A Rainy Elopement in the Austrian Alps With Apple Strudel and PNW Vibes – Amanda & Tucker

Disclaimer - Some posts on this website contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase using my links, which I'll almost certainly use to buy more skis and climbing gear.

When Amanda & Tucker decided to elope in the Austrian Alps, they weren’t chasing perfection—they were chasing presence. They wanted to enjoy as much time as they could in the mountains around Innsbruck – including signing up for a trail half marathon just a few days before their elopement!

During the morning, while Amanda was getting ready, Tucker took a walk to a nearby bakery to pick up some fresh apple strudel for their wedding picnic. Once they were both ready, they shared a first look in the cobbled streets of Innsbruck’s old town and took a little walk around the city. Then they grabbed their hiking packs, and we headed into the mountains.

Instead of stress, there was laughter as the two exchanged vows near a serene alpine lake, with a tiny mountain chapel in the distance. The clouds gave the landscape a misty, Pacific Northwest feel that made them feel right at home. Despite the moody skies and shifting forecasts, their elopement turned into something utterly magical.

A few days later, we reunited for a sunset hike—only to be greeted with more rain, a burst of hail, and then, just as the clouds passed, the most breathtaking wash of vibrant alpenglow across the peaks.

Amanda & Tucker’s elopement wasn’t about chasing ideal conditions—it was about embracing whatever the mountains gave them. And what they got? Pure magic.

How did you get engaged?

We were on a trip to Cabo, Mexico, for vacation when Tucker planned a full day of fun things he knew I would love. We rode mules up a mountain and then zip-lined/repelled down waterfalls all the way down. When we returned to the hotel, the entire room was decorated, and that’s when he got down on one knee and proposed!

How did you decide on your location?

We wanted to do something adventurous in the Alps in Europe, and also wanted to be away from the crowds. We chose Innsbruck because it is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and a little bit less well-known and less crowded compared to places such as the Dolomites. We picked our elopement location specifically because we saw the lake scene with the chapel in the background and could picture ourselves exchanging vows there. Because we had our elopement in May, we also wanted to choose a location that would work well if it was lushly green or still covered in snow.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in planning your elopement?

We didn’t have any significant challenges in planning. The hardest part was maybe planning our wardrobe because we did not know exactly what Mother Nature would bring. So, we brought a nice mix of everything!

What is your favourite moment/memory from the day?

Favorite moments for us were exchanging vows – we felt like the only two people in the world, and having champagne by the lake. We got to soak in the moment and just enjoy the beauty around us.

Is there anything you are really glad you did? Or didn’t do?

As the bride, I am personally glad I did not overcomplicate many of the little details. I did my own hair and makeup. I bought flowers from a local flower shop, and bought a vase to keep as a memory token instead of trying to preserve flowers. We also bought apple strudel at a local bakery instead of packing a cake. It just felt simple, stress-free, and completely like us!

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

We would say to fully embrace that this is your day and get to celebrate in whatever way you want! It was a beautiful thing to only be focusing on each other and not everybody else. We would also say to fully embrace the imperfections and make the most of them! There is a lot out of your control (like the weather) which can lead to great memories and beautiful pictures you weren’t expecting!

What was your favourite thing about working with Cat?

Cat was great at making our entire experience stress-free. She was also very knowledgeable about the area and even provided us with suggestions for great hikes outside of our elopement day. We also felt incredibly comfortable having our pictures taken together for the first time.