Alps Wedding Photographer: 5 Stunning Swiss Locations for Your Pre-Wedding Shoot
Dreaming of breathtaking pre-wedding photos in the Alps? As an experienced Alps wedding photographer, I’ve captured couples in Switzerland’s most cinematic spots. Here are five stunning Alpine locations that make for unforgettable engagement or pre-wedding shoots.
Why Choose the Alps for Your Pre-Wedding Photos
The Swiss Alps offer some of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world. Towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and flower-filled meadows create an ever-changing landscape that looks cinematic in every season. From snowy peaks in winter to golden light on summer evenings, each moment feels like it belongs in a fairytale.
As an experienced Alps wedding photographer, I’ve seen how these locations elevate a couple’s story. A pre-wedding session here isn’t just about pictures—it’s an adventure. Whether you’re hiking to a panoramic viewpoint, strolling through a charming Alpine village, or taking a boat ride across a turquoise lake, the Alps bring romance and a sense of discovery to your images that few destinations can match.
Where We Went – 5 Real Swiss Locations (Split Over Two Perfect Days)
One thing I always recommend to couples doing a pre-wedding shoot in the Swiss Alps: split the session across two days — one for evening light, one for morning light. Why? Because light changes everything. In Switzerland, it goes from “nice photo” to “cinematic masterpiece” depending on the hour — and trust me, you want both.
That’s exactly what we did with Adeline and Glen’s shoot. We covered five distinct locations over two days — chasing golden light, soft mist, and empty, magical landscapes.
1. Grindelwald First – Our Snowy Alpine Kick-Off
We started in Grindelwald First, one of the only mountain lifts still operating in April due to avalanche closures everywhere else. Lucky us, because the views were unreal: snowy peaks, crisp alpine air, and that famous Eiger North Face standing proud in the background. Glen said it looked like something out of a fantasy film. He wasn’t wrong.
2. Lake Brienz – That Turquoise Mirror from Korean Drama Fame
Next stop: Lake Brienz (or Brienzersee, if you’re feeling fancy). If the name rings a bell, it’s probably because of that Crash Landing on You scene — you know, the one with the piano on the pier? That’s here. It’s become a bit of a pilgrimage spot for K-drama fans, and for good reason: the water is this unreal turquoise thanks to glacial melt, and the whole place is wrapped in steep cliffs and calm, quiet energy.
Now, here’s the twist — that Insta-famous wooden pier? It used to have people lining up like they were waiting for concert tickets. But as of recently, there’s a ticket machine at the top. You pay 5 Swiss francs per person, and voilà, you’re allowed on. Honestly, it’s genius — crowd control and revenue in one tidy Swiss move.
The best part? In April, we had the whole pier completely to ourselves. No queues, no elbowing influencers out of the frame — just Adeline, Glen, some peaceful waves, and Glen casually skipping a stone across one of the most iconic lakes in Europe. Romantic? Yes. Staged? Not even slightly.
We caught some of the softest light of the day here — cool-toned, misty, and perfect for capturing that cinematic mood that only lakes like Brienz can deliver.
3. Hidden Alpine Village & Wooden Chapel – Swiss Storybook Charm
After the lake, we wandered through a tiny wooden village near Brienz, complete with a classic Swiss mountain chapel, tidy gardens, and just enough cowbells in the distance to confirm we were definitely in the Alps. No tourists, no crowds — just two people in love and a photographer very much in his element.
4. Wildflower Valley – Spring Light and Crocus Carpets
On the second day, we started early in a wildflower-filled valley, where the morning light filtered through melting mist and yellow spring flowers bloomed underfoot.
5. Secret Forest Lake – No People, Just Pure Magic
We wrapped the shoot at one of my favourite secret locations — a quiet alpine lake surrounded by open meadows and backed by snow-dusted peaks. The light was soft and even, the kind you only get on cool spring mornings before the sun climbs too high. A winding mountain road cut gently through the scene, completely empty, giving us that rare sense of space and stillness. No tourists, no noise — just the ripple of the lake, wild crocuses underfoot, and Adeline and Glen soaking it all in, entirely present in the moment.
April in the Alps – The Good, the Bad, and the Slippery
Now, you might ask: “Janis, why April?”
Well, April is that beautiful in-between season in Switzerland where:
- The crowds are minimal
- The light is soft and low all day (photographer heaven)
- Spring flowers start popping in the valleys
- There’s still snow in the mountains, which gives you that magical dual-season vibe
But—and here’s the fun part—some of the higher locations were off-limits due to avalanche threats. So yes, we stayed safe, but also had to be creative with locations that looked remote, wild, and alpine, without being, you know, under an actual avalanche.
The upside? We got empty trails, quiet villages, and those golden meadows without 300 hikers in Gore-Tex photobombing every frame.
April is that beautiful in-between season in Switzerland — soft light, spring flowers, and snow-capped peaks. Yet, several high-altitude lifts like Grindelwald–Männlichen are actually closed from early April through late May due to avalanche precautions (check the Grindelwald‑First and Mannlichen cable car schedules)
Cinematic Vibes, No Filter Needed
My style is very much about creating something cinematic but honest—real emotion, real landscape, no cheesy poses or awkward prom hands.
