A Once-in-a-Lifetime Elopement Adventure

Captured with Heart, Humor & a Little Bit of Magic

I plan and photograph Swiss elopements that feel calm, wildly beautiful, and 100% you—so you’ll remember how it felt, not just how it looked.

A Little Love Letter from Me to You

Hey you two,

If you’re here, it’s because you’re dreaming of something real.
Not a ballroom. Not a tight timeline. Not 200 eyes watching you cut cake.

You want a day that feels like you — unhurried, intimate, and wildly beautiful. You want wind in your hair, dirt on your boots, and the freedom to say “I do” somewhere that makes your chest go holy sh*t.

I’m Maaike — half Swiss, half Dutch, 100% mountain addict.
And I help couples like you plan and capture elopements that feel less like a production… and more like a love story that actually belongs to you.

Because this isn’t “just” photography. It’s your greatest adventure, frozen in time — the laughter echoing in the valleys, the tears during your vows, the way you looked at each other in that first golden light.

This is your chance to slow down, be present, and soak it all in.

Maaike

Switzerland Elopement Photographer & Experience Creator | Maaike Jansen

Proof that I’m equal parts mountain goat and logistics nerd.

Available Elopement dates per year
0

Fewer couples, more heart poured into each one.

Years behind the camera
+ 0

You bring the love — I bring the experience (and extra batteries).

Sunrise alarms survived
+ 0

Adrenaline + caffeine = my love language.

Trail kilometers scouted (and snack breaks taken)
+ 0

Yes, I know where the good light lives.

Cabane des Becs de Bosson mountain hut at sunset with snow-capped Alps – Val d’Hérens, Valais, Switzerland

Kind words from clients

“Maaike made us feel completely at ease — it felt like spending the day with a friend who happens to take the most beautiful photos we’ve ever seen. Every picture brings back how we felt.”

Sophie & Lars

What a Switzerland Elopement Feels Like

Imagine this:

The alarm goes off at 3 a.m. — but instead of dread, you feel electric excitement. Coffee steams in your mug as you lace your boots. Outside, the stars still shimmer over the peaks.

By sunrise, you’re standing together on a ridge — your breath misting in the cold mountain air. The first golden light spills across the Alps as you whisper your vows.

Later, you hike down to a hidden lake for a picnic. Maybe you pop a bottle of prosecco. Maybe you take a nap (because… 3 a.m.). In the afternoon, a helicopter whirs overhead to take you somewhere unreal for a sunset toast — the world glowing pink and gold around you.

It’s not a “wedding day.”
It’s your day.
No audience. No rules. Just the two of you — wildly in love, somewhere between heaven and earth.

why do i do this

Before I started photographing elopements, I spent 15+ years managing large-scale international events — the kind where timing, communication, and organization had to be flawless. That background made me the kind of person who naturally thinks: What’s the plan? What’s the backup plan? And where are the snacks?

And maybe the biggest reason I care so much?

Because I’ve been where you are. When my husband and I got married, we skipped the big traditional wedding and chose something intimate — just a few loved ones, surrounded by nature… and it was perfect. It reminded me what really matters: connection, joy, and the freedom to make the day your own.

My couples are usually a little introverted, a little awkward in front of the camera, but adventurous at heart. They crave laughter over perfection, experience over performance, and cozy, soul-deep memories over polished wedding chaos.

I only take 15 elopements a year — because I believe in quality over quantity. You’ll never be “just another client.” You’ll be the couple whose story I dive into with my whole heart — your timeline, your vision, your adventure.

You bring the love story.
I’ll bring the calm, the camera, and the snacks.

Kind words from clients

We had a fantastic time during our experience with Maaike! She answered all our questions and listened to our wishes. Everything was so relaxed, we fully enjoyed each second of it. Maaike adapts easily to you and your requests. The result is beautiful and natural. It’s really an adventure to live once in your life!

Caro & Filip

Summer sunset elopement on a mountain ridge near Montreux, Switzerland – couple standing on summit

Kind words from clients

The best decision we made (besides marrying each other) was hiring Maaike. Our photos feel alive — like we’re back in that moment every time.

Clara & Tom

Why Book me for your elopement

More than ‘just a photographer’
I’m your photographer, yes — but also your Swiss insider, your timeline brain, and your calm presence when the mountains do mountain things.

