Getting married in the mountains of Austria: How much does a mountain wedding really cost?

5 Dec, 2024 | Wedding planning

A wedding in the mountains of Austria - what could be more beautiful? You exchange your rings against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, nature is your constant companion and the atmosphere is relaxed, intimate and authentic. No wonder so many couples dream of a Mountain wedding dream! But in addition to all the romance, the question also arises: How much does a wedding in the mountains actually cost and what prices do you have to reckon with?

Don't worry, I'll take you through all the important points step by step. As Wedding planner I know the special features and challenges of Mountain weddings Exactly - and in this blog post I'm not only sharing the most important cost factors with you, but also helpful tips on how you can keep an overview and plan your dream wedding in the mountains in a relaxed manner.

By the way: At the end of the blog post you will find a clear overview and sample calculations of all costs. If you would also like advice on your individual wishes and ideas, please arrange a personalised consultation. Free and non-binding consultation with me. There we can talk in depth about your mountain wedding and draw up a concrete budget plan for you.

What makes a mountain wedding in Austria so special?

The unique backdrop - locations for your mountain wedding in the Alps

The mountains are simply magical. Imagine a wedding ceremony surrounded by lush green alpine meadows, a glistening mountain lake or snow-capped peaks. Whether in summer or winter - the backdrop is always breathtaking. And the best thing? Every region in Austria has its own style and charm, so you can find exactly what suits you:

  • Tyrol: The typical Alpine backdrop - imposing peaks, romantic Alpine pastures and rustic mountain huts. Here you get the full mountain feeling, whether in Zillertal, Kitzbühel or Seefeld. Perfect for traditional or elegant mountain weddings
  • Salzburger Land: This is where tradition meets modernity. Weddings by mountain lakes or in charming chapels are popular. If you want a wedding that combines tradition with style, you've come to the right place
  • Vorarlberg: Quiet, secluded and ideal for intimate celebrations. Luxurious chalets with spectacular views make Vorarlberg the perfect choice for Tiny Weddings in the mountains
  • Carinthia: In the south of Austria, the mountains become gentler and the Mediterranean flair makes Mountain weddings particularly charming here. Combine mountains and lakes for a dreamy summer wedding
  • Styria: Known as "the green marrow", the region scores with alpine meadows, rugged peaks and outstanding cuisine. Perfect for all bridal couples who value sustainability and regionality

As Wedding planner I would advise you to choose the region not only according to the scenery, but also according to how easily accessible it is for you and your guests.

Hochzeitslocation für eine Berghochzeit in Österreich im Winter
Photo: Julia & Matthias Photography

Exclusivity and intimacy: the perfect party size for a mountain wedding

Mountain weddings in Austria are simply perfect for smaller wedding parties. It's not about throwing huge parties, it's about celebrating with the people you really care about. The mountains themselves bring with them this calm, down-to-earth atmosphere: you are in the middle of nature, far away from the hustle and bustle, and can spend a wonderful, relaxed wedding in the mountains with your loved ones.

From experience I recommend Wedding Plannerthe guest list for a mountain wedding on maximum 60 to 70 people to limit the space. This fits in perfectly with the intimate atmosphere of the Alps. If you want something even more exclusive: How about a Tiny Wedding with only 15 to 20 guests? It couldn't be more intimate, quiet and personal - and these small weddings are particularly popular in the mountains.

Cost factors and prices of a mountain wedding in Austria

Location, food & drinks: The biggest cost item in the budget

The location is the biggest cost factor, but also the most important. In the mountains of Austria, the Locations often offers not only the venue, but also the food and drinks - which saves you a lot of organisation. There are in the Locations in the mountains different pricing models for how services are billed. I as Wedding planner for Mountain weddings I have listed the most common ones here.

Gäste mit Signature Drinks auf einer Berghochzeit in Österreich
Photo: Barbara Pölzgutter

Billing methods for food & beverages: flat rate, consumption or mixed model?

Flat rate per person
Here you pay a fixed amount for each guest - usually 200 - 350 € per person. This price covers the menu or buffet as well as drinks such as beer, wine, soft drinks and water.

