Your 8-Hour Swiss Elopement Experience
Half a Day. Every Emotion. Your Story, Fully Told.
Forget performance. Forget pressure.
This is the kind of wedding day where you can actually feel it all — the wind, the laughter, the tears, and that quiet, holy moment where you realize: this is our forever.
Because when you choose to elope in Switzerland, you’re not just saying yes to each other — you’re saying yes to freedom, authenticity, and the life you want to build together.
A Little Love Letter from Me to You
If you’re reading this, you’ve already done something brave — you’ve chosen a path that’s all about meaning, not performance.
You’re not running away from a wedding. You’re running toward something real — something just for you.
And that? That’s worth celebrating.
I created this package for couples who want a day that feels like a deep breath — unhurried, emotional, and beautifully real.
The kind of day that lets you laugh until your cheeks hurt, cry without worrying about mascara, and savor the magic of being fully present.
Because when you look back years from now, I don’t want you to remember how things looked.
I want you to remember how it all felt.
This is your chance to slow down, be present, and soak it all in.
Maaike
What they say about me
“We had no idea a photographer could make us feel so comfortable. Maaike captured every look, laugh, and tear without us even noticing. Looking at our photos brings it all rushing back.”
Anna & Jonas
Why This Package Exists
It’s the sweet spot between simple and epic.
Enough time to hike, adventure, and share unhurried vows — without planning a two-day expedition.
Perfect for couples who:
- Want sunrise-to-sunset storytelling without exhaustion.
- Dream of multiple stunning locations (mountain + lake + cozy dinner).
- Want real moments captured — from nerves to laughter to champagne fizz.
- Crave connection and emotion more than performance or perfection.
Because this isn’t “just photos.” It’s the story of one of the best days of your life.
What a Switzerland Elopement Feels Like
You wake up in a cozy chalet, the smell of coffee in the air. The mountains outside your window are painted pink by the sunrise. You look at each other — and it hits you: today, it’s just us.
No timelines to rush through, no crowd waiting, no pressure to perform. Just the sound of wind in the pines, laughter echoing through the valley, and the wild joy of knowing you get to start your forever exactly how you want.
You walk hand in hand along a mountain trail, your dress brushing wildflowers, your boots crunching on gravel. You stop to breathe, to laugh, to say,
“Can you believe this is our wedding day?”
The hours flow by like your favorite song — calm, real, full of tiny, unforgettable moments: a tear that catches the light, a kiss between giggles, the silence right before your vows. And as the sun dips behind the peaks, painting everything in gold, you realize — you didn’t just get married. You lived the day.
This is what freedom feels like.
This is what love looks like when it’s unfiltered, unscripted, and fully yours.
Because ten years from now, you won’t remember the flowers or the timeline. You’ll remember the feeling — the stillness, the laughter, the view, the way it all felt meant to be.
And you’ll be so glad you didn’t settle for anything less.
What they say about me
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
Who I Am (And Why I Care So Damn Much)
I’m Maaike — half Dutch, half Swiss, 100% mountain-obsessed, and hopelessly in love with love stories that feel real.
After 20 years behind the camera and 15 years managing events for thousands, I swapped ballrooms for mountain trails — because I realized that the most meaningful moments don’t happen under chandeliers. They happen when people are free.
My husband and I had a non-traditional wedding ourselves — something intimate, emotional, and totally us.
That day changed how I see love, and it’s why I care so deeply about giving you the same freedom: to design a day that fits your hearts, not anyone else’s expectations.
When you work with me, you’re not just hiring a photographer.
You’re getting a local insider, a timeline magician, a weather-proof optimist, and your new adventure buddy who will 100% cry during your vows and feed you chocolate at +2,500m altitude.
What they say about me
We had a fantastic time during our adventure 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
What Makes Me Different
There are lots of photographers who take pretty pictures.
But what I create is felt.
My Work
- I shoot digitally — clean, vibrant, true-to-life tones that make you feel the moment.
- My style is cinematic yet natural — emotional storytelling over stiff posing.
- I guide you gently (never awkwardly), so your photos look like you, only more magical.
- Every image is hand-edited for color, emotion, and story — no presets, no batch edits, just heart.
