The 5 Most Beautiful Wedding Venues in Appenzell
Are you planning a wedding or elopement in Appenzell and looking for the most beautiful wedding venues in Appenzell to say “I do”?
From the famous Lake Seealpsee to hidden mountain inns and scenic views — this region offers some of the most romantic locations in all of Switzerland.
ALPSTEIN BLOG
Wedding Venues in Appenzell – Your Local Guide to Getting Married in the Swiss Alps
Getting to the Most Beautiful Wedding Venues in Appenzell
Arrival from Zurich or Germany
Getting to Appenzellerland is surprisingly easy – especially by public transport.
From Zurich, you can reach your wedding venue in Appenzell in about 1 hour and 45 minutes: take the SBB to St. Gallen or Gossau, and from there, continue directly with the Appenzell Railways to the village center.
Appenzell is also easily accessible from Germany. From Lindau, the train connection via St. Margrethen and St. Gallen leads straight to Appenzell.
Alternatively, take the ferry from Friedrichshafen to Romanshorn – a beautiful and relaxed way to start your journey to your wedding in Appenzell.
If you prefer to arrive by car, please note that public parking in the village center is limited and fills up quickly on sunny days.
For a stress-free start to your stay, we highly recommend traveling by train.
Five Cable Cars and Countless Hiking Trails
With five mountain cable cars and an extensive network of hiking trails, Appenzell offers not only easy accessibility but also endless opportunities to combine your wedding in Appenzell with a touch of adventure.
It’s this unique combination of nature, tradition, and variety that makes every wedding venue in Appenzell truly one of a kind.
Appenzellerland — where peace meets the wild beauty of limestone cliffs.
Tourism Appenzell | Wedding location Appenzell
Lake Seealpsee – The Perfect Location for Your Elopement in Appenzell.
A Picture-Perfect Landscape Straight Out of a Fairytale
Lake Seealpsee is a crystal-clear alpine lake nestled beneath the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Alpstein massif.
At an altitude of 1,143 meters, it can only be reached on foot — either via a wide, steep road (about 1.5 hours from the parking lot in Wasserauen) or a longer, shaded forest trail through meadows and pine woods.
At the top, you’ll find a scene straight out of a storybook.
Right by the water’s edge sit the charming guesthouses Forelle and Seealpsee, perfect for relaxing after the hike or celebrating with close friends. And don’t miss one of Appenzell’s best-kept culinary secrets — their legendary Cordon Bleu, said to be among the finest in the region.
A Lakeside Chapel and a Rowboat for Two
Just steps from the water, the open Bruder Klaus Chapel offers space for up to 48 guests — surrounded by tall fir trees and overlooking the calm, mirrored surface of the lake.
And for those planning to elope in Switzerland, this is one of the most romantic places imaginable: It’s an intimate, peaceful setting — ideal for saying “I do” in complete harmony with nature.
A gentle rowboat ride across the lake is the highlight for many couples — perfect for romantic moments, engagement photos, or a private elope in Switzerland experience.
As local wedding photographers in Appenzell, we love this location for its natural light and the raw, emotional atmosphere it creates in every frame.
⚠️ Important – Accessible Only on Foot
IThe Seealpsee is best suited for fit, weather-ready couples and guests, as the ascent is steep and takes time.
If rain is expected, bring umbrellas — the chapel is open to the elements.
But if you’re dreaming of an extraordinary place for your elopement in Switzerland, your engagement shoot, or a small, intimate wedding in Appenzell, you’ll find one of the most magical lakes in the country right here.
Schwägalp – A Dreamlike Appenzell Wedding with Views of the Säntis
In Winter, Schwägalp Turns into a True Winter Wonderland
Just 30 minutes from Appenzell, Schwägalp is one of the region’s most breathtaking wedding destinations.
At Hotel Säntis, elegance and nature come together in perfect harmony.
As the sun sets behind the peaks, the Säntis massif glows in shades of gold and orange — a spectacular backdrop for timeless wedding photographs.
