Discover the Best Mountain Elopement Locations in Europe
Disclaimer – This website contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission if you make a purchase using links on this site, at no extra cost to you. That’s how we can afford to keep this awesome site running!
Are you and your partner dreaming of a romantic elopement in the European mountains? Europe is full of stunning mountain destinations, making it an ideal location for an intimate wedding ceremony. From Austria to Scotland, there are plenty of beautiful places that offer breathtaking views and special memories. In this guide we will explore some of the best mountain elopement locations in Europe – listed by country – so you can find just the right spot for your perfect day. Whether its snow-capped mountains or lush green hillsides that take your breath away, let us help you discover the perfect place to say “I do” surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Andorra
Andorra is a small country nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. With its stunning mountain scenery, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities, it’s an ideal destination for couples looking to elope.
Austria
Austria is a beautiful country in the heart of Europe, and the Austrian Alps are some of the most stunning places to elope. From snow-capped peaks to lush valleys, Austria offers an incredible variety of breathtaking landscapes for couples looking for a unique and romantic setting for an elopement.
“Austria certainly shouldn’t be overlooked when you are considering elopement destinations. Its beauty can rival that of neighboring Switzerland, but you’ll find many of the locations are much less crowded, and your budget can stretch a lot further, without compromising on the experience or quality, making it the perfect elopement location.” – Cat from Wild Connections Photography
Tirol
The Tirol (also written as Tyrol) region of Austria, with its main city of Innsbruck, is known as the “Capital of the Alps”. Here you’ll find many of Austria’s highest mountains, especially around the glacial Ötztal Valley. There are also several stunning pristine alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls, often in areas that don’t get particularly crowded, allowing you to enjoy a more intimate elopement experience.
Tirol is also a fantastic place for a winter elopement in the mountains, as it’s the home of some of Europe’s best ski resorts, such as Kitzbühel, the Zillertal Valley and St Anton am Arlberg. If you love snow, skiing, or snowboarding, then the Tirol region of Austria is the perfect elopement destination.
The state is divided into two areas, Tirol (or North Tirol) and East Tirol (Osttirol). It’s separated by South Tirol (Südtirol) which used to be a part of Austria (but is now part of Italy), where you’ll find the magnificent Dolomites (which we’ll talk more about below).
While North Tirol is home to many more mountain towns and has many more options for elopements, East Tirol is much more sparsely populated but is home to Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner.
Salzburg Land
If you’re looking for a beautiful and romantic place to elope, the Salzburg region is an excellent choice. With its stunning scenery, enchanting atmosphere, and abundance of activities, the Salzburg region is sure to make your elopement day memorable.
Salzburg’s Old Town is a charming labyrinth of cobblestone streets lined with Baroque architecture, including the iconic Salzburg Cathedral and the picturesque Mirabell Gardens. The Marble Hall at Mirabell Palace is one of the most sought-after registry offices in the world. The city’s rich history and cultural heritage provide a romantic setting for an intimate elopement ceremony.
Salzburg’s natural beauty is as remarkable as its cultural attractions. There are many romantic villages in the Salzburg and the Salzkammergut region where you can get married in a picturesque setting with its lakes, castles and mountain scenery.
Salzburg offers a variety of activities to make your elopement experience truly memorable. Hike through the mountains, explore hidden waterfalls, ski down one of the many powdery slopes or take a boat ride on one of the region’s many lakes. Feel free to jump into one of our mountain lakes and officially and passionately ‘trash-the-dress’ right after your elopement.
Whether you’re seeking a historic backdrop, breathtaking scenery, or adventurous activities, Salzburg, Salzburger Land, and the Salzkammergut provide an ideal setting for an unforgettable elopement experience. With its romantic charm, natural beauty, friendly locals, dedicated wedding specialists, and an abundance of activities, this region is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. – Sandra, Stressfree Weddings with Sandra M
Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg, the westernmost region of Austria, lies along the Swiss border, presenting an idyllic setting for elopements in the Alps – high mountains, green hills that are covered by wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and countless cute wooden alp huts, where you can enjoy traditional homemade food. Whether exploring the rugged, glacier-clad peaks of Montafon or meandering through softer mountain landscapes with alpine flowers leading to summits near Lake Constance, so many various landscapes are located close together, which makes it easy to adventure a full day or even more on your mountain elopement.
