Vienna Elopement Guide
wedding photographer Clara Buchberger
Eloping in Vienna?
Here’s everything you need to know from a local elopement photographer:
Vienna is a perfect destination for couples looking to elope. With its stunning scenery, world-renowned architecture, and delicious culinary experiences, Vienna is sure to make your elopement unforgettable. From scenic outdoor locations to beautiful indoor venues, this guide will provide all the tips and tricks you need to plan the perfect Vienna elopement. I'll guide you through the best civil wedding locations, stunning photo spots, and top hotels. At the end, you'll also find a list of recommended vendors.
Reasons to elope in Vienna
Vienna is a city of romance and provides a variety of options for couples looking to elope. With its gorgeous architecture, romantic parks, and picturesque canals, it is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. From the lush green hills of the Vienna Woods to the vibrant art and culture of the city, there is something for everyone. If you're looking for an intimate and private elopement experience, Vienna has plenty of venues to choose from. Whether you're looking for a classic Viennese ceremony, a luxurious hotel suite, or a private garden, you'll find something to suit your needs. With its romantic atmosphere and stunning scenery, Vienna is the perfect place to elope and start your journey together. This Vienna Elopement Guide can help you find the perfect venue and plan your dream elopement.
When to elope in Vienna
Vienna is a beautiful place to elope and get married. There are a variety of locations throughout the city and surrounding areas that are perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony. But when is the best time of year to tie the knot in Vienna? Well, the answer to this question depends on the type of wedding you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for a winter wonderland wedding, then winter is the best time for an elopement in Vienna. The city is blanketed in snow and there are stunning indoor venues to get married. If you are looking for a more traditional summer wedding, then the months of May to September are the best time of year for an elopement in Vienna. During this time, you can enjoy stunning outdoor sceneries, from green gardens to historic palaces, creating a perfect backdrop for your special day.
Temperatures (Celsius) over the warmer months:April: 6°-16°
May: 11°-21°
June: 16°-25°
July: 18°-27°
August: 15°-26°
September: 12°-21°
October: 9°-15°
How to get to Vienna
You can get to Vienna either by plane, train or car.
Plane: Vienna international airport is located about half an our outside the city centre. You could either take the train or taxi.
Train/bus: If you’re traveling to Vienna from a European country, there are good train connections from most capitals.
How to get legally married in Vienna
You don’t necessarily have to live in Austria to get legally married here, however, it might be a bit more complicated than usual.
Civil weddings take place in a civil registration office, I’ve listed some of the most beautiful ones down below. If you want to get married outdoors, you usually have to pay an extra fee. You have to applicate to get married 6 months prior to the wedding. Find more information here.
these are the documents you’ll need to get married in Austria:Birth certificate
Passport
Residence registration form (unless you are staying in a hotel)
Certificate of Freedom to Marry
Proof of dissolution of marriage if you’ve been married before
The most beautiful civil wedding locations in Vienna
Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace can be booked all year around for civil weddings. The ceremony takes place in Octagon at the Upper Belvedere and fitts up to 60 people. Photos can be taken right inside the palace or in the Belvedere gardens.
Palais Coburg
Palais Coburg is a 19th century palace which offers ceremonies in the state rooms or in the private garden. The Palais itself is a beautiful photo location and it’s close to most of Viennas main sights.
Albertina
The Albertina Museum is located right next to the opera house and offers an impressive State Room for civil weddings. This location is close to a popular photo spot overlooking the opera house. Perfect for couple photos!
National Library
Austria’s National Library offers a stunning and historic setting for weddings. With its grand Baroque architecture and elegant State Hall, it provides a unique atmosphere for a memorable ceremony.
Symbolic wedding ceremony in Vienna
The easiest way to get married in Austria as a foreigner, is a symbolic ceremony. This way you’re not bound to a specific location and can choose any place you want. Family members or friends could act as an officiant or you could hire someone professional to do it.
If you’re eloping at a public place, I’d suggest doing it early in the morning to avoid tourists. Vienna is always busy during the day.
the best photo/elopement spots in Vienna
Albertina Terrace | Opera House | Parliament | Kunsthistorisches Museum |
Volksgarten | Burggarten | Schönbrunn Palace | Gloriette |
Palmenhaus Schönbrunn | Belvedere Palace | Palais Liechtenstein
Where to stay for your elopement in Vienna
Whether you’re looking for a romantic boutique hotel, a modern loft suite, or a traditional bed and breakfast, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. With luxurious accommodations and attentive service, you can be sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Hotel Zola
Located in the second district, Hotel Zola is a hotel with bohemian chic interior.
Hotel Motto
Hotel Motto is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Vienna, right next to the main shopping street and not far from the main sights.
Palais Coburg
Palais Coburg is a 5-star luxury hotel located in a 19th-century palace in the first district. It’s really close to the main attractions and offers elegant suites with garden or cathedral views.
Hotel Sacher
If you've visited Vienna before, you’ve likely heard of the famous Café Sacher. Right next door, the luxurious Hotel Sacher offers a classic Viennese experience with its prime location beside the opera house
The Amauris Vienna
Where to celebrate
Café Sacher
Café Sacher is a classic Viennese café located in the first district. It’s especially famous for it’s Sachertorte, a delicious chocolate cake. They also offer a exquisite restaurant with excellent cuisine.
Café Central
Café Central is yet another famous Viennese café, known for its unique interior and famous guests. It’s located in the first district. Enjoy different pastries along with the traditional Melange coffee.
Chez Bernard
Chez Bernard is part of the Hotel Motto and located on the last floor. It’s a French inspired restaurant with nice interior and food. Over the warmer months, they also offer drinks and dining on their rooftop terrace.
Onyx Restaurant
The restaurant offers delicious Asian cuisine and an amazing view onto the Stephans Cathedral.
The Bank Brasserie & Bar
Fun things to do
A Vienna elopement is the perfect blend of romance and adventure, and the city of Vienna offers plenty of options for couples to make their special day even more special. Whether you are looking to explore the city’s many attractions or just enjoy a romantic evening stroll in the park, there are plenty of activities to do in Vienna.
take a ride on the Vienna Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel is located in Viennas famous amusement park called Prater and is over 100 years old. You could rent one of the wagons for a private dinner whilst overlooking Vienna.
Visit on of Viennas many museums
Vienna offers a big variety of different museum. I recommend visiting the Kunsthistorisches- and the Belvedere Museum. They offer you an amazing historic experience and exhibit one of europe’s most important art pieces.
go on a boat cruise on the Donau or rent a private boat
Go on a cruise along the Donau canal. Boat cruises also offer having a romantic dinner aboard. You could also go on a cruise from Vienna to Bratislava.
Watch a musical, ballet or opera at the State Oper House
Viennas impressive State Opera house is definitely worth a visit. You can buy tickets one hour before the show starts and get them for a cheap price.
Looking for a photographer?
I'd be honoured to shoot your elopement in Vienna. Contact me via my contact form!
Recommended vendors
Heres a list of vendors I’ve worked with or who’s work I admire. They’re all based in and around Vienna.