Civil Weddings in Switzerland

Civil weddings in Switzerland are intimate, legal ceremonies held at a local civil registry office (Standesamt). Many couples choose a beautiful registry office wedding in Switzerland followed by portraits nearby. If you are an international couple planning to elope in Switzerland, you may choose to "wed" symbolically and a civil wedding in Switzerland is not necessary.

Peace Love Leigh Photography is a Switzerland-based wedding photography company, founded by photographer LeighAnn Shafiq.

An instinctive documentary approach, balanced by considered editorial direction: so that you can be present in the moment without ever having to wonder what to do in front of the camera.

As seen in

BEAUTIFUL CIVIL CEREMONY LOCATIONS IN SWITZERLAND

Registry offices for your civil wedding in Switzerland

One of the lovely aspects of a civil wedding in Switzerland is that many ceremonies take place in beautiful historic buildings. Rather than simple offices, many registry offices are located in historic town halls, castles, or elegant civic buildings, creating a surprisingly romantic setting for an intimate ceremony. Couples often choose locations not only for convenience but also for the atmosphere and the beautiful surroundings for photographs afterwards.

Stadthaus Zürich – The official registry office in Zurich, located in an elegant neoclassical building in the city center. Its bright ceremony rooms and historic architecture make it one of the most beautiful urban civil wedding locations in Switzerland.
Hôtel de Ville Lausanne – The historic town hall overlooking Lausanne’s old town square, offering a classic Swiss civic setting surrounded by charming streets and architecture.
Château d’Aigle – A medieval castle surrounded by vineyards in the Rhône Valley. It offers one of the most romantic and unique civil ceremony settings in the region.
Erlacherhof – Home to Bern’s civil registry office, this elegant baroque building is located in the UNESCO-listed old town of Bern, with beautiful arcades and historic streets nearby.
Maison Supersaxo – A beautiful Renaissance building in the old town of Sion, surrounded by cobblestone streets and views of the iconic Valère and Tourbillon castles.
Waaghaus St. Gallen – A charming historic building in St. Gallen’s old town, known for its colorful architecture and UNESCO-listed abbey nearby.
Stadthaus Luzern – Located near the famous Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne, this registry office offers stunning lakeside and old-town backdrops for photographs.
Montreux – Civil ceremonies here offer easy access to the lakeside promenade and views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Zermatt – Perfect for couples wanting an intimate civil ceremony followed by portraits with the Matterhorn as a backdrop.
Hôtel de Ville Monthey – A charming town hall in the Valais region, with nearby mountain scenery and picturesque streets ideal for intimate wedding portraits.

The Peace Love Leigh Philosophy

Love is love, and I photograph every celebration with openness, curiosity and respect for what makes it distinctly yours.

I work with discretion, collaborating closely with planners and creative teams, moving quietly and allowing moments to unfold naturally, while offering thoughtful artistic direction when it serves the couple and the imagery. I adapt calmly as timelines, weather and circumstances evolve, without allowing the photography to interrupt the experience of the day.

I don’t arrive with a formula. I pay attention to what is already there: the people, the setting, the light, the weather, the energy. I bring ideas and inspiration, but allow the celebration itself to shape how I photograph it, because no two weddings should look quite the same.

You’ll feel at ease in front of my camera, with guidance when you need it and space when you don’t. And dare I say, you will even have fun being photographed.

Timeless photography for civil weddings in Switzerland: from historic registry offices to intimate weddings in beautiful Swiss destinations.

What's Included in your

Civil Wedding Photogaphy Experience

Minimum Two Hour Coverage

This allows time to capture the key moments of your day in a relaxed way. This typically includes arrival in advance at the registry office (Standesamt / Hôtel de Ville), the civil ceremony itself, congratulations with family and friends, and a short portrait session nearby. The additional time ensures your civil wedding in Switzerland is documented as a complete experience, not just the legal ceremony.

Photo Location Scouting & Guidance
Support in choosing a beautiful location nearby to take couples and family portraits

Personalized Consultation
A dedicated conversation to understand your vision, priorities, and the unique rhythm of your civil wedding celebration.

Preview Gallery Within 72 Hours
A curated selection of highlights delivered within a few days of your civil wedding, allowing you to relive and share the first moments of your celebration while your full gallery is being prepared.

Artistic Image Curation
Each photograph is carefully selected and refined so that the final gallery reflects the most meaningful moments and the atmosphere of your civil wedding celebration.

High-Resolution Images
A carefully curated collection of beautifully edited photographs delivered in high resolution for fine-art printing and personal use.

Private Online Gallery
A refined online gallery for viewing, downloading, and sharing your photographs with family and friends anywhere in the world.

Photographer Travel
Travel within the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Valais, and Fribourg is included. For celebrations beyond this region, additional travel or accommodation may apply.

KIND WORDS FROM CLIENTS

"There are no words strong enough to thank you for your work on our wedding day. You were so much more than just a photographer – you captured the very essence of the day with incredible magic. Every photo is a true masterpiece, and we relive each moment through your eyes. You exceeded all our expectations, not only with your talent but also with your dedication (well beyond what was initially planned). Your presence was calm and reassuring, and you made us feel comfortable from the very beginning.

You took the time to capture unforgettable moments, even going far beyond what was scheduled. Your generosity and attention to detail made this day even more special. You suggested a photo session in Champex to get to know each other, and your kindness was evident right away. Your words, your gestures, your advice, your smiles, your unique accent, and your humor... all of it helped us relax and approach that first experience with serenity. That initial meeting allowed us to create a strong connection, which made the wedding day even better.

Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts, for your professionalism, kindness, and patience. You captured our happiness in a way we will treasure forever. We will recommend you without hesitation to anyone looking not only for stunning photos but also for a beautiful encounter."

Aline & Baptiste