The Lake of Constance (Bodensee) is the largest lake in Austria (sort of – it crosses borders into Germany and Switzerland). Some parts with sand beaches make you feel as if you are by the ocean.
Bregenzerwald, a particularly picturesque valley in Vorarlberg, offers a breathtaking panorama from its mountaintops. The view extends to the numerous peaks of Montafon and Switzerland, while the opposite side reveals Lake Constance and stretches far into Germany on clear days.
The region’s accessibility is enhanced by numerous alpine passes and gondolas, facilitating visits to stunning mountain locations with minimal effort. Adventurous couples can embark on a fantastic day or multi-day hikes to discover secluded elopement spots.
One of the best things about Vorarlberg is that there are not (yet) many Insta-famous places; so many stunning locations are not well known, providing eloping couples the opportunity to enjoy these hidden gems without the crowds.
In winter, Vorarlberg transforms into a winter wonderland, offering world-class ski areas and great options for ski and snowshoe tours. Exciting toboggan runs, horse-sled rides, and many other winter activities make Vorarlberg an ideal destination for a magical winter elopement. – Victoria , Wild Embrace
France
Les Trois Vallées
Les Trois Vallées is perfect for couples that not only love the mountains but are also passionate about skiing or snowboarding. It’s the world’s largest connected ski area and that makes it so diverse. You can be above all other mountains in Val Thorens (where the pictures beneath are taken) or in between the magical trees in Méribel or Courchevel. You can have your ceremony on top of the mountain and spend the rest of your elopement day skiing, or maybe paragliding!
Les Trois Vallees is also a dream hiking destination in summer and has many beautiful lakes between the mountains. – Nikki Lucy Photography
Greece
Meteora
Eloping in Meteora, Greece, can be a unique and magical experience. Meteora is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring towering rock formations and monasteries perched atop cliffs. The unique geological formations create a dramatic and picturesque backdrop, making it an ideal setting for an intimate and romantic elopement.
The distinctive landscape of Meteora offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your wedding photos. The combination of towering rock pillars, lush greenery, and historical architecture can result in truly captivating and memorable images.
Meteora provides an adventurous element to your elopement. Whether you choose to exchange vows on the edge of a cliff or within the courtyards of a monastery, the experience can be both romantic and adventurous, creating lasting memories.
Eloping is often chosen as a way to escape the stress and pressure associated with traditional weddings. Meteora, with its tranquil and serene atmosphere, offers a peaceful setting where the focus can be on the love between the couple rather than the elaborate details of a large wedding. – Christina, Studio 123 Photography
Germany
Germany might not be the first place you think of when you think of mountains, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook it.
Bavarian Alps
Germany’s Bavarian Alps are the ideal mountain elopement destination in Europe for couples looking for an unforgettable wedding. The German Alps boast countless postcard-worthy views, from sprawling meadows to towering mountain tops. Tucked away in the valleys you can swim, SUP, or sail in crystal-clear lakes or picnic next to a field of wildflowers. In Bavaria, you’ll find an an extensive network of cable cars, hiking trails, and activities to suit adventure at every level, making it the perfect place to celebrate your elopement. Our favorite part about eloping in Germany is you can experience impressive views that rival more famous parts of the Alps, while also finding more privacy and the space to simply enjoy the journey. – Christine, Made in the Mountains Photo
Saxon Switzerland
With its’ odd and unique rock formations Saxon Switzerland is a great area to elope to for couples who love to be surrounded by magical landscapes, and to have a hiking elopement that doesn’t require a high level of fitness, but still gives you that feeling of a mountain elopement. With Berlin being only 2.5 hours and Dresden only 0.5 hours away, it’s the perfect location for couples who want to combine their travels with city explorations. – Gina Walkowiak
Ireland
You might think of Ireland as rugged coastlines and rolling green hills, but for mountain lovers, you’ve also got plenty of regions to choose from.
Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
The Mourne Mountains in Co Down, Northern Ireland are perfect for an adventure elopement. They offer stunning summit-top views for experienced hikers but also great views for as little as 15 minutes walking from the car. There are a variety of well-marked trails. Some of the most well-known viewpoints in the Mournes can get busy but for couples who prefer more privacy, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-track spots too. – Shauna Ward, Wild and Green Photography
Derryveagh Mountains, Ireland
The Derryveagh Mountains in the North-West of Ireland are a popular destination for hillwalkers and climbers. They’re known for their scenic landscapes including mountains, lakes, forests, and peat bogs. The variety of scenery here makes it a great place for couples to explore for their elopement. – Shauna Ward, Wild and Green Photography
Connemara Mountains, Ireland
The Connemara Mountains in the western part of Ireland has a combination of mountains, lakes, and moorlands. Connemara is a Gaeltacht region, meaning it is a locality where the Irish language is spoken. This location is perfect for couples who want an authentic Irish wilderness experience. – Shauna Ward, Wild and Green Photography
>> Check out this Connemara castle elopement story here
Italy
Italy is a beautiful country with many stunning mountain regions perfect for mountain elopements. From the Alps and the Dolomites in the north to the Apennines in the south, couples have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a breathtaking location for their special day.
Campo Imperatore, Gran Sasso / Abruzzo
The Gran Sasso and, specifically, the Campo Imperatore plateau (also known as the Little Tibet) make for the perfect elopement destination. Firstly, the beauty of the landscape and its vastness create an ideal setting. Being a relatively undiscovered and vast location, it’s practically semi-deserted, making it the perfect spot for an intimate elopement. Its mountainous roads and landscapes rival those of places like Scotland or Iceland. Lastly, it’s perfect because it’s only a 2-hour drive from Rome. This means that even couples visiting Rome can consider planning an elopement in the mountains without having to drive for hours on end. – Emanuele, In Bianco e Nero
Dolomites
Located just east of the Italian Alps are the Dolomites – one of Italy’s most picturesque mountain ranges, and a UNESCO world heritage site, known for its tall, vertical rock walls, dramatic limestone peaks, and turquoise alpine lakes.
The most famous sites of the Dolomites include the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina, Alpe di Siusi, Seceda (pictured below), and Lago di Braies. However, while these locations have become crowded Instagram hotspots over the last few years, the Dolomites is a massive area that offers couples the chance to experience an unforgettable elopement in some of the most breathtaking mountains in the world.
For a truly unforgettable adventure for active couples, I highly recommend a multi-day elopement with an overnight stay in one of the rifugios (mountain refuges). – Cat, Wild Connections Photography
Piemonte/Piedmont
When you think about mountains in Italy, surely the first destinations that will pop into your mind
will be those of the Dolomites and the whole Trentino Alto Adige area. However, people often
overlook the fact that the Alps mountain range spreads from West to East all across Northern
Italy and is not limited only to the Eastern – much more popular – bit. In fact, it is in the Western
Part of the range that you’ll find the highest and most spectacular peaks in the whole of Europe,
incredible massifs like those of Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) and Monte Rosa.
Amongst the Western part of the Alps, those of the Piemonte region are the very least known.
Surely they cannot pride themselves on being trendy and popular destinations like Courmayeur or
Cortina, but they have nothing to fear about their more popular sisters. Quite the opposite in
fact. The fact that Piemonte is far less famous, makes it the perfect region to elope to Italy, one
of those places in which you will be able to find intimacy even in the busiest months of the year, without compromising on landscapes and experience.
