Switzerland Destination Wedding Guide 2024

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Switzerland.

Weddings in Switzerland: What You Need To Know

Are you looking for a truly unique wedding destination?

If so, you may want to consider getting married in Switzerland.

This picturesque country offers a wide range of venue options, from quaint mountain chalets to luxurious lakeside resorts.

And with its stunning natural scenery, Switzerland is the perfect place to create lifelong memories with your friends and family.

Whether you exchange vows in a quaint chapel nestled among the mountains or exchange rings beneath a waterfall, you are sure to have a memorable experience.

With so many breathtaking backdrops to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect setting for your wedding photos.

So, if you are looking for a fairytale wedding destination, look no further than Switzerland.

But first: you need to know where in the world Switzerland is…

Where is Switzerland?

Switzerland is a landlocked country located in central Europe, and it borders Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east.

Area: 15,943 sq mi (41,291 sq km), Population: (2022 est.) 8,771,000, Capitals: Bern (administrative) and Lausanne (judicial).

Switzerland Facts To Know:

Language: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)
Airports: Zurich Airport (ZRH), Geneva Airport (GVA), Basel Airport (BSL)
Official Tourism Website:https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/
Driving side: Right

Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Switzerland for your special day:

4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Switzerland

Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!

But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Switzerland:

1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests

Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Switzerland or closer to home.

You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:

2. Decide on a budget

When it comes to having a Switzerland wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.

But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.

Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:

3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget

No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.

Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Switzerland:

4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details

A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.

Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Switzerland

Switzerland Weddings: Key Information

Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.

To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Switzerland:

What is the average cost of a wedding in Switzerland?
What are the marriage requirements for Switzerland?
What is the weather like in Switzerland?
What should you pack for a trip to Switzerland?
What things are there to do in Switzerland?
What are the best Swiss wedding venues?

Read on to find out more:

How Much Does a Wedding in Switzerland Cost?

Civil ceremony cost in Switzerland is between $300 and $400.

It’s possible that the price may go up if you have specific preferences, such as having your wedding on a Saturday.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Switzerland

When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:

Valid passport or proof of citizenship (issued by your home country).
Document stating that there is nothing to prevent your marriage from taking place.
Proof of residence (official record book for foreigners).
Birth certificate indicating parents’ names.
Civil registry papers: certificate of celibacy, decree of divorce or death certificate of spouse.

After you have gathered all of the necessary paperwork and the register office has given a license for the marriage, you will need to sign a promise of marriage.

You are welcome to sign this promise of marriage at the Swiss diplomatic representation if you are still living in your native country at this time.

Other legal requirements are:

To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
There must not be a direct line of kinship between the two of you.
You must provide the Swiss registry office with certification stating that your marriage will be recognized in your home country.
If you are presently living in Switzerland, you need to report to the registry office of your place of residence.
If you are presently living abroad, you need to report to the Swiss diplomatic representative of your country of residence.
According to the law, 2 witnesses are needed who must be at least 18 years old.
A marriage license in Switzerland is valid for 3 months.
The waiting period for approval of the marriage can take up to 5 weeks, so it’s best to get all necessary documents ready sooner rather than later.
There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Switzerland, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
All documents need to be translated into an official Swiss language: German, French or Italian, and a certified translation is required.

Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.

What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.

What Is The Weather Like in Switzerland?

The ideal time to visit Switzerland is from late spring to early fall (May to September).

Because the days are longer in late winter and early spring (February and March), ski vacations are best taken during these months rather than in December and January. It is possible to ski even in the summer at some resorts that are located at high altitude.

The summer is an excellent time to go hiking in the mountains, despite the fact that afternoon thunderstorms occur rather regularly during this time of year.

What should you pack for your trip?

When traveling in the winter, it is important to bring along warm clothing such as a down coat, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and either a raincoat or an umbrella.

During the summer, you should bring light clothing such as T-shirts and shorts, but you should also pack long trousers, a jacket, and a sweater for the evening and for colder days.

You should also bring an umbrella or a raincoat. Pack hiking boots, sunscreen, and sunglasses for the mountains, and be sure to pack some warmer garments if you plan on going to the highest peaks.

Swiss Weather By Month

Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Switzerland:

Average Temperatures in Switzerland

The table below shows the average temperatures in Switzerland each month:

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Mean (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)
January	-1.3	3.5	1.1	30	38	33.9
February	-1.1	5.2	2.1	30	41	35.7
March	2	10.2	6.1	36	50	43
April	5.1	14.6	9.9	41	58	49.7
May	9.1	18.8	14	48	66	57.1
June	12.7	22.4	17.6	55	72	63.6
July	14.5	24.3	19.4	58	76	66.8
August	14.3	23.9	19.1	58	75	66.4
September	10.7	19	14.9	51	66	58.8
October	7.2	13.8	10.5	45	57	50.8
November	2.6	7.6	5.1	37	46	41.1
December	-0.5	4	1.8	31	39	35.2
Year	6.3	14	10.15	43.4	57.2	50

Average Rainfall in Switzerland

The table below shows the average rainfall in Switzerland each month:

Month	Millimeters	Inches	Days
January	70	2.8	6
February	60	2.4	5
March	75	3	6
April	140	5.5	10
May	175	6.9	12
June	165	6.5	10
July	160	6.3	8
August	155	6.1	10
September	170	6.7	9
October	145	5.7	9
November	170	6.7	10
December	75	3	6
Year	1570	61.8	100

Sunshine Hours in Switzerland

The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Switzerland each month:

Month	Average	Total
January	2	60
February	3	90
March	4.5	145
April	6	175
May	6	190
June	7	205
July	7.5	225
August	7	215
September	5.5	160
October	3.5	110
November	2	60
December	1.5	45
Year	4.6	1675

What To Wear in Switzerland? (Packing Tips)

It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.

We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Switzerland so that you can make the most of your time there.

Good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots: With its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and high mountains Switzerland is a great place to explore on foot.
Warm clothes: Even in the summer months, temperatures can cool down in the evenings.
Camera: Don’t forget your camera! With its stunning mountain views and bubbling waterfalls, Switzerland is a photographer’s paradise.
Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.

Things to Do in Switzerland

There are many different things to do in Switzerland, no matter what time of year you visit.

Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:

Best Switzerland Wedding Venues & Hotels

With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Switzerland?

Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:

Wedding Venues in Switzerland

The Alpina Gstaad Hotel in Gstaad
Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl in St. Moritz
Villa Heleneum in Lugano
Hotel Villa Honegg at Lake Lucerne
Chateau de Chillon at Lake Geneva
Grandhotel Giessbach near Interlaken
Waldhaus in Sils Maria
The Dolder Grand in Zürich
Tarasp Castle in Graubünden
Schilthorn at Schilthorn Summit
Hotel Metropole Geneve
Baur au Lac in Zürich

Hotels in Switzerland

Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
Seiler au Lac – Bönigen
B&B Gästehaus Rössli – Schwellbrunn
Hotel Capetta – Cresta
Boutique Hotel Beau-Séjour & Spa Superior – Champéry
Hotel Engel – Stans
Autohalle – Andelfingen
Hotel BZ Sunnahof – Oberschan
Hotel Schönegg – Wengen

Check out the full list here: 60+ Wedding Destination around the World