My Expertise
- 15+ years of event planning = stress-proof and hyper-organized (so you don’t have to be).
- Local Swiss knowledge: I know the hidden trails, the calm lakes, the cozy huts, and how to dodge the crowds.
- Experience with all kinds of couples: adventurous souls, shy introverts, queer couples, travel lovers — if you love deeply and laugh easily, we’ll be a perfect match.
My Process
From our first call to your gallery delivery, I’m your partner in calm:
- I’ll help you design a timeline that flows like a good hike — balanced, unhurried, breathtaking.
- I’ll scout your dream locations and share my best local tips.
- I’ll guide you through every step (and probably make you laugh in between).
Because this isn’t about posing for photos.
It’s about living your story — and trusting that I’ll capture every second of it.
What they say about me
“It felt like spending the day with a friend who happened to take world-class photos. She handled everything so we could just enjoy.”
Elena & Marco
What they say about me
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 couples like you choose this package
Because it’s short and meaningful.
Because it’s simple and breathtaking.
Because it gives you everything you need to create your dream elopement day — without the overwhelm.
You’ll walk away with photos that feel like you, and memories that will never fade.
Imagine waking up the next morning saying, “I can’t believe we did that.”
And not, “I wish we had.”
What an 8-Hour Elopement Day Actually Looks Like
You know that cliché about “the day flying by”?
Yeah… it’s true. But not when you do it this way.
Eight hours gives you room to breathe, to feel, to laugh, and to let every moment sink in — without watching the clock.
Here’s what your dream day could look like (and why every minute matters):
03:00 — Wake Up & Get Ready
The world is asleep — but your hearts are wide awake.
You brew coffee, share a quiet breakfast, and exchange a sleepy smile that says, “This is it.”
(Also: if you’re not morning people, don’t worry — adrenaline + coffee fix everything.)
04:00 — I arrive at your cabin – Hair, Makeup & Final Touches
You get dressed slowly, helping each other button up, fix collars, or lace boots. A few soft photos, maybe a letter exchange, and that gentle pre-dawn excitement that feels like the calm before something magical.
04:30 — Departure
We pack snacks, caffeine, and good vibes, then hit the road. It’s a 40-minute ‘ish scenic drive to the mountain parking — yes, I’ll have your playlist ready.
05:15 — Hike to Your Sunrise Spot We start the hour-long hike by headlamp, the air crisp and quiet. The trail glows faintly as dawn creeps in, and you’re surrounded by mountain silhouettes that look straight out of a dream. You hold hands. You laugh nervously. You realize: you’re about to get married on top of the world.
06:30 — Vows as the Mountains Wake
The light turns golden, the peaks catch fire, and you whisper your vows to each other — no witnesses except the mountains. You cry, you laugh, you breathe. Maybe you read letters from loved ones. I capture it all — the raw emotion, the light, the stillness.
(So that you can relive not just what it looked like, but what it felt like.)
07:30 — Mountain Celebration
You pop open a thermos of tea or champagne, eat croissants straight from the paper bag, and just exist. We explore a little bit the surrounding trails. We take a few relaxed portraits while the world wakes below you — think cozy, candid, joyful.
08:30 — Hike Back Down
We descend slowly, stopping for spontaneous photos and those “we actually did it!” smiles.
You take your time — no rush, no agenda.
09:30 — Drive Back to Your Chalet
We enjoy the mountain views one last time before heading back to your cabin. This is when the adrenaline fades and the calm settles in — the newlywed glow in full effect.
10:15 — Late Breakfast + Chill Time
You change into something comfy, maybe light a fire, maybe pour mimosas. This is one of my favorite parts to photograph — the slow, cozy aftermath. You cook breakfast together, dance barefoot, or sink into your jacuzzi for a glass of bubbly and a few steamy, intimate “bubbles in the bubbles” shots.
(Playful, romantic, totally you.)
12:00 — I Wrap Up Coverage
I leave you two in your post-elopement bliss — hearts full, feet tired, and smiles impossible to hide. You spend the rest of the day however you like: maybe a nap, a private helicopter ride, or dinner with loved ones. And you can rest knowing your story — the real, emotional, goosebump-worthy parts — has already been captured forever.
