(Updated for 2026) If medieval castles, green Alpine landscapes and snowy winter wonderlands speak to you, then you should elope in Germany. Germany’s mild weather, beautiful mountains and year round wedding possibilities offer a little of something for everyone. This guide covers the basics of Germany as an elopement destination, from seasons to locations.

Planning an elopement in Germany across the seasons

Every season in Germany brings something different. It is a very temperate country with four full seasons. Here is what each season features.

Summer (mid-June through August)

June in most of Germany is fully summer. In the mountains, the higher alpine areas may still be waking up from winter slumber, but most things are accessible. By the end of June, the mountains are green and wildflowers are blooming. Tourism picks up in July and peaks during August as Europeans go on vacation. By late July, it won’t be easy to find remote trails to say vows in solitude.

However, the summer months in the German Alps are typically warm and the days last 15 hours or more. It’s the perfect season for a multi-day hiking elopement. Midnight star gazing, swims in alpine lakes, wildflowers and hazy golden sunsets set the tone for a summer elopement in the Bavarian Alps.

SEE MORE: mid-summer hiking elopement near the German Zugspitze

Fall (September through November)

There are roughly 6 weeks of mild, perfect weather and fewer crowds before the snow and/or cold rains roll in around November.

September is a variable month. Some days will feel summery, and others, a cool reminder that winter is not far. September is also the busiest month for most wedding and elopement vendors, especially photographers. It’s a month you want to book early for.

By October, the leaves are changing and things are quieting down. It’s very cool in the mornings and evenings.

This time of year is ideal for fall colors, misty sunrises and great daytime hiking weather. It’s maybe my favorite season to elope in Germany.

SEE MORE: two day fall elopement in Germany: mountaintops, lakes and castles

Winter (December through March)

If you’re a skier or snowboarder, there is no better time to be in the Alps than the winter. You’ve got access to world class ski arenas and thriving winter villages with lots of aprés ski parties. You can spend the entire day out in the snow and unwind at the spa, next to a roaring fire with a drink in hand.

December’s days are short but ideal for Christmas markets, Krampusläufe, and holiday festivities.

January is cold and dark, but snow has built up by then and all of ski areas are in full operation. February tends to have the best snow, whereas March’s longer days and milder temps are great for long days outside. If skiing isn’t your thing, then lean into winter’s cooler aesthetic, which is perfect for alt and goth brides.

SEE MORE: goth wedding in Austrian castle or full day ski elopement

Spring (April to early June)

If you want to avoid the peak summer crowds, late May and early June are fantastic months to visit the mountain regions. The downside is many mountain huts are not open until mid June, and snow at higher elevations is still melting. In most other regions of Germany, April is a mild and warm month, however in the montains it’s a very wintery and muddy month. I recommend avoiding April and early May.

Where to Get Married or Elope in Germany: the Bavarian Alps

Berchtesgaden National Park & Salzburgerland

Berchtesgaden National Park and the Salzburgerland is an impressive area for an elopement in Germany. It’s a vast playground of alpine lakes, waterfalls, sprawling pastures and luscious green forests. There are fewer places in Germany more impressive than here.

There are also options for a variety of wedding sizes. There are many lodges and luxury hotels which can support large groups of friends and families, all the way down to simple mountain top commitment ceremonies for just the two of you.

Also in the Berchtesgaden area lies the Königsee, the Hintersee and the Obersee. You can board the ship in Schönau am Königsee with your whole family and have an outdoor ceremony right on the lake.

Finally and maybe most importantly, there are areas here lesser known to international tourists. It makes for a quieter and more immersive “German” experience. It’s also located only 30 minutes from Salzburg, Austria. Therefore, it’s a great place to fly into and to place yourself between both countries for a honeymoon in the German and Austrian Alps.