  • Advantages: You have Absolute planning securitybecause the total costs are clear from the outset
  • Disadvantages: If your guests eat or drink less than expected, you still pay the full amount. Children are often charged more favourably - either according to age or actual consumption

Billing according to consumption
With this model, you are only charged for what you actually consume. Menu prices are usually 60 - 100 € per personDrinks are charged separately.

  • Advantages: You really only pay for what has been eaten and drunk - this can be cheaper, especially for small parties or guests who drink little
  • Disadvantages: The total costs are difficult to predict as they depend heavily on the company

Mixed models
These models combine flat rate and consumption and offer more flexibility:

  • Flat rate for the menu, drinks according to consumption:
    • Advantage: Fixed prices for food, flexible drinks costs
    • Disadvantage: The cost of drinks can quickly become high
  • Flat rate for menu & standard drinks (beer, wine, water), long drinks extra:
    • Advantage: Good balance of Planning security and flexibility
    • Disadvantage: The extra costs for cocktails and long drinks can add up
  • Flat rate for a certain number of hours, then billed according to consumption:
    • Advantage: Clear cost control for the main period, after that it remains flexible
    • Disadvantage: For parties that last a long time, the subsequent drinks costs can be surprisingly high
Braut und Brautjungfern beim Getting Ready in den Bergen
Photo: Anna Kafka

Tip from me as Wedding Planner: Think about how your guests celebrate in advance: Is the party more relaxed and mainly drinks water and wine? Or do you have a group of keen drinkers who like to order cocktails and long drinks? These considerations will help you choose the right model. The length of the wedding reception is another factor to consider: Fewer drinks will be consumed at a shorter celebration than at a wedding that lasts 12 hours or longer.

Planning a mountain wedding involves a lot of decisions - especially when it comes to the budget and budget planning. So why not arrange a Free and non-binding consultationand together we will find out how your wishes can be realised without losing sight of the big picture or ending up blowing the budget by several thousand euros.

Cost photography & videography - memories of your mountain wedding for eternity

Your wedding is a day full of special moments - moments that you want to remember forever. Professional photos and videos capture these moments and make them unforgettable. Especially with a Mountain wedding in Austriawhere the scenery and atmosphere are so unique, it is worth investing in high-quality photography and I, as a Wedding planner I recommend that you select service providers based on more than just price.

The right pictures and videos will ensure that you can relive your wedding day again and again - be it the emotional moment of the ceremony, the heartfelt congratulations from your guests or the laughter and celebrations during the party. They are a memory not only for you, but also for future generations.

Brautpaar auf dem Berggipfel bei ihrer Berghochzeit in den Alpen
Photo: Alexandra Gröbner

Typical photographer packages: costs and services at a glance

Many photographers and videographers offer various packages that differ in terms of the number of hours required and therefore also in terms of price:

  • 6-hour package:
    • Ideal for capturing the wedding ceremony, the reception and a couple shoot
    • Price: 1.800 - 2.500 €
  • 8-hour package:
    • Perfect for documenting getting ready, group photos and the start of the party
    • Price: 2.500 - 3.500 €
  • 10-hour package:
    • Covers the entire wedding day from the preparations to the party
    • Price: 3.500 - 5.000 €

Additional hours can be purchased from most providers for 150 - 300 € per hour can be booked.

Wedding video costs: How moving pictures make your mountain wedding unforgettable

Photos capture moments, but a video brings them to life. A wedding video is more than just a recording - it tells the story of your day in moving pictures. The small gestures, the trembling in your voice during the vows or the exuberant dancing of your guests: a video manages to capture these emotions that photos alone cannot show.

Professional videographers also offer different packages, which vary in terms of the number of hours and the length of the final film. You can expect the following costs:

8-hour package: 2.500 - 3.000 €
10-hour package: 3.000 - 4.000 €
12-hour package: 4.000 - 7.000 €

Tip from me as Wedding Planner: Make sure you arrange an introductory meeting before booking your photographer or videographer. The chemistry between you must be right - especially with these two service providers. Because you will be Mountain wedding spend a lot of time together, stand in front of their cameras and if you feel uncomfortable, you'll see it later in the pictures and videos.

Decoration & floristry costs: your personal style for the mountain backdrop

Decorations and floristry add a personal touch to your wedding in Austria and ensure that your location suits you perfectly. The options are particularly diverse for a mountain wedding - everything is possible here, from minimalist to opulent and lavish. However, make sure that the style of your decorations also matches the location or pay attention to the Location search how you want your wedding to look in the end.

