Elopement Traditions from Around the World
June 2026
Highlighting amazing and unique traditions at elopements by the world’s best elopement photographers
This collection of diverse elopement traditions weave the unexpected with the old school, all expertly captured. Our Elopement photographers know the importance of photographing couples’ unique events and the rituals they choose to include. From mothers zipping a bride into her gown to handfastings, religious ceremonies, jumping the broom and circling a fire, each couple brings their own heritage, ideas and customs to their elopement.
These images are part of our monthly themed galleries exclusively for members. Elopement Photographers who are members can submit to these themed galleries and Legend Awards.
Switzerland Elopement Photographer
We interviewed Malin about this deep-rooted tradition.
What makes this tradition so special?
“Alphorn isn’t just an instrument, it’s literally the sound of the Alps. Historically herders used them to call the cows across the mountains into the barn at milking time. The sound creates an incredibly deep and grounding feeling and it instantly connects you with the landscape and the history of life in the mountains.”
Is it possible for all elopements in the Alps to have alphorn players?
“I can make it happen in most regions but it has to make sense logistically according to the itinerary we choose and it depends on how remote the ceremony spot is. If you for sure want Alphorn players for your wedding ceremony it’s good to discuss it early in the planning.”
Why is it important to you to photograph the traditions at elopements?
“In my opinion, eloping in a foreign country is about so much more than just finding a pretty backdrop for some photos (yes, some photographers work like that). Having a picture of every detail of your elopement makes you come straight back to the moment you lived it.”
What part do traditions have to play in elopement planning?
“The beauty of eloping is that you can ditch the rulebook of traditional musts, but adding traditions to your liking is fantastic. When someone travels to another country, they are stepping into someone else’s culture, traditions and the beauty of their landscapes. For a US couple eloping here in the Alps, it brings local traditions into their American wedding planning and makes their elopement a completely unique mix of their personality and the location they chose for their wedding adventure. With the sound of the alps during their ceremony you get a sense of both solemnity and local cultural uniqueness.
When I plan an elopement experience at Wild Souls United, I treat local traditions like a bridge between the couple and their chosen destination. Whether it’s sharing a local Swiss cheese platter or fondue during a hike, stopping at an alpine chapel or having a local musician play for you on a ridge, these elements give the day a sense of place and grounding. It transforms just a simple visit into an unforgettable memory that bridges two cultures.”
“Alphorn isn’t just an instrument, it’s literally the sound of the Alps. Historically herders used them to call the cows across the mountains into the barn at milking time. The sound creates an incredibly deep and grounding feeling and it instantly connects you with the landscape and the history of life in the mountains.”
“I can make it happen in most regions but it has to make sense logistically according to the itinerary we choose and it depends on how remote the ceremony spot is. If you for sure want Alphorn players for your wedding ceremony it’s good to discuss it early in the planning.”
“In my opinion, eloping in a foreign country is about so much more than just finding a pretty backdrop for some photos (yes, some photographers work like that). Having a picture of every detail of your elopement makes you come straight back to the moment you lived it.”
What part do traditions have to play in elopement planning?
“The beauty of eloping is that you can ditch the rulebook of traditional musts, but adding traditions to your liking is fantastic. When someone travels to another country, they are stepping into someone else’s culture, traditions and the beauty of their landscapes. For a US couple eloping here in the Alps, it brings local traditions into their American wedding planning and makes their elopement a completely unique mix of their personality and the location they chose for their wedding adventure. With the sound of the alps during their ceremony you get a sense of both solemnity and local cultural uniqueness.
When I plan an elopement experience at Wild Souls United, I treat local traditions like a bridge between the couple and their chosen destination. Whether it’s sharing a local Swiss cheese platter or fondue during a hike, stopping at an alpine chapel or having a local musician play for you on a ridge, these elements give the day a sense of place and grounding. It transforms just a simple visit into an unforgettable memory that bridges two cultures.”
“The beauty of eloping is that you can ditch the rulebook of traditional musts, but adding traditions to your liking is fantastic. When someone travels to another country, they are stepping into someone else’s culture, traditions and the beauty of their landscapes. For a US couple eloping here in the Alps, it brings local traditions into their American wedding planning and makes their elopement a completely unique mix of their personality and the location they chose for their wedding adventure. With the sound of the alps during their ceremony you get a sense of both solemnity and local cultural uniqueness. When I plan an elopement experience at Wild Souls United, I treat local traditions like a bridge between the couple and their chosen destination. Whether it’s sharing a local Swiss cheese platter or fondue during a hike, stopping at an alpine chapel or having a local musician play for you on a ridge, these elements give the day a sense of place and grounding. It transforms just a simple visit into an unforgettable memory that bridges two cultures.”
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