A Dreamy Austria Elopement with Wildflower Meadows & Sunset Mountain Views

The day I got to photograph my best friend’s elopement in the Austrian Alps.

Emily is my most long-standing best friend (we met in college, and she’s one of those people who changed my life for the better). When we met back then, little did I know how our lives would play out….but getting to photograph her elopement with her partner, Mikey in the Alps was one of those full-circle moments I don’t really have words for.

Emily was there long before any of this was a business. We were driving around in her Subaru, photographing stars at night with a little tripod and a self-timer. She’d drop everything when I had a wild idea about a random trail or skip class to drive six hours to hot springs on a Tuesday(😅). The time we spent outside together is a big part of what kept me sane back then, and it bonded us in a way that only the outdoors really can.

Emily stood by me as my maid of honor eight years ago. So when she told me she wanted to elope – I knew what needed to happen.

The morning of Emily + Mikey’s day started pouring rain (classic Alps, honestly), and it was still sprinkling through their first look. But the pair just completely owned it. No stressing about the weather, or if things were perfect. Just the two of them, fully present, fully themselves, relishing every single moment together and laughing so so much. My cheeks hurt from smiling. 

The way these two were with each other all day, trading stories on the trail, soaking up every view, not caring about anything except being together in this place, that’s what it’s all about.

Something Emily and I used to do when we were out west together was look at the mountains and just shed a few tears because of how beautiful they were. Getting to share that again, here in the Alps, in some of my favorite places in the world, with her and Mikey on their wedding day – that’s something I’ll always cherish. 

I’m forever grateful that these two trusted me to help them get married in Austria, and these memories that will last a lifetime.

Austrian Alps Mountain Elopement Timeline

This alpine lake elopement in Austria focused on having a relaxed pace with diverse views. While the pair definitely logged some miles, it was broken up by one scenic vista after another all across a single trail. You can check out Emily + Mikey’s elopement timeline overview below. 

• 12:00 pm – I arrive at the chalet and document the final parts of getting ready.
• 1:30 pm – Finish getting ready, and drive at the cable car and trailhead
• 2:00 pm – Arrive at the cable car, and walk to a nearby area to share first looks. After first looks and some exploring, change into hiking attire.
• 3:00 pm – Purchase cable car tickets, and ride up the mountain.
• 3:30 pm – Snack break at the top of the cable car
• 4:30 pm – Hiking to the lake with scenic stops along the way.
• 6:30 pm – Arrive at the lake.
  • Snack break.
  • Change back into wedding attire.
  • Ceremony
  • Toast with your favorite beers
  • Exploring nearby trails at the lake, viewpoints, and just enjoying being in this *incredible* place.
• 9:15 pm – Change back into hiking attire and begin trek back to the cars.
• 11:30 pm – Wrap up and say goodbyes – you’re married 🥳

Check out Emily + Mikey’s wildflower elopement in Austria below