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Rebecca & Justin are a Canadian couple who love traveling to new places and having unique experiences. They wanted an elopement in Austria which was unique, somewhere lesser known, with waterfalls, lots of greenery and a lake. Their photographer Mariah knew the perfect valley for them. They booked two days, starting day one at a beautiful A frame cabin with hair, makeup and food prep. She even had Viki cut her long hair spontaneously and rocked a bob for her wedding day! To save time and energy, they rented e-mountain bikes, complete with wicker basket for her flowers and picnic supplies. Rebecca loves to bake, so she prepped a multi layer wedding cake for them to decorate during their picnic. They biked, swam, danced in wildflowers and waved at cute cows!
Why Did the Couple Choose Austria for Their Elopement?
Rebecca & Justin: The location in Austria was recommended by our photographer and checked all our boxes (big mountains, lush rolling hills, and a lake to swim in). We chose to elope because this seemed like the best way for us to have fun and enjoy ourselves.
What Makes Hohe Tauern National Park Special for Elopements?
Mariah, the photographer: I love this location because it’s a true local gem. You are immersed in nature, and the culture of the Austrian Alps, surrounded by only hikers and other outdoor lovers. This location has a charming hut, easily accessed by jeep taxi, on a gravel road perfect for mountain bikes, a waterfall, lake and high alpine views of Austria’s tallest mountain and glaciers.
Can You Get Legally Married in Austria?
Rebecca & Justin: We opted for a symbolic ceremony.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Austria?
Rebecca & Justin: Our day was very low key and as a natural consequence of that, relatively low waste.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Austria into Their Elopement?
Rebecca & Justin: We stayed at a mountain hut and enjoyed local foods 🙂
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Austria During June?
Rebecca & Justin: Definitely recommend this time of year!
Mariah, the photographer: the best time of year for a one day itinerary, the long days of late June and early July are best. The wildflowers peak at this time as well, and the glacier melt feeds dozens of waterfalls cascading through the valley.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Austria?
Rebecca & Justin: Hire Mariah as your photographer.
Mariah, the photographer: Being flexible is number one, staying overnight in the hut is number two. This can be done as a one day itinerary as well, however. Renting eBikes is the most flexible way to access the valley, but be prepared with rain gear.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Rebecca & Justin: One of my favourite personal touches was freezing and bringing St.Viatuer bagels all the way from Montreal to Austria.
We also made our own cake and decorated it with local wildflowers.
It was just the two of us and our photographer, so everything felt personal and intimate.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Austria, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Rebecca & Justin: Bagel logistics. We froze the bagels and it turned out ok.
Hiring a local photographer like Mariah made everything else so easy.
What Advice Would You Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Austria?
Rebecca & Justin: Hire the right people, do what feels right for you and have fun!
Mariah, the photographer: Hire a local photographer or guide who is familiar with the area and speaks German.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Rebecca & Justin: Vows looking out at Grossglockner and polar plunges in the glacier lake nearby.
Why Is Hohe Tauern National Park One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Rebecca & Justin: The people and the environment. The people in the nearby town were so wonderful.
