A Jaw-Dropping Austrian Alps Elopement with Mountain Top Views, Lakes, and More

Two countries, all wrapped into one epic elopement day in the German and Austrian Alps

When Cheyanna + Brandon reached out, they wanted an off-the-beaten-path elopement with everything from lakeside to mountaintop views. Private, unique, and they didn’t mind putting in some effort to get there.

While building their location guide a lesser-known corner of the Austrian Alps I’d been waiting to share with the right couple for a long time kept coming to mind. They chose that wild card option, and I was thrilled. 😍

To make day feel even more special, Cheyanna + Brandon booked a hotel nestled on a cliff in the German Alps, right next to old castle ruins. This spot was actually planned to be the site of another of King Ludwig II’s castles (the same man behind Schloss Neuschwanstein, which inspired the Disney castles). From there, we crossed the border into Austria for the rest of the day.

Cheyanna + Brandon wove so many thoughtful details throughout. From custom water bottles, their dogs on their socks, and heirloom jewelry honoring family. Getting ready together gave us time to warm up and get creative before the day really started moving.

As we began their wedding hike, I was trying so hard to contain my excitement. But, as we crested the ridge, we all couldn’t help but bask in how incredible it all really was. Snow-capped peaks stretched as far as we could see.

Their day had so many moments that mattered too. Letters from family and friends read at the top. FaceTime calls from the summit so loved ones could share the view. And Kaiserschmarrn by the lake to close it all out (a traditional dessert similar to pancakes with fresh applesauce – SO GOOD!).

As the day went on, the sky darkened and we were prepared to get rained on…but it held until the very end, pouring shortly after we said our goodbyes. 

The Austrian Alps – there’s no place like eloping on top of a mountain here.

Hair: @simone.brautstyling

Austria Adventure Elopement Timeline

This hiking elopement in Austria included multiple locations from easy access to secluded hike-in only spots. They got everything from castle ruins to wildflower meadows and rugged, snow-capped mountains. You can check out Cheyanna + Brandon’s elopement timeline overview below. 

• 7:15 am – I arrive at your accommodation for getting ready coverage.
• 8:30 am – First looks nearby the hotel and exploring the castle ruins/local grounds
• 10:00 am – Leave hotel and drive to the cable car
• 10:30 am – Arrive at the cable car. Purchase tickets and ride up the mountain. 
• 11:00 am – Begin hiking to mountain top ceremony location.
• 1:00 pm – Arrive at ceremony location. Change into wedding attire. Ceremony and soaking up the view at the top, along with a snac
• 2:45 pm – Hike back to to the cable car
• 4:30 pm – Ride the cable car back down into the valley 
• 5:00 pm – Drive to alpine lake in the area
• 5:15 pm – Arrive at the Vilsalpsee
  • Boat rental on the lake
  • Reading letters from family + friends at a pretty meadow on the shore along with a champagne toast
• 7:00 pm – Wrapping up and say goodbyes. You’re *officially* married!

Real Mountain Elopement in the Austrian Alps: A review from my couple

”We had the most incredible elopement experience in the Austrian Alps with Christine and cannot recommend her enough!

From our very first consultation through our elopement day, Christine was exceptional to work with. She took the time to understand exactly what we were looking for and provided a thoughtfully curated selection of locations based on our vision. She also helped us narrow down the best dates to visit each location, which made planning so much easier.

Once we chose our location and completed the questionnaire, Christine provided an incredibly detailed guide covering everything from travel logistics and accommodations to ideas for how our elopement day could unfold. Every step of the process felt organized, personalized, and stress-free.

Our elopement day itself was truly magical. Christine was confident we would fall in love with the location she recommended, and she was absolutely right. It had everything we dreamed of: breathtaking mountain views, a secluded alpine lake, and beautiful fields of wildflowers. It felt like something out of a fairytale.

The photos we received are beyond anything we could have ever imagined. Christine made sure to capture all of the moments and shots that were important to us while also bringing her own creative vision and expertise.

If you’re considering an elopement in the Alps, we wholeheartedly recommend Made in the Mountains. Working with Christine exceeded every expectation we had and we will cherish these memories forever.”

You can see this review, along with many others by viewing my Google Business Listing here.

Check out Cheyanna + Brandon’s mountain elopement in Austria below