Surreal Autumn Vow Renwal in Germany’s Bavarian Alps

While I predominately work with eloping couples, occasionally, I get the incredible opportunity to help a couple renew their vows in a way that feels authentic to them. Getting married is just one step in a couple’s journey, and there are constant opportunities to keep nourishing a relationship and creating experiences that matter. Vow renewals are an amazing way to do that (and perfect for couples who dreamed of eloping, but weren’t able to originally!).

When some friends who I worked with in Germany nearly five years ago reached out because they were planning a trip back to the Bavarian Alps and wanted to exchange vows, I immediately said, ”YES!”. Nicole and Josiah hadn’t initially exchanged personal vows while getting married a year earlier, because they didn’t feel comfortable doing so in front of all their guests. This trip back to the German Alps, the place they met and fell in love with, felt like the perfect opportunity to do so.

The pair wanted to wear their wedding attire for the first part of the day, and visit the Eibsee (lake), which was significant to their relationship. Since it was November (off-season in this region), the trails were quiet. The Eibsee glittered serenely in the bright morning sun. The perfect start to a calm, late-Autumn day. After exchanging personal vows, the two enjoyed a decadent strawberry cake.

As afternoon rolled around, more people arrived at the lake, and we continued our journey onward. Nicole had the idea to bring a black dress for the second location, which would look cool with Josiah’s black suit, and contrast well with the orange mountain tones. They looked like *perfection*. Whether for your elopement day, or a vow renewal down the road…remember, you don’t have to wear white.

The second mountain location we enjoyed was a dream to photograph at. It has been on my list for years, but this was my first time actually being able to shoot there. The scenery was even more incredible than I could have hoped for, and we were all in awe. Being able to catch up on life, while soaking up new places around home with old friends made for what can only be described as a perfect day. Even better, was knowing I was able to create a space for them to finally exchange vows, without the presence of an audience.

Thanks to these two for trusting the experience, and allowing me to be a small part of it 🥰

Vow Renewal Timeline

This vow renewal included two easily accessible locations in Germany’s Bavarian Alps that offered a variety of scenery. You can check out Nicole + Josiah’s vow renewal timeline overview below. 

• 10:00 am – Meet at the trailhead parking lot + hike to the ceremony location
• 10:30 am – Exchange vows 
• 11:00 am – Exploring + Photos at the lake
• 12:00 pm – Share cake + drinks 
• 1:00 pm – Wrap up at the lake and drive to location #2. Stop at the accommodation to change outfits
• 1:45 pm – Arrive at location #2, purchase cable car tickets, and ride up the mountain
• 2:15 pm – Reach the top of the mountain, explore the panorama trail up top
• 4:00 pm – Hike back to the cable car, ride down the mountain. Wrap up and say goodbyes 

Real Bavarian Alps Vow Renewal: A review from my couple

”My husband and I have known Christine for years and always admired her work. When we decided to do a vow renewal in Germany, she was the first person I called (I HAD to have pictures done be her). And boy did she deliver. We couldn’t be happier with how the pictures came out and she made the day so special and easy and fun. We absolutely love Scott and Christine and HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking to elope in Europe!”

You can see this review, along with many others by viewing our Google Business Listing here.

Check Out Nicole + Josiah’s Vow Renewal in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany