Wedding in Ilanz & Pigniu, Graubünden
A Summer Vintage Wedding in the Surselva
Three Unique Wedding Venues in the Surselva, Graubünden
I still love looking back on this beautiful summer day in early July. As a wedding photographer in Graubünden, I can confidently say that every wedding here is a unique experience — simply because the mountain locations are absolutely breathtaking.
D&O from Zurich incorporated three of their favorite places in the Surselva valley into their wedding plans:
– the civil ceremony at Casa Gronda in the heart of Ilanz’s old town
– the church ceremony in the mountain church of Pigniu
– and finally, the apéro and dinner at Casa Veglia in Laax Murschetg
Old town charm, mountains, and a lively party hotspot — everything you need for a perfect wedding in the Surselva.
Of course, having multiple wedding venues also means multiple transfers from A to B. But with such a well-organized bride, nothing could go wrong. Months before the wedding, we exchanged countless emails and created the timeline together.
And even if not everything goes exactly according to plan — on the wedding day, it usually doesn’t matter anymore. Everyone was happy and celebrating. What more could you wish for?
First Look in Laax Murschetg
At 10 a.m., I waited for the couple in the stylish bar of Camino Restaurant in Laax Murschetg. Shortly after, the groom arrived — perfectly dressed for the vintage theme in an aubergine-colored suit. He was visibly nervous.
I love this moment just before the first look happens. That unique mix of anticipation, excitement, and emotion when the groom is about to see his great love in her wedding dress for the first time.
And then she arrived: wearing an elegant long skirt and a pearl-embroidered top, her long hair flowing with delicate pearl details. In one of our meetings, they had told me they chose their outfits together — and you could tell. Everything matched perfectly: the style, the colors, the details.
The first look was simply beautiful — intimate and full of emotion.
Then the girls and the guys joined in — and to set the mood, the gentlemen had a brandy and the ladies a tequila. Let’s go. Time to get married.
Couple’s Shoot in the Old Town of Ilanz
Afterwards, we drove — the couple stylishly seated in a vintage Porsche — to Ilanz to capture a short portrