Zugspitze, Eibsee, Neuschwanstein, Eltz, Berchtesgaden

Are you taking a vacation to Europe and wanting to elope in Germany while you’re here? I say you’ve got the right idea – and you’re not alone! Whether you’re looking to get hitched here, renew your vows or just get some great pre or post wedding photos, Germany has a range of fairy tale locations for you.

In no particular order, these are the top 5 locations in Germany to elope!

Elope in Germany, Berchtesgaden National Park

Berchtesgaden National Park is one of Germany’s most idyllic locations in the Bavarian alps. Straddling the German-Austrian border, it’s just 40 minutes from Salzburg and under 2 hours from Munich. The views of the Königsee, one of Germany’s largest lakes, can be seen from hikes around the area, including the Jenneralm and cable car. The park has multiple mountain huts that are great to visit for a day trip or overnight, and the boat across the Königsee will take you to another smaller lake and access to Germany’s highest waterfall.

Eloping in Berchtesgaden can be a year round option due to the timeless hiking trails, accessible lakes and ski areas.

READ MORE: see a full gallery from this location

Elope in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Eibsee & the Zugspitze

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany’s classic tourism and ski area. It also is home to Germany’s tallest mountain peak and cable car, the Zugspitze. Dubbed “the top of Germany” the Zugspitze also overlooks Germany’s emerald gem, lake Eibsee.

For a full day elopement, the Eibsee-Zugspitze combo is perfect for a variety of views that are all in one location. You can explore the mossy forest around emerald green Eibsee, then take the cable car up to explore the snowy peaks and nearby glacier. On a clear day, you can see all the way across the Austrian peaks to the Italian alps!

Garmisch has a whole host of great hotels, spas and outdoor activities all year round and is an evergreen elopement location.

SEE MORE: Epic Multi Location Pre Wedding Shoot in Germany

READ MORE: see full galleries here and here

Elope at Burg Eltz Castle

Burg Eltz is perhaps Germany’s most well preserved medieval castles. It’s a truly historic place that goes back 800 years, unaffected by any wars or conflicts over 30 generations. It’s ideal for couples wanting a very chill “just us” elopement in central Germany, not far from Frankfurt. The castle is tucked away in a lush green valley, and although a very popular tourist destination, very tranquil during sunrise.

The nearest city is the historic town of Koblenz, Germany and I highly recommend staying at this adorable loft right along the river downtown.

If you’re searching for a location to elope in Germany that isn’t the mountainous southern state of Bavaria, Burg Eltz is it!

READ MORE: Fairy Tale Elopement at Burg Eltz

Elope at Schloss Neuschwanstein & Füssen

The Bavarian area of Füssen has a lot to offer if you want to elope in Germany. The obvious gem is the famed Disney castle, Schloss Neuschwanstein which overlooks Lake Alpsee and the surrounding valley. During the warmer months, you can do a variety of water sports, like kayaking and SUPing on the lakes, and hiking is a year round option here. There is also the Tegelberg cable car that takes you up the nearby mountain for access to more views, hiking trails and winter skiing.

It’s a great area to spend a couple days and relax at the wellness spas.

READ MORE: Germany’s Most Beautiful Castles to Elope At

READ MORE: A 2 Day Elopement in the Bavarian Alps

How to Hire a Photographer to Elope in Germany

Hire local and get you a photographer who can “do both”! I’m Mariah, elopement photographer, trail athlete, and part mountain goat. I’m uncompromising in delivering the BEST elopement experience possible. I am dedicated to creating immersive spaces for my couples to be themselves on their elopement day. More than a photographer, I am an empath and storyteller who’s passionate about holding space for my couples to connect. I don’t pose you. I guide you through romantic connection, with the goal that you know each other even better, and feel even closer, at the end of your elopement day.

You should be able to feel your photos in your bones, and your elopement story should be like lightning in a bottle every time you revisit it.

Does this sound like the kind of “f*ck yes!” experience you want on your day? Then let’s talk.