Getting Married in Verbier

Getting Married in Switzerland

Getting married in the Alps is a dream for many people, whether it be in the shadow of the stunning Alpine peaks or amongst the vineyards and meadows of the valleys. However, the logistics of organising a wedding can be stressful enough in your home country, never mind having to negotiate the rules and regulations of a foreign culture! Here we answer some of the most common questions relating to getting married in Switzerland.

Planning a Wedding in Verbier

• Do I have to be a resident to be legally married in Verbier?
  Not necessarily. If either or both of the engaged couple (whether Swiss or of foreign nationality) live in Switzerland then the application can be made at the Registry Office of either's commune of residence. If neither of the couple live in Switzerland the application must be made at the Registry Office in the district chosen for the marriage celebration, or through an authorised representative.

• Can I get married religiously in Verbier without being a resident?
  Yes! The good news is you can get married in the Catholic or Protestant churches without being a resident of the town. You do need to show proof however that you are already legally married before the priest can perform the religious ceremony. Most couples choose to marry legally in ‘secret’ in their home countries and save the religious or symbolic ceremonies to share with their family and friends in Switzerland. Only civil marriages are legally recognised in Switzerland; the civil marriage takes place at a Registry Office and a religious ceremony may follow the civil event.

• Could I have a symbolic ceremony without being legally married?
  Yes! This is very popular amongst non-religious couples who still wish to have a meaningful wedding ceremony uniting their promises to one another as husband and wife. If you are looking for a symbolic ceremony rather than a recognised religious ceremony then there are no legalities required.

• What is the best time of year to get married in Verbier?
  Since Verbier is known for the spectacular views and the outdoor activities intertwined with mountain culture most couples choose to have outdoor wedding in order to take advantage of the backdrop. The best weather is usually from the end of June to mid-September. There is a higher chance of having good weather, but this does not mean rain is not possible even in mid-July! A back-up plan is always advisable. Also, be careful not to pick your wedding date on a Swiss bank holiday; wedding ceremonies can not take place on Sundays or bank holidays.

• What about a winter wedding? When is the best time?
  Winter weddings are becoming more and more popular amongst ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Getting married on skis, sleigh rides, dog-sledding, or snowshoeing are a unique and romantic way to celebrate a wedding in the Alps. The best time in Verbier is NOT during the school holidays. Christmas and New Year plus the month of February are not ideal. Big crowds, high prices are not what most couples want. January and March are best.

• What kind of fun and unique things can we incorporate into our wedding?
  The possibilities are endless! A few ideas are the bride and groom paragliding to the ceremony, getting married on top of the Mont Blanc with the wedding party arriving via helicopter, exchanging vows on a glacier, incorporating alphorn players and traditional folklore music into the day, gospel choirs, brass bands, reserving a private altitude restaurant high in the mountains, walking through a forest to a restaurant with torches and snowshoes...

Haute Weddings

Wedding Planning Service

Haute Weddings are dedicated to helping you plan the perfect destination wedding in France. If you live in France and wish to share the country you call home with loved ones, or if you are in love with France and dream of getting married here, we can help! ...read more

Tel: +33 (0) 480 80 61 88 | email enquiry | visit website |

The Little Church

Tel: +41 (0) 27 771 47 01 | email enquiry | visit website |