A wedding ceremony is an essential event in the life of any individual. It marks a time where two individuals decide to marry and stay with each other. During this period, vows are taken, and both parties are expected to withhold their vows for better or worse. The first evidence of marriage is documented, and it dates back to 2350BC. However, over the centuries, weddings have evolved from time to time, and different groups and individuals embraced them. When doing a wedding, the most integral part is the venue. Switzerland boasts of one of the exquisite sceneries globally, and it is a fitting location where many weddings take place on an annual basis. 

There are over forty thousand weddings in Switzerland on an annual basis. Many of the Swiss wedding traditions revolve around the outdoor environment and nature. Thousands of couples are looking for places to conduct their wedding. Many people want to feel connected to nature, and Switzerland is the best destination for weddings. Trees are often symbolling fertility and good luck, in this sense many people in Switzerland will prefer to do their wedding in the natural environment. The primary purpose of marriage is for a couple to take vows and promise to be together. Over the past half-century, the wedding traditions have changed over time from the initial period until today. 

Wedding traditions and customs in Switzerland

There are different traditions when it comes to weddings in Switzerland, especially for this important day of individuals’ lives. The traditions have changed from one generation to another, and in most rural areas, the traditions are still ongoing. However, since visitors may be of an international audience, the traditions are mixed with modernity for the urban settings.

Wedding ring

Wedding ring

The wedding ring has not lost its original importance over the years, and even in Switzerland, the circular-shaped ring symbolizes never-ending love or eternity. The wedding ring is worn on the left hand in Switzerland, and many believe that the vein on the ring finger accesses the heart, and it will allow romance to blossom in the marriage.

Are there bachelorette parties?

It is a common question that many people may ask about the traditional Swiss wedding customs. In most cases, there are bachelorette parties where the groom and bride’s friends organize different events, such as traveling to exotic destinations. There are intense celebrations during this period, and it is a time where people enjoy freedom before they are married.

In some cases, many women will treat themselves to a lovely spa or sauna and take the opportunity to get pampered effectively. It is often recommended that you should hold the bachelorette parties weeks before the wedding. 

Swiss Wedding Traditions

If you are planning to get into marriage in Switzerland, you are in the right place to get all the aspects of traditions. The most popular place when weddings are held is from June to September. During this period, over twenty thousand weddings take place on an annual basis. You will find most lakeside restaurants and locations almost full during this period as many people love their wedding close to the lake. However, it is essential to note that before a wedding is done in whichever location that the couple chooses to go to, they are required to marry at the office registry first.

Further reading: Birthday traditions in Switzerland

The essence of this is to ensure that all newlyweds in the country are registered, and once the couple has their proper documents, they can carry out a wedding of their own volition. The landscapes in Switzerland are exceptional, and many people are there to explore what the region has to offer.

For couples who do not want a religious wedding, they have the opportunity to hire a freelance marriage registrar who will be able to conduct the wedding anywhere in the country. However, they must all register at the local office first. The legal marriage age in Switzerland is eighteen years.

What does a classic Swiss wedding look like?

Swiss wedding

Weddings have changed over time, and the Swiss are not left behind. However, a traditional Swiss wedding consists of a church ceremony early in the morning, and this usually has guests from a hundred to two hundred. After the wedding in the local church, there is dinner or late lunch set up at a nearby restaurant where the family members and friends can go and enjoy a meal together and party. In most cases, the engagement ring is often made of gold, which symbolizes the financial sacrifice that the groom has made.

It is important to note that many Swiss marriage customs and traditions are similar to their western European counterparts. During the wedding, the bride must have something old and something new and a blue item. All these items have essential significance on the marriage of the couple. Something old is a symbol that indicates that there is a continuity of the family. The old item can be anything ranging from a piece of jewelry or scarf passed from one generation to another.

Further reading: What is Switzerland famous for?

The new items symbolize the future, and it means that the couple is looking forward to new positive things to happen in their life. This something new can range from clothing to wedding bands. The borrowed item indicates future happiness, and it is usually a gift that friends give to the married couple. The blue item symbolizes purity, and the wedding couple will incorporate the color into their wedding outfit.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom and the future bride must have a wedding shower which is a celebration of their life as unmarried. In most cases, the guests will bring porcelain or glass, and they throw it into the flow to break, which is considered a sign of good luck to the newlyweds. The bride and maids give each of the guests a colored handkerchief which represents good luck. The guests will give the bride coin in exchange for the handkerchief. After the wedding ceremony, the married couple must plant a pine tree, a symbol of fertility. Besides, it brings good luck to the new family.


Have you ever been to a Swiss wedding? Share the highlights below. 

Aurimas Bio

Hi there! I’m Aurimas, a man behind Go Look Explore. I’m passionate about hiking, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and everything outdoors related. Let’s connect.