4 Picturesque Places for a Destination Wedding in Switzerland
One breathtaking view after another.
Switzerland is a country where sprawling landscapes and historic architecture elegantly intersect. Crystal-clear alpine lakes, meadows peppered with wildflowers, and majestic mountain ranges lend an idyllic backdrop for enchanting churches and estates, cementing the country as the most picturesque wedding destination—particularly during the summer months. Though breathtaking year-round, a warm-weather ceremony in Switzerland beneath a piercing blue sky is unparalleled, and the noteworthy regions below each offer uniquely romantic experiences for couples ready to plan the big day. Whether you’re just starting the planning process or picking up where you left off with your postponed celebration, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Switzerland’s exquisite options. A church nestled in a quiet village or a château cradled by botanical gardens? Why not both? Ahead, four standout locales that should be on your radar and an inside look at the best properties and planners to help you achieve your vision.
Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne in Central Switzerland delivers on all the elements needed for a romantic wedding: towering mountains, a tranquil body of water, and historic architecture. Hotel Villa Honegg is one such property that checks off all these boxes in stride. This Art Nouveau-style villa is located on the slopes of Bürgenstock mountain and was originally built in 1905. Expect privacy and a slowed-down pace at this 23-room luxury property, lending the perfect setting for an Alpine ceremony. To turn your vision into a sophisticated reality, GAEA.DESIGN are the experts for your exclusive event.
Pictured: Planning, Design, Production, and Flowers by GAEA.DESIGN; Rentals by Options CH; Venue at the Hotel Villa Honegg; Photography by Dominik Baur; Destination information available with Lucerne Tourism
Gstaad Saanenland
Gstaad is, simply, irresistible. This magnificent region is renowned for its ski culture but is also an arresting summer destination. The Alpina Gstaad Hotel, a local luxury venue situated in the heart of the Bernese Alps and a five-minute walk from Gstaad village, speaks to the couple with refined sensibilities and is situated in a peaceful area that offers lush, sweeping mountain views. Modern architecture and Alpine design come together in this 56-room hotel, which includes an outdoor pool that can double as a floating wedding aisle. Experience Weddings is your go-to wedding company and can lend in-depth knowledge of the area, including an extensive network of vendors to help devise a memorable, tailor-made wedding.
Pictured: Planning, Design and Production by Experience Weddings; Flowers by MB Interieur et Fleurs; Rentals by Options CH; Venue at The Alpina Gstaad; Photography by Dominik Baur; Destination information available with Gstaad Tourism.
Engadin St. Moritz
If Switzerland’s iconic lakes, meadows, and mountains speak to your style of wanderlust, a ceremony in the Engadin won’t disappoint. With an above-average number of sunny days, good weather is all but guaranteed, and with wedding locations like Muottas Muragl, the end result will be nothing short of a fairytale. This romantic hotel is reached by a vintage funicular railway dating back to 1907 and offers awe-inducing views from over 8,000 feet in elevation. For couples who want a church ceremony, options abound. Eglise au Bois in St. Moritz is a French-speaking church that was built in the late 19th century and boasts a striking wooden open roof truss. The church of San Gian is another beloved local venue; a 14th-century structure featuring a hand-painted wooden ceiling. With seemingly countless picturesque options, a planner with extensive knowledge of the area is a must. If you’re ready to say “I do” in the Engadin, Flurina Caviezel (aka the “PinkFairy”) is your contact.
Pictured: Design and Production by PinkFairy Concierge; Flowers by Belverde Floristik St. Moritz; Venue at the Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl; Photography by Dominik Baur; Destination information available with Engadin Tourism.
Lugano
Lugano is a serene lake town that’s located near the Swiss-Italian border. Italian is the primary language spoken, and the cuisine artfully reflects this merging of two distinct cultures. Many destinations are reached by boat, including traditional grottos for a cozy meal and glass of wine. Villa Heleneum is a Neoclassical-style château that’s perched on the shores of Lake Lugano and was designed by German architect Hugo Dunkel who modeled the 1931 manor after Le Petit Trianon in Versailles. The estate is well-suited for a wedding, thanks to its sprawling views of the lake, on-property botanical gardens, and historic architecture (amongst myriad other enticing details). For a best-in-class wedding planner, head to Eventoile—they work with skilled artisans, creatives, vendors, and more to come up with astonishing bespoke weddings.
Pictured: Planning and Design by Eventoile; Flowers by Chiara Sperti Floral Events; Rentals by Tableset Luxury Rentals and Kairos Allestimenti; Venue at the Villa Heleneum; Photography by Fabrizio Vigano; Destination information available with Lugano Tourism.
A California native, Nicole is now a NYC-based writer who enjoys crafting stories where several pockets of culture intersect, from style and beauty to travel and design.
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