Event-pro organizer + lifelong mountain addict
I blend real logistics experience with real mountain experience so your day feels easy, not overwhelming.

Planning + timeline support (so you can actually enjoy it)
We’ll choose locations that match your vibe, plan the flow of the day, and build in breathing space — so you’re not watching the clock or stressing about the next thing.

Camera-shy friendly guidance
No awkward posing. No “pretend you’re laughing.” I guide you naturally, so what we capture is you — real connection, real joy, real moments (yes, even if you’re convinced you’re “bad at photos”).

What’s included in every elopement experience

This is more than a checklist — it’s everything that makes your day feel effortless, joyful, and unforgettable.

4 hours to multi-day coverage

From sunrise vows to glacier picnics, I’m there capturing it all — wind, laughs, happy tears, and every wild-hearted moment in between, so that you can relive the story of your day exactly as it unfolded — not just the highlights, but the heartbeat of every memory.

Personalized planning & timeline support

“Winging it” doesn’t work when there’s a mountain involved. I’ll help plan every detail so your day feels effortless and fun, so that you can stay fully present in the moment instead of stressing about logistics (and actually enjoy your breakfast on your wedding morning).

Location scouting & local expertise

Hidden lakes, secret trails, cozy huts — I know the spots that’ll make you whisper, “is this even real life?”, so that you can say your vows somewhere truly unforgettable — without worrying about crowds, permits, or getting lost halfway up a trail.

Authentic storytelling photography

No awkward posing or fake smiles — just real, emotional, goosebump-worthy moments that feel like you, so that your photos will still make your heart race 20 years from now — because they capture who you are, not just what you looked like.

sneak peek gallery within 5 days

Waiting sucks — and you’ll want to relive the magic ASAP (I got you), so that you can share the joy with your family and friends while you’re still buzzing from the adventure.

full-resolution online gallery with unlimited downloads

Your memories, beautifully edited and easy to share — so you can brag about your adventure properly, so that every single image lives safely in your hands — no hidden fees, no expiration, just your story, ready to print, post, or frame.

'Leave No Trace' Promise

Epic adventures, zero impact. We’ll keep the Alps as wild and beautiful as we found them, so that you can look back on your day knowing you honored the place that made it magical — and left nothing but footprints (and love).

unlimited communication & support

You’re never “just another booking.” I’m your adventure buddy, timeline wizard, and personal hype-woman — calm under pressure, chocolate always at the ready, so that you can always feel supported, seen, and genuinely cared for — from the first email to the last gallery delivery.

All my travel fees included

No hidden surprises. Just good vibes and honest pricing, so that you can plan your elopement with full transparency — no fine print, no awkward add-ons, no “oh, by the way” emails later.

“Twelve hours of photos? Are we going to pose all day?”

Short answer? Absolutely not.

This isn’t an all-day photoshoot. It’s an adventure you’re living — and I’m there to document it as it unfolds.

We’ll hike, breathe, laugh, snack, pause, wander, and have quiet moments just for the two of you. I’ll guide you gently when it matters… but most of the time? You’ll forget I’m even there.

You’re not booking hours.
You’re booking space.

Space to move slowly. To sit down when you need to. To cry without being rushed. To let the moment land instead of racing toward the next one.

And that’s exactly why the full day is the favorite — because nothing meaningful ever happens on a stopwatch.

So what actually makes my elopement experiences different?

On paper, other photographers might offer similar time coverage.
In reality? This isn’t an “x-hour slot.”

Every elopement I photograph is crafted start-to-finish around your energy, your vision, and your natural rhythm — not a rigid timeline or a one-size-fits-all formula.

You’ll never feel rushed, over-posed, or like you’re performing for the camera.
You’ll feel present. You’ll laugh, cry, and have those quiet “is this really our life?” moments that no one can stage.

Because choosing this kind of experience isn’t about trends or aesthetics.
It’s about creating memories that still feel real decades from now.

And that’s what these elopement collections are built for.

The Elopement Collections

(All prices in CHF, travel fees included)

Custom 2-Day Elopement Experience

CHF 14,400

For couples who want more than a single day — because your story deserves room to breathe, unfold, and be fully lived.

This experience gives you the freedom to slow down, explore multiple locations, and truly be in your elopement instead of squeezing everything into one intense day. You could dedicate one day just to the two of you, and the second to celebrating with loved ones — or chase both sunrise and sunset across different landscapes.

