Tie the knot under a rainbow Text by Simone Gori, lovely words

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Intro

As is often the case, things took a little longer in Switzerland than in other Western nations, but as of 1 July 2022, same-sex couples can officially marry here too. We have compiled a list of the most important information for LGTBQI* couples who would like to get married in Switzerland.

First things first: Switzerland is a safe travel destination for members of the LGTBQI* community. In urban centres in particular, being open with respect to homosexuality is generally not a problem. Nonetheless, it is prudent to make enquiries before a planned trip and if possible, to select destinations and hotels that openly and unreservedly embrace the community.

LGBTQI+ weddings in Switzerland

Starting this year, for those who not only want to travel to Switzerland, but also want to get married here, things are now even easier: LGTBQI+-supporting service providers have come together to form the Swiss Queer Wedding Association. The list of members is constantly growing, and if you have any questions, you can always contact the association directly. But before you start planning your celebrations, you should also think about the legal aspects of a wedding in Switzerland, since there are a few specific features that apply here.

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Civil wedding ceremonies

Until 1 July 2022, same-sex couples could only register their partnership, but now, finally, gay or lesbian couples can also marry in Switzerland. To enter into a legally binding marriage, the only choice in Switzerland is to get married in a registry office. Registry offices can be found in major cities and municipalities throughout Switzerland; a complete list can be found here. The registry office can also provide detailed information about the documents required or whether an interpreter also needs to be booked. After you register at the registry office, you usually have to wait 10 days – it is not possible to arrive one day and spontaneously get married the next in Switzerland.

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Get married at the zoo or at the top of a tower

Wedding ceremonies usually take place in the registry office’s wedding room and can be rather dry affairs that rarely last longer than 15 minutes – the focus is on the wedding vow and the signing of the documents. However, some registry offices offer a little more personalisation. The number of guests that can be accommodated in the wedding room and the question of whether personal words or music can be incorporated will therefore need to be clarified with the relevant registry office directly. It is worth doing a little research; in addition to their official wedding rooms, many registry offices also have outdoor spaces that can be booked by arrangement for civil marriage ceremonies. In Zurich, for example, you can say 'I do' at the Zoo, at the top of the airport control tower or in the Clouds Bar in the highest building in the city.

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Symbolic wedding ceremonies

Many couples in Switzerland now opt for a symbolic or independent wedding ceremony in addition to the civil wedding ceremony. These are performed by celebrants, independent speakers or wedding speakers, and the time, place and content are entirely up to you. This type of wedding ceremony is not legally binding, but certainly offers the best opportunity for an entirely personalised wedding or elopement according to the wishes of the couple. Why not say 'I do' on a snow-covered mountain peak in winter, in an autumnal larch forest, or right next to a glittering mountain lake? An independent wedding ceremony means anything is possible. The best and most experienced celebrants can be found directly at the Berufsverband Schweizerischer ZeremonienleiterInnen.

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Why not say ‘I do’ on a snow-covered mountain peak in winter, in an autumnal larch forest, or right next to a glittering mountain lake? An independent wedding ceremony means anything is possible.
Simone Gori

Switzerland as a wedding destination

In conclusion, Switzerland is a fantastic wedding destination, even and in particular for couples from the LGTBQI+ community. Awe-inspiring natural beauty, cities steeped in history, exciting nightlife and cultural diversity are found here almost side-by-side – making it the perfect choice for a wedding to remember.

Winter in Basel

Featured service providers:

Concept, organisation, wedding celebrant: Simone Gori
Concept, photography: Lee Kramer
Location: Sablier Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Videographer: Jackie Visuals
Floral design: raum + kleid
Hair and make-up: Tanja Marthy
Cake design: Pan de Miel
Stationery: Atelier 8048
Jewellery: Evelyne M.

Models: Marc Maurer and Fabio Dias
Outfits and shoes: models’ own

The pictures for this post were taken during a photo shoot. 
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lovely words

Simone Gori
lovely words
Riederweg 13
8302 Kloten

+41 79 615 20 27


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