Weddings in Verbier

Do I have to be a resident to be legally married in Verbier?
Not necessarily. If either or both of the engaged couple (whether Swiss or of foreign nationality) live in Switzerland then the application can be made at the Registry Office of either's commune of residence. If neither of the couple live in Switzerland the application must be made at the Registry Office in the district chosen for the marriage celebration, or through an authorised representative.

Since Verbier is known for the spectacular views and the outdoor activities intertwined with mountain culture most couples choose to have outdoor wedding in order to take advantage of the backdrop. The best weather is usually from the end of June to mid-September. There is a higher chance of having good weather, but this does not mean rain is not possible even in mid-July! A back-up plan is always advisable. Also, be careful not to pick your wedding date on a Swiss bank holiday; wedding ceremonies can not take place on Sundays or bank holidays.

The good news is you can get married in the Catholic or Protestant churches without being a resident of the town. You do need to show proof however that you are already legally married before the priest can perform the religious ceremony. Most couples choose to marry legally in ‘secret’ in their home countries and save the religious or symbolic ceremonies to share with their family and friends in Switzerland. Only civil marriages are legally recognised in Switzerland; the civil marriage takes place at a Registry Office and a religious ceremony may follow the civil event.

This is very popular amongst non-religious couples who still wish to have a meaningful wedding ceremony uniting their promises to one another as husband and wife. If you are looking for a symbolic ceremony rather than a recognised religious ceremony then there are no legalities required.

The possibilities are endless! A few ideas are the bride and groom paragliding to the ceremony, getting married on top of the Mont Blanc with the wedding party arriving via helicopter, exchanging vows on a glacier, incorporating alphorn players and traditional folklore music into the day, gospel choirs, brass bands, reserving a private altitude restaurant high in the mountains, walking through a forest to a restaurant with torches and snowshoes...

A wedding planner can take away the stress of organising your big day in a different country - where geography, language, and logistics can all get in the way … with their help, your dream wedding will run so smoothly, you really will be able to relax and cherish every moment, safe in the knowledge that behind the scenes someone else has taken the stress out of putting together a flawless and memorable event.

Get in touch with local wedding photographers or videographers.