Eight hours gives you space to breathe, to laugh, to be.
You’ll relive every second — from the soft sunrise light to the cozy quiet back home — and you’ll never once feel like time slipped away.
If you want to extend your story…
Add a helicopter adventure or sunset session later that day
Upgrade to full-day coverage (12 hours) for a complete sunrise-to-sunset experience
(Most couples end up saying, “We wish we had a few more hours”… and honestly? I agree)
What’s Included — and Why It Matters
Because this is more than a checklist — each piece is designed to make your day feel
effortless, joyful, and unforgettable.
8 hours coverage from maaike
So you can relive your full day — not just the highlight reel.
(Feel it all, remember it all.)
Personalized planning & timeline support
Timeline design, logistics, and expert local insight.
(so that you can stop stressing and start dreaming.)
Location scouting & local expertise
Hidden alpine gems, quiet lakes, wild meadows — spots that feel made for you.
(so that your photos look unique, not “Pinterest famous.”)
Authentic storytelling photography
No awkward posing or fake smiles — just real, emotional, goosebump-worthy moments that feel like you.
sneak peek gallery within 72 hours
The joy of reliving your day before the glow fades.
(so that you can share your “we did it” moment right away.)
full-resolution online gallery with unlimited downloads
Your memories, beautifully edited and easy to share — so you can brag about your adventure properly.
'Leave No Trace' Promise
Because we’ll honor the wild beauty that makes this day possible.
(so that future couples can feel the same magic you did.)
unlimited communication & support
— because you’re never “just another client.” I’m your adventure buddy, timeline wizard, and personal hype-woman — all rolled into one. Calm under pressure, chocolate always at the ready, and a pro at making you feel comfortable on camera.
All my travel fees included
No hidden extras. I’ll go where your story takes me (within Switzerland) so you can dream freely without worrying about the bill growing.
Investment
Your Half-Day (8 Hours) Elopement Experience — Starting at CHF 6 200
Most couples upgrade to full-day or multi-day storytelling (8–12+ hours) and invest between CHF 6’200 – 10’000 for a complete, unhurried experience.
Why It’s Worth It
You’re not paying for photos.
You’re investing in the story of the day you became us.
Skipping hours to save money might mean missing the in-between moments — the laughter, the stillness, the magic that can’t be redone.
Because the one thing you can’t buy later is time.
What makes this package different
Other photographers might offer 8 hours too — but this isn’t an “8 hour slot.” It’s an experience crafted start-to-finish around your energy, vision, and rhythm.
You’ll never feel rushed, over-posed, or like you’re on someone else’s schedule.
You’ll feel present. You’ll laugh, cry, and say, “I can’t believe this is our life.”
Because choosing this means saying yes to memories that will outlive every fleeting trend.
Ready to Start Planning?
I only take 14 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 doesn’t wait.
Even if you’re not quite sure yet about your vision, no problem at all! Most couples come to me with nothing but a feeling—and we turn that into the adventure of a lifetime.
I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life.
Fill in the form below to reach out.
Who’s the Mountain-Loving Human Behind All This?
Hey, I’m Maaike—half Swiss, half Dutch, and 100% obsessed with mountains and wild love stories.
After 20 years behind the camera and 15 years wrangling events, I’m your go-to for crafting elopements that feel personal, laid-back, and freaking unforgettable. I’m not just your photographer—I’m your adventure buddy, chocolate dealer, dress assistant and new bestie.
My mission? To make sure your elopement feels effortless, meaningful, and wildly you.
I’ll probably cry behind the lens — but don’t worry, the focus will still be sharp.
Wanna know the (slightly crazy) human behind the lens?
My Promise to You
Whether we’re hiking up a mountain for sunrise vows or chasing waterfalls in golden light, I promise you’ll feel comfortable, joyful, and free to be yourselves. I’ll handle the details so you can soak up every moment—and you’ll walk away with photos that feel like your love story, not a photoshoot.
What Everyone Asks
(and 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.
Absolutely! I’ll 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 14 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 Skip the Ordinary and Run Toward Your Wildest Day Ever?
Let’s make your Swiss elopement unforgettable.
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