Editor’s Discovery: This Emerging European Wedding Destination Quietly Rivals Como

While I drift weightlessly in the outdoor pool of Badrutt’s Palace, small flags ripple in the wind atop the distant sage-green towers of the castle. I am caught in the crisp alpine air — and in the moment. Gazing up at the ice-blue sky, I let myself fall back, sinking fully into it.

The warm water cocoons me, though an icy wind sweeps across the surface, its sharp breath leaving a welcome chill. Steam rises, curling into the air, dissolving into the atmosphere. My eyes trace the dark green of the stone pines and the snow-capped mountains, their silhouettes crisp against the gentle brightness of a clear winter day.

And suddenly, as I pause, the last few days come flooding in — unfurling like a reel of film. Just last night, we were welcomed into a high-ceilinged, ornately finished, wood-paneled space — one of the older, 18th-century rooms of the palace — for a candlelit dinner. Outside, snow fell softly against an inky blue night sky, while toasts were raised, and the room filled with laughter and lively conversation. Stories were told, and magnetic stories surely unfolded here. If only the walls could talk, you might think, but a few secrets were shared anonymously — whispers of epic parties, wedding fails, missing coats, and… well, let’s leave it at that. The palace has long drawn the world’s elite, including artists such as Alfred Hitchcock and Audrey Hepburn. While it remains discreet about its star-studded guests, its allure is undeniable. That said, for me, the true stars of this place are the kind, warm, and welcoming staff — the ones who make it truly memorable. One of the managers, who moved here from Bangkok with his journalist wife, remarked, “It’s not stiff. Of course, it’s chic — the service alone is the most impeccable I’ve ever experienced, red. — but it’s also a place where we are not afraid to let loose.” And so, when an old-school dance anthem came on, unexpectedly and perfectly timed, the night took a turn. After the feast, the revelry continued in the underground King’s Club. Well, for most. I’ll admit, I surrendered to the comforts of that glorious hotel bed. But the next morning, over a champagne breakfast, more stories were shared, and friendships felt sealed for the ages.

Header Image: Zurich, Claudio Schwarz, Unsplash

“While one might instinctively think of the French Riviera, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, or Lake Como, this trip made one thing clear — a wedding in Switzerland is every bit as compelling, if not profoundly more so.”

Wedding Options Abound – From Elegant Zürich to Storybook St. Moritz

But wait, let’s go back to beginning. Why am I here? As The Lane‘s Deputy Editor I have been invited to an exclusive, and I must say impeccably curated guided tour around Switzerland – exploring the region’s most beautiful destination wedding locations. Apart from St. Moritz and Badrutt’s Palace, we began our trip in Zürich – my new hometown, after Paris and Amsterdam, where I’m originally from. My love for Zürich, which had been steadily growing over the past few months since moving here, has only deepened. In short: crystal-clear badis (Swiss lakeside or riverside swimming areas) to swim in during spring and summer; in winter, snow-dusted mountains beckon. And whatever the season, the scientifically proven Blue Mind effect quietly takes hold – gazing at clear water is said to soothe the nervous system, and I can certainly attest to that.

A Day in Zurich with Your Wedding Guests: Architecture, Aperitifs, and a View

On the first day we unwind over aperitifs on one of the suite’s terraces of The Dolder Grand Hotel, watching the most glorious sunset in shades of amber, dusky pink, and a violet haze, with sweeping views over Lake Zürich, the cityscape, and the surrounding nature. Regina, our guide, is as timely as a Swiss timepiece. Friendly yet firm, she informs us on the very first evening — over dinner in the storied Library, surrounded by towering, flickering candles, winding white roses, and a beautiful collection of paintings – that we are expected at eight o’clock sharp the next morning. And so it goes for the days that follow. It becomes a running joke, but everyone adores her, and at the same time, it offers a glimpse into what it would be like to host a wedding in Switzerland. Zürich makes for a perfect gateway — well-connected, with a stunning historic centre, plenty of shopping options (including Swiss, family-owned The House of Gübelin, known for its fine jewelry, gemstone expertise, and coveted luxury watches), and an array of excellent restaurants, including Haus zum Rüden for lunch in the heart of the city or Restaurant Buech, a charming country inn just outside of town offering its own Swiss wines (highly recommended!). Personal favourites: Neue Taverne, Fischer’s Stube, and Rosi.

The Dolder Grand in Zurich truly serves as a glorious wedding destination. High above the city yet minutes from its cultural heart, The Dolder Grand is where contemporary art meets castle-like heritage. Its sweeping terraces, forest-edge setting, and Michelin-starred dining make it a standout for couples seeking old-world glamour without compromise.

