Best Alpine Lakes for an Elopement in the Alps [Updated for 2026]
Are you thinking of eloping in the Alps, and wondering what stunning alpine lake elopement locations are possible? If so, don’t miss this guide I’ve put together with 20 lake elopement locations in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, and Italy.
This guide covers everything from easy-access to secluded and hike-in elopement location options across the Alps.
Alpine Lake Elopement Locations in Switzerland
Seealpsee
The Seealpsee is a picturesque mountain lake located in the idyllic Appenzell, Switzerland. Surrounded by tall grassy summits and grazing cows, it feels like the epitome of the Alps in many ways. The Seealpsee is growing in popularity and is often busy during the day. Eloping outside of peak hours and seasons is key to making your Seealpsee elopement a success.
Riffelsee
The Riffelsee is one of Switzerland’s most photographed lakes, thanks to its iconic reflections of the Matterhorn. This small lake is nestled high in the alpine and has an overall more rocky and rugged feel. Due to the lake’s popularity, consider an overnight elopement adventure with a stay at a local mountain hotel. Overnight elopements at the Riffelsee provide great stargazing opportunities and sunrise/sunset experiences.
Oeschinensee
The Oeschinensee has been one of Switzerland’s most popular elopement destinations for a number of years, and it’s not hard to see why. However, as of summer 2024, it is not possible to elope at the Oeschinensee anymore due to local regulations. You can learn more about that here, in my Oeschinensee Elopement Guide.
Barrage d’Emosson
Nestled right on the Switzerland/France border, Barrage de Bossons is an incredible alpine lake elopement location. Not only are there numerous easy access views of both bright blue water and mountains, but plenty of hiking opportunities for bigger adventures as well. This area is a true gem that many overlook for more popular sites in the region.
Want more Switzerland elopement location ideas? Check out my guide, 25+ of the Best Places to Get Married and Elope in Switzerland.
Alpine Lake Elopement Locations in the German Alps
Eibsee
In the heart of Germany’s Bavarian Alps lies the spectacular Eibsee. This brilliant blue lake sits beneath Germany’s tallest mountain and is breathtaking year-round. Due to the popularity and easy access of this destination, we recommend couples elope here at sunrise for the best experience.
Hintersee
Sitting just outside of Berchtesgaden National Park, you’ll find the picturesque Hintersee. This beautiful alpine lake elopement location features forest, sparkling water, and towering mountains. The Hintersee in late-Spring and autumn is especially worth visiting.
Obersee
To access the unique Obersee, in Germany’s Berchtesgaden National Park, you first have to take a boat ride across another gorgeous lake first. Then, after a short walk, you’ll be met by fjord-like scenery and deep green waters. This location is extremely popular, so we highly recommend exploring it outside of peak season and exchanging vows at a secondary, more private location.
Schrecksee
For couples who aren’t afraid of tackling a big hike, Germany’s famed Schrecksee is a one-of-a-kind location. This bright blue lake, surrounded by tall grassy mountains on all sides and high alpine views, is breathtaking. The small grassy island in the middle of the lake also makes it stand out. If you love the vibe of this lake, but want to elope somewhere less famous, I also have other mountain lakes within the range that I’d be happy to suggest and are equally beautiful.
Want more Germany elopement location ideas? Check out my guide, 25+ of the Best Places to Get Married and Elope in the German Alps.
Alpine Lake Elopement Locations in the Austrian Alps
Seebensee
From alpine meadows and a glittering lake nestled within a mountainous cirque, there’s nowhere else quite like the Seebensee. It’s one mountain lake in the Alps I can never get enough of, and try to visit on my own at least a few times a year. From early summer through late autumn, this place is a gem.
Vilsalpsee
Located within a nature preserve, the Vilsalpsee is a dream Austrian Alps elopement location. This picturesque lake is surrounded by tall mountains, forests, and flower fields. The rowboats at the lake are also a highlight. For couples who don’t mind hiking, there are countless trails to explore from the lakeshore (including even more alpine lakes!).
Körbersee
The Körbersee, located in a lesser-known part of Vorarlberg, Austria, makes an idyllic lake elopement location. This small lake is surrounded by panoramic views of the mountains, alpine meadows, and quaint, picture-book scenery. This region in Austria offers plenty of unique mountain lake elopement locations.
Plansee
For fjord-like scenery and the bluest water you’ve ever seen, don’t miss eloping at the Plansee, in Austria. This massive mountain lake is easy to access, but offers adventures of all sizes (from swimming to hiking and sailing and SUP boarding). Surrounded by towering summits that frequently reflect into the lake, it’s a gorgeous place to celebrate getting married. The Plansee is also accessible year-round.
Want more Austria elopement ideas? Check out my blog, ”A Complete Guide to Planning Your Elopement in Austria”.
French Alps Alpine Lakes Elopement Locations
Lac Blanc and Lacs des Chéserys
If you’ve ever looked at photos of Chamonix, you’ve probably seen a photo of one of these famous lakes. They’re well known for producing awe-inspiring reflections of the summits across the valley, including Mont Blanc. The hike to these lakes is extremely popular, so consider staying overnight in a hut or wild camping (legal at Lacs des Chéserys) for a more private elopement experience.
Lac du Pontet
This small lake is easy to access, and an absolute stunner if you want both greenery, glaciers, and alpine lake elopement vibes. For some of the best views, don’t miss hiking above the lake. Due to driving/parking restrictions, this lake is best visited in late-summer or early fall when you can take advantage of golden hour.