Floristik und Dekoration auf einer Berghochzeit in Österreich
Photo: Anna Kafka

Dreamlike floristry: options and prices for your mountain wedding

Flowers are often the eye-catcher at every wedding, and at a Mountain wedding natural, seasonal arrangements go particularly well. To give you a feel for the prices, I've put together a Wedding planner here are a few examples of wedding decorations:

  • Grape arch:
    • Opulently decorated with lots of flowers and elaborate arrangements: 800 - 1.500 €
    • Simple arch with lots of greenery and small flower accents: 400 - 800 €
  • Table decoration:
    • Small flower arrangements in vases, combined with candles and natural elements: 80 - 150 € per table
    • Lush floral arrangements with high-quality flowers and large arrangements: 150 - 300 € per table
  • Bridal bouquet & pin:
    • Romantic bridal bouquet with seasonal flowers: 100 - 150 €
    • Pins for the groom or guests: 15 - 30 € per piece

Budget planning: these factors influence the costs

The budget for decorations and floristry on your Mountain wedding depends heavily on the following factors:

  • Season: Flowers are often more expensive outside their natural season
  • Number of guests: More guests mean more tables and therefore more decorations
  • Style and scope: A minimalist concept costs significantly less than an opulent arrangement with exotic flowers

Overall, you should budget for decorations and floristry with a budget of 1.000 - 9.000 € depending on how elaborate you want to organise your wedding in Austria.

Tip from me as Wedding planner: Plan your decorations so that they can be used several times. Flower arrangements from the wedding ceremony can later be used as room decorations at dinner or for the seating plan - this saves money and reduces the effort involved.
Also ask your guests to take bouquets and arrangements home with them after the wedding - it's good for the environment, sustainable and you'll still have a nice memory of your wedding afterwards. Mountain wedding At home.

I know from experience that the cost of a Mountain wedding can quickly become confusing - especially if you want to keep an eye on all the details. You should therefore arrange a Free and non-binding consultation with me. There, we can talk in detail about how you can optimise your Mountain wedding and what costs you will incur. So that your Wedding planning relaxed and without surprises.

Wedding speaker costs: Your personalised ceremony in the Alps

As Wedding Planner I love free wedding ceremonies in the mountains because they are simply something very special: you can organise your ceremony completely according to your wishes without being bound by traditions or religious guidelines. The wedding officiant is the centrepiece - he or she tells your story and guides you through the most emotional moments of the day.

Emotionale Braut bei einer freien Trauung in den Bergen Österreichs
Photo: Anna Kafka

What makes a wedding speaker in the mountains so special? 

  • Customised design: A good wedding speaker will listen to your wishes and organise the ceremony so that it suits you perfectly
  • Tell your story: With the right mix of humour, emotion and personal anecdotes, your story will come to life
  • Rituals and symbols: Many wedding officiants also offer symbolic rituals, such as the sand ritual, the lighting of a wedding candle or a personal ring blessing
Brautpaar bei ihrer freien Trauung in den Bergen Österreichs
Photo: Alexandra Gröbner

Cost framework: What does a wedding speaker cost in Austria?

The prices for a wedding speaker are usually between 1.300 - 2.000 €. This usually includes:

  • A detailed preliminary discussion in which you discuss your shared history
  • Talk to your loved ones (e.g. parents, witnesses, close friends) to find out more about yourselves, your personalities and your journey together
  • The preparation and elaboration of the speech, often with creative suggestions for rituals
  • The ceremony on the wedding day

Tip from me as Wedding planner: A experienced wedding speaker often has valuable tips and ideas for the ceremony. Use this expertise to make your wedding ceremony even more personal and individual.

Kosten Musik - The soundtrack for your perfect mountain wedding

Music is much more than just a background element - it sets the right mood for your wedding in the mountains and accompanies the most important moments of your mountain wedding. From the emotional accompaniment of the wedding ceremony to the relaxed atmosphere at the reception and the exuberant party: the right musical accompaniment will ensure that your wedding is unique.

The choice of music is as individual as your wedding itself. Would you like a romantic live performance at the ceremony? A DJ to entertain your guests at the reception? Or a band that will get your party going? The possibilities in Austria are endless - and as a Wedding planner I would advise you to invest more time in research and planning in order to really find the perfect solution for you in the end.