What’s more, the region is one of the vastest of all Italy, making it also the perfect destination to extend your trip and have a little honeymoon in the country. Are you a wine and food lover? Worldwide famous areas like Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato are all in Piemonte. Turin is its main city, the former capital of Italy, one of the most regal ones, dense in history and culture. Only a stone’s throw away from Liguria (home of one of the most beautiful coastlines of the country, the Riviera, and of the stunning Cinque Terre), from the Lake District region of Northern Italy (Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Orta, only to name a few), from Valle d’Aosta (where Monte Bianco and Monte Rosa are) and perfectly connected to Switzerland and France. What’s not to like?! – Carol, Benni Carol Photography
Poland
Tatra Mountains
The Tatra Mountains, located in southern Poland and northern Slovakia, are an ideal destination for couples looking to elope. The mountains are really breathtaking – there are many mountain rivers, crystal lakes, and forests, making it the perfect destination for adventure lovers. The scenery is just as jaw-dropping as the Alps and Dolomites, but many people find it more affordable. 🙂
You can easily get to Zakopane, a town in the heart of the Tatra mountains, in 2 hours, by car, train or bus from Krakow. It’s the perfect base for a couple of days exploring the area, as from the town it’s easy to get to the dozens of hiking trails of different difficulty. Easy places to get can get crowded, but if you’re hiking just a bit deeper, you get to enjoy intimacy. And I highly recommend visiting local markets too – they’re selling handmade woolen clothes and delishious local food. While you’re here, you have to try the local highland cheese “Oscypek”! They often serve it grilled and add cranberry jam on the side. Yum! And Polish pierogi after a long hike is also a must! (my favorite are with berries). – Nataly from Nikolaichick Photo
Romania
Carpathian Mountains
This particular area of Romania is so incredibly beautiful and not well-known, even to locals. It’s a bit of a trek to get to (we had to plan carefully and make sure the cable car would be running on the day we were planning to go), but once you’re there, the trip is absolutely worth it. The views are unparalleled, and it’s quite affordable compared to many other epic mountain destinations within Europe! – Lauren McCormick
Slovenia
Upper Carniola region, Julian Alps
The Julian Alps stand as an unrivaled elopement destination, offering couples a majestic and intimate setting for their mountain vows. With their awe-inspiring peaks and pristine alpine landscapes, this hidden gem provides a unique and secluded backdrop for a truly romantic celebration.
The Julian Alps’ rugged beauty captures the essence of untamed love, creating an atmosphere of serenity and connection. Whether exchanging vows on a mountain summit or amidst a lush alpine meadow, the Julian Alps promise an enchanting experience, where the harmony of nature and the intimacy of the moment converge to make your elopement an unforgettable celebration of love.
The best places to get married in this region include Bled Lake, Kranjska Gora, Bohinj Lake, Pokluka Plateau. – Karin Čemažar, Karin Weddings & Events
Switzerland
The Swiss Alps offer some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Europe. From iconic mountains to hanging glaciers, there’s something here for everyone who loves nature and adventure. Whether you want to exchange vows on top of a mountain peak or take a romantic boat ride across one of the many alpine lakes, Switzerland has so many options for mountain and nature lovers.
Because the Swiss Alps encompass a number of different mountain ranges and regions, I’ve asked some Swiss locals to tell you why their regions are the best 🙂
Bernese Oberland
The Bernese Oberland (known in Switzerland as the Berner Oberland) is located in central Switzerland and it’s a region known for its stunning natural beauty and epic landscapes, making it an ideal elopement destination, especially if you can find a local supplier who can take you to all those hidden gems and away from the tourist hotspots.
The Jungfrau Mountain range is dominated by the iconic Eiger, Mõnch and Jungfrau and offers a dramatic backdrop for elopements and proposals. This particular area used to be all about the winter because there are so many ski resorts like Wengen, Grindelwald, and Murren but now all these destinations have become popular all-year round hiking destinations and of course, the colours of nature in Autumn are just beautiful.