We worked with:
- Natural light only (because you can’t beat the sun at 1,500m)
- Wide shots to capture the scale of the Alps
- Close-ups that tell the story between the moments
Adeline and Glen’s chemistry made my job ridiculously easy. Whether it was laughing over muddy shoes or sharing quiet moments with a backdrop of snow-dusted pines, they brought the kind of authenticity every photographer dreams of.
Why Switzerland Wins at Pre-Wedding Shoots
If you’re thinking of doing a destination pre-wedding shoot, here’s why Switzerland works like a charm:
- You can get five landscapes within a one-hour drive
- It’s clean, safe, and ridiculously photogenic
- The light is perfect even at noon (thanks mountains!)
- You’ll have photos that look like a movie poster, not a tourist postcard
And in case you’re wondering—yes, I know all the good spots. And no, I won’t tell Google Maps.
Planning Your Own Pre-Wedding Shoot in Switzerland?
If you’re dreaming of your own cinematic story in the Alps—snow, lakes, villages, or even that nameless lake near Interlaken—I’d love to hear from you.
📩 Get in touch: [email protected]
Also read more post like this:
The Ultimate Guide to a Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in Switzerland
Pre-Wedding Photography in Switzerland – Geneva & Lausanne
Planning a Pre-Wedding Shoot in Switzerland? Start With These Useful Local Resources
If you’re thinking about your own pre-wedding shoot in Switzerland (highly recommended, by the way), here are some practical links I always send to my couples — the real-world stuff that helps you avoid stress and enjoy more of what matters: great light, empty landscapes, and those all-important alpine backdrops.
Swiss Travel Pass – Official Site
For those not renting a car, the Swiss Travel Pass is a game-changer. It covers trains, buses, boats, and even some mountain lifts — perfect for moving between lakes, villages, and peaks without worrying about parking or local road rules.
Jungfrau Region Tourism Board
This is the go-to resource for anything around Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, or Interlaken. You’ll find lift schedules, hiking trail status, seasonal updates, and tips that can really help during off-season months like April.
MeteoSwiss – Avalanche Warnings & Weather Reports
Before heading into higher elevations, it’s always smart to check the avalanche risk and real-time mountain weather. Especially in spring, when conditions can change quickly.
And if you’re already deep into location research, these local tourism boards offer great info on activities, accessibility, and logistics:
Grindelwald Tourism – Classic alpine village with mountain views, wooden chalets, and access to high trails.
Interlaken Tourism – A central base between two lakes, perfect for day trips to surrounding peaks and valleys.
Whether you’re planning a shoot or just dreaming one up, these resources can help you make it happen — with fewer surprises and more wow moments.
Alps Wedding Photographer – Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an engagement photoshoot in the Swiss Alps cost?
My pre-wedding and engagement photography packages start at €2500. This includes pre-shoot planning, professional guidance on locations and styling, a fully edited gallery of high-resolution images, and my expertise as a destination and Alps wedding photographer. Longer or full-day sessions are also available for couples who want to capture multiple locations and outfit changes.
What are the best Swiss Alps locations for a pre-wedding photoshoot?
As an experienced Alps wedding photographer, I recommend iconic spots such as Grindelwald First for panoramic views, Lake Brienz for its turquoise waters and scenic pier, Lauterbrunnen Valley with its waterfalls, Zermatt with the Matterhorn backdrop, and hidden alpine gems around Interlaken. Each offers cinematic backdrops that elevate your love story.
When is the best time of day and year for Swiss Alps pre-wedding photos?
Sunrise and sunset provide magical, flattering light. Spring and autumn are ideal with softer light and fewer crowds. April can bring wildflowers in the valleys with snowy peaks above, while summer offers access to more mountain trails, and winter creates snowy fairytale scenes if you dress warmly.
How many days should we plan for an Alps pre-wedding session?
For the best variety, I suggest working with your Alps wedding photographer over two sessions on different days — one at sunrise and one at sunset. This approach allows for multiple locations, avoids crowds, and creates a gallery full of light and mood diversity.
Do we need permits, tickets or lift passes for popular locations?
Yes, some locations do require access tickets or lift passes. For example, Lake Brienz pier now uses a paid entry system, and mountain lifts like Grindelwald First operate seasonally. As your Alps wedding photographer, I’ll guide you through logistics, permits, and scheduling so your shoot runs smoothly.
Can we include multiple locations in one day?
Absolutely. Many couples choose a route around Interlaken that combines lakes, villages, and mountain viewpoints. With planning from your Alps wedding photographer, you’ll maximize light and minimize travel time while enjoying a relaxed and adventurous shoot.
What should we wear and bring for a pre-wedding shoot in the Alps?
Dress in layers and wear comfortable footwear for alpine terrain. Choose colours that complement the natural scenery — earthy tones, pastels, or soft neutrals work beautifully. Bring water, handwarmers, a light jacket, and a second outfit if you’d like variety between sessions.
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