How to elope in Germany - the ultimate guide for an adventure elopement

The ultimate guide to elope in Germany

TIPS. VENUES & LOCATION IDEAS
for an adventure elopement in Germany

At the heart of Europe is Germany, and though it is best known for its rich history and the classic Bavarian architecture in its cities, the country is also full of gorgeous scenery. To the north, Germany’s vast, flat plains stretch to the North Sea. Its central and southern regions are marked by rolling hills, with rivers cutting through and carving the landscape. In the southwest, the thick pines and fir trees of the Black Forest tower on hillsides and mountaintops. If you’re planning a wild, adventurous wedding day, Germany might be the perfect destination! If you’re planning your German elopement, or if you need a little convincing, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to elope in Germany.

Let’s dive in…

Welcome to the Adventure of a Lifetime

amber, elopement photographer

Hey there, I’m Amber!

Hiring an elopement photographer for your incredible day in Germany is one of the most important things you’ll do! A photographer will not only be there to document your incredible adventure, but a big part of my job is also to help you plan.
As a Germany elopement photographer, and an experienced travel planner, my job is to make sure you have the most epic wedding day! I’ll help you plan the elopement of your dreams, providing you with personalized location recommendations, travel and planning tips, a custom timeline, and so much more – everything you need for your adventure elopement.

First, let’s be sure we’re talking about the same thing:

What is an elopement?

No, it’s not a cheesy Vegas chapel and stumbling through a drunken ceremony. Elopements these days are about being intentional. They’re about taking back your wedding day and making sure that you do exactly what you want to do! There’s a lot of pressure that comes along with the wedding industry, and it often seems like couples worry about pleasing everyone else, without taking time to think about what feels right to them. Eloping gives you the chance to start your marriage off right, with an adventure that reflects who you are, together.

Why Elope in Germany?

Gorgeous Landscapes

Bavarian towns may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Germany, but the country also has unbelievable natural beauty. The towering Alps with peaks dusted with snow, the Black Forest with miles of trails to explore, you could explore Germany forever!

Friendly Locals

Germany is known for being one of the friendliest countries in the world! Elope in Germany, and if you spend some time wandering the city or attending a local festival, you’re bound to make some new friends who can tell you about all the best hidden gems!

Cultural Treasures

From storybook-like castles to medieval architecture and unique festival celebrations, Germany is a country with a rich cultural history. Enjoy traditional food and take a step back in time as you explore the county’s past.

How to legally elope in Germany

How to Legally Elope in Germany

If you’re traveling internationally to elope in Germany, many couples choose to get the paperwork done at home to make the legalities and logistics easier. That way, your elopement can be about the fun stuff!

To get legally married in Germany, you’ll need to be in the country for at least 21 days. After those three weeks, you’ll need to visit the town hall and declare your intention to marry. You’ll need to submit your birth certificate, passport, and marriage application – but they have to be translated to German first! Civil ceremonies take place at the town hall, officiated by the magistrate.

For couples from the US:

In certain states, you can ask your county clerk the authorization to sign your wedding license abroad. If they agree, as a registered minister, my team and I will be able to legally marry you without the hassle of a legal wedding ceremony in Germany.

How to Get to Germany for Your Elopement

Along with planning the details of your elopement day, you’ll also need to figure out your travel plans! Luckily, Germany’s location in Europe means it’s easy to get to, and you’ll be able to find flights from most major airports, or use Europe’s convenient and efficient train and bus options.

Get to Germany by Plane

The first way to get to Germany for your elopement is to travel by plane. The biggest airport is in Frankfurt, but Munich and Düsseldorf also have international airports. You can often find a direct flight to Germany, or take a convenient connecting flight to other parts of the country!

Get to Germany by Train or Bus

If you’re traveling to Germany from other countries in Europe, an alternative to flying is to take the train or the bus. Eurostar trains run from London to Frankfurt, and if you fly to Germany and then decide to take a train to your final destination, there are train stations close to the city center and they’re easy to get to.

You can definitely travel by bus as well, but trains tend to be more comfortable. For short trips, if you land in Frankfurt and want to travel to another city in Germany, a bus can be an affordable and easy option!

Getting Around Germany During Your Elopement

Germany, like many European countries, is really easy to get around in, and you have a lot of options for transportation.

Renting a car is often the most convenient, especially if you plan to go visit remote areas or go for hikes in wilderness preserves. These remote areas are going to be more difficult to reach with public transportation, and having a car gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility to travel around on your adventure!

But, when you’re in the big cities, you can walk or bike around town, which can be a great way to explore and take things slow to make sure you see everything. If you travel between cities, you can take a train or bus from one city to another. 

So, as you make your travel plans, decide what you’re going to do during your elopement in Germany. You may not need a rental car the entire time, but I do recommend it for your elopement day and for any hikes, day trips, and adventures in more remote destinations!