While the Lauterbrunnen Valley is a well-known Elopement spot with the Staubbach Falls, it’s often better to hike higher into the mountains, up towards Männlichen and into the forests above the car-free village of Wengen to escape the crowds and really appreciate the stunning scenery.
Further west you’ll find the Adelboden-Lenk region best known for its alpine landscapes, ski resorts, and hiking trails. It’s a bit less crowded than the Jungfrau Region but equally beautiful.
Kandersteg is famous for its alpine scenery and is a gateway to Oeschinensee, a stunning mountain lake accessible only by cable car or by hiking. Close by there’s the infamous Lake Blausee – known for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters.
Haslital is the eastern part of the Bernese Oberland and offers a quieter and less touristy experience, while the Simmental Valley, to the north of the central Bernese Oberland, features rolling hills, pastoral landscapes, and the town of Zweisimmen. – Emma Wilson, Story of Your Day
Engadin St. Moritz
Switzerland’s Engadin St. Moritz region is one of our top picks for eloping couples looking for the perfect blend of adventure and luxury. Whether it’s a 5-star hotel overlooking one of the region’s numerous lakes, or a mountain hotel perched next to a glacier, you’ll find unique and interesting places to stay throughout your wedding trip. The scenery is dazzling, with 3,000 and 4,000-meter peaks looming in every direction. In summer, St. Moritz is an incredible hiking destination whether you want to scale craggy peaks or meander through lupine meadows. In autumn, the mountainsides are covered in brilliant yellow and orange larches which contrast against glittering blue alpine lakes. During winter, you can ski over 350km of ski slopes or ice skate on groomed frozen lakes. Year-round, St. Moritz is the perfect mountain elopement destination in Europe. – Christine, Made in the Mountains Photo
Pennine Alps
“The Pennine Alps are a great elopement location for many reasons. First, you can get a lot of privacy by eloping there. Apart from famous locations such as Zermatt, it’s an area full of valleys and summits that aren’t that well-known. This means that only locals and a few tourists hike there, increasing your chances of being all by yourselves on your elopement day.
Secondly, a lot of places in the area are accessible by car, and sometimes by regular public transport such as buses. No overpriced cable cars there! This gives you a lot more flexibility, as you’re not relying on gondola schedules, which often close at 5pm.
Lastly, let’s talk about the weather. Situated in the south of Switzerland, the Pennine Alps get an average of 300 sunny days a year (hence why there are lots of vineyards in the Rhône Valley), which makes it an ideal location if you’re really worried about the rain. It can also get pretty hot, but it’s only one more reason to escape to the mountains! In the winter, it’s also an ideal place for a snowy elopement, and all the fun activities that come with it.” – Morgane Raposo
Scotland
Scotland is a beautiful country with stunning mountain ranges, but it also is one of the few places in Europe that allows couples to celebrate their legal marriage ceremony in the mountains with relative ease, making it the perfect place for destination elopement.
Cuillin mountains, Isle of Skye
The Cuillin mountains dominate central Skye, and as you drive across the island it’s impossible not to notice their jagged peaks. Not many couples make it up into the Cuillins as they are known to be the most challenging of all the UK mountains, but we think you should definitely put them on your list if you have a sense of adventure. To get the best images, you don’t have to head to the summits, but within an hour or two of the road, you can gain enough height to be up amongst the peaks with incredible views across to the Red Cuillins, as well as the ocean and distant islands. Besides the views, the privacy is one of the highlights of being this high up, with your most likely guests being deer or soaring golden eagles. – Oli and Steph Photography
Conclusion
No matter which of these incredible mountain elopement locations in Europe you choose, your special day will be one to remember.
From the breathtaking views and romantic settings to the unique culture and history, an elopement wedding in Europe is sure to make your dreams come true. Whether it’s Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Germany, France, Andorra, Poland Spain or Italy – each destination offers something special that can help create a truly unforgettable experience for you and your partner. So take some time to explore all these amazing countries have to offer and start planning the perfect European elopement today.
