Written November 1st, 2023 by Mariah Arianna, copywriter for photographers

Why choose Germany for your elopement or intimate wedding?

Due to the many different landscapes and surroundings, Germany is an amazing destination for your elopement. Germany is a larger EU country with much to offer. From charming little villages, to castles, stunning forests, the North and the Baltic Sea, to buzzing cities. The Bavarian Alps in the south are perfect for couples wanting a proper hiking adventure, while Germany’s forests and cities offer more laid back options. 

The importance of selecting the right season:

Seasonality can affect what’s available. Each season comes with pros and cons, and can also vary a lot by region. Therefore, the best season for a Germany elopement will vary from couple to couple. 

Moreover, it’s important to remember that much of Germany no longer sees snow in the wintertime. You have to be in the mountains for a true winter wonderland.

Springtime elopement ideas in Germany (March, April, May)

Generally, spring is not the best season for a Germany elopement. Aside from the latter half of May, it’s a very cold, wet and dull time of year. Trees are bare, it’s muddy, windy, and it rains a lot.

Pros: late spring has beautiful blooms and flowers

Cons: early spring is mostly dull, cold, wet and grey

Spring activity ideas for Germany elopements

Tour the blooming apple and cherry blossoms in Bonn

Cycle along the Rhine River

Visit local vineyards

Photos in the yellow raps blossoms

Summertime elopement ideas in Germany (June, July, August)

Summer is, logically, the most popular time for elopements in Germany. The weather is warm and the days are long, especially in June. July and August can be crowded and hot though!

Pros: long daylight hours, warm weather long into the evening, ideal for long hikes at higher altitudes, more accessibility in the mountains, open huts and alpine roads, people are in a better mood

Cons: vendors will be booked early, crowds and heat waves likely

Summer activity ideas for Germany elopements

Walk through historic castle gardens

Vineyard tours and wine tastings

Beer gardens

Host a warm outdoor wedding

Hike in the bavarian alps
Explore the stone labyrinth in Saxon Switzerland

Attend outdoor music festivals or concerts
Have an elaborate picnic

Paddle board or kayak on Eibsee

Mountain biking, kayaking, paragliding and other mountain sports

Toboggan on the Zugspitze glacier (yes, even in summer!)

Autumn elopement ideas in Germany (September, October, November)

Autumn is another ideal season for elopements. In my opinion, autumn is the best season for a Germany elopement. It’s cooler, dryer and less crowded. It can vary wildly from September to November though. September is an increasingly popular month for wedding vendors, so reach out early for this time. Summer-like weather extends into this month, and the days are generally warm, sunny and dry. October is when fall colors peak, and by November, things get cold, dark and wet.

Autumn activity ideas for German elopements

Hiking in the fall foliage and enjoying the incredible colors

Beer gardens

Wine tasting in the Mosel region

Visiting Oktoberfest in Munich

Winter elopement ideas in Germany (December, January, February)

There are two types of winter elopements in Germany: December Christmas markets, or snowy mountain areas. I generally would not recommend eloping in Germany during the winter otherwise.

Pros: Christmas markets, ski resorts open, snowy conditions in the Alps

Cons: dark, wet, cold; no snow outside of the mountains

Winter activity ideas for German elopements

Christmas Markets

Sipping “glühwein” (mulled hot wine) while cross country skiing 

Skiing and snowboarding in the Alps

Rodeln (sledding)

Ice skating in city centers
Grab a hot chocolate at a cozy coffee shop

Sauna and wellness weekends

Visit a brewery

Monthly climate averages for Germany

Note that these are broad climate averages. Weather can vary a lot depending on elevation, location, and current conditions. The most variation occurs in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when weather averages change greatly every couple weeks.

December, January, February

Average High Temperature: 3-5 5°C (37-41°F)

Average Low Temperature: -2-0°C (28-32°F)

Daylight Hours: 8-9 hours

Precipitation: 30-50 mm

March:

Average High Temperature: 9°C (48°F)

Average Low Temperature: 1°C (34°F)

Daylight Hours: Around 11 hours

Precipitation: 30-40 mm

April:

Average High Temperature: 13°C (55°F)

Average Low Temperature: 4°C (39°F)

Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours

Precipitation: 30-40 mm

May:

Average High Temperature: 18°C (64°F)

Average Low Temperature: 8°C (46°F)

Daylight Hours: About 15 hours

Precipitation: 50-60 mm

June, July, August

Average High Temperature: 21-24°C (70-75°F)

Average Low Temperature: 11-13°C (52-55°F)

Daylight Hours: 15 - 16 hours

Precipitation: 60-70 mm

September:

Average High Temperature: 20°C (68°F)

Average Low Temperature: 10°C (50°F)

Daylight Hours: About 14 hours

Precipitation: 50-60 mm

October:

Average High Temperature: 15°C (59°F)

Average Low Temperature: 6°C (43°F)

Daylight Hours: Decreasing to 12 hours

Precipitation: 40-50 mm

November:

Average High Temperature: 8°C (46°F)

Average Low Temperature: 2°C (36°F)

Daylight Hours: Approximately 9 hours

Precipitation: 40-50 mm

Year round elopement planning tips for Germany

Legal requirements

I recommend having a symbolic ceremony in Germany unless one of you is a German citizen or resident. Otherwise, it’s just a lot of paperwork. You are also not able to have a legal ceremony outside the courthouse. If you want a ceremony held at a venue or outdoors, it will be separate from the legal paperwork no matter what.

Choosing the right region and wedding venues

The seasons will provide different options for venues and outdoor elopements. Consider this carefully when picking a season. Popular venues which can accommodate guests will book fast in the summer months, while many larger places shutter up for the winter season.

Preparing yourself and any guests for the weather

Pack accordingly for the season. Winter in the southern mountain regions is typically snowy. You’ll want warm layers and a rain jacket no matter what in the winter. 

Autumn and spring can be very unpredictable, so pack a range of layers. May temperatures can fluctuate between 9-25℃ (48-80℉). Intense summer heat waves with temperatures soaring above 32℃ (90-100℉) are increasingly common.

Plan your elopement so that you won’t be standing in open sun at peak hours.

Elopement photography for elopements and intimate weddings across Germany

Germany experiences all four seasons, so the best season for a Germany elopement depends on you! I was born and raised here, and I’m happy to help consult you on all these seasonal differences and choose the best one for your vision.