This is the most immersive, expansive way to honor your story.

Here’s what you get:

Choose what fits you best: two 8-hour days, or a 12-hour day + a 4-hour day. This allows space for multiple locations, different vibes, rest, and real presence — without rushing anything.

Professionally edited, high-resolution images with unlimited downloads and sharing, so your entire story is preserved — not just the highlights.

From our first call to a custom-built timeline, I help you design a flow that works with light, weather, crowds, and your energy — so your days feel calm and intentional.

Hidden trails, quiet ceremony spots, epic viewpoints — chosen intentionally for privacy, beauty, and realism.

Guided when needed, invisible when possible. No stiff posing — just real moments, connection, and emotion as your days unfold.

A first glimpse of your adventure while everything still feels fresh and electric.

Questions, voice notes, reassurance — you’re never on your own in the planning.

All my travel costs within Switzerland that are accessible by standard vehicle are included.
If your adventure includes something special like a helicopter, cable car, or boat, I simply need a seat so I can document the experience alongside you.

Full-Day Elopement Experience

CHF 11,800

This is the perfect balance — and the option most couples choose. Twelve hours gives you space to experience your day fully: slow morning, meaningful vows, adventure time, rest, celebration, and golden light. No watching the clock. No feeling rushed. Just room to breathe and be present.

If you want your elopement to feel complete, this is it.

Here’s what you get:

Enough time for getting ready, your ceremony, exploring multiple locations, breaks, food, laughter, and those quiet in-between moments that matter most.

Professionally edited, high-resolution images with unlimited downloads and sharing, so your entire story is preserved — not just the highlights.

From our first call to a custom-built timeline, I help you design a flow that works with light, weather, crowds, and your energy — so your days feel calm and intentional.

Hidden trails, quiet ceremony spots, epic viewpoints — chosen intentionally for privacy, beauty, and realism.

Guided when needed, invisible when possible. No stiff posing — just real moments, connection, and emotion as your days unfold.

A first glimpse of your adventure while everything still feels fresh and electric.

Questions, voice notes, reassurance — you’re never on your own in the planning.

All my travel costs within Switzerland that are accessible by standard vehicle are included.
If your adventure includes something special like a helicopter, cable car, or boat, I simply need a seat so I can document the experience alongside you.

half-Day Elopement Experience

CHF 8,200

For couples who want a rich, meaningful experience centered around one magical moment — sunrise or sunset. This package is perfect if you’re dreaming of a focused adventure with space for emotion, movement, and connection, without committing to a full-day timeline. Eight hours allows you to ease into your elopement, experience the most beautiful light of the day, and celebrate without feeling rushed.

It’s intentional, immersive, and beautifully balanced — enough time for your story to unfold naturally, while keeping the day simple and relaxed.

Here’s what you get:

Designed for either a sunrise or sunset elopement. This is enough time to capture getting ready moments, your journey to the ceremony location, your vows, and a relaxed celebration afterward — without stretching the day or rushing through the experience.

Professionally edited, high-resolution images with unlimited downloads and sharing, so your entire story is preserved — not just the highlights.

From our first call to a custom-built timeline, I help you design a flow that works with light, weather, crowds, and your energy — so your days feel calm and intentional.

Hidden trails, quiet ceremony spots, epic viewpoints — chosen intentionally for privacy, beauty, and realism.

Guided when needed, invisible when possible. No stiff posing — just real moments, connection, and emotion as your days unfold.

A first glimpse of your adventure while everything still feels fresh and electric.

Questions, voice notes, reassurance — you’re never on your own in the planning.

All my travel costs within Switzerland that are accessible by standard vehicle are included.
If your adventure includes something special like a helicopter, cable car, or boat, I simply need a seat so I can document the experience alongside you.

Mini Elopement Experience

CHF 4,800

For couples who want something meaningful, intimate, and intentionally simple. This option is perfect if you’re planning a small ceremony or private exchange of vows in one stunning location — without the need for a full-day adventure. Four hours allows us to focus on the essentials: your ceremony, a short exploration, and relaxed portraits that feel natural and unforced.

You’ll still benefit from thoughtful planning, local guidance, and storytelling photography — just in a beautifully compact version that captures the heart of your day.