The hotel offers upscale rooms, exceptional cuisine, and direct access to the Säntis cable car.
Need a quiet moment between celebrations? The on-site spa and wellness area provide the perfect place to relax and recharge.
We Know Schwägalp – in Every Season
Schwägalp is easily accessible year-round by car or PostBus. Even in deep winter, the road is well cleared and safe to drive.
When snow blankets the landscape, its magic truly unfolds: the famous Laternliweg — a loop trail lit by hundreds of oil lanterns — transforms the forest into an enchanted world.
It’s the perfect setting for a cozy winter stroll or an intimate elope in Switzerland experience.
Ready to Plan Your Wedding or Elopement on Schwägalp?
We’ll help you plan your Schwägalp wedding or elopement in Switzerland – from timing and logistics to photography, dinner, and your overnight stay at Hotel Säntis.
Get Married on the Säntis Summit – A Wedding Above the Clouds
Your Wedding on the Säntis
A wedding with a view! Saying “I do” on the summit of the Säntis is an experience beyond words. The mountain cable car takes you and your guests comfortably up to 2,502 meters (8,209 ft) above sea level.
Once at the top, a breathtaking panorama unfolds — stretching across the entire Alpstein range, Lake Constance, the Swiss Alps, the Black Forest, and even the Austrian Alps.
It’s one of the most spectacular wedding venues in Appenzell and a dream location for couples who want to elope in Switzerland surrounded by pure alpine beauty.
Modern Mountain Station with Style
The modern summit station features a festive hall with a panoramic terrace for up to 100 guests — perfect for an unforgettable celebration high above the clouds.
Even better, it can be easily combined with Schwägalp, where the mountain railway begins and Hotel Säntis provides comfortable rooms, excellent dining, and a wellness area for relaxation after your big day.
A truly unique experience awaits during the Säntis Sunrise Rides:
In summer, a special early-morning cable car runs to the summit every Sunday.
When the first light hits the mountain peaks and the valley awakens below, you’ll have one of the most magical backdrops imaginable for your wedding photos in Appenzell.
Full Moon Rides – An Unforgettable Highlight
Equally impressive are the full moon rides of the Säntis cable car.
On every full moon evening, the gondola runs between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM, with return trips beginning around 9:00 PM — an unforgettable way to end your celebration beneath the glowing moonlight.
Whether you’re planning a classic wedding banquet or an intimate elopement in Switzerland, a ceremony on the Säntis summit combines adventure, elegance, and the serenity of the Alps like no other place.
We Plan and Capture Your Elopement & Wedding Day in Appenzell.
Full Day Elopement – Äscher
We help you plan your Appenzell elopement from start to finish – from finding your perfect spots to capturing your story in timeless images.
As locals, we know the trails, traditions, and places that make this region truly special.
What’s included:
Half Day Elopement – Säntis
Perfect for couples who want to slow down, take a breath, and celebrate love surrounded by the Alps.
Whether it’s sunrise at Seealpsee or sunset near Schäfler – we’ll help you plan every detail.
What’s included:
Classic wedding in pictures
From the morning preparations to the late-night dance – we’re there to tell your story naturally and honestly.
What’s included:
Classy Swiss wedding Venue – Hof Weissbad in Appenzell
A dreamlike wedding surrounded by the beauty of Appenzell.
Just a few minutes from the heart of Appenzell village, Resort Hotel Hof Weissbad offers an elegant setting nestled at the foot of the Alpstein mountains. Conveniently located right at the Weissbad train stop, it’s easy for your guests to arrive by public transport — no car needed. From here, you can explore the region: hike to Seealpsee, take the cable car up Hoher Kasten, or stroll through the colorful streets of Appenzell.
Wellness, Nature & Exceptional Service.
This spacious resort is known for its outstanding service, award-winning cuisine, and beautifully kept gardens — a perfect backdrop for romantic wedding photos in Appenzell.
