – Cable car up the mountain
• 1:30 pm – Arrive at top of the cable car, change into hiking attire. Begin hikes
• 4:30 pm – Arrive at location #1. Snack break. Change back into wedding attire. A few photos by the lake.
• 6:00 pm – Hike down to the ceremony location
• 7:00 pm – Exchange vows, Champagne toast, Sunset portraits
• 9:30 pm – Sunset, hike back to the cars
• 11:30 pm – Arrive back the trailhead. Coverage ends, say goodbyes.

Jenna + Michael’s Austrian Alps Elopement Video 

For Jenna + Michael’s elopement, they booked both photo and video coverage of their Austrian Alps hiking elopement. You can check out their highlight video below. 

Vendors:

We’d love to give a shoutout to all the vendors involved who helped make this adventure wedding in the Austrian Alps a reality:

• Photography & Videography: Us, at Made in the Mountains Photo
• Florist: Blumen Rosl
• Bakery: Isabella Glutenfreie Pâtisserie

Check Out Jenna + Michael’s Austrian Alps Adventure Elopement