Band auf der Party einer Berghochzeit im Winter auf der Jufenalm
Photo: Julia & Matthias Photography

Musical accompaniment: options and costs for your wedding in the mountains

  • Wedding ceremony:
    • Live music such as a singer, a string quartet or an acoustic guitarist will make the ceremony unforgettable
    • Costs: 500 - 1.500 €depending on the duration and the artist
  • Reception:
    • The music at the reception sets the tone for the next few hours. While a Lounge DJ or a saxophonist create a relaxed atmosphere, a band can also create a real party atmosphere in the afternoon
    • Costs:
      • Lounge music (DJ, saxophonist): 1.000 - 2.500 €
      • Band: 3.000 - 5.000 € (depending on duration and scope)
  • Party:
    • A DJ or band ensures that your guests can party into the night. DJs often offer a broader repertoire, while a live band creates a real concert atmosphere. For a special highlight, you can also combine a DJ with live elements (e.g. saxophone or electric violin)
    • Costs:
      • DJ: 2.000 - 3.000 €
      • Band: 3.000 - 7.000 €

How do you find the right service providers?

The choice of music depends heavily on your preferences and the atmosphere you want to create at your mountain wedding. Consider the following points in advance:

  • Do you prefer classical, modern or unusual music?
  • Is a DJ or band better suited to your style? Mountain wedding?
  • Are there certain songs that are important to you personally and should definitely be played? Or that you definitely don't want to hear?

Clear communication with your musicians or DJs is essential so that they know exactly what you want. Professional service providers will make an appointment with you before the wedding in Austria to discuss your music wishes and no-goes.

Tip from me as Wedding Planner: Choose service providers who can cover several aspects of your wedding - for example, a DJ who can organise both the reception and the party, or a singer who can perform at the wedding ceremony and then at the reception. This reduces the number of musicians booked and therefore also additional travelling and accommodation costs.

Travel & logistics costs for a mountain wedding in Austria

Travelling to a Mountain wedding is often more than just a practical detail - especially in the mountains, it can become an experience that you and your guests will remember forever! Here are some of the possibilities that the mountain regions have to offer and that I as a Wedding planner can warmly recommend:

  • Shuttle service: A shuttle is the most convenient solution for larger groups
    • Costs: 500-1.500 €depending on route and vehicle size
  • Horse-drawn carriage: A charming option not only for the bride and groom, but also for small groups
    • Costs: 400-800 € per ride or carriage
  • Cable car: Many Locations in the mountains of Austria are only accessible by cable car, which can be a great experience
    • Costs: 10-20 €/person, often with group rates
  • Helicopter: For couples who want to arrive in style, a helicopter flight is perfect
    • Costs: 1.000-2.500 €depending on the route
  • Snow groomer (for Winter weddings): Secluded locations in the mountains can be a Winter wedding can be reached by snow groomer - a highlight for snow lovers and a unique opportunity to be out and about in such a cool vehicle!
    • Costs: from 500 €
  • Hike or walk: For smaller parties, a hike together or a walk to the location can be a nice start to the wedding day in Austria
Brautpaar auf dem Weg zur ihrer Berghochzeit in der Gondel
Photo: Alexandra Gröbner

Wedding cake & sweet table costs for a wedding in the Alps

The wedding cake is a traditional highlight that cannot be missed at any wedding. Mountain wedding in Austria may be missing. However, in recent years, the sweet table has become increasingly popular as a modern addition or alternative to the classic cake. Both offer not only visual eye-catchers, but also culinary delights for your guests.

Moderne Hochzeitstorte bei einer Berghochzeit in Österreich
Photo: Anna Kafka

Wedding cake prices: a comparison of traditional and modern options

The wedding cake is the star of the dessert buffet. Here are some of the most popular options on Mountain weddings in Austria:

  • Classic cake: Multi-tier cakes with fondant or buttercream, often decorated with fresh flowers or pearls
    • Costs: 300 - 600 €
  • Modern cakes: Naked cakes or semi-naked cakes are simpler but very stylish. Decorated with fresh berries or flowers
    • Costs: 400 - 800 €
  • Luxury cakes: Cakes with elaborate details such as handmade sugar flowers or gold accents
    • Costs: 800 - 1.500 €

Sweet table costs: variety instead of tradition

A sweet table offers your guests a selection of small desserts - perfect if variety is important to you at your wedding in Austria. Typical elements that can be found on a sweet table are

  • Macarons: Elegant and available in different flavours
  • Cupcakes: Mini versions of the wedding cake that are easy to portion
  • Cake Pops: Small cakes on a stick, ideal for an uncomplicated treat
  • Mini tarts or mousse: For guests who like something sophisticated and creamy

Costs: 500 - 1.500 €depending on the scope and selection.