The hotel’s in-house flower shop takes care of every floral detail, while the restaurant, honored with 16 Gault & Millau points, delights guests with regional and seasonal dishes.
A favorite among couples: the legendary breakfast buffet the morning after the celebration — praised for its incredible variety and quality.
Before or after your big day, unwind in the resort’s wellness area, featuring saunas, steam baths, massages, a natural pool, and peaceful relaxation zones. The elegant rooms, many with panoramic Alpstein views, are also ideal for the Getting Ready part of your day.
Where Elegance Meets Nature.
As local wedding photographers in Appenzell, we love Hof Weissbad for its balance of refined luxury and mountain serenity.
It’s the kind of place where you and your loved ones can slow down, celebrate, and be completely taken care of — turning your wedding in Appenzell into a truly stylish and unforgettable experience.
Schäfler – An Unforgettable Elopement High Above Appenzell
Spectacular Elopement in the Heart of the Swiss Alps.
Dreaming of an intimate elopement in the Swiss Alps or an engagement session surrounded by breathtaking views?
Then Schäfler Restaurant is one of the most extraordinary places you could choose in Appenzell.
Perched at 1,925 meters above sea level, the Schäfler rises high above the Alpstein and offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland — from the dramatic limestone peaks to the glimmering shores of Lake Constance.
How to Reach Schäfler Restaurant?
You can only reach this alpine paradise on foot. The easiest route is to take the cable car from Wasserauen to Ebenalp (1,590 m a.s.l.) and then hike for about two hours, climbing 335 meters in elevation to reach Schäfler.
In summer, temperatures can rise quickly — so bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy hiking shoes.
Once you arrive at the top, you’ll find pure tranquility, crisp mountain air, and an unforgettable view of the night sky.
Schäfler Restaurant offers simple yet cozy rooms and a sunny terrace serving regional specialties — the perfect place to celebrate your elopement in an authentic mountain atmosphere.
For Elopements Only – No Large Wedding Parties
Because of its remote location and limited space, Schäfler is exclusively suited for elopements or engagement sessions, not for large wedding parties.
Early reservations are essential, as rooms fill up quickly during summer.
Spring and autumn are particularly magical: fewer hikers, softer light, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels deeply personal.
As local wedding photographers from Appenzell, we love Schäfler for its natural beauty and emotional power.
It’s a place where time slows down, the world falls silent, and every image becomes a memory that stays with you forever.
Wedding in Appenzell – Unforgettable & Unique
A wedding in Appenzell means immersing yourself in a world full of tradition, nature, and warm hospitality.
With thoughtful preparation and good planning, your celebration in this picturesque region will not only run smoothly — it will become an unforgettable experience.
The five most beautiful wedding venues in Appenzell show just how diverse this region is — from the peaceful Seealpsee to Schwägalp and the majestic Säntis.
Let yourself be enchanted by the charm and natural beauty of Appenzell, and create a day that you and your guests will remember forever.
If you’re still searching for a wedding photographer in Appenzell who knows the region inside and out — someone who captures your day authentically, naturally, and with emotion — we’d love to connect.
We accompany you with passion, local knowledge, and an eye for genuine moments that tell your story.
Wedding Venues in Appenzell, Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
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Wedding location Appenzell
Are You Looking for a Swiss Wedding Photographer & Local Partner?
You now know our selection of the five most beautiful wedding venues in Appenzell — from the breathtaking Äscher mountain inn to the peaceful Seealpsee, the elegant Hof Weissbad, and the spectacular views from Säntis and Schäfler.
If these places have inspired you and you’re still searching for an experienced wedding photographer and local planner in Appenzell, we’d love to connect.
As locals, we help you plan your elopement or wedding: finding the perfect spot, timing it with the light, and creating a relaxed experience that feels honest and real.
We’d love to get to know you and help bring your Appenzell wedding adventure to life among the peaks of the Alpstein.
References & PARTNERS
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