Winter Wedding Photography at Chetzeron Hotel

Beate & Philip wedding

This winter wedding at Chetzeron Hotel was a true high-altitude adventure weekend, packed with energy and unforgettable moments. We arrived by snow machines and even did a fun snow scooter photoshoot — the kind of experience that turns portraits into a real story. The ceremony took place on the stunning terrace with wide mountain views, giving the day a bold, cinematic winter feel. This gallery covers the full celebration with a documentary-first approach and light direction only when needed.

"Zivile was absolutely fantastic! She was always quick to reply in the planning process, super friendly, professional and dedicated throughout the event and then gave us a sneak peak of our pictures mere days after the wedding.Thanks a ton for capturing our special day in such an amazing way!!Looking forward to working together again in the future!!"

Beate & Philip

Winter Wedding Photography at Chetzeron Hotel

If you dream about saying your vows surrounded by snow and mountain peaks, Chetzeron Hotel in Crans-Montana is one of the most special winter wedding venues in Switzerland. Perched at 2,112 metres above sea level and only accessible by gondola, skis or the hotel’s own vehicles, it feels like you have your own private world above the clouds.

As a wedding photographer, I love Chetzeron in winter for its clean architecture, huge windows and panoramic terraces. The hotel is set directly on the ski slopes, with open views over the Rhône valley and the highest peaks from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc – a dream backdrop for portraits and group photos. In this post I’ll share practical tips for planning a winter wedding and how to get the best possible photographs on your day.

Light and timing: how to plan your winter wedding photos

Winter days in the Alps are short, so planning the schedule around daylight is essential:

Ceremony time
I recommend planning your ceremony between late morning and early afternoon. This gives us soft daylight for the ceremony, family photos and couple portraits outside before it gets dark.
Golden hour portraits
On clear days, afternoon is the best time for pictures. If possible, leave 20–30 minutes just before sunset for a short couple session.
Evening photos
After dark we can use the warm interior light, candles and the large windows for more intimate images.

What to wear for a winter mountain wedding

Staying warm means you can actually relax and enjoy your photos:

Layers under the dress or suit – Thermal leggings, nude tights and thin base layers won’t show in pictures but make a big difference.
Proper winter shoes – You can change into elegant shoes indoors, but for outside photos you’ll be happier in boots with good grip. We can keep them out of frame for close-up portraits.
Outerwear that you like in photos – A simple wool coat, shawl, cashmere cardigan or a white/cream down jacket looks better than trying to rush outside in only a dress for “just a minute”.
Accessories – Gloves, a scarf, a hat or ear warmers can look stylish and also keep you comfortable between shots.

Weather: snow, and plan B

Mountain weather changes fast, especially at this altitude.

Snowfall – Light snow looks beautiful in photos and creates a very soft, romantic mood. I use weather-sealed cameras and lenses, so light snow is no problem.
Strong wind or heavy snow – For these conditions it’s useful to have a clear indoor Plan B (for example, by the large panoramic windows or in the lounge). Chetzeron’s interiors work very well for ceremonies and portraits if we need to stay inside.

Logistics and timing with the gondola

Because Chetzeron is car-free, it’s important to think about transport and timing from the start:

Access in winter – Guests usually arrive by gondola from Crans-Montana and then continue on foot, on skis or in the hotel’s snowcat. Transfers need to be booked in advance, especially for evening arrivals.
Build buffer time – Add extra time in your timeline for gondola schedules, clothing changes and walking in the snow (heels are slower than boots).
Think about older guests – If you have guests with reduced mobility, talk with the hotel in advance about the most comfortable option for them.

How a photographer can help your winter wedding run smoothly

A photographer with experience in winter weddings and high-altitude locations will:

Be comfortable working in snow, cold and fast-changing light.
Help you choose photo locations around the hotel that are safe and easy to reach in a wedding dress or suit.
Suggest a realistic timeline for daylight, group photos and couple portraits.
Bring backup equipment and warm clothing, so you don’t have to worry about the technical side at all.

Final thoughts

A winter wedding is a strong choice if you love mountains, design and the idea of celebrating in a quiet, snow-covered setting. With a bit of planning around light, clothing and logistics, you can enjoy the day fully while we create relaxed, natural photographs that reflect the atmosphere of this place.

If you are planning a winter wedding or elopement and would like to talk about photography, you can contact me. I’m happy to help you plan your day and answer any questions about getting married in the Swiss Alps in winter.