Lac de Roburent
For views that wow from start to finish, a hiking elopement to Lac de Roburent is a must. Not only do you get a taste of breathtaking alpine scenery, but multiple other lakes greet you along the way. Within one location, you get both a ‘’top of the mountain’’ feel, valleys, and glittering water.
Lac Lauzon
The French Alps have no shortage of epic lakes that boast stunning reflections. Lac Lauzon is another ‘’can’t miss’’ alpine lake elopement location in the Alps. This location is accessed via a moderate hike with a steady incline, but the effort is more than worth it.
Alpine Lake Elopement Locations in the Italian Dolomites
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
Lago di Braies is one of the most famous lake elopement locations in the Alps. Visitors from all over flock to its postcard-worthy views and deep blue and green water. In the summer, couples can also rent a small boathouse for a few hours and get a private rowboat rental on the lake before business officially opens for the day. Due to the popularity of Lago di Braies, it’s busy at both sunrise and sunset most of the year. You can check out everything you need to know about eloping at Lago di Braies in my guide, here.
Lago di Landro (Dürrensee)
One of the easiest to access, most unbelievable views in the Dolomites can be enjoyed at Lago di Landro. This sea-green lake next to the main road is a showstopper. I especially love Lago di Landro for its large sandy shoreline.
Lago Coldai
If you want a helicopter experience in the Alps, Lago Coldai is the perfect place to go. Lago Coldai is an alpine lake nestled among towering Dolomite summits. It’s not hard to see why this spectacular destination is popular with eloping couples. It is also possible to hike to the lake with the assistance of a cable car.
Laghi di Fusine
Located in Italy, just on the edge of the Slovenian border, Laghi di Fusine is situated among alpine meadows, forests, and mountains that stretch tall. This lake is actually not one lake, but two, that can be easily accessed via a short hike. If you love the vibe of Lago di Braies, this is a more private alternative worth checking out.
Want more Italian Dolomites elopement ideas? Check out my blog, ”Your Guide to Eloping in the Dolomites”.
Best Alps elopement lakes with easy access
- Eibsee, German Alps
- Vilsalpsee, Austrian Alps
- Lago di Braies, Italian Dolomites
- Barrage d’Emosson, Swiss Alps
Best elopement lake locations in the Alps for privacy and seclusion
- Lago di Landro, Italian Dolomites
- Hintersee, German Alps
- Seealpsee, Swiss Alps
- Lac de Roburent, French Alps
Best alpine lakes for Alps hiking elopements
- Lago Coldai, Italian Dolomites
- Schrecksee, Germany (Bavarian Alps)
- Seebensee, Austrian Alps
- Seealpsee, Swiss Alps
- Lac Blanc and Lacs des Chéserys, French Alps
- Lac de Roburent, French Alps
- Lac Lauzon, French Alps
Best lakes for epic reflections
- Laghi di Fusine, Italian Dolomites
- Lago di Braies, Italian Dolomites
- Eibsee, Germany (Bavarian Alps)
- Plansee, Austrian Alps
- Seebensee, Austrian Alps
- Riffelsee, Swiss Alps
- Lac Blanc and Lacs des Chéserys, French Alps
- Lac Lauzon, French Alps
What is the best time of year for an alpine lakes elopement in the Alps?
The best time to plan an alpine lakes elopement in the Alps is late May through October.
With that being said, some of the high-alpine locations listed in this guide are best from July onward, such as those in the French Alps.
Do you need a permit to elope at a lake in the Alps?
No! Most locations in the Alps do not require a permitting system.
Some locations do have restrictions in place or take place on private land, though, so working with a local photographer can help you navigate potential red tape.
How private will my alpine lake elopement location in the Alps be?
It depends! Everything from the time of day to eloping on a weekday vs. weekend and peak season vs. shoulder season elopements dictates how private your alpine lake elopement in the Alps will be.
I generally recommend avoiding the hotspots, though. If there is an Insta-famous location you just know you don’t want to miss, I suggest exchanging vows at a secondary, private spot at a different time.
I give all of my couples 1:1 advice and dive deep into location planning with them, so they can select an elopement location that not only has scenery they’ll love, but also prioritizes privacy and seclusion.
Are drones allowed?
Drone restrictions vary across the Alps. Some of the locations in this list do allow drone usage, and others are strict no-fly zones.
As a general rule of thumb, locations that take place within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Park, or nature protected zone are no-fly areas.
How to choose the best lake for your Alps elopement
If you want in-depth help with planning your lakeside adventure elopement in the Alps, that’s something I provide all of my booked couples.
As an American working and living in the Alps, I help my booked couples:
- Find their dream location (and as a local, I have lots of lesser-known spots up my sleeve that you won’t find in this guide)
- Create personalized timelines that reflect what they want out of their adventure wedding
- Suggest English-speaking vendors such as HMUAs, florists, celebrants, etc.
- Oh, and not to mention you’ll get my full photography services, and the option to add on videography
To find out how to get started, you can check out my pricing and packages here, or you can contact me here. I focus on serving couples who are interested in more private, off-the-beaten-path locations you won’t find while scrolling Instagram.
Alps Elopement Inspiration
Alps Alpine Lake Elopement Photos and Videos
Want a glimpse into what your adventurous Alps elopement at a mountain lake can look like? Check out these galleries we’ve photographed and filmed in the Alps.