The best of both worlds for your wedding in the mountains

Many couples opt for a smaller wedding cake for cutting and complement it with a sweet table. This allows you to preserve the tradition of cutting the cake and offer your guests a varied selection at the same time.

Tip from me as Wedding planner: Talk to your confectioner in Austria - they can help you with both a cake and a sweet table. The makes planning easier for you and you don't run the risk of having half left over at the end.

By the way: If you have a free consultation with me, in which we can discuss your wishes and ideas regarding your mountain wedding, be it Location searchbudget planning or service provider bookings, and I can give you tips on your Wedding planning then get in touch with me.

Stationery costs: Your wedding design from invitation to thank you card

Stationery is more than just functional these days - it sets the tone for your wedding and reflects your individual style. With the invitation cards, you not only give your guests important information, but also a foretaste of what they can expect at your wedding. Mountain wedding in Austria awaits you. Stationery will accompany you throughout your wedding day and beyond.

What stationery do you need for a mountain wedding?

  • Save-the-Date cards: Inform your guests about the wedding date well in advance, especially if they are travelling from further away
  • Invitation cards: These contain all the important information such as date, place, time and, if applicable, information on the dress code or accommodation
  • Menu and place cards: They add an elegant touch to the dinner location and are helpful for the organisation
  • Thank you cards: After the wedding, you can thank your guests for their gifts and the time you spent together in Austria with lovingly designed cards
  • Extras: Guest books, church booklets or welcome signs round off the stationery perfectly
Individuelle Papeterie für einer Berghochzeit in Österreich
Photo: Barbara Pölzgutter

Online provider vs. graphic designer: Which option suits you and your budget?

Costs of online providers for your wedding stationery

Features: Many online providers offer ready-made designs that you can personalise with your own data. You can often choose between different types of paper and finishes.

  • Advantages:
    • More favourable price, as the designs are prefabricated
    • Quick and easy - perfect if you're short on time
    • Wide range of designs that can be customised for different styles
  • Disadvantages:
    • No customisation beyond what the templates allow
    • Less creative and unique, as the designs can also be used by other couples
  • Costs: 300 - 800 € for a standard set (e.g. invitation cards, menu and place cards) for 50 guests
Graphic designer costs for customised stationery

Features: With a professional designer, you can create the stationery for your Mountain wedding in Austria can be completely customised. Your personal style and wedding design will be perfectly realised and you will have unique stationery that no other bridal couple will have for their wedding in the mountains.

  • Advantages:
    • Unique, customised designs that are only available to you
    • Possibility to incorporate creative ideas such as special colours, motifs or finishes
    • Harmonious overall concept for all stationery elements
  • Disadvantages:
    • More expensive than prefabricated designs.
    • Longer processing times, as each element is customised.
  • Costs: 800 - 2.000 €depending on scope and effort

Tip from me as Wedding Planner: In any case, opt for a uniform design that runs through all elements. This way, invitations, place cards and thank you cards for your Mountain wedding in Austria as if from a single mould - and you often save by combining offers from the provider.