For international guests arriving in Zurich, even a curated day tour through the city feels less like logistics and more like revelation: a calling card for what’s to come.

“Switzerland’s four official languages — German, French, Italian, and Romansh — reflect a cultural tapestry where distinct European influences quietly intertwine.”

The Art and Versatility of Hosting a Wedding in Switzerland

Apart from Zürich, the possibilities are endless. While one might instinctively think of the French Riviera, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, or even Lake Como, after this trip, I would have to say — a Swiss wedding now seems just as, if not more, compelling. If nothing else, you can always rely on the Swiss — everything here runs like a well-oiled machine. And, as it turns out, it’s actually more affordable than one might expect. That came as a surprise to all the guests, and a destination like Ticino remains blissfully undiscovered compared to the popular wedding destination of Como. Ticino, Switzerland’s sun-drenched southernmost region, blends Mediterranean charm with Alpine grandeur: palm-lined lakes, historic villages, and dramatic mountain scenery. You’d be amiss to think you’re in Italy — with everyone speaking Italian and the cuisine to match — but everything is as impeccably clean and precise as Swiss culture would have it. Fun fact: Switzerland has four official languages — German, French, Italian, and Romansh — each predominantly spoken in different regions. This linguistic diversity reflects the country’s rich cultural tapestry, where European influences seamlessly intertwine.

“Ticino, Switzerland’s sun-drenched southernmost region, blends Mediterranean charm with Alpine grandeur: palm-lined lakes, historic villages, and dramatic mountain scenery.”

Through the Alps by Train

Back to our exhilarating journey across Switzerland. After a few days spent in Zürich, we don’t head south — but, as you might have guessed from my intro, southeast – boarding a train where we slip into one of the last few traditional carriages, fully decked out in warm wood and light ocher-colored and crushed velvet seats. It’s called the Gourmino Dining Car in elegant 1920s style. A light lunch is served as we glide through a landscape that slowly transforms — valleys giving way to peaks, ever greener, then gradually more snow-dusted. We slide through winding passes and silent forests, all the way up to the snowy heights of St. Moritz.

It’s worth noting: Switzerland’s railways aren’t merely a means of getting from one place to another — they’re part of the allure. With routes like the Glacier Express and the Bernina Line offering panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views, the journey becomes an experience in itself. For couples planning a wedding here, day trips with guests can be seamlessly woven into the celebration — a scenic lunch in Lucerne, a golden-hour ride through the vineyards of Lavaux, or a post-wedding excursion into the Alps. If you’re really adventurous, why not hold your ceremony right on the slopes?

Exploring the Heights of St. Moritz at Badrutt’s Palace

This glitzy alpine town of St. Moritz became our base for the next few days, with Badrutt’s Palace as its shining beacon. With its fairytale silhouette and old-world charm, the Palace is truly the beating heart of St. Moritz. It boasts no less than nine restaurants, each offering its own distinct take on alpine indulgence — from Japanese-Peruvian fusion under a glass dome to refined French classics served in elegant style. Whether you’re a guest or a local, the community gathers here — there’s always a buzz. It’s like a world unto itself.

Founded in 1896 by Caspar Badrutt, the second son of Johannes Badrutt (the man who famously launched winter tourism in the region after a daring bet) Badrutt’s Palace remains one of the most legendary, château-like hotels in all of Switzerland.

Walking into the grand hall – its soaring, oak-clad walls and latticed ceilings stretching meters high – we pause. Plush velvet and brocade chairs are dotted throughout the space. And then, that view. A vast arched window frames the snow-covered lake and mountains like a painting come to life. We’ve seen it in photos, of course — but being here feels different. Surreal. Like stepping straight into an old movie. Outside, it’s full snow. Inside, we feel suspended in time — somewhere between past and present, far removed from the world beyond the Alps.

The Dream That Is Switzerland

The next day, we take a traditional horse-drawn carriage up to the mountain’s peak (finishing the ascent with a ski lift) to reach the Paradiso Mountain Club & Restaurant. Inside, a bubbling truffle cheese fondue awaits. After dessert – kaiserschmarren, a childhood favorite of mine – the rest of the group simply vanishes… off to go dancing. If Regina hadn’t waved her watch, reminding us we were already an hour late, we might all still be up there.

Later, what was meant to be a slow stroll across the frozen lake quickly became a brisk one – everyone was more than ready for one thing: the spa.

And the spa – that serene, steamy sanctuary – was where I stepped outside and felt, for a moment, like I was in a dream. A dream that is Switzerland. One I can’t completely put into words, but one I’d wholeheartedly recommend you come, see, and experience for yourself.

For more information & to book your wedding or event, visit Switzerland Tourism on The Lane Directory.