Moody Fantasy Inspired Fall Elopement In Switzerland
Back in 2023, I shot one of my favourite elopements ever. I met S & S a year before their day, and we instantly vibed so well. I guess nerds recognise each other! They had so many fantasy details woven into their Switzerland elopement, I absolutely fell in love with that day.
Why Let Yourselves Inspire By Fantasy For Your Elopement?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been a book worm (ahhh, those days were the only screens we could have access to were a Gameboy Color… Wait, am I a dinosaur already?!). I’ve read all types of stories, but the ones that left the biggest impression on me were those who happened in a magical world of some sort. It provided an escape for me, in a context that wasn’t the funniest at the time.
Even if I’m way better now, that sense of awe and childlike wonder never left and is a big part of why my pictures look the way they do. And I believe that fantasy books and series provide comfort and a sense of magic for a lot of people. So why not make it part of your day? After all, that’s the perfect opportunity to wear a princess dress and splurge on accessories you’ve always dreamt of having. No one can stop you! DO IT!
Why Is Switzerland A Good Elopement Location For Fantasy Lovers?
I bet you didn’t know that (or maybe you do, since you’re a nerd): the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Oberland, is known to be the place that inspired JRR Tolkien to create Rivendell in the Lord Of The Rings. Isn’t that cool? Another random fact: there’s a small museum in the Graubünden region that’s the private collection of a Lord Of The Rings fan. It’s small but full of objects relating to the series, such as pieces that are IN THE MOVIES.
Getting Ready In A Cosy Chalet
S & S started their day with their two close friends and witnesses, in a cosy suite. While some played cards, the bride got her hair and makeup done, with a Lord Of The Rings hair piece that looked incredible on her long dark brown hair.
They then both got ready with the help of their respective witness.
Fantasy Inspired Details
A Moment For The Dress, Please
S chose a dress from the brand Madi Lane (a brand I love by the way, for their romantic vibes and their truly inclusive sizing). Full of glitter and with custom wings attached to the shoulders, it definitely has an ethereal and whimsical feel to it. She also got a fake fur ‘cape ‘ as a reminder of the Stark family in Game of Thrones, that tied it all together in a glorious way.
Flowers And Details
The bouquet had some crystals in it and the earrings were from Jonna Jinton (one of my favourite artists on this Earth).
The bride and groom wanted to surprise their guests by naming each of them Hand of the Queen and Hand of the King. I thought it was a super sweet and personal touch, and both of them were really touched when it happened.
A Rainy First Look In The Forest & Moody Couple Pictures
We were supposed to go on a hike to a secluded place that day, but the fall Swiss weather decided otherwise. Since the trail would’ve been really slippery, the couple decided to have their day in a more accessible place. They had a beautiful first look in the forest by a waterfall, and we then took some couple pictures in the moodiest atmosphere.
Blue Hour Ceremony By The Lake
S & S had their intimate elopement ceremony at blue hour, aka my favourite time of day. This highly symbolic moment was led by Marylin Rebelo, a celebrant that specializes in elopement celebrations.
Prior to the day, they had been through an extensive and deeply introspective process with Marylin, allowing her to craft something so personalized and moving that I will remember it for ever. Every detail had a meaning behind it, and it truly felt like time stopped for a moment.
From Marylin: “What immediately captivated me about S & S was their desire to step off the beaten path, their openness of heart and mind, and their wish to remain deeply true to the essence of their relationship throughout the ceremony. For them, we imagined a guiding thread inspired by a fairytale-like world, infused with rituals connected to the natural elements present on the day itself. We spoke of the magic that binds them, inviting their two witnesses to take part in symbolic gestures filled with meaning and friendship. I will never forget the emotion that carried us all during the reading of their vows, surrounded by candlelight.”
Dreamy Blue Hour Lantern Portraits
After this very emotional moment, we took advantage of the last bits of light to take some lantern pictures. Playing with the dress’ transparency truly made their portraits feel out of a fairytale!
Back At The Chalet For A Festive Meal
S & S kindly invited Marylin and I to share their celebratory meal back at their accomodation. The catering service they had chosen made the most delicious vegetarian dishes, and we all loved cosying up in the warmth to celebrate S & S.
When Is The Best Time For Fantasy Vibes On Your Switzerland Elopement?
Fall is definitely my favourite season for moody weather. Although it can honestly rain in every season, you will maximise your chances by opting for a fall elopement experience. While September is still pretty warm, October has the most vibrant colours, and November is usually pretty rainy and foggy. I usually don’t advise my couples to elope in November here, but if it’s fog and witchy vibes that you’re after, and if you don’t necessarily want to hike, then it can be a great idea to come at that time!
Read my article: When Is The Best Season To Plan Your Elopement In Switzerland?
Suppliers
Celebrant: https://marylinrebelo.com/
Dress: https://madilane.com/
Suit: https://www.pkz.ch/
Flowers: Aux Fleurs de Lune (shop has closed)
HMUA: https://www.lepassage-lausanne.ch/
Wedding rings: https://vincentmichel.ch/
Catering: https://www.auxcomplices.ch/
Wedding cake: https://www.cakebreaksophie.ch/
Other details were found on Etsy.
