This magical forest elopement in Germany captures all the area is known for. Just a short drive from the city of Dresden is a place called Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz in German). This remote forest in eastern Germany is particularly well known for its unique rock formations. The sprawling hills, green forests and rocky outcroppings make for an especially serene elopement backdrop.

This location would be ideal for a forest elopement in Germany if you’re near urban centers like Berlin, Leipzig or Prague, and looking to escape the city for somewhere green.

Planning a timeline & activities for an outdoor elopement

Table of Contents

02:30 Wake up
03:30 Meet at trailhead

03:30-04:45 Hike to summit, change, first look

04:45 – 05:30 Vow ceremony, family letters & portraits

05:30 – 08:00 Hike down

08:00-08.30 Finish

What this couple did: getting ready, first look & a short hike

For this elopement, having a slow and easy day surrounded by nature was the goal. The couple spent the morning getting ready together at their accommodation, which included packing a picnic and folding away their suit and dress into backpacks for the hike.

A short drive later, we arrived in the park. Before long, we found a shaded spot in the trees with an old wooden picnic table for their lunch. They brought along some cute mugs, plates, linen napkins and sandwiches, and simply enjoyed the quiet together.

As we continued up the trail, we found a flat spot for them to change not far from the intended ceremony location. This meant they didn’t have to walk too far in their outfits. After their first look, they each took a deep breath, knowing vows were next.

Cliffside vows in the forest

Together, they walked toward their celebrant. She was waiting for them in front of a cliffside view high above the trees, spanning all the way to the horizon. The entire countryside spread out behind them, washed in warm afternoon light. After a reading, the celebrant presented them with two halves of a wooden sphere. They each took one, and slowly rotated them together until they locked into place, symbolizing their unity. Through tears, they then read their own handwritten vows, and exchanged rings.

From there, they just relaxed and enjoyed the moment. They walked through the windblown pines, surrounded by lightly changing autumn colors and tall green ferns. It was exactly what they wanted: tranquil, simple, and immersed in nature.

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Locations for forest elopements in Germany

If you really loved the vibe of this forest elopement in Germany, keep in mind there are lots of other places you can consider. Since Saxon Switzerland is a more obscure region of Germany, here are some other forests, parks and hiking areas to consider:

Koblenz & Burg Eltz: this forested region is less than a 2 hour drive from Frankfurt and is home to one of Germany’s most charming medieval castles, Burg Eltz
Allgäuer Alps: this region of the German Alps is rich in lakes, forested mountain terrain and castles, namely, Schloss Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau
Berchtesgardenerland: near the Austrian border just south of Munich, this massive national park has some of Germany’s most beautiful forests and alpine hiking trails

Best season for a forest elopement in Germany

For many reasons, I recommend May through October for any sort of forest elopement in Germany. The one exception would be winter in the Alps. After a fresh snowfall, the forests turn into a winter wonderland, with skiing, Christmas markets and fewer crowds as well.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Best season to elope in Germany

Hiring an elopement photographer based in Germany

Hi, I’m Gina! I’m a photographer based in Germany, specializing in intimate elopements and outdoor weddings. If you want someone local to the area who can help you put the pieces together, fill out my contact form.

contact me for Alps elopement pricing