Here’s what you get:

I’ll tell part of the story of your elopement or intimate wedding. This is typically enough time to capture your ceremony, explore one beautiful location, and create a relaxed set of portraits — without stretching the day or feeling rushed.

Professionally edited, high-resolution images with unlimited downloads and sharing, so your entire story is preserved — not just the highlights.

From our first call to a custom-built timeline, I help you design a flow that works with light, weather, crowds, and your energy — so your days feel calm and intentional.

Hidden trails, quiet ceremony spots, epic viewpoints — chosen intentionally for privacy, beauty, and realism.

Guided when needed, invisible when possible. No stiff posing — just real moments, connection, and emotion as your days unfold.

A first glimpse of your adventure while everything still feels fresh and electric.

Questions, voice notes, reassurance — you’re never on your own in the planning.

This package is only available within a 40-70km driving radius (about 1 hour driving) of Montreux, Vaud and can only be booked less than 6 months in advance. This includes locations in areas like (but not limited to) Les Diablerets, Charmey, Martigny, Sion, Rochers de Naye, Moléson, Trient. If your adventure includes something special like a helicopter, cable car, or boat, I simply need a seat so I can document the experience alongside you.

Not sure how much coverage you need?

Did you ever feel like “you blinked twice and the day was over”?
Yeah… I know… it’s true! Time can pass super quickly!

Example: what a 12-hour elopement day can look like

(This is a sample — we’ll build yours around your energy + dream.)

The world is asleep — but your hearts are wide awake.
You brew coffee, share a quiet breakfast, and exchange that sleepy smile that says “this is it.”
(And if you’re not morning people — don’t panic. Adrenaline and caffeine are a very effective combo.)

You help each other button up, lace boots, fix collars. The air hums with calm anticipation.
Maybe you exchange letters or gifts, maybe you just sit quietly together for a moment before the adventure begins. It’s the soft, cinematic calm before the mountain wakes.

We pack snacks, caffeine, and a healthy dose of excitement, then hit the road. The drive is quiet and scenic — mist curling off the lake, the first hints of dawn painting the peaks. Yes, I have your playlist queued. Always.

Headlamps on, backpacks ready, hearts racing. The trail glows faintly as dawn creeps in. You hold hands, laugh nervously, maybe wonder how your feet are this cold — and then suddenly, the sky starts to blush. You realize: you’re about to get married on top of the world.

Golden light spills across the Alps. The peaks turn pink, the wind softens, and you whisper your vows while the valley still sleeps below. You cry, you laugh, you breathe. I capture the goosebumps, the trembling hands, the joy that doesn’t need words.
(So that you can relive not just what it looked like — but what it felt like.)

Croissants straight from the paper bag. A thermos of tea. Maybe champagne (because yes, it’s your wedding day). You toast to forever while the sun climbs higher. We wander, explore, and take relaxed portraits that feel easy and joyful — just you, the view, and that post-vow glow.

You take your time. We stop for spontaneous photos, goofy moments, and those “we actually did it!” smiles. The mountains echo your laughter — the kind that only comes from total freedom.

We soak in the last alpine views before heading back down. You’re both tired, glowing, and probably starving — the perfect recipe for cozy, candid storytelling.

You change into something comfy, maybe light a fire, maybe pour mimosas. This part is pure bliss — that in-between space where adrenaline fades and reality hits: you’re married. You cook together, snuggle, or sink into your jacuzzi with a glass of bubbly and some playful “bubbles in the bubbles” photos. (Yes, they always end up being your favorites.)

I step away while you two rest, refuel, or sneak in a well-deserved nap. Because the best adventures always have an intermission — and trust me, you’ll want your energy for what comes next.

Refreshed, glowing, and maybe slightly addicted to the whole “just married in the Alps” feeling, we meet again for round two of the adventure.
Boots back on. Hair slightly wilder. Hearts even fuller.

You soar above the valleys, watching your morning vows spot disappear below the clouds. A quick landing, glasses clinking, laughter echoing off the ice. The world feels huge and intimate all at once — like you’ve carved out your own private sky.

We land back at the heliport, still buzzing from the rush.
You join a few close loved ones at a cozy mountain restaurant or lakeside terrace. The mood is light — laughter, stories, toasts, and maybe a fondue (because… Switzerland). I quietly document the warmth, the glances, the “can you believe today?” smiles.

