Choosing a Swiss wedding venue
Wedding venue, Le Mirador Kempinski in Chardonne, Switzerland
Bride and groom with view over Lac Léman from Le Mirador.
Wedding Venues Montreux Palace, Switzerland
Bride wipes away a tear as she sits under a flower arch at the Montreux Palace with her husband during the father-of-the-bride’s speech.
Wedding venue Grand Hôtel du Lac Vevey, Switzerland.
Bride and groom enter the Salle Viennoise at the Grand Hôtel du Lac Vevey.
How do you choose a wedding venue in Switzerland? With such a wide range of stunning locations, world-class hotels and cute hideaways, choosing a Swiss wedding venue might seem like a mammoth task. In this blog post, I share some of my favourite wedding venues and the reasons I think they are unique. A personal wedding can take place anywhere, surrounded by the people you love. That said, I think people come to Switzerland to get married because there is something epic about the grandeur of the mountains, the lakes and the forests. Perhaps a little piece of heaven on earth where you can feel close to nature and feel completely pampered.
Lakes or Mountain
I live up in the mountains and absolutely adore mountain weddings. I like the unpredictability of the weather, the summer thunderstorms followed by sunshine and rainbows. I love taking couple and apéro photos in natural surroundings; people against the trees and the sky and the flowers. Along the Swiss shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), we are incredibly lucky to be able to have it all. As much as I love traipsing through an alpine meadow, I know that for brides and wedding guests, it might not be ideal. The Mirador Kempinski in Chardonne is a little bit of luxury surrounded by a village and vineyards. Its expansive views over the lake and away to the mountains are a beautiful backdrop for your day. I love the views from the dining room too, an intimate space with just enough room for dancing.
The Montreux Palace’s Terrasse du Petit Palais offers the charms of a garden with an almost Mediterranean view over the lake. A wonderful set up for outdoor ceremonies and dining, I adore the natural light and variety of backdrops. From lake to trees, to the promenade or looking back at the yellow-decked balconies of the iconic hotel, it is a joy to capture a wedding unfolding.
I haven’t found anything that compares to the Salle Viennoise at the Grand Hôtel du Lac in Vevey. The perfect spot whatever the weather, the hotel takes you on a tour of exotic places in each of its rooms. I often get asked to shoot couple shots in the various rooms and suites—even when the sun is shining! With an apéro by the pool and a quick step to the lake, this has to be one of my favourite wedding venues.
Making it personal and unique
All things considered, your wedding day is about you. It should be filled with your personal stories, your family and your passions. This is what makes a wedding day memorable and unique. A good wedding photographer will see all the planning, watch the interactions between you and your loved ones and listen to the speeches. They will see all this and know instinctively what is important beyond the table decorations and the weather. They will be able to capture the essence of you in their photos, no matter where the wedding takes place. I believe this shows in the photos. So, when you are looking at a wedding photographer’s portfolio, look at what makes each wedding different and imagine what they might see at your wedding.
I offer a number of wedding collections for your wedding photography in Switzerland or abroad. Choose from multiple days and locations, with full resolution downloads included. Add a unique a wedding album, with something for all styles. For a personalised wedding collection to fit your needs, please get in touch for more information.
More tips, tricks and questions answered
See more from this stunning moments from this fun-filled family wedding in Vevey and at Le Mirador Resort & Spa. From grand churches to an apèro en famille to the grandeur of the Mirador and the carnival-inspired after party.
Learn more about this charming first birthday shoot in the mountains with a brother and sister enjoying birthday cupcakes on a summer’s afternoon in the Alps.
Go behind the scenes of this spring flowers engagement picture. Perfect alpine meadows and soft summer light for a unique portrait of two people in love.
Go behind the scenes of this floral-filled 7-month photo shoot in the Iris fields of the Château de Vuillierens. A beautiful pastel family photo session with a baby girl and her parents.
With the buzz of a summer’s afternoon and a stolen moment together on a busy day, read the story behind this magical wedding photo.
A beautiful maternity shoot in the early autumn Lavaux vineyards.
Discover the story behind this tender photo of a big sister and her new baby brother.
An outdoor wedding ceremony with group photos by the lake and an apèro by the pool. Reception and party in the Salle Viennoise of the Grand Hôtel du Lac, Vevey.
A moment of pure joy in the snow. Discover the story behind this incredible engagement shoot image shot in Zermatt in the winter.