Are You Looking for the Perfect Location for your Mountain Wedding?
We are Chris and Alina – a Wedding Photography Duo from Eastern Switzerland – and in this Article, We Want to Introduce You to Five Magical Wedding Locations. We’ll Show You why the Appenzellerland might be the Perfect Place for your Dream Wedding in the Swiss Mountains.
The Five most Beautiful Places for your Wedding in Appenzell
GETTING THERE & OVERVIEW
Getting to Appenzellerland is surprisingly straightforward – especially by public transport. From Zurich, you’ll be in the heart of Appenzell in about 1 hour 45 minutes: take the SBB to St. Gallen or Gossau and from there directly to the center with the Appenzell Railway. Completely relaxed – and without searching for parking.
The region is also well-connected from Germany: From Lindau, you can take the train via St. Margrethen and St. Gallen directly to Appenzell. Alternatively, there’s a connection via Friedrichshafen by ferry to Romanshorn – perfect for making the journey itself a small experience.
If you’re traveling by car, you should know: public parking spaces in Appenzell are scarce and quickly occupied on sunny summer days. If you want to avoid stress, public transport is clearly an advantage – and you’ll start your mountain wedding relaxed.
With five mountain cable cars and an excellently signposted network of hiking trails, the region is a paradise for nature and mountain lovers. Ideal for combining your wedding with a small adventure.
Lake Seealpsee – Perfect for your Elopement
Lake Seealpsee is a crystal-clear mountain lake, nestled within the imposing rock faces of the Alpstein massif. Idyllically situated at an altitude of 1,143 meters, it is only accessible on foot: either via a wide, steep road (approx. 1.5 hours from the parking lot in Wasserauen) or via a longer, partially shaded forest path.
At your destination, a picturesque landscape awaits you. Directly on the shore are the guesthouses Forelle and Seealpsee. They offer space for you and your guests – a culinary highlight is one of the best Cordon Bleu in Appenzell.
Also by the water is the open Bruder Klaus Chapel, surrounded by fir trees and with benches for up to 48 guests – perfect for an intimate ceremony with lake views.
A special highlight is a ride in one of the small rowing boats across the lake – ideal for romantic moments and unique after-wedding or engagement photos.
Please note: Lake Seealpsee is only suitable for fit, weather-resistant wedding parties, as all guests must manage the steep ascent on foot. In case of rain, it is advisable to bring umbrellas, as the chapel is open.
However, those looking for an extraordinary location for an elopement, an engagement shoot, or a small, intimate celebration will find one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes here.
Wedding on the Schwägalp – Celebrate with a View of Säntis
Just 30 minutes from Appenzell, Schwägalp, with Hotel Säntis, offers a unique wedding location. A special highlight: when the sun disappears behind the mountains, it bathes the Säntis massif in a warm orange – a spectacular sight and the perfect backdrop for unforgettable wedding photos.
However, Hotel Säntis also impresses with its high-quality facilities and direct connection to the mountain cable car to Säntis. A modern wellness area ensures you can relax and unwind before or after your wedding day.
The Schwägalp is easily accessible year-round by car or PostBus; even in winter, the road is reliably cleared and easy to drive on.
Especially in the snowy season, the landscape up here unfolds its magic: The famous “Laternliweg” – a circular path through the winter forest on the Schwägalp, illuminated by numerous oil lanterns in the evening – is guaranteed to create a romantic atmosphere that will make your wedding unforgettable.
Wedding on the Säntis Summit – Celebrate above the Clouds
A wedding with a panoramic view! Getting married on the Säntis summit is an experience that can hardly be put into words. The mountain cable car comfortably takes you and your guests to 2,502 m above sea level. Once at the top, a breathtaking view awaits you over the Alpstein, Lake Constance, the Swiss Alps, the Black Forest, and the Austrian Alps.
The modern mountain station offers a hall with a terrace for up to 100 guests – perfect for an unforgettable ceremony at lofty heights. Particularly practical: this location can be ideally combined with the Schwägalp, from where the mountain railway departs.
A special highlight are the sunrise rides of the Säntisbahn. In summer, a train goes to the summit on Sunday mornings. A beautiful moment and the most spectacular photo backdrops, as the first sunbeams bathe the rock faces of the surrounding mountains in a golden light and the valley slowly awakens.
Equally impressive are the full moon rides of the Säntis cable car: On every full moon evening, there are special evening rides with uphill journeys between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM and downhill journeys from 9:00 PM.
Resort Hof Weissbad
The Resort Hof Weissbad is located just a few minutes from Appenzell and is directly connected to the Appenzell Railway stop: “Weissbad”. The location is ideal as a starting point for excursions – for example, to Lake Seealpsee, Hoher Kasten, or the picturesque village of Appenzell – perfect for wedding guests who want to leave their car at home.
The spacious resort impresses with excellent service and is surrounded by a lovingly maintained garden – a dreamlike backdrop for romantic wedding photos. An in-house flower shop provides suitable decoration, while the excellent cuisine, with a total of 16 Gault & Millau points, culinarily pampers your guests.
The breakfast buffet after the big celebration is particularly praised by guests, as is the variety and quality of the dishes.
A spacious wellness area includes saunas, a steam bath, massage services, a natural pool, and relaxation areas – perfect for unwinding before or after the wedding.
The high-quality rooms with a magnificent view of the Alpstein are ideal for getting ready. You and your loved ones can truly pamper yourselves at Resort Hof Weissbad. Perfect for a successful wedding adventure, wouldn’t you agree?
Elopement at Schäfler – Probably the most Beautiful View in the Alpstein
Are you looking for an intimate elopement or engagement shoot in the Swiss mountains? Then the Schäfler Mountain Guesthouse is an absolutely special place.
Located at 1,925 m above sea level, it towers high above the Alpstein and offers one of Switzerland’s most spectacular views – from the striking rock formations to Lake Constance.
You can only reach this little paradise on foot. The easiest way is to take the mountain railway from Wasserauen to Ebenalp (1,590 m above sea level) and hike from there for about two hours, covering 335 meters in altitude, up to Schäfler.
In summer, it can get very hot on the trail – sufficient water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear are a must.
Up here, you’ll find true peace and stars – perfect for your elopement in the mountains. The Schäfler Mountain Guesthouse offers simple, cozy rooms and a sun terrace with regional specialties.
Since the journey is demanding and space is limited, this location is exclusively suitable for elopements or engagement shoots – not for larger wedding parties.
In summer, rooms are quickly booked – early reservation is essential.
However, spring and autumn are also particularly recommended, as there are fewer hikers and the light is softer.
Our Conclusion
A Wedding in Appenzell Means Immersing Yourselves in a World Full of Tradition, Nature, and Warm Hospitality. With the Right Preparations and Good Planning, your Celebration in this Picturesque Region Will not Only Run Smoothly but Become an Unforgettable Experience.
Let Yourselves be Enchanted by the Beauty and Charm of this Region and Create a Day that You and your Guests Will Remember Forever.
If You Still Have Questions or are Looking for a Wedding Photographer who Knows the Region Inside out and Can Capture your Wedding Authentically and Atmospherically, Please Feel Free to Contact Us. We are Happy to Support You with the Planning and Put your Celebration in the Best Light.
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