The light softens, the candles flicker, and I say goodbye — leaving you to savor your final moments of this unforgettable day. You stay behind, hearts overflowing, surrounded by the people (and mountains) you love most. 

Why 12 hours is the sweet spot:
Because you get space to breathe. To feel everything. To live it — not rush through it.

And almost every couple says some version of:

“We can’t believe how fast the day went — thank goodness we booked the longer coverage.”

No one ever regrets choosing more time. They only regret not having enough. So whether you pick a mini, half-day, full-day, or multi-day adventure — choose the one that lets you breathe, be present, and live it fully.

Because this isn’t just about photos.
It’s about how your day feels — and that’s something worth doing right.

Ready to Start Planning?

I only take 15 elopements per year so every couple gets my full creativity, energy, and heart. Once a date is booked, it’s gone — and Swiss mountain light does not wait.

Even if you’re not sure about your vision yet — that’s totally normal. Most couples come to me with nothing but a feeling… and we turn it into the adventure of a lifetime.

Book a free consultation call below and let’s dream this up together.

What Everyone Asks

(and Probably Some You Didn’t Know You Should)

Not at all! Whether you want to climb a summit or stay close to a parking lot with epic views, I’ll help you choose locations that fit your vibe (and your shoes).

Yes, absolutely — your elopement should include the people who matter most to you, whether that’s family, chosen family, or just the two of you. This day is about connection, not rules.

That said, because I specialize in adventure elopements in nature (think mountain trails, hidden lakes, and wild landscapes), I recommend keeping your guest list to 30 people or fewer.

Why? Because intimate groups allow for more freedom, flexibility, and a deeper connection with your surroundings — and many outdoor locations in Switzerland (and beyond) have environmental limits to help protect the land.

If you’re dreaming of something with more guests, I’m happy to chat and explore options that still align with the kind of experience I create. But if your heart is set on a big traditional wedding, I’m probably not the right fit — and that’s totally okay.

Here’s the truth: mountain weather has a mind of its own—and that’s part of the magic. Eloping means embracing whatever the day brings, because that makes for an unforgettable story. But don’t worry: I always plan a solid Plan B (and C!), and we’ll stay flexible to keep your day epic, no matter the forecast.

100% yes. I’ll suggest incredible, secret spots you won’t find on Google—and help you choose the perfect place for your adventure.

Nope! I’m allergic to awkward posing. I’m all about natural, candid photos that capture how you feel, not just how you look. You’ll be too busy exploring trails, laughing together, and soaking up epic views to even notice my camera. I’ll gently guide you if you need it—but mostly, I’ll be your quiet shadow, letting you live every moment without feeling like you’re on a photoshoot.

And if you’re exchanging private vows, I’ll keep my distance so you can have your moment—and you’ll probably forget I’m even there.

I’ll be happy to give you all my best travel tips, help you choose local vendors, and craft a perfect timeline for your adventure.

While I’m not a full-service wedding planner booking everything for you, I’ll make sure you have all the guidance you need to feel confident and excited about your day (and yes—I’ll teach you how to pronounce those tricky Swiss town names… and tell you which cheese is mandatory tasting!).

The sooner the better, especially for peak seasons. I only take 15 couples a year so I can give you my full attention (and plenty of Swiss chocolate).

Heck yes! I’m all for out-of-the-box ideas. I’ll help you plan an adventure that’s totally you—though special activities like helicopters are an extra cost.

Here’s the deal: Switzerland’s breathtaking mountaintops sadly aren’t official wedding venues. Legally speaking, only a civil ceremony at a local registry office counts as an official marriage here.

So if you want your Swiss elopement to be legally binding, you’ll need to tie the knot at city hall first—or back home—and treat your mountain adventure as a symbolic ceremony or even part of your honeymoon.

That said, some couples bring a licensed officiant from their home country who can legally marry them under their country’s laws while traveling—but that’s entirely dependent on your country’s legal requirements (and it won’t make it a Swiss-legal marriage).

Either way, trust me… your symbolic ceremony in the mountains will feel every bit as real and magical as any legal paperwork—and way more epic.

Totally okay! Most of my couples start with just a feeling. I’ll help you turn that spark into a full adventure you’ll remember forever.

Ready to Start Planning?

Let me help you create an incredibly fun, stress-free experience while I document the whole story of your day.

Reserve your date — book a free consultation