Unplugged Ceremony Schild bei der Trauung einer Berghochzeit
Photo: Anna Kafka

Specials for your wedding in the mountains - ideas & costs

Yours Mountain wedding in Austria is going to be something very special and you want to surprise your guests with a highlight? With these extras, you'll definitely make your wedding unforgettable:

  • Fancy cocktail bar: A mobile bar with customised cocktails - such as "Summit Spritz" for summer weddings or "Winterberry Mule" for a wedding in the snow. Or a cocktail with the names of your pets like "Lilly's Lemon Spritz"? The possibilities are endless!
    • Costs: From 1.500 €depending on the selection of drinks and the number of guests
  • Coffee Ape: A charming Italian Piaggio Ape that conjures up coffee like a small café. Whether freshly ground espresso, cappuccino or latte macchiato - a coffee ape like this is perfect for the afternoon or as an accompaniment to dessert.
    • Costs: From 1.000 €depending on provider and duration
  • Live portrait artist: An artist who draws live portraits of your guests makes for unforgettable memories and an original guest gift at the same time. The drawings are often finished in just a few minutes and bring a smile to the guests' faces.
    • Costs: 800 - 1.500 € for approx. 4-6 hours

By the way: If you are unsure, how you use the Planning your wedding best approach and which points you need to pay particular attention to in your budget planning, arrange a free consultation with me as Wedding planner. There we can talk about your wishes and ideas and I will give you a Roadmap in handhow you can make your dream of a mountain wedding in Austria come true.

Sample calculations: Costs for mountain weddings with 50 & 25 guests

Example calculation: Budget planning for a mountain wedding in Austria with 50 guests

Cost point€€€€€
Location, food & drinks10.000 €15.000 €18.000 €
Decoration & Floristry2.000 €3.500 €7.000 €
Photography2.000 €3.500 €4.500 €
Videography2.500 €3.500 €5.000 €
Music2.000 €4.000 €8.000 €
Bridal styling500 €800 €1.200 €
Specials1.500 €3.000 €6.000 €
Shuttle service500 €1.000 €1.500 €
Stationery300 €800 €2.000 €
Wedding speaker800 €1.500 €2.000 €
Wedding cake/sweet table500 €1.000 €2.000 €
Total costs22.600 €36.300 €57.200 €
Gruppenbild auf einer lässigen Berghochzeit im alpinen Stil in Österreich
Photo: Barbara Pölzgutter

Example calculation: Budget planning for a Tiny Wedding with 25 guests in the mountains of Austria

Cost point€€€€€
Location, food & drinks5.000 €7.500 €12.000 €
Decoration & Floristry1.000 €2.000 €4.000 €
Photography2.000 €3.500 €4.500 €
Videography2.500 €3.500 €5.000 €
Music2.000 €4.000 €8.000 €
Bridal styling500 €800 €1.200 €
Specials1.500 €3.000 €6.000 €
Shuttle service400 €800 €1.500 €
Stationery200 €500 €1.500 €
Wedding speaker800 €1.500 €2.000 €
Wedding cake/sweet table200 €600 €1.000 €
Total costs17.600 €28.400 €45.700 €
Glückliches Brautpaar bei ihrer Hochzeit auf dem Zwölferhorn in den Bergen Österreichs
Photo: Alexandra Gröbner

Conclusion: How to plan the costs for your mountain wedding in Austria correctly

A Mountain wedding in Austria can be as varied as the couples planning them. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate Tiny Wedding with 25 guests or planning a larger celebration with 50 or more people - your budget depends heavily on your Wishes and priorities from.

The spectrum ranges from a simple celebration focussing on the atmosphere to an opulent event that leaves nothing to be desired. Every aspect, whether decoration, music or Locationcan be customised and adapted to your ideas.

But this is exactly where the challenge lies: how do you prioritise your dream wedding so that it can be realised without breaking the budget?

I'll be happy to help you! As an experienced Wedding planner for the mountain regions in Austria I offer you a Free and non-binding consultation to. In our conversation we will clarify your wishes and ideas and together we will develop an idea of what your personal mountain wedding could look like - in line with your ideas and your budget.

Your Ronja,
Wedding planner for mountain weddings in Austria and the Allgäu

Photographers: Anna Kafka, Alexandra Gröbner, Barbara Pölzgutter, Julia & Matthias Photography
Video: Alexandra Reichl

Hochzeitsplanerin für Berghochzeiten in Salzburg, Kempten, Innsbruck und anderen Teilen Österreichs und des Allgäus

Ronja Baumbach

Wedding planner

I am a wedding planner for mountain weddings in Austria and the Allgäu.
On my wedding blog I keep you up to date with the latest wedding trends, give you an insight into my everyday work and give you tips & tricks on the subject of mountain weddings.

Ronja Baumbach Hochzeitsplanerin mit einem Brautpaar bei ihrer Berghochzeit in den Alpen
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