Imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of snowy peaks and alpine meadows. As a Vienna wedding photographer specializing in documentary style photography, with an editorial twist, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless magical moments in the Austrian Alps. Today, I’ll guide you through planning your luxurious mountain wedding in the stunning Arlberg region.

Choosing Your Venue – in the Arlberg region

The Arlberg area, known for its world-class skiing and picturesque villages, offers an array of luxurious venues for your special day. Consider these options:

1. Lech am Arlberg

This exclusive resort town boasts several five-star hotels perfect for a lavish celebration. You can find more infos on legal sides on their tourism board site.

The guide is more about the locations, I can highly recommend these luxe hotels:

The Aurelio Lech and the Arlberg Hotel are particularly noteworthy for their elegant event spaces and impeccable service.

The Aurelio Lech

The Aurelio Lech, 5-star superior hotel offering exclusive buyouts for the ultimate private wedding experience. It’s part of the Pepper Collection.

Pepper Collection

The Pepper collection offers a view alpine luxury boutique hotels and Chalets in the Arlberg region. 

Hotel Arlberg

A luxurious 5-star superior hotel features a beautiful sun terrace for ceremonies with panoramic mountain views.

Hotel Berghof

The Hotel Berghof is a 5 star hotel with luxurious cosy vibes. 

Severin*s – The Alpine Retreat

The Severin’s – A boutique luxury resort perfect for intimate, high-end celebrations.

Recommendations by a local wedding planner for an Austrian Mountain Wedding

I interviewed Gabi from the Hochzeitsfeen, a local wedding planner from Vorarlberg about “Getting married in Lech am Arlberg”. From things to think to her favourite location recommendations.

Besides Lech, there are other beautiful mountain villages around Arlberg, like:

2. St. Anton am Arlberg:

Another jewel in the Arlberg crown, my personal favourte ski resort (I used to live there for a season!).

St. Anton offers venues like the Verwallstube, a gourmet restaurant with panoramic mountain views, ideal for intimate ceremonies.

Verwallstube

A gourmet restaurant at the top the mountains, ideal for small, elegant weddings.

Hotel Tannenhof

A 5-star superior hotel offering bespoke wedding packages in a sophisticated alpine setting.

Lech and St.Anton are the main villages. Besides them there is also smaller villages like:

3. St.Christoph:

This small, exclusive village is home to some of Austria’s most luxurious hotels, like the Arlberg1800 Resort, which can accommodate grand weddings with style. Small village and very exclusive.

The Arlberg1800 Resort can accommodate grand weddings with multiple venues within the resort.

4. Zürs

Hotel Edelweiss

Offers a blend of tradition and luxury, with a beautiful chapel on-site.

Beyond Arlberg

Kitzbühel

Hotel Grand Tirolia: Boasts a picturesque golf course for outdoor ceremonies and a luxurious ballroom.

Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol: Offers multiple event spaces and a spa for pre-wedding relaxation.

Zell am See:

Grand Hotel Zell am See: A historic lakeside hotel with a fairytale-like atmosphere.

Elisabeth Park: A public park perfect for outdoor ceremonies with lake and mountain views.

Salzburg Region:

Schloss Fuschl: A castle hotel overlooking Lake Fuschl, offering a truly regal wedding experience.

Hotel Gmachl: The oldest family-run business in Austria, providing a blend of tradition and modern luxury.

Innsbruck:

Nordkettenbahnen: Take your ceremony to new heights with a mountaintop wedding accessible by cable car.

Swarovski Crystal Worlds: For a uniquely glamorous wedding, this venue offers crystal-themed wonderlands.

East Tyrol:

Gradonna Mountain Resort: A car-free luxury resort nestled in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

As a Vienna wedding photographer specializing in Europe wedding photography, I can attest that each of these venues offers unique charms and luxurious amenities.

When selecting your venue, consider factors such as guest capacity, indoor/outdoor options, on-site accommodation, and the overall aesthetic that aligns with your vision.

Remember, many of these exclusive venues book up well in advance, especially for peak wedding seasons. As an Arlberg wedding photographer, I recommend securing your date as early as possible to ensure you get your dream location for your special day.

Timing Your Wedding

While the Arlberg is beautiful year-round, consider these peak seasons:

Winter (December-March): Perfect for couples dreaming of a magical snow-covered wedding.
You can find a winter wedding in Lech here (Mercedes & Constantin)

Summer (June-August): Ideal for outdoor ceremonies amidst blooming alpine meadows. ( have a look at this summer wedding in Lech)

Fall (September-October): Offers stunning foliage and mild weather for picture-perfect moments.

Winter Wedding Activities

Choosing to have your wedding in the winter months opens up a world of magical possibilities in the Austrian Alps. As a Vienna wedding photographer who has captured numerous winter weddings, I can attest to the unique charm and excitement these activities bring to your celebration. Here are some unforgettable experiences to consider for your luxe winter wedding:

Ski or Snowboard Session

Arrange a group ski outing for your wedding party.

Capture stunning photos on the slopes in your wedding attire (weather permitting).

Many resorts offer private slope rentals for exclusive use.
Reach out to local ski schools to book your guides.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

Take a romantic ride through snow-covered forests.

Arrange sleigh transportation for your guests between venues.

Ice Skating Party

Host a pre or post-wedding ice skating event on a picturesque alpine lake or resort rink.

Torchlight Descent

Organize a magical evening descent down the mountain with torches.

Perfect for amazing night-time photography opportunities.

Apres-Ski Welcome Party

Kick off your wedding weekend with a traditional apres-ski gathering.

Feature mulled wine, local delicacies, and live music.

Snowshoeing Adventure

Arrange a guided snowshoe tour for guests to explore winter landscapes.

