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Adam and Caroline chose a 2 day adventure in Zermatt, Switzerland. With a helicopter ride, stroll around the old town, a jacuzzi and, of course, skiing!
In their words: If you’re even thinking about an adventure elopement — do it. Two days felt like a week of memories, and we’d choose Zermatt all over again. Huge thank you to Malin at Wild Souls United for making it all happen!
Why Did the Couple Choose Zermatt for Their Elopement?
Adam & Caroline: We’re Canadians and adventurers at heart, and we wanted a wedding day that matched who we are, mountains, snow, skiing, and just the two of us. Zermatt has the Matterhorn, world-class skiing right out the door, and that storybook old-town charm, so it gave us both the wild adventure and the romance in one place.
We wanted a wedding day we’d never stop reliving, not a performance for a room full of people. We wanted to do memorable things we enjoy doing together, and eloping let us pour everything into that. Skiing, snowshoeing, saying our vows just to each other in front of the Matterhorn — that felt infinitely more meaningful than a traditional reception.
What Makes Zermatt Special for Elopements?
Malin, the photographer, planner & videographer: Matterhorn in winter is epic, and there are a lot of adventure to include, cute town and nice hotels on altitude.
Can You Get Legally Married in Switzerland?
Adam & Caroline: Symbolic ceremony. We handled the legal paperwork at home and came to Zermatt for the experience and the vows that mattered to us.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Zermatt?
Adam & Caroline: Yes, keeping it intimate is sustainable by design. Just the two of us meant no flights for guests and a much smaller footprint than a traditional wedding. We used local Zermatt vendors and accommodation, Zermatt itself is a car-free village, so all transport in town was on foot or electric. During our adventures around the mountains we ensured we only left footprints in the snow behind.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of The Alps into Their Elopement?
Adam & Caroline: Yes — we leaned into Swiss alpine traditions throughout the two days. We had Swiss cheese fondue paired with local wine for dinner, toasted with traditional Swiss liquor (schnapps) after our nighttime snowshoe high in the mountains near the Matterhorn, and skied as our main wedding-day activity. Even our breakfast was at a classic Swiss mountain hut.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Zermatt During February?
Adam & Caroline: if you’re looking for a ski-themed winter wedding, not many places can beat Zermatt. The snow-covered peaks, the cozy après vibe, and the ability to ski straight from your ceremony are unreal.
Malin, the photographer, planner & videographer :For Winter elopements December to April is best and for Summer July to October.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Zermatt?
Adam & Caroline: Build in flexibility, mountain weather changes fast, and you’ll want a Plan B (and maybe C). Hire a local photographer/planner who actually knows the mountain; that was the single best decision we made. Give yourself two days instead of one so weather doesn’t dictate everything. And pack layers, proper layers, because no photo is worth being miserably cold.
Malin, the photographer, planner & videographer: Having deep mountain knowledge! You need to understand mountain weather and how to move around in mountain terrain.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Adam & Caroline: We built the whole day around things we love doing together, skiing, snowshoeing, a helicopter tour, good food, meeting for our first look in old town Zermatt, and including sentimental pieces brought from home.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Switzerland, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Adam & Caroline: Mountain weather. Our original plan was to head straight up the mountain for our vows, but the weather didn’t cooperate, so we had to pivot. Having a local photographer/planner who knew the area meant we could rework the day on the fly without it feeling like a compromise, it actually became part of the story.
What Advice Would You Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Zermatt?
Adam & Caroline: Pick a place you genuinely want to spend time in, not just one that photographs well. Stretch the celebration over two days so you’re not racing the clock or the weather. Lean into local food, local traditions, and local guides, that’s what makes it feel like the place, not a generic destination shoot. And don’t over-schedule; leave room for the unplanned moments because those end up being the ones you remember.
Malin, the photographer, planner & videographer: If you’re a planner – have deep mountain knowledge and several back up plans. If you’re doing a skiing elopement – be very comfortable on skis. Be prepared for all weather.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Adam & Caroline: The first look in the old town, the wait, then catching sight of each other all dressed up, was pure magic. The helicopter tour over the Alps, then skiing down the slopes in front of the Matterhorn. The nighttime snowshoe under the stars. And the mountain sunrise on our first morning as a married couple.
Why Is Zermatt One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Adam & Caroline: Because almost nowhere else gives you this combination, the Matterhorn out your window, world-class skiing, a storybook like village. You can have a sunrise ceremony, ski your reception, soak in a Jacuzzi looking at the most iconic mountain in the world, and snowshoe under the stars, all on the same day.
