Majestic Rainy Day Elopement in the Alps

Maddie and Josh’s adventure wedding in the alps was one of the wettest adventures we’ve captured to date. Despite the rain, it was a blast from start to finish. These two were ready to get married, rain or shine. The friends and family they brought were equally supportive, and stoked to celebrate, deluge and all. The moody weather added a majestic element to the day, complete with gushing waterfalls and surreal, misty mountains.

An Important Update to Oeschinensee Elopements before diving in:

Couples cannot get married at the Oeschinensee as of 2024 onward. The Oeschinensee is dealing with mass overtourism, leading to environmental degradation. The cable car operators and local landowners request that couples and photographers respect these rules, the community, and the environment by getting married elsewhere. Yes, even elopements are currently banned at Oeschinensee, even if it is only the couple without guests.

On the Oeschinensee FAQ page you can also find the following information under these two section, ”Are events such as weddings or similar permitted in the Oeschinensee area? No, Oeschinensee is located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is surrounded by various protected areas, including plant conservation areas, dry meadows and wildlife rest areas. Due to these special protective measures, all (commercial) events and drone flights are prohibited by law. Compliance with these rules is monitored by rangers.”; and ‘‘What outdoor guidelines apply when dealing with social media? Only post activities that are permitted. Publishing prohibited activities can have legal consequences. Remember that content on the internet remains visible for a long time. Only publish photos, videos or quotes on websites and social media from people who have expressly given you their consent to do so (personal rights). Commercial photo shoots are also not permitted at Oeschinensee .’‘ Please note, any type of photo sessions including influencing, couples photography, elopements, weddings, or other paid work, is considered commercial work.

Elopement Day Timeline

Maddie and Josh wanted to create a day that would allow them to do what they love, with the people they care about most. To create a seamless experience, their elopement day centered around a calm morning at their hotel, and then, a hiking adventure with the entire group. Because they eloped in late autumn, the cable cars were already closed for the season. This meant Maddie and Josh had total privacy at their location. 

• 9:00 am – Getting Ready, Coverage Begins at the Blausee
• 9:45 am – First Look at Blausee together, then Maddie’s first look with Dad
• 11:00 am – Leave hotel and drive to the trailhead
• 11:15 am – Begin Hiking up to the lake
• 1:00 pm – Reach the lake, have a lunch stop
• 1:30 pm – Ceremony + First Dance 
• 1:45 pm – Group Photos 
• 2:00 pm – Exploring and photos. Read letters from family and friends. 
• 4:00 pm – Hike back down to the cars
• 5:30 pm – Arrive back at the cars. Take a short break.
• 7:00 pm – Meet at restaurant for celebratory dinner

Maddie + Josh’s Alps Elopement Highlight Video

Maddie + Josh booked elopement photo and video coverage. You can check out their elopement highlight film below.

Getting Ready and First Looks at Hotel & Spa Blausee

The morning of Maddie and Josh’s elopement was wet and gray. As we pulled up to meet them at their accommodation, the Hotel & Spa Blausee, we were stunned by the beautiful fall colors that awaited us. The pair were in high spirits as they got ready with friends in their separate rooms. We planned for a first look at the Blausee, which their room overlooked. 

The rain came down heavily as we walked to their first look spot, but the clear umbrellas I brought kept us dry. While the Blausee is normally busy, we had some privacy because their first look took place before public visiting hours.

The first look took place on a small bridge, and it made the perfect spot surrounded by autumn foliage. After Maddie and Josh shared their special moment together, Maddie also did a first look with her dad. 

Group Hike to the Oeschinensee

After wrapping up getting ready and first looks, our group drove to the Oeschinensee trailhead, just down the road. By this time, the rain had let up. We hiked up the gravel road, basking in the beauty of the foggy mountains. Water rushed off the cliff sides, making the scenery all the more dramatic.

Rainy Lakeside Ceremony

Eventually, the trail leveled out to reveal the majestic Oeschinensee. No matter the weather, this place is beautiful. The group had hiked up sandwiches and snacks for lunch, so we stopped to eat before the ceremony. Maddie and Josh changed back into their dress and suit, keeping warm layers underneath their wedding attire. 

Right when we had gathered everyone for the ceremony, a thick cloud rolled in, obscuring the mountains. It was time though. As soon as Maddie and Josh began their vows, the clouds shifted, revealing glimpses of the imposing peaks above. It was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. The mountains had put on quite the show for Maddie and Josh. More rain began to fall as the two shared their first kiss. 

Exploring Waterfalls

After popping champagne and taking group photos, we ran for cover and a chance to dry off under a canopy of trees. While everyone was warming up, once again, the rain changed from a deluge to a drizzle, and the clouds lifted. For the next couple of hours, we all explored the shoreline, relishing in the waterfalls the rain had produced. Truly, it was so much fun. This group embraced the storm, and were rewarded with an unforgettable experience (in the best kind of way). 

Before hiking down the mountain, Maddie and Josh read letters from friends and family. They also watched a video Maddie’s mom had made before she passed away from cancer. The love Maddie, Josh, and their families share was heartwarming. 

Soon, our time had come to hike back down the mountain. The time flew by, and before we knew it, we were back at the parking lot. Our groups split up to warm up, and change into dry clothes. A bit later, we met for a dinner reservation at the Schweizerhof, in Kandersteg. The atmosphere was cozy, and as we loaded up on warm food and drinks, it was hard to believe the day was already over. 

Real Alps Elopement Experience: A review from our couple 

‘’Christine and Scott are amazing!!! It downpoured on our wedding day, but they were ready to take on a cold and wet day, with plastic bags covering their cameras and all. They made us feel comfortable, and took their time, allowing us to enjoy the stunning views as long as we wanted. Christine also helped guide us through what an elopement looks like, and even gave us helpful information about traveling in Europe. I like to call her my single wedding vendor because she did it all for us!

Ok now for the important part- the photos are FREAKING PERFECT. I could not say enough good things about Made in the Mountains. I honestly wish I could do this again and again!’’

-Maddie + Josh

Want to start planning your adventure wedding or elopement in the alps? You can view our Alps Elopement Pricing + Packages here, or contact us to get started.