Secluded Mountain Lake Elopement in the Heart of Switzerland

I still can’t believe we pulled this adventure elopement off, and it was far better than we could have begun to dream up. A secluded mountain lake elopement in the heart of Switzerland…need I say more!?

As I’ve shared in other blogs and planning resources…the reality is, that weather is one of the big ”adventure” elements when it comes to outdoor elopements. 2024 has been especially interesting as record flooding impacted the Alps. When Mackensey + Jake’s elopement location (and some backups) became inaccessible due to flooding washing out bridges the night before their wedding, we pivoted. 

We pushed back their elopement by a day (we always give our couples the option for a built-in backup day). I in-person scouted a suggestion from their Airbnb owner and checked out a few lakes on the map that looked interesting. We revamped the timeline. 

Thanks to these two and their flexibility, along with trust, we got far more than we could have bargained for. 

I don’t even know where to begin, so I’ll start with this: Can we just give a shoutout to THE COOLEST getting ready and first look location ever? A cozy chalet surrounded by wildflowers on the side of a mountain. This has to be the most beautiful place we’ve ever photographed getting ready. While mist and fog moved through the valley, the setting felt ethereal for kicking off the day. 

The morning flew by, and before we knew it, we were on the trail. Cowbells rung through the meadows below as we climbed higher. It wasn’t long before we arrived at our first stop along the way. My expectations weren’t high for this spot- I figured it would be nice for a snack break. The day before, surrounded by heavy mists, I couldn’t see much of anything. On M+J’s elopement though, I was shocked to realize we were surrounded by stunning mountains in all directions. This was the place for their ceremony. And it was completely private. 

After emotional vows and a first toast, we continued onward to another lake. Here, Mackensey + Jake had their wedding dessert. Two small cakes picked up on a whim at the grocery store that appeared delicious, but it turns out were actually soaked in rum and absolutely disgusting. A memory for sure. 

Our last stop along the trail included drinks at a hut, and wedding portraits in the epic panorama that surrounded us. 

We’re always amazed how hours go by in what feel like minutes, because it wasn’t long before we were heading back down the mountain and saying goodbyes. Hanging out with these two was an absolute blast. Mackensey is a Hoosier just like me, and we’ll call Jake an honorary Hoosier since he previously played for the Colts football team. This small shared connection always makes me happy (you’d be amazed how many people from Indiana we’ve worked with!). 

What.a.day. The photos speak for themselves.

Elopement Day Timeline

This elopement included a whimsical Airbnb property, and one trail with multiple great viewpoints and stops spread throughout the day. You can check out Kensey + Jake’s wedding timeline overview below. 

• 6:30 am – We arrive for getting ready coverage.
• 8:00 am – First look at your Airbnb and some portraits on the property. Change into hiking attire.
• 8:45 am – Wrap up at Airbnb and drive to the trail trailhead
• 9:30 am – Cable car up the mountain
• 9:45 am – Arrive at the top of the cable car. Begin hike.
• 10:45 am – Arrive at location #1. Change into wedding attire.
• 11:15 am – Ceremony and champagne toast
• 12:30 pm – Continue to location #2 along the trail. Eat wedding cake and a picnic.
• 2:00 pm – Arrive at location #3. Coffee at the mountain hut, and late-afternoon portraits.
• 3:30 pm – Hike back to the cable car.
• 4:30 pm – Ride down the mountain.
• 5:00 pm – Coverage wraps up, say goodbyes

Kensey + Jake’s Elopement Teaser Video 

Kensey + Jake booked photo and video coverage for their adventure elopement in Switzerland. You can check out their 60-second teaser film (a short taster delivered 2 weeks post-elopement before the full highlight film) below.

Vendors:

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

• Photography & Videography: Us, at Made in the Mountains Photo
• Florist: Bluetenmehr GbmH

Check Out Kensey + Jake’s Alps Adventure Elopement in Valais, Switzerland