Gothic castle wedding in Austria

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A man holds his bride during their Austria elopement at a gothic castle

This gothic castle wedding in Austria is THE inspiration for edgy, alt couples. When R&T first reached out, they knew they wanted an elegant wedding celebration, but without compromising their dark, goth aesthetic. Check out this intimate elopement at a medieval castle in Austria, complete with a visit from Krampus!

R&T’s gothic chapel ceremony, medieval dinner and Krampuslauf

A couple poses in a gothic chapel during their elopement ceremony, surrounded by red and black flowers, lit candles and gothic paintings.

Romantic “booktok” goth was absolutely the inspiration for this elopement in Austria. It came down to picking the right time of year. Ultimately, we went with the first week of December, as it’s dark, moody and Krampus season. They were inspired by the local Krampuslauf in their hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and wanted to see the real thing.

The second thing was finding the right castle. While there are many castles in Austria, there are only a few which host guests overnight, and even fewer which still do so in winter. Due to the costs of heating the massive rooms, many close during the colder months.

Still, I managed to find three viable options.

After considering them all, we chose one with an original gothic chapel, modern spa area and medieval cellar to host their dinner. Their ceremony was complete with a black floral arch and unity ceremonies inspired by ACOTAR.

Need I say more?

A gothic arch is set up in a medieval chapel at a Castle in Austria, surrounded by candles and flowers.

The day was cool and rainy, with fog and low clouds blowing over the mountains. The perfect pretense to stay indoors with a fire roaring. They got ready separately, which gave us plenty of time to get some bridal boudoir portraits with this iconic set from Honey Birdette bridal.

As R finished up his vows in one of the castle’s wood paneled common areas, T strutted around their suite.

The chapel was already prepared with music and their flower arch as I led R into position for their first look. He stood in front of the alter with his back turned, waiting.

A couple exchange rings during their gothic wedding ceremony at a medieval castle in Austria

After the ceremony, we headed into a private room in the castle for snacks and drinks, while the arch was moved outside. We set it with views of the mountains for their family photos, and then headed into the 800 year old wine cellar for a candle lit dinner.

The night ended with — what else? — a trip down to a nearby Krampuslauf to see the dressed up demons in person.

A collage of images taken during a gothic wedding in Austria, including a close up of a red pomegranate, candle lit dinner and a Krampuslauf

LOOKING FOR A LOCAL ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR AUSTRIA?

Hi! I’m Mariah. I am an elopement photographer based on the German-Austrian border. I specialize in intimate destination weddings and adventure elopements all across the Alps.

I’m originally from the U.S., so I’m also the perfect bridge between cultures on your elopement day! I speak native English and fluent German.

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

If you and your partner are looking for something adventurous and non-traditional in Austria, then I know the places, the vendors and the areas for you.

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