Ah, the majestic Matterhorn… when planning an elopement in Zermatt, a photoshoot at the Matterhorn is a must. But what if you were to actually say your vows with this backdrop? Well that’s exactly what Rachel and Benjamin chose to do for their destination elopement in Switzerland - and the result was amazing! If you’re dreaming of eloping in Zermatt and need some inspiration, do read on.
Winter elopement at the Matterhorn
Rachael and Benjamin traveled from Colorado to Switzerland, to fulfil their dream: an elopement in Zermatt, at the world-famous Matterhorn. Their whole trip came about on an impulse decision after the Colorado-based IKON Pass added Zermatt/Matterhorn to their resorts. Knowing that a big wedding was not right for them, the adventurous couple decided to combine an elopement in the Alps with a combined ski vacation and honeymoon in Europe.
After getting ready separately, their wedding day started with a first look at sunrise outside of Matthiol Boutique Hotel where they stayed, with the Matterhorn peaking out in the background. After filling up with breakfast at the hotel, they walked through the town of Zermatt to the train station, before taking the Gornergrat Bahn up the mountain. The Gornergrat Bahn is the second highest railway in Europe, and the couple’s excitement rose along with the altitude as they got closer to their destination. At the summit of Gornergrat, they hiked along a snowshoeing trail to find the perfect private spot for their elopement ceremony.
Rachael and Ben kept their ceremony simple, exchanging personal vows and rings before sharing their first kiss with the Matterhorn (and their photographer) as the only witnesses. After couples portraits in the snow, they completed the three-mile hiking loop around the mountain, then took the train back down to Zermatt.
Walking through the town of Zermatt, people were cheering and congratulating them, and one awe-struck little girl ran up and hugged Rachael and asked if she was a princess. Stopping in at a local chocolatier for dessert, they even got a free box of truffles as congratulations from the shop owner. Back at Matthiol Boutique Hotel, the couple warmed up with a cocktail in the lobby bar, before meeting up with their friends and family who had come all the way to Switzerland to celebrate with them.
They ended the celebrations with the Swiss-German wedding tradition of “baumstahm sagen.” By sawing off a log together, the couple shows their ability to overcome any obstacle as a team. The whole day from beginning to end was exactly the kind of winter adventure that they came to Switzerland for.
Credits
Photography - Larsen Photo Co
Hotel - Matthiol Boutique Hotel