Your Guide To Getting Married In Switzerland

Meant to Bee
3 days ago
5 min read

This small, yet wildly diverse country feels like stepping into a postcard, from the soaring alpine peaks to the mirror-like lakes. It’s no wonder you’re considering this picturesque destination for your wedding.

While the planning process can seem like a hurdle, a little bit of local expertise can make it as smooth as Swiss chocolate. As a Switzerland wedding planner, I’m walking you through all of the must-know logistics about getting married in Switzerland.

Let’s dive in!

Traveling to and around Switzerland

How to get there

The best way to get to Switzerland from the States is to fly into either the Geneva or Zurich airports, depending on which region your wedding is in. Before booking your tickets, check with your wedding planner to ensure the best choice for you and your guests.

How to get around

One of the best parts of Switzerland? The world-class transportation systems. The Swiss rail and bus networks are famous for their punctuality and breathtaking scenery. I recommend taking the trains with the Swiss Travel Pass rather than renting a car (this pass is also valid for most buses, boats, and even some chairlifts!). On the way to your final destination, you’ll see some of the most incredible views thanks to the panoramic routes. While a rental car can offer more flexibility in some cases, parking can be limited, and you’ll likely encounter mandatory tolls on your way.

The best time of year to get married in Switzerland

The scenery in Switzerland changes dramatically with the seasons (in the best, most magical way). However, for weddings, late spring and early fall are generally the best options. This is when the weather is still mild (and the crowds are too)! That being said, here is a general overview of what you can expect across Switzerland’s seasons:

Winter

Ah, a wonderland of snow-topped peaks and cozy days in the chalet. From November to March, expect frigid temperatures and ideal skiing conditions. But this also means many attractions and venues may be closed, so plan carefully. Expect some snow delays and pack plenty of layers!

Spring

This is our favorite time of year for weddings in Switzerland. Although you’ll still find snow in the early spring months, May and June bring wildflowers and green valleys. The weather is mild, ranging from the low 50s to the high 60s, and the crowds are minimal.

Summer

July through August is when you’ll find the warmest weather here, making it ideal for lakeside or mountaintop ceremonies. Logistics will be easier during these months thanks to longer days, but be sure to book your venues and accommodations well in advance since this is peak tourist season.

Autumn

The Swiss landscape becomes rich in color in September and October as the green valleys transform with red and golden foliage. The temperature is also quite pleasant, and the crowds have thinned as well. Prepare for shorter days in late October.

Where to get married in Switzerland

Be mindful of regional languages and views!

Switzerland is well-known for its incredible scenery, and for good reason. You’ll find picturesque views at every turn here, from historic terraced vineyards and lakeside castles to high-alpine chalets.

However, it’s important to note that you’ll find different languages and cultural influences depending on the region. To the southeast, you’ll hear Italian and Romansh. German is the primary language throughout the central and northern regions, while French is the predominant language across the western part of Switzerland (my home!).

The western region of Switzerland admittedly has my heart, but it also has some of the most beautiful venues I have ever laid my eyes on. However, the German regions are not to be overlooked. These are some of the best wedding venues in Switzerland:

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace

Montreux (French-speaking region)

Historic and grand, this five-star hotel boasts sweeping views of Lake Geneva and glittering interiors from the early twentieth century.

CERVO Zermatt

Zermatt (German-speaking region)

The epitome of an alpine escape, this boutique resort is a collection of modern mountain-chic chalets with an indoor-outdoor concept that immerses you in the surrounding scenery.

Villars Palace

Villars-sur-Ollon (French-speaking region)

With 20 acres of private alpine meadows, this historic property blends old-world opulence with contemporary touches.

And if you want to learn more about the best wedding venues in Switzerland, I have a whole blog post with many beautiful details that you can see here.

How to get married in Switzerland: The ceremony logistics

There are a few options when it comes to getting married in Switzerland (if you’re an American citizen) to ensure that your union is 100% legal. The first, and potentially most straightforward, would be to have a civil ceremony at home in the United States. Whether at the courthouse or in an intimate setting, you could exchange your legal vows Stateside and save the lavish ceremonial celebration for Switzerland.

However, if you want your wedding in Switzerland to also legally bind the two of you, there are a few more logistics you’ll have to take care of with the Swiss government. While you won’t need a visa to host your wedding here, there are a few more steps to take care of in advance of your ceremony.

First, you must complete a marriage application with a Swiss embassy or consulate. You’ll both need to be in attendance for this process. Once approved, you’ll receive a marriage license that is valid for three months.

With this application, you’ll need the original copies of the following documentation:

Certified birth certificates
Valid passports
A notarized affidavit stating your current address and single status

A few things to note before preparing this paperwork:

If you were previously married, you’ll need to provide official documentation of either the final divorce decree or your previous spouse’s death certificate.
Swiss authorities may request that your paperwork be translated into French, German, or Italian by a certified translator.

When all of the paperwork is complete and you have arrived in Switzerland, you’ll have a civil ceremony at a local Swiss registry of your choice. There, you’ll need to have two witnesses over 18 to attend. Immediately after, you’ll get your Swiss marriage certificate as your official proof of marriage, meaning you won’t need a US certificate when you get back home! The typical civil ceremony in Switzerland costs about $400-$500 USD.

Hire a local wedding planner to get married in Switzerland

With the tricky logistics and potential language barriers, it’s best to hire vendors familiar with the region. As a Switzerland wedding planner with roots in the French-Swiss region and fluent in French, I have a growing network of local connections that will make your wedding planning experience sweeter than honey. Let’s start the conversation to plan the Swiss wedding of your dreams!

With Love,

Leor 🐝