Lodging for Your Elopement in Germany

When you elope in Germany, you’ll need to find a place to stay! The place where you stay is going to be a part of your elopement experience, so book a place (or places, if you’re going to travel around the country) that will be fun to come back to you after a day of adventures! Here are some options for lodging when you elope in Germany. 

Hotels in Germany

Wherever you go, hotels are a convenient option for places to stay. In Germany, you’ll find plenty of chain hotels, but you’ll also find more unique accommodations that will really be a one of a kind experience! Check out this castle hotel for a royal stay, spend a night in an igloo, or even book a private room on a boat with views of the river!

Airbnbs in Germany

Choosing an Airbnb to stay in when you elope in Germany can provide you with more private accommodations, and it also gives you the chance to find unique places to stay. Germany has lots of great Airbnbs and unique lodging options, including everything from a night in a castle, a private houseboat, a cozy treehouse, and a comfortable apartment with floor to ceiling windows for incredible views!

Camping in Germany

If you love spending time outdoors, consider going camping when you elope in Germany! This can be a really fun way to have an adventure when you elope, and Germany has plenty of amazing campsites that provide a gateway to its natural wonders. Wild camping, in most cases, isn’t allowed in Germany, but you can book a campsite for a few nights and spend some time outdoors! 
You can also opt for glamping instead – a blend of roughing it in the wild and having all the amenities you need. Some adventurous glamping options in Germany include rustic tree houses, and unique canvas tents.

Top 5 spots to Elope in Germany

Whether it’s ocean views or mountain tops, you’ll find your elopement location in Germany! Here are some ideas to get you inspired.

Where to elope in Germany - Amrum

Amrum

Amrum is an island that features sand dunes and a lighthouse that can be climbed to see the views from above! Elope on Kniepsand beach with the waves behind you, and spend the day birdwatching by the ocean, or exploring around the quaint thatched houses and numerous seafood restaurants.

Barnim Nature Park

Barnim Nature Park is the perfect elopement location for nature lovers. There are miles of hiking trails, countless idyllic lakes, and often, visitors get the chance to spot wild sheep, deer, and even horses grazing amongst the trees.

Where to elope in Germany - Barnim Nature Park
Where to elope in Germany - Berchtesgaden National Park

Berchtesgaden National Park

This national park is located in the Alps – so whether you want to wander around the lakes down below, or climb up to the peaks, you’ll be greeted with amazing views of Germany’s mountains. You can even try your hand at paragliding!

Black Forest National Park

The wild, untamed beauty of Black Forest is the perfect elopement backdrop. Many areas of the park have been left completely undisturbed, so it’s an amazing place to spot wildlife! Explore the miles of trails through thick pine forests, with mountain views in the distance, or take a rafting adventure down the river!

Where to elope in Germany - Black forest
Where to elope in Germany - Bavarian Forest

Bavarian Forest Nature Park

Here, you can elope amongst the tree canopies, find secret waterfalls, and hike amongst the moss covered forest with the relaxing sound of the creek. Visit some of the fruit growing areas or one of the park’s information centers and exhibits.

When to elope in Germany

When to Elope in Germany

Before you decide on a date for your Germany elopement, let’s talk about the weather!

WINTER

Winters in Germany are cold, so unless you want to hit the ski slopes, you’ll probably want to stay away! Snow is a possibility in most places, so plan for cold weather and short days.

SPRING

Spring is a great time to elope in Germany, though March can be chilly! April and May see warmer temperatures, and you’ll get the chance to see the cherry blossoms bloom. It rains often in the spring, but you’ll see a lot less tourists around!

SUMMER

Summers in Germany are warm and sunny – so of course, this is the most popular time to visit! If you hope to go for a hike, July and August are your best bet for snow free trails.


FALL

Fall is beautiful in Germany, as the leaves start to change and the weather gets cooler. Early fall is still warm enough, and the famous Oktoberfest begins in mid September. To experience the culture and history of Germany to the fullest, elope in the fall!

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Germany?

All-inclusive, 7-day ELOPEMENT and honeymoon

6 nights in accommodation (3* or more)
Elopement photographer for 3 days
All meals for the 7 days
4-5 beautiful, natural and raw ceremony location options
Custom timeline of the day
Officiant
Florist
Hair and makeup
Car rental
Airport transfers

TOTAL FOR an all-inclusive ELOPEMENT IN GERMANY:

$24 500

12-hour ELOPEMENT

Elopement photographer for 12 hours
4-5 beautiful, natural and raw ceremony location options
Custom timeline of the day

TOTAL FOR A 12-hour ELOPEMENT IN GERMANY:

$8 000

Unique Things to Do When You Elope in Germany

Eloping means you get to craft your own adventure, planning a wedding day that is truly unique, special, and just right for you!
You can do absolutely anything you want when you elope, so to get you inspired, here are some of the unique experiences you can have when you elope in Germany.