YOU’LL ALSO LOVE: Ultimate Guide for Planning a Wedding or Elopement in Berchtesgaden

Eloping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Eibsee

Garmisch Partenkirchen is *classic* Bavaria. If you’re a North American, chances are you’ve seen or heard of this area before. Garmisch is a hub of American tourism, and many of the businesses here cater to Americans and English speakers. It has a ton of luxury shops, restaurants and hotels, as well as some of Germany’s best ski resorts.

It is also home to the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain peak. Whether for skiing or snowboarding in the winter, or hiking and sight-seeing in the warm summer months, the Zugspitze cable car is a must.

Eloping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a timeless choice that can be crafted year round.

With that in mind, it is very crowded almost all year round. If you’re looking for a more off the beaten path option, Berchtesgaden National Park (above) is my recommendation.

Where to Elope Germany: Allgäuer Alps and Oberstdorf

Oberstdorf is home to the Nebelhorn, one of Germany’s tallest mountain peaks. The trails, lakes and accommodation in this area are world class. In Allgäu, you can find a number of wedding or elopement worthy locations. I strongly recommend the hikes in this area such as the Gaisalpsee, or sunrise cable car tours up to the Nebelhorn.

If you really want a challenging and unique hiking elopement, make the difficult trek up to Schrecksee (I’m offering a special package for this!)

Just like Berchtesgaden and Garmisch, Allgäu is a popular tourism destination. Due to that, you won’t have problems finding hotels and accomodation, but there tend to be lots of people around in July and August.

Where to Get Married or Elope in Germany: Castles

Burg Eltz Castle Elopement Photography

Burg Eltz is an 850 year old castle tucked away in a quiet valley just outside Koblenz, Germany in Rhineland-Phalz. It’s remained owned and operated by descendants of the “Eltz” family for 33 generations. It was recently renovated true to its original architecture, and it’s absolutely picturesque.

While large, formal wedding ceremonies aren’t possible here, Burg Eltz is a great place to catch the sunrise before the crowds arrive and create beautiful wedding portraits.

SEE MORE: Moody fall elopement outside of Burg Eltz, Germany

Burg Neuschwanstein Castle Wedding Photography

Castle Neuschwanstein is incredibly beautiful and very famous. It’s architecture is the inspiration for the Disney castle, and lives up to its reputation. Although it’s actually one of Germany’s more modern castles (built in 1869), it is one of the largest and most elaborate. The castle is built into the mountains and looks over the Alpsee.

That means of course it is swarming with tourism (over 6,000 visitors per day in peak summer months). I would recommend it only as a location at sunrise, opting for vows somewhere quieter.

Burg Heidelberg

Heidelberg in general is a vibrant, artistic city with a lot to offer. Burg Heidelberg is a popular spot for wedding and elopement photos and ideal for anyone who wants to explore one of Germany’s most charming cities afterwards. The castle itself is an eye-catching rust color, made entirely of the sandstone native to the area.

Burg Löwenburg

In the heart of Germany near Kassel is the Löwenburg castle. Like many things in the area, this castle suffered damage in WWII and is currently undergoing historic renovations. However, for purposes of photos, it’s a great place to elope as it has an artful appearance. If you are located nearer to Frankfurt, this castle is a more local option to say your vows in front of. It’s old, surrounded by green forest and has a ruinous charm straight out of Brothers Grimm.

LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT IN GERMANY

Hi! I’m Mariah. I am an elopement photographer based along the Italian and Austrian border, in the heart of the alps. I specialize in intimate destination weddings and adventure elopements all across Europe.

I’m originally from the U.S., so I’m also the perfect bridge between cultures on your elopement day.

I truly want you to have the most relaxing and fun experience possible.

If you and your partner are looking to elope in Germany, you deserve someone who knows the area, the language and all the good spots!

READ MORE BLOGS ON HOW TO ELOPE IN GERMANY OR AUSTRIA:

• Top 5 locations for a Germany elopement
• mid-summer hiking elopement near the German Zugspitze
• Berchtesgaden elopement photos
• Germany’s most beautiful castles for an elopement
• Fairy tale goth wedding in a medieval Austrian castle
• The best lake locations in the Alps for an elopement