Switzerland mountain wedding

This wedding planning was absolutely extraordinary – it took us more then 4 years before it finally happened. Covid, pregnancy, again Covid and the couple living in Hongkong made the planning really a challenge. But J & F never gave up, always hoping to make their dream in the Grindelwald, Switzerland come true. And then, in 2024, it finally happened on the Grindelwald First and the cosy little Hotel Bären Wilderswil. But let´s start at the beginning.

Switzerland mountain wedding planner, 4 weddings & events by Uschi Glas, Grindelwald 2024, Europe destination wedding

Wedding Weekend – Day 1

Saying the journey is more important then the goal is probably not the best quote for a wedding – but travelling from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Grindelwald was definitely a good start to the wedding weekend! All along the way were lakes and mountains, cosy little villages and picknick spots. It was a hot summer day and it was nice to stop at shady places for a coffee and cold drinks.

In the late afternoon we finally reached our wedding venue, Hotel Bären in Wilderswil. A cosy little family owned hotel with a long history and family owned. Reasonable prices for a hotel close to the tourist hotspots, not modern but with historic flair, absolutely tidy and with a gorgeous view to the mountains. We were already awaited by our wedding stylist Susanne; she was booked for the weekend for having a hair and make-up trial on Friday to make the wedding day run smooth.

The rehearsal / get together took place in the hotels own wine cellar in the basement in a very special atmosphere and definitively the best place in the house, natural cool and shady (outdoors it was about 30 degrees Celsius). The guests got welcome bags with the time line for the weekend, swiss chocolate, sun milk for the mountains and other little favors and treats. Later in the evening there was a surprise, an outdoor concert from a Swiss band in front of the Hotel Bären, wow, this was amazing!

Wedding Weekend – Day 2

The wedding day started with breakfast buffet and getting ready and some “not so good” news: There was a thunderstorm warning for the First mountain, exactly for the ceremony time at 2 pm. Oh wow… But well in the mountains the weather often changes fast and so we had a little hope that the outdoor mountain ceremony would work. And as a plan B we had an indoor option at the First chapel. As everything was planned and arranged, the dinner room decorated, bus and taxi ordered, we decided to go up to the First before the guests to check everything like décor, musician, microphone for the wedding speeches etc.

Up on First everything was perfect. The First team arranged everything like it was agreed, we were give a private area and signs and ribbons to keep curious people away. The only thing was the weather. It was already very stormy and the team informed us that they started already to evacuate the mountain, just in case the cable car would have to close. The storm was getting more and more every minute and we had a time delay… Finally, everyone was up, wedding guests, bride, groom and we were able to start. Wow, this ceremony was really and adventure! Everytime someone stood up for any reason the chairs were blown away, all hair was messy but the rain waited till the end of the ceremony, lucky us! Right after the ceremony, everyone needed to go inside immediately and then heavy rain started. For about half an hour it was just apocolypse – and then sun came out again and gave us the chance for amazing pictures!

While everyone enjoyed champagne and snacks and a little more sunshine we went down again with the cable car to finalize the dinner preps.

The hotel Bären has an event room with mobile dance floor and round tables which was perfect for the wedding party of 35. Plus the guests with little children were able to bring them to bed and then join the party again with a babyphone.