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Karen and Austin’s elopement in the Berchtesgaden National Park in the German Alps included a unique chalet stay, a stunning mountain top spot to exchange vows, lakeside views, and ending the night with cutting cake. They included small, personalized details such as their custom cat figurines for the cake and ”just married” backpack signs. While they had to adjust some aspects of their day due to the rain, it was a really fun one, and they were so lucky the weather held as long as it did so Karen could fulfill her dream of exchanging vows on top of a mountain!
Why Did the Couple Choose Bertchesgaden National Park for Their Elopement?
Karen & Austin: We had a specific vision for our elopement: snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, wildflowers, and alpine lakes. We both shared a love for mountains and had this vision in mind when choosing our location. Initially we wanted to get married in the U.S. but couldn’t find the right scenery for the month we wanted to get married in early June, since most of the mountains were still frozen and roads closed.
We started looking abroad and were initially drawn to Switzerland. Our elopement photographer, Christine, sent us a scouting questionnaire early on, and based on our answers, she offered several location options—including a wild card suggestion in the German Alps. We had never heard of Berchtesgaden National Park, but we trusted her recommendation and we’re so glad we did! The German Alps turned out to be exactly what we were looking for.
Cost was the biggest factor for choosing to elope. Even micro-weddings can be incredibly expensive. Eloping allowed us to have a more personal and meaningful experience without the high cost. Also, since we’re both resident physicians with limited vacation time, we combined our elopement and honeymoon into one trip all for under $20,000.
What Makes Bertchesgaden National Park Special for Elopements?
Christine, the photographer: I love this location because it has a lot of diverse scenery. Whether it’s the mountain-top views, alpine lakes, fjord-lake valleys, sprawling rivers, or whimsical forests – there’s a type of scenery for every couple in Berchtesgaden.
In general, the area around Berchtesgaden offers cozy charm, while still being well-connected to nearby cities such as Salzburg. There’s plenty to do without having to travel far.
Can You Get Legally Married in Germany?
Karen & Austin: We chose a symbolic ceremony since navigating legal marriage paperwork abroad seemed complicated. We had our legal ceremony a few months earlier in the U.S.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Germany?
Karen & Austin: Yes, we followed the “Leave No Trace” principle and made sure to pack out all our trash.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of the German Alps into Their Elopement?
Karen & Austin: While we didn’t include specific cultural traditions, we made sure to keep a few meaningful elements: cake-cutting and video calls with our families on the day of our elopement.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in the German Alps During June?
Karen & Austin: We would recommend it! We got married in early June just before peak tourist season, so it felt quieter and more intimate. The weather was also ideal—not too hot, not too cold.
Christine, the photographer: Mid-May through Mid-October is a great time to plan an elopement in the Berchtesgaden region. Most cable cars are running, tourist attractions are open, and locations are accessible. The best months are June, September, and October though to have the most location flexibility with the fewest crowds.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Bertchesgaden National Park?
Karen & Austin: The most important tip: find the right elopement photographer. Having someone who knows the area well, is passionate about their work, and is invested in your day makes all the difference. After talking to many photographers, we instantly connected with Christine. She wasn’t just our photographer—she helped plan our entire elopement day, from scouting multiple locations to helping with logistics and answering all of our questions.
Also, even though elopements are often seen as low-maintenance, they still require thoughtful planning—especially if you want specific elements. We started planning eight months in advance after booking our photographer, and we’re glad we did. Surprisingly, the hardest part was finding a bakery that would make a small elopement cake! After emailing over 20 bakeries, we finally found a family-owned one an hour from our lodging.
I also relied heavily on Instagram and Google reviews to find a makeup artist and florist (the florist was recommended by our photographer). Finding a makeup artist was the second most important thing for me. I wanted someone with experience working on people with similar features and someone who spoke English so I could communicate clearly. I debated doing a makeup trial, but I’m so glad I did—it gave me the chance to make changes for the final look. It took me a full day of thinking through what I wanted to adjust, so the trial was definitely worth the time and cost.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Karen & Austin: We made custom cat cake toppers to represent our fur babies who couldn’t be with us. We also designed personalized “Just Married” signs for our matching hiking backpacks and got custom vow books from Etsy.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Germany, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Karen & Austin: The biggest challenge was the weather. The week of our elopement, the forecast predicted thunderstorms on our wedding day. Christine gave us a backup day, but the forecast kept flipping between the two dates. The day before, we decided to go for it and stick with the original plan.
We packed waterproof jackets and covers for our hiking backpacks. It did rain heavily in the afternoon and evening, which meant we had to cancel some activities like the boat ride, outdoor picnic, and first dance. At first, we were nervous about how the photos would turn out from the rain, but once we saw them, we were blown away. They captured the most meaningful parts of the day beautifully. The rain even added a magical, moody touch that made the day even more memorable.
What Advice Would You Give to Others Planning an Elopement in The German Alps?
Christine, the photographer: For couples planning an elopement or destination wedding in Berchtesgaden, my top tips and recommendations would be the following:
-Book a unique place to stay. Berchtesgaden has some really cool options, and this couple’s chalet leveled up their entire experience. Being able to wake up with a peaceful view of the mountains, sheep grazing outside, and a hot tub to relax in after a long day of adventuring helped set the pace and intention of the day.
-Hire someone local and familiar with the ins and outs of the area. Berchtesgaden is beautiful, but it is also a famous region that attracts lots of tourists. A local such as myself can help point you in the right direction to what areas are private, vs. those that require you to stand in line to ‘’get the shot’’.
-Stay flexible. Like many parts of the Alps, Berchtesgaden frequently receives rain. Being ready to adjust your timeline or pivot locations to roll with the forecast makes all the difference. One thing that can make staying flexible easier is learning to do your own hair and makeup. Taking courses at home can be a simple way to limit logistics the day-of.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Karen & Austin: Sharing our vows on top of the mountains, just the two of us, was the most unforgettable moment. It felt incredibly intimate and meaningful to share our love for each other in the middle of such a magical place.
Why Is Berchtesgaden National Park One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Karen & Austin: We had never heard of Berchtesgaden National Park before this trip, but we were absolutely blown away by its beauty. It was quiet and peaceful, which made our elopement feel even more intimate. Plus, the cost was a fraction of what it would’ve been in Switzerland.
