Christmas is coming, it’s the special time of year that makes us dream of sparkly lights, warm mulled drinks, tasty mince pies and soft white snow.
What better place in the world to get married than in Father Christmas’ home continent! Welcome to the festive cheer of Europe. With some of the world’s oldest Christmas markets, folk tales of St. Nicholas and enough age old baking tips to fill your belly, Europe is our go to destination for some festive wedding magic.
With so many places to choose from, our luxury experts have hand-picked our top three, scoring high on luxury, gastronomy and festive wedding cheer!
Image: The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland
1. Andermatt, Switzerland
A destination with a charming village feel, nestled in the natural alpine landscape of the Urseren Valley is a magical destination guaranteed to warm your winter wedding. With perfect powdery snowfall for the skiers and snowboarders at the Gemstock and Nätschen Mountains, fine cuisine for the gastronome in the family, Christmas markets for the shoppers, and wondrous children’s fairs and activities ensure there something to keep everyone happy.
Where to stay
The Chedi Andermatt
Alpine chic meets Asian sleek in the stylish Chedi Andermatt. Nestled in the Swiss alps, this hotel is just one year old and oozes style and luxury. As you enter the 15ft-high lobby adorned with wood-burning fireplaces and oversized sofas ready for you to sink into, you know you want to stay forever. The bedrooms range for perfectly stunning deluxe rooms with underfloor heating, deep soak bathtubs and pillow top beds to the spectacularly sprawling Furka suite, with grand dining room, kitchen, personal spa and three expansive bedrooms.
Image: The Bar and Living Room at The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland
What to eat
The hotel houses a fabulous Restaurant showcasing authentic central Swiss, European and Asian culinary delights from its theatre kitchens. For something different, try the Japanese Restaurant and dine on expertly prepared sushi, sashimi and tempura washed down with a sake or Sapporo. A wine bar and cigar library offers comfortable surroundings to unwind after a day on the slopes and the bar and living room is perfect for signature cocktails and Swiss specialities under decadent fur blankets, next to a roaring fire. All of these spaces can be reserved exclusively for your private wedding celebrations.
Image: The Restaurant’s Theatre Kitchen at The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland
Luxury highlights
The immaculate interiors with swathes of sumptuous fur, divinely soft leather and exposed timbers create a romantic ambience to relax and unwind in opulence. The hotel spa and wellness centre offers the finest organic products for spa rituals, personal trainers, indoor and outdoor pools, state-of-the-art Technogym and Finnish saunas. Don’t forget you can also have your hair styled and a manicure to make sure you look your elegant self for your wedding.
Image: The Swimming Pool at The Chedi Andermatt
Festive Wedding Cheer
The scenery of this location is enchanting, with natural beauty and local traditions you can embrace for your big day. A horse and carriage can be arranged to whisk the bride and groom around the alpine valley, along with a full menu of wedding planning service too. Bookings during the festive season include a teddy bear on arrival to welcome little ones to The Chedi Bear kids club. The hotel has its own ice skating rink, and with its festive offers, you can get ski passes included in your stay.
The luxury facilities and experienced events team makes The Chedi Andermatt a perfect choice for your Christmas wedding in a luxury hotel in Switzerland.
Christmas market in Salzburg Image credit: Andrew Pshenichny
2. Salzburg, Austria
A destination famed for its astounding architecture and musical history, Salzburg is a destination sure to please. Home to one of the famous European Christmas Markets, the festive fun here runs from late November to 26th December, with a fabulous array of traditional stalls selling arts and crafts, food and drink. They also have choirs and brass concerts play throughout the festive period for your wedding guests to enjoy.
Where to stay
Hotel Schloss Mönchstein
This idyllic fairytale castle are what Christmas wedding dreams are made of. Centrally located and affording spectacular views, the hotel (where Mozart was born) offers a lovely sense of history accented by luxury.
What to eat
With an array of in-house restaurants you can enjoy a gourmet wedding meal in the Schloss Mönchstein, a pre-wedding candle-lit dinner in the romantic ‘smallest restaurant of the world’, a memorable wedding feast in the heritage-protected Gothic Chamber, and a enjoy a drinks reception in the light-filled Orangery ‘Apollo’. Wedding meals are individually tailored, but the chefs can offer anything from a classic Chateaubriand, elegant danube salmon on pistachio couscous to a tempting white russian desert.
Luxury highlights
The castle has just 24 rooms and suites. For the ultimate in luxury, you can rent the whole castle for you and your guests! The castle suites are individually furnished in opulent style, this swags over the bed and marble bathrooms. For more modern ‘Viennese Workshop’ style accommodations, stay in the new building, for antique charm – choose the castle. It is the spacious rooms, stunning views and fabulous service that set this hotel apart on luxury standards.
A traditional christmas angel Image Credit: Marcus MeissnerFestive Wedding Cheer
The bridal styling available in the spa and the option to exchange vows within the castle itself at the romantic chapel, makes this hotel a great choice for a true fairytale wedding.
With torchlight processions, a standard for any Christmas party here, embrace the tradition and enchanting surroundings. Take children to the Residence Square to see the ‘Christkind’ Christmas Angels in white and gold robes and feathered wings for some real Christmas magic.
Prague at Christmas time Image Credit: Boris Tylevich
3. Prague, Czech Republic
A destination popular with couples year-round can see the winter wonderland of this beautiful city if they choose to marry during December. A unique, historic city with elegant old houses, palaces and towers on cobblestoned streets and gas lamps, it’s a city destined to enchant.
Where to stay
The Mark
This hotel, located in a former Baroque palace blends classical design with modern art and technology. A sense of grandeur from the original castle remains, with its fine furnishings and specially commissioned artwork. It also houses a lovely private garden, perfect for a memorable ceremony. The rooms are all of a considered modern design and include the decadent Grand Suite and the luxurious Family Suite, not forgetting little touches for the smallest of your party.
What to eat
Le Grill Restaurant, Conservatory, Two Steps Bar and Lounge and the Garden and Terrace all over a choice of culinary delights. The hotel offers a three-course menu, welcome drink and beverage package for wedding packages. In addition, the hotel has an award-winning pastry chef who is available to create your perfect wedding cake.
Luxury highlights
The elegance of the palace complemented by the modern design and furnishings make for a contemporary atmosphere in the heart of the city. With a full range of massage and wellness treatments, you are guaranteed to feel relaxed and pampered before your big day.
Image Credit: Pavel DobrovskyWith the option of a church wedding, or a ceremony in the hotel, followed by a wedding feast and luxury rooms for all your guests as well as endless sightseeing and festive fun, Prague is a great choice for a winter wedding.
We hope we have given you some great ideas on where to spend your Christmas Wedding in Europe and that you have a very merry time wherever you decide to celebrate.