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Meredith + Steve’s elopement was a whirlwind elopement that was planned in under 72 hours. The pair both work in the airline industry (pilot and pilot in training) and the two had been engaged since February. They knew they wanted to elope in late-November, so they got their wedding attire and planned to hop on a flight wherever they could go!
They wound up writing Christine, the photographer, from the airport about their plans, en route to Frankfurt. While they initially expected they’d end up in Hawaii or Australia, instead, they were met with a winter wonderland. When the two landed in Germany, they hopped on a call with Christine and went over potential location options, picked a day, and organized all the details. Meredith + Steve wanted beautiful scenery, along with a relaxed way to celebrate. Most important to them, they wanted to have a ceremony where they exchanged traditional vows and also honored their shared Christian faith.
Their elopement was spent getting ready together before sharing a first look on their hotel grounds. From there, they walked around the Eibsee and then in the afternoon (as it began snowing again) it was time for their ceremony.
Why Did the Couple Choose Germany for Their Elopement?
Meredith & Steve: We actually chose Germany on a whim. We are both in the airline industry, and have very unpredictable schedules. We knew we wanted to elope, however, we did not know where. We decided to go to the airport and get on whatever American Airlines flight had open seats.
We wanted simplicity, hence an elopement. Our families are from opposite sides of the United States (over 24 hour drive). We are also both in the airline industry, and our schedules are very unpredictable. We do not know our schedules until a week prior to the month beginning.
What Makes Garmisch-Partenkirchen Special for Elopements?
Meredith & Steve: It is absolutely gorgeous! The people and culture were lovely too! We are thrilled to come back here for our future anniversaries.
Christine, the photographer (local to the area): I love these locations because they offer jaw-dropping scenery year-round, without requiring a hard hike. The Eibsee is particularly scenic, and the path is even partially cleared from snow in the winter. I also love how dramatic the mountain views are, since Germany’s tallest mountain is your backdrop.
Can You Get Legally Married in Germany?
Meredith & Steve: We had a religious Christian ceremony. We got legally married in Texas afterwards.

What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Germany?
Meredith & Steve: We love the outdoors, and were happy to have our wedding showcase God’s beauty. It was just the two of us, plus our photographer and husband.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Garmisch-Partenkirchen into Their Elopement?
Meredith & Steve: Yes, I had edelweiss in my bouquet, and my husband had edelweiss on his lapel. We also did our ceremony in front of a church with a painting of Saint George.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Garmisch-Partenkirchen During the month of November?
Meredith & Steve: We would absolutely recommend it. We had a magical day, and it could not have been any more perfect.
Christine, the photographer: Due to the year-round accessibility of these locations, they’re great year round. With that being said, here are the best months to go based on the season:
Winter: January + February
Spring: May + June
Summer: July to Mid-September
Autumn: October

What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Germany?
Meredith & Steve: We planned our elopement on the flight to Germany. Everything was last minute as a true elopement should be, and everything worked out the way that God envisioned. Our best advice is to have faith, and to make the day fun and not take life too seriously.
Christine, the photographer: If you’re planning a winter elopement in this location, I’d recommend the following:
-Book your accommodation in a scenic area nearby your planned locations. Hotel am Badersee made the perfect spot to stay, as the lake next to the hotel offered a perfect first look spot, and it was just minutes away from the couple’s other chosen locations. This can also help minimize getting stuck in ski-traffic during the winter months.
-Be prepared for any weather! Mountain weather is constantly changing and the days before and after this elopement brought sunshine and temperatures of 12-14C, but then we experienced snow! Layers and comfortable footwear can make all the difference.
-Mid-day elopements are the way to go in winter. Because of the tall mountains, the sun doesn’t rise until late in the morning and makes a significant temperature difference.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Meredith & Steve: Our lovely photographer, Christine, really helped make our day unique and special. We can only give credit to her in this aspect of our wedding day.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Germany, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Meredith & Steve: Yes, many! 1. We did not plan anything, thus we did not get very much sleep on the flight over. 2. I left my computer on the flight, and didn’t realize it until we got through customs. Thankfully, Steve is a pilot with connections, and we somehow got it back within an hour, and make our ICE train from Frankfurt to Munich.
What Advice Would the Couple Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Germany?
Meredith & Steve: Go to Eibsee lake and Zugspitze! Also, use Christine because she is the BEST!!!! Do not be afraid to follow your heart and listen to your soul. God loves you and wants you to be happy. We decided to be adventurous and become one flesh, so that we may be one. His dreams for you are even more beautiful than you could ever imagine. He allowed us to have the most perfect wedding day, and meet the most amazing people.
Christine, the photographer:
-No matter how far in advance (or short of a timeline) you plan to elope in, you can pull it off. Meredith and Steve planned their elopement in under 72 hours!
-Hiring a local can make all the difference. Because Meredith and Steve eloped in the off-season, many locations were inaccessible. As a local, I was able to help them easily explore other alternatives that fit their vision, recommend great hotels, and even organize florals on short notice.
-On that same thread, if you are flexible when you elope, consider avoiding eloping in this region in March, April, and November. These months have the most unpredictable weather and far more limitations on where you can elope due to cable cars being closed.
-Garmisch-Partenkirchen has so much to see and do. If you have the time, allot 4-5 days (or more) to soak up everything the area has to offer. If you’re a nature lover, you won’t get bored!

What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Meredith & Steve: We have endless memorable moments from our wedding day, but here are a few of our favorites: 1. Steve almost pushed Christine into the freezing lake water when he slipped going down a steep slope. 2. It started to blizzard during our ceremony. 3. We walked around Eibsee lake facing Zugspitze, and it was absolutely stunning. 4. We woke up to 6 inches of fresh snow. 5. We got to marry each other’s best friend.