Unique Things to Do When You Elope in Germany - visit the castles

Visit the Castles

Germany has a rich history, and that includes some amazing castles. One of the most famous castles is Neuschwanstein Castle, which is said to be the castle that inspired the iconic one seen in Disney films!
Along with the castles, you can explore other magical fairytale elements around Germany, including the Fairytale Route, which was created to help visitors follow the path that the Brothers Grimm took as they were inspired by the magical streets of Germany.

Explore a Cavern

Another unique thing to do when you will elope in Germany is to visit the underground caverns. Germany has some magical caves, whose walls sparkle with crystals. One of the most famous spots is the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes – caverns from a former mine that are known for being the most colorful cave grottoes in the world!

Unique Things to Do When You Elope in Germany - explore the caverns
Unique Things to Do When You Elope in Germany - Oktoberfest

Experience Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is the biggest beer festival in the world, and whether you want to try local brews or you just want to join in on the celebration, this is a really fun, unique experience to have when you elope in Germany! It’s tons of fun, with amusement park rides, delicious food, and lots of events and celebrations that locals and visitors enjoy. The festival begins around mid to late September, and runs for 16 to 18 days each year.

What to wear for an elopement in Germany - the shoes

What To Wear When Eloping In Germany

When it comes to eloping, you’ll need to think about how much adventuring you’ll be doing. Make sure your attire lets you sit down, walk around, and move freely! If you’re uncomfortable all day, your photos will show it, and your experience will be dampened by the discomfort – so break in your attire and your shows beforehand!

The Dress

Make sure your dress is comfortable and easy to move around in – that means no mermaid style skirts! In cooler months, heavy fabrics like silk can be great for adding extra warmth, and a cape or shawl is a great stylish addition! In the summer, lightweight fabrics like tulle and chiffon will keep you cool and won’t weigh you down while you hike!

The Shoes

For an adventure elopement, hiking boots or comfortable shoes are best – heels won’t fly for this! Make sure to break in your shoes before the big day, so that you aren’t stuck dealing with blisters.

The Suit

A three piece suit is perfect for an elopement. Take off the jacket if it’s too warm, and throw it on when you’re cold! Make sure your suit fits well and is comfortable to move around in, so that you’re ready for whatever adventure your elopement day has in store.

Typical food and dishes from Germany

You might want to integrate into your elopement day

German dishes to try on your elopement day - Bratwurst

Bratwurst

A beloved German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. It is typically seasoned with a blend of spices such as marjoram, nutmeg, and garlic. Bratwurst is often grilled or pan-fried and served with mustard and sauerkraut or in a bread roll.

Sauerkraut

A fermented cabbage dish that is a staple in German cuisine. Thinly sliced cabbage is pickled in brine, allowing it to develop its distinctive tangy flavor. Sauerkraut is often served as a side dish, accompanying various meat dishes or used as a topping in traditional German dishes like sausages or Reuben sandwiches.

German dishes to try on your elopement day - Sauerkraut
German dishes to try on your elopement day - Pretzels

Pretzels

Pretzels have a long history in Germany and are widely enjoyed as a popular snack or street food. These baked goods have a distinctive knot shape, with a soft and chewy texture. They are often sprinkled with coarse salt and can be enjoyed plain or served with mustard. Pretzels are a quintessential part of German culture and are found in various sizes, from small bite-sized pretzels to larger ones enjoyed with a cold beer.

Elope in Germany – Your Checklist


Think about where you’d like to go

As an elopement photographer, a big part of my job is to help couples find the perfect place to say their vows. As a travel planner, I’m ready to go with all the best secret spots! Once you’ve decided to elope in Germany, don’t hesitate to get in touch for planning assistance.

Pick a date

Do some research on the weather, and decide on a date to elope in Germany!

Find more information about travel visas and wedding documentation

No visas required to elope in Germany, but your passport needs to be up to date and valid for at least three months past the time of your stay in the country.

Book your flights and accommodation

Whether you want to stay in a quaint Airbnb or a luxury resort, I recommend shopping for flights and accommodation early! Especially in the summer, they book up fast!

Book your vendors

Elopement vendors will make all the difference when it comes to planning your elopement. Let them handle the hard stuff, so you can focus on what’s important – cake tasting, dress shopping, and getting married!

Live your dream elopement

Now you get to have the elopement day of your dreams!

DOES GERMANY SOUND LIKE YOUR DREAM?

How to plan your peaceful elopement in GERMANY with me

Process-how to plan an elopement

Let’s dive in, so you can start your journey right away!

Imagine a wedding where you can be you. Breathe. Bask in each other’s love.
Experience a place close to your hearts, or a bucket-list dream.

When to elope in Germany - fall

Let’s chat!

Are you eager to start planning your elopement in Germany? I’m here to help you envision, plan and immortalize this beautiful adventure! Contact me now for a free consultation!

How to elope in Germany - the ultimate guide
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