In no particular order, these are my top favorite lake locations in the European Alps for elopements. These locations hit the sweet spot between beauty and year round accessibility. The latter is not always possible in the mountains, so these lake locations get extra points for being feasible and safe, even in snowy conditions.

LAKE EIB, or “EIBSEE”

Eibsee is definitely one of the best locations in the European Alps elopements simply because of accessibility. The parking area remains open year round, and you can also go directly up the Zugspitze cable car to Germany’s tallest peak from here. It’s a great location for a full day elopement. From the same parking lot, you can access emerald green waters, mossy forests and rocky summit views.

PROS: accessibility, access to the Zugspitze

CONS: crowds, especially in summer, fluctuating water levels can affect ceremony locations

ALSO READ: Eibsee elopements by season

LAKE COMO, or “LAGO DI COMO”

Lake Como is not only one of the best lake locations in the European Alps for elopements due to its beauty, but also its historic romance. The area oozes that quintessential Italian vibe. It’s world famous for grand weddings and elopements alike, and you’re spoiled for options here. Luxury hotels, palatial villas and quaint chalets await you and your guests. This massive 160km long glacial lake sits in northern Italy, just a few hours from the Dolomites, stopping short at the Swiss border. It’s a great starting point for your honeymoon, whether you stay in the Como area or head off to another Alps location.

PROS: so many options for wedding vendors and services, a huge area to choose from, great location to start a trip further into Italy from, or into Switzerland/Austria/Dolomites

CONS: crowds, especially May through August, cost, the heat (in July and August)

ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Lake Como Elopement

LAKE BRAIES, or “LAGO DI BRAIES / PRAGSERWILDSEE”

Lago di Braies is the crowning gem of the Dolomites. From it’s beauty alone it’s one of the top lake locations in the European Alps, period. This tiny lake gets up to 20,000 visitors a day in the summer, so you have to plan accordingly to make this Instagram hotspot a comfortable place to read your vows. It’s by far my highest requested elopement location, so reach out to me if you want a photographer who knows every detail of this place.

PROS: the price for a 1.5 hour private rental is only a few hundred euros; it’s accessible to everyone; it’s one of the few bookable outdoor wedding venues in the entire Dolomites region

CONS: crowds, drones and tom-foolery; this place is crowded from sunrise to sunset, every day of the year it isn’t frozen. It’s the only downside. People will photograph you from the shore, and fly their drones over you. The Lago di Braies hotel is also outdated and their staff is very hostile to wedding couples and their vendors; DO NOT book your stay there! They’ll ban your photographer, HMUA and anyone else from entering their doors. Ask me how I know…

READ MORE: Guide to the Private Boathouse Rental at Lago di Braies

LAKE GARDA, or “LAGO DI GARDA”

Lake Garda is Lake Como’s chill, sporty sister. They’re in the same family of glacial lakes (Como, Garda, Maggiore) but have very different vibes. Where everyone goes to Lake Como to cosplay being rich (hot take incoming) everyone goes to Lake Garda for mountain sports and outdoor activities. You’ll find a much chiller vibe at Garda overall. Folks are focused on windsurfing, rock climbing, mountaineering and biking rather than shopping and fine dining (although there is plenty of that too!). You can still rent cute boats, gorge on Italian food and book villas, but it’s generally cheaper and less posh.

PROS: cheaper than Como with the same views, on the sporty-adventure side, closer to the Dolomites

CONS: tends to be windy at the northern end, very hot in summer, very crowded in summer

READ MORE: How to Prep for your Alps Photo Session or Elopement

CURRENT FAVE OF THESE LAKE LOCATIONS IN THE EUROPEAN ALPS FOR ELOPEMENTS: LAKE OESCHINEN, or “OESCHININSEE”

Tucked away above the small Swiss village of Kandersteg is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. Oeschinensee is as gorgeous as it is hard to pronounce (“OEH-shin-in-zay”). The thing that makes this one so special is how much you’re able to do and see in the area. The lake itself is accessible by gondola, but I recommend hitting this one at sunrise to avoid the crowds.

Once above the lake, there are a ton of fantastic vistas for a quiet exchange of vows. By late morning, you can head down to the water and rent a boat, swim or even have a campfire! For the adventurous, head in the other direction and continue toward one of the huts for a unique lunch spot or overnight stay.

PROS: the Kandersteg and Lötschental hiking areas are incredible, glaciers, turquoise waters, huts, boats and gondolas all in one spot

CONS: it’s very touristy and busy, if you’re not careful to plan around that; the best viewpoints require a short but steep hike

READ MORE: How to Plan an Oeschinensee Elopement (COMING SOON)

LAKE KOENIG, or “KOENIGSEE”

The Königsee along the German border with Austria is part of Berchtesgaden national park. This is definitely one of the most beautiful areas of Germany, and a great lake location for your elopement. It’s less touristy than areas of Switzerland and the Dolomites (although no less crowded in summer). If you want a really authentic Bavarian location for your elopement, the Königsee is a great option!

PROS: less touristy with lots of hidden gems

CONS: still crowded in high season, the boat over the lake only runs from May to October (but I know an even better spot nearby during winter!)

READ MORE: How to Plan a Wedding or Elopement at Germany’s Königsee

HIRING A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR ALPS ELOPEMENT

I’m Mariah, an adventure elopement photographer based in Innsbruck, Austria. I moved from the United States to Germany/Austria in 2018 to chase my love of mountains, photography and a German guy who stole my heart.

I quickly learned I wasn’t the only one dreaming of a better way to get married…so I combined all those things.

I’m now a full time adventure elopement photographer. I help other travel and outdoor obsessed couples embrace a “just us” wedding day surrounded by nature.

Join me?

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More Dolomites wedding planning blogs and elopement stories:

• How to plan a ski wedding in the Dolomites
• Eloping in a mountain hut
• How to plan a helicopter elopement
• Ultimate guide to eloping in the Dolomites
• Guide to renting the boathouse at Lago di Braies for photos and ceremonies
• Eloping in the Slovenian Alps

MORE PHOTOS FROM LAKE LOCATIONS IN THE EUROPEAN ALPS FOR ELOPEMENTS: