Dreaming of a destination wedding in Switzerland? If you’re considering a legal civil ceremony, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you start planning. Unlike other countries, Switzerland has strict marriage lawsthat impact where and how you can have your official wedding ceremony.
1️⃣ You Can’t Have a Civil Ceremony Just Anywhere
Unlike in some countries where you can invite an officiant to your preferred venue, Switzerland has designated locations for legal civil weddings. Each canton (region) provides a list of approved venues outside the City Hall, so make sure to check the official list before planning your ceremony.
2️⃣ Why Can’t You Have a Civil Wedding Outdoors?
Switzerland follows an ancient law that requires a physical roof over the couple during the official ceremony. This means you cannot legally marry outdoors in a field, on a mountain with a Matterhorn view, or by a lakeside. If your dream is a romantic Swiss Alps wedding, a symbolic ceremony is the best way to make it happen!
3️⃣ Marriage Application Deadlines Vary by Canton
Each Swiss canton has different timelines for submitting your marriage application. For example:
Since weekends (especially Saturdays) fill up fast, don’t wait too long if you have a specific date in mind!
4️⃣ Getting Married in Switzerland as a Foreigner: Be Prepared
If you’re not a Swiss resident, getting legally married in Switzerland can be complicated and expensive. You’ll need to prepare and submit several official documents, including:
✔ Birth certificate
✔ Proof of marital status (showing you’re not already married)
✔ Residency attestation
✔ Valid passport or ID
✔ Certified translations & apostilles for foreign documents
Since this process takes time and money, we often recommend that our destination wedding couples get legally married in their home country, where it’s usually easier and more affordable.
5️⃣ Civil Wedding vs. Symbolic Ceremony: What’s Best?
Gone are the days when your legal wedding had to be on the same day as your celebration! More and more couples are choosing to separate the legal registration from their dream wedding day—and here’s why:
✔ A symbolic ceremony allows for a personalized experience, tailored to your love story.
✔ You can choose your dream venue, whether it’s a castle, vineyard, chalet, or lakeside villa.
✔ You can enjoy seamless transitions between your ceremony, aperitif, dinner, and party—without worrying about moving guests between locations.
✔ No extra stress over logistics, transportation, or paperwork—just a beautiful and memorable celebration!
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Get Married in Switzerland
If you want a stress-free, romantic, and unforgettable Swiss wedding, consider handling the legal paperwork at homeand focusing on a symbolic wedding in Switzerland. This way, you get the best of both worlds—a simple legal marriage plus a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime wedding experience in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Planning a destination wedding in Switzerland? Let’s make it effortless and extraordinary!
1️⃣ You Can’t Have a Civil Ceremony Just Anywhere
Unlike in some countries where you can invite an officiant to your preferred venue, Switzerland has designated locations for legal civil weddings. Each canton (region) provides a list of approved venues outside the City Hall, so make sure to check the official list before planning your ceremony.
2️⃣ Why Can’t You Have a Civil Wedding Outdoors?
Switzerland follows an ancient law that requires a physical roof over the couple during the official ceremony. This means you cannot legally marry outdoors in a field, on a mountain with a Matterhorn view, or by a lakeside. If your dream is a romantic Swiss Alps wedding, a symbolic ceremony is the best way to make it happen!
3️⃣ Marriage Application Deadlines Vary by Canton
Each Swiss canton has different timelines for submitting your marriage application. For example:
- In Geneva, you can only book a date within 3 months.
- In Vaud, you can reserve up to a year in advance.
Since weekends (especially Saturdays) fill up fast, don’t wait too long if you have a specific date in mind!
4️⃣ Getting Married in Switzerland as a Foreigner: Be Prepared
If you’re not a Swiss resident, getting legally married in Switzerland can be complicated and expensive. You’ll need to prepare and submit several official documents, including:
✔ Birth certificate
✔ Proof of marital status (showing you’re not already married)
✔ Residency attestation
✔ Valid passport or ID
✔ Certified translations & apostilles for foreign documents
Since this process takes time and money, we often recommend that our destination wedding couples get legally married in their home country, where it’s usually easier and more affordable.
5️⃣ Civil Wedding vs. Symbolic Ceremony: What’s Best?
Gone are the days when your legal wedding had to be on the same day as your celebration! More and more couples are choosing to separate the legal registration from their dream wedding day—and here’s why:
✔ A symbolic ceremony allows for a personalized experience, tailored to your love story.
✔ You can choose your dream venue, whether it’s a castle, vineyard, chalet, or lakeside villa.
✔ You can enjoy seamless transitions between your ceremony, aperitif, dinner, and party—without worrying about moving guests between locations.
✔ No extra stress over logistics, transportation, or paperwork—just a beautiful and memorable celebration!
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Get Married in Switzerland
If you want a stress-free, romantic, and unforgettable Swiss wedding, consider handling the legal paperwork at homeand focusing on a symbolic wedding in Switzerland. This way, you get the best of both worlds—a simple legal marriage plus a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime wedding experience in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Planning a destination wedding in Switzerland? Let’s make it effortless and extraordinary!