If you’re early in the process of planning a wedding or elopement in Berchtesgaden, Germany then I’ve got tips for you. Elopements in this area are pretty rare, and you’ll be one of a special few to do so! Berchtesgaden is what I would consider one of Germany’s hidden gems, with specific locations being unknown to most people even within Germany. In this blog I go over all the things to get you started based on my 5 years of living and shooting elopements here.

Example wedding budget for Berchtesgaden

Budget: €11,000 – €13,000 for 5 days; add €325 per day

I would say the average elopement in Berchtesgaden will run you around €12k. You can adjust each area to save or splurge depending on what you value most, but ultimately, this is how much the average Berchtesgaden elopement will cost a couple for 5 days in the area.

• Full day of photography coverage: 5-7k
• 1 day of elopement activities: 200 – 400
• Bouquet and boutonniere: 150 – 300
• Two premium economy flights from NYC to Munich: 2k
• 5 nights in 3-4 star hotels: 1,250k
• 5 day automatic sedan car rental: 350
• Hair and makeup: 700
• Highway tolls, gas and parking: 200
• Food & Drinks (lunch and dinner): 450
• Elopement dinner for two with wine: 250

How to decide the size of your wedding or elopement in Berchtesgaden

Generally, I recommend sticking to 10 people or less if eloping in Berchtesgaden. This will make your entire trip far more manageable, and keep an intimate feel to things. Plus, most nice restaurants can easily accommodate a group of 8-12, so you can go out for a really nice meal without any extra fuss.

Best season to elope in Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is beautiful year round due to its location in the Alps. The same location from left to right above is winter, summer and fall. I generally recommend late May through October, excluding July and August due to crowds. May and October can have some seasonal limitations on cable cars and tours, but mostly everything is open. December comes with Christmas markets, but also short days. January and February guarantee the most snow. March through early May are tricky. November can be dark and wet.

Activities for your Berchtesgaden wedding or elopement

Whether your elopement in Berchtesgaden is with or without guests, there is lots to see and do in the area. I recommend taking the boat over the Königsee to the St. Bartolomä area and then to the Salet and Obersee. You can also visit the Jenneralm via cable car. The area is well known for many beautiful hikes at all levels, and a small walk or hike is recommended. Many couples include things like getting ready, first look, ceremony, picnic, first dance and hike in their Berchtesgaden elopement day.

Planning your vow ceremony in Berchtesgaden

Your vow ceremony is the highlight of the day! It’s important you put a lot of thought into it. It should be authentic to who you are rather than follow any trends or traditions that don’t resonate with you. Most couples have a symbolic ceremony only, as getting legally married in Germany as a non-German speaking foreigner isn’t usually worth the additional translation costs and lengthy paperwork. It’s up to you whether your ceremony or vows have a religious or spiritual element, or if they are officiated by someone vs. reading vows privately.

While there are many beautiful locations in the area, you want to consider a spot which is a bit off the beaten path. You don’t want to be ogled at or have your ceremony interrupted by tourists.

Finding these locations is something I specialize in helping couples with!

What is a common full day timeline for an elopement in Berchtesgaden?

For all the elopements I’ve done in the area, we typically start at sunrise. This is mostly to avoid crowds and traffic along the easiest locations to get to in the area so couples can read their vows without interruption. Start time depends on time of year, as sunrise can be very early in summer! Your timeline will be adjusted per your plans and other factors, but here is a real timeline from one of the couples featured in this blog for reference:

06:00 – 08:30 PRIVATE SUNRISE VOWS 

08:30 – 09:00 DRIVE BACK TO HOTEL

09:00 – 11:30 GETTING READY & FIRST LOOK

11:30 – 12:00 DRIVE TO KÖNIGSEE PARKING & WALK

±12:00 BOAT RIDE TO ST. BARTHOLOMA

±13:00 – ±15:30 WALK & CEREMONY

±15:30 – 17:30 BOAT TO OBERSEE AND PRIVATE PORTRAITS

Berchtesgaden Wedding and Elopement FAQs

What is the best city to fly into?

Munich and Salzburg are the best cities to fly into, however Salzburg is closest.

How can we get around the area?

Trains and buses are reliable forms of transportation but I do recommend renting a car for the days around your elopement. You’ll want the flexibility, as plans can change due to weather and you don’t want to be limited by bus schedules.

What is the rate for hair and makeup artists in Berchtesgaden?

€500 – 800 is the going rate for a good hair and makeup artist. There are very few in the area, especially those who are English speaking and use modern techniques and trends.

Where should we stay for our Berchtesgaden elopement?

The area has many beautiful hotels and you won’t be limited in your options. For larger groups, I do highly recommend Hotel Kempinski (view booking platform here).

The hotel is very nice and one of the few in the area with a full spa. They have a very impressive wine cellar and restaurant (Johann Grill), and the entire property is beautiful. First looks and even little vow ceremonies are possible on the grounds overlooking the mountains.

Choosing a photographer for Berchtesgaden

There are very few photographers in the area who specialize in elopements, speak both English and German, and are prepared to spend all day with you in the mountains. Choose wisely, as your photographer will be with you all day long, and may be the only connection you have to the area when planning! Make sure the photographer you choose has experience with outdoor elopements, and understands the local area and language.

LOOKING FOR A *LOCAL* ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR BERCHTESGADEN?

Hi! I’m Mariah. I am an elopement photographer based in Austria. 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 Berchtesgaden, then I know the places, the vendors and the areas for you.

MORE GERMANY AND BERCHTESGADEN ELOPEMENT GUIDES

• 5 beautiful locations for your Germany elopement
• Berchtesgaden, Germany elopement photos
• Where to get married or elope in Germany
• Eloping in Europe logistics guide
• Top 10 places to elope in Europe

MORE PHOTOS FROM BERCHTESGADEN WEDDINGS AND ELOPEMENTS