Wedding day at Chetzeron hotel, Crans Montana Switzerland
Anaïs & Loïc wedding
Anaïs & Loïc’s winter wedding at Hotel Chetzeron, above Crans-Montana, was the kind of day that feels unreal in the best way. Guests arrived by snow machines, climbing up into the mountains for an outdoor ceremony with a wide-open Alpine view. Cold air, bright snow, and a backdrop that didn’t need anything added to it.
After the vows, everyone warmed up inside and the celebration kept going—good food, a packed dance floor, and a party that lasted until morning. Below you’ll find their full wedding gallery, photographed at Chetzeron in Crans-Montana during the winter season.
"We were truly touched by your photos. Looking through them felt like reliving our wedding day all over again, the emotions, the joy, the little moments... everything came rushing back. Your work is simply beautiful. We've also received so many positive comments from our guests, everyone loved the photos and the way you captured the atmosphere so naturally.
Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts!!"
Anaïs & Loïc
Winter Wedding Photography at Chetzeron Hotel
Winter weddings in Switzerland have their own rhythm: shorter days, stronger weather, snow underfoot and everything happening a bit slower. Many of my winter weddings take place in car-free, high-altitude locations like Chetzeron above Crans-Montana, but the same ideas apply to other mountain venues in the Swiss Alps. This post goes through how I approach a winter wedding day as a photographer and what is worth considering if you’re planning one yourself.
High-altitude venues: what changes for your wedding day
Venues like Chetzeron hotel are reached by gondola and the venue’s own vehicles or on skis. Once you are up, there is no more driving between church, restaurant and party – everything happens in one place. For photography this means:
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Less time lost in transport
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A clear, contained area to work in
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Strong, open views almost all day
The main thing that changes is that timing and weather matter more. Lift schedules, visibility and wind can all influence when we go outside, where we stand and how long we stay there.
Light and timing for a winter wedding in the mountains
Winter light in Switzerland is lower and days are shorter, especially at altitude. To keep things simple and realistic, I usually suggest:
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Ceremony in late morning or early afternoon
This leaves enough daylight for family photos and portraits outside without rushing into darkness. -
Two short portrait sessions instead of one long one
We can do a first round after the ceremony and, if the weather allows, a second short session close to sunset. Short sessions are easier in cold and snow. -
Buffer time for lifts and clothing
Moving a group of people through a gondola station, into winter shoes and out onto a snowy terrace always takes longer than expected. Building extra time into the plan keeps the day calmer and better for photos.
Every wedding is slightly different, but the goal is always the same: protect the best light for the outside parts that matter most to you.
Keeping everyone comfortable (and photogenic) in winter
The best winter wedding photos come when people are not freezing. A few small choices make a big difference:
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Footwear: winter boots with good grip for outside, dress shoes for inside. Boots can be kept out of frame for closer portraits.
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Layers: thermal base layers, tights under dresses, thin sweaters under jackets – these don’t show in photos but help a lot.
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Outer layers you like in pictures: a simple coat, shawl, knit or down jacket that you feel good wearing. It’s better than rushing outside for “just one minute” without anything.
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Information for guests: if you tell people in advance they will spend time outside at a winter venue, they can bring proper clothing and will enjoy it more.
Simple winter activities that work well in photos
You don’t need a complicated programme to get good winter wedding photos in the Alps. A few small activities are enough:
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A short walk in the snow around the venue in wedding clothes
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A toast or hot drink on the terrace between ceremony and dinner
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A quick ski or snowboard detail if that is part of your story
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A few evening photos outside with the venue lights in the background
These work just as well at Chetzeron in Crans-Montana as they do at other Swiss mountain venues. The idea is not to turn your day into a staged photoshoot, but to use the surroundings in a simple way.
How I approach winter weddings as a Switzerland wedding photographer
My approach is documentary-first: I follow the day as it unfolds and step in with gentle direction only when it helps – for family groups, couple portraits and a few key moments. In winter I also pay close attention to:
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Safety and comfort: choosing spots that are easy to reach in a dress or suit and safe underfoot
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Light: balancing bright snow, dark suits and white dresses so you keep detail in all of them
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Weather: having a clear Plan B indoors if wind, fog or snowfall become too strong
Whether it’s a Chetzeron hotel wedding in Crans-Montana or another winter venue in Switzerland, the aim is always the same: a clear visual story of your day that looks like you and fits the reality of the mountains.
If you’re planning a winter wedding in Switzerland
If you’re thinking about a winter wedding or elopement in the Swiss Alps – at Chetzeron or somewhere similar – and want photographs that reflect you and your story, as well as the place and the real atmosphere of the day, you’re welcome to get in touch. I’m happy to help with timelines, light considerations and simple ideas that make winter conditions work in your favour.
Gallery
