Getting Married in Austria
With its blend of grand historic cities and stunning alpine landscapes, getting married in Austria offers endless possibilities for an intimate, meaningful celebration surrounded by natural beauty and European charm.
Intimate Weddings and Elopements in Austria
If you’re dreaming of an intimate celebration surrounded by breathtaking scenery, rich culture and timeless elegance, getting married in Austria might be exactly what you’ve been searching for. From romantic city ceremonies in Vienna and Salzburg to peaceful alpine escapes and serene lakeside elopements, Austria offers a truly magical backdrop for small weddings filled with beauty, charm and heart.
As part of our Intimate Wedding Destinations in Europe series, this guide dives into what makes Austria an exceptional choice for couples planning a small intimate wedding or elopement abroad. Here, you’ll discover the best locations, key considerations, legal requirements and unforgettable experiences that make Austria perfect for couples seeking a meaningful and personal way to say “I do” — all beautifully captured through the lens of elopement and adventure wedding photographer Wild Connections.
(In Part 1 of the series, we explore the advantages of having a small intimate wedding abroad, how to choose the right destination and the top European countries for intimate celebrations.)
At a Glance - Why Get Married in Austria
Small doesn’t mean simple and Austria proves that intimacy can be extraordinary. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you or celebrating with a handful of loved ones, this country offers the perfect mix of beauty, charm, and authenticity.
- A year-round destination with endless photo opportunities
- No residency requirements for foreign couples
- Legalised same sex weddings (since January 2019)
- World-class culture and architecture
- Ideal for adventure elopements and nature lovers
- Delicious, indulgent cuisine and warm hospitality
- Unique, storybook settings for wedding photos
Whether in the mountains or in the heart of Vienna, getting married in Austria promises a day filled with intimacy, meaning, and magic.
Getting to Austria
Located in the heart of Europe, Austria is easy to reach and perfectly connected for destination weddings.
- By Air: Regular direct flights to Vienna from major European cities, including London (just over 2 hours).
- By Train: For a slower, scenic journey, travel via Paris and Zurich, then through the Austrian Alps on the breathtaking Arlberg Pass.
Ideas for Intimate Weddings in Austria
Austria is a land of fairytales, where even the smallest weddings feel cinematic.
Spring & Summer
Say your vows on the shores of a peaceful lake or in a wildflower meadow surrounded by mountain peaks. For something regal yet romantic, choose a castle or schloss wedding,— many date back to the Habsburg Monarchy and offer stunning private settings for intimate ceremonies.
Winter
For a cosy alpine elopement, marry in a panoramic cable car or exchange vows on a snowy mountainside. Toast with champagne in the crisp mountain air before retreating to your chalet for a fireside dinner of rich Austrian comfort food.
Ceremony Venues for Small Weddings in Austria
Civil ceremonies are typically held at a Standesamt (registry office), but Austria also offers a wonderful selection of unique and intimate ceremony locations, including:
- Romantic palaces and frescoed rooms in Vienna and Salzburg
- Rustic chalets with breathtaking alpine views
- The highest registry office in Austria, Café 3440 atop the Pitztal Glacier
- Unusual venues such as Vienna’s Giant Ferris Wheel or a Sound of Music-inspired ceremony location
Couples can also arrange outdoor ceremonies for an additional fee — perfect for elopements and small destination weddings.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Austria
One of the biggest advantages of getting married in Austria is that there are no residency requirements for international couples.
- Civil weddings must be registered up to 6 months in advance
- Contact your wedding planner at least 9 months before your date to allow for paperwork and venue bookings
- The ceremony is conducted in German, with an interpreter to translate into English
- You can include personalised vows and readings
For a complete list of required documents and official procedures, see our [Austria Legal Requirements Guide].
Pre & Post Wedding Activities
One of the joys of getting married in Austria is that your intimate celebration can easily become a mini adventure. Whether you’re staying a few days or a week, there’s plenty to explore before or after your ceremony.
Ideas for You & Your Guests
- Go skiing, snowboarding, or hiking through the Alps
- Visit Vienna’s Spanish Riding School or Salzburg’s UNESCO sites
- Take a romantic Danube River cruise
- Enjoy Christmas markets (Vienna’s dates back to 1298)
- Sample local wine, hot chocolate, and pastries
- Experience Austria’s famous warm hospitality
Food & Culture
Austria is a dream for food lovers. Treat yourselves to Wiener Schnitzel, Sacher Torte, and Mozartkugeln, a delicious sweet named after the composer himself. Pair your meals with local wines or a steaming cup of Viennese hot chocolate as you soak in the stunning scenery.
Fun Facts About Austria
- 62% of Austria is covered by the spectacularly beautiful Austrian Alps
- Home to the world’s oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn (1752)
- The Austrian flag is one of the oldest national flags
- Birthplace of Swarovski crystals and the polka
Whatever your dreams are, with a Wedding Planner who specialises in Austrian elopements and intimate weddings; you can go beyond ordinary to create incredible memories for you and your entire wedding party.
Plan Your Intimate Wedding in Austria
Austria offers a breathtaking backdrop for weddings. However, before you begin planning a wedding in Austria, it’s important to understand the cost of a wedding in Austria. There are a lot of variables and different ways to plan, so averages can be misleading, as every wedding is unique, but having a ballpark figure will help guide your decisions.
That’s where we come in. At Weddings Abroad Guide, we connect you with experienced local suppliers who can help bring your vision to life while staying within budget. To get started, contact planners and vendors early and share your initial ideas so they can give you accurate pricing and advice.
Ready to take the next step? To connect with wedding planners in Austria use the form at the bottom of this page or explore our Quick Connect Links to find trusted wedding professionals in Austria.
Quick Connect - Austria Wedding Suppliers
Learn More About Getting Married in Austria
We hope this guide has helped you begin your journey toward getting married in Austria. For a deeper dive into planning your intimate wedding abroad, including legal requirements, costs, and seasonal tips read our Austria Destination Wedding Planning Starter Guide.
👉 Explore: Austria Destination Wedding Starter Guide
Contact Wedding Planners in Austria
At Weddings Abroad Guide, we work with a group of experienced wedding planners who can help bring your unique celebration to life. If you’re looking for expert guidance, simply fill in the short form below and your enquiry will be forwarded to trusted planners who work across Austria.