Ideal for a unique bachelor/bachelorette activity.

Winter Wonderland Photo Session

As an experienced Europe wedding photography professional, I recommend scheduling a dedicated photo session in the snow.

Capture ethereal images amongst frost-covered trees and snow-capped peaks.

Igloo Experience

Some resorts offer the chance to dine or even spend a night in a specially constructed igloo.

A truly unique addition to your wedding festivities.

Spa and Wellness Retreats

Many luxury Alpine resorts boast world-class spa facilities.

Organize a relaxing spa day for the wedding party to unwind before the big day.

Ice Bar Cocktail Hour

Host a cool (literally!) cocktail hour in a specially constructed ice bar.

Some venues can even create custom ice sculptures for your event.

Gondola Ride

Take a scenic gondola ride for breathtaking views and intimate moments.

Some resorts offer dining experiences in gondolas for a unique rehearsal dinner option.

As a Arlberg wedding photographer, I’ve seen how these winter activities can transform a wedding into an unforgettable Alpine adventure. They not only provide entertainment for you and your guests but also create stunning visual opportunities to capture the magic of your winter wedding day.

Remember to consider factors like weather conditions, guest mobility, and timing when planning these activities. Many luxury resorts in the Arlberg region and throughout the Austrian Alps can assist in arranging these experiences, ensuring your winter wedding is as thrilling as it is beautiful.

Summer Wedding Activities

The Austrian Alps transform into a lush, vibrant paradise during the summer months, offering a plethora of activities for your luxury wedding celebration. As a Austrian wedding photographer who has captured countless summer weddings in this region, I can attest to the unique charm and endless possibilities the Alps offer during this season. Here are some exquisite experiences to consider for your summer alpine wedding:

Mountaintop Ceremony:

Take a scenic cable car ride to exchange vows at a breathtaking summit.

Many resorts offer exclusive mountaintop venues with panoramic views.

Lakeside Celebrations:

Host a elegant cocktail hour or reception by one of the region’s crystal-clear alpine lakes.

Consider a sunset cruise for an intimate gathering or photo session.

Hiking Adventure:

Organize a group hike to a picturesque spot for a welcome picnic or farewell brunch.

Many luxury resorts offer guided tours tailored to various fitness levels.

Mountain Biking Excursion:

For adventurous couples, arrange a mountain biking tour through scenic trails.

Some resorts offer electric bikes for a less strenuous experience.

Alfresco Dining Experience:

Plan an outdoor feast featuring local cuisine amidst flower-filled meadows.

Consider a farm-to-table experience at a local Alpine farm.

Paragliding Adventure:

For thrill-seeking couples, tandem paragliding offers an exhilarating experience and stunning photo opportunities.

Wellness Retreats:

Utilize the natural thermal springs found in many Alpine regions for a pre-wedding spa day.

Arrange outdoor yoga sessions with mountain views for a serene start to your wedding day.

Alpine Garden Tours:

Many regions boast beautiful botanical gardens showcasing native Alpine flora.

Perfect for an intimate ceremony or cocktail hour setting.

Sunrise Photo Session:

As an experienced Europe wedding photography professional, I highly recommend an early morning photo session to capture the “golden hour” light on the mountains.

Open-Air Concerts:

Many Alpine towns host summer music festivals and outdoor concerts.

Consider incorporating a live performance into your wedding entertainment.

Stargazing Experience:

The clear mountain air offers excellent conditions for stargazing.

Arrange a romantic evening of astronomy for your guests, complete with champagne and canapés.

Golfing at Alpine Courses:

Many luxury Alpine resorts boast world-class golf courses with stunning mountain backdrops.

Perfect for a pre-wedding tournament or relaxed day-after activity.

Wine Tasting in Alpine Vineyards:

Surprise your guests with a tasting tour of high-altitude vineyards.

Some regions offer unique ice wines for a special touch.

As an Arlberg wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed how these summer activities can elevate a wedding into an unforgettable Alpine experience. They not only provide entertainment for you and your guests but also create stunning visual opportunities to capture the magic of your summer wedding day.

When planning these activities, consider factors like the fitness levels of your guests, potential weather changes (even in summer), and timing to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the experiences. Many luxury resorts in the Arlberg region and throughout the Austrian Alps have dedicated wedding coordinators who can assist in arranging these unique activities, ensuring your summer wedding is as exciting as it is beautiful.

Capturing Your Memories

As an Austria wedding expert, I can’t stress enough the importance of choosing the right photographer :). Look for professionals experienced in mountain weddings who can capture both the grandeur of the landscape and the intimate moments of your day. And know ther region.

Planning Tips

1. Start Early:

Luxe venues in the Arlberg book up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

2. Consider Logistics:

Arrange transportation for guests, as mountain locations can be remote. If you get married in the Arlberg region: closest airports are Munich, Zurich, Innsbruck or Friedrichshafen.

3. Embrace Local Traditions:

Incorporate Austrian customs like a Torchlight Descent for a truly memorable experience.

4. Weather Preparedness:

Have a backup plan for outdoor elements, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.

Luxurious Touches

Elevate your mountain wedding with some top-notch details:

– Host a pre-wedding spa day at one of the region’s world-class wellness hotels.

– Arrange a gourmet tasting menu featuring local delicacies and fine Austrian wines.

– Surprise guests with a hike over the mountain peaks.

Planning a wedding in the Austrian Alps combines natural beauty with luxury. As an Arlberg wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how these majestic mountains create an unforgettable backdrop for love stories. With careful planning and attention to detail, your alpine wedding will be a truly magical experience that you and your guests will cherish forever.

I’d be happy to give you further informations about getting married in the Austrian alps – feel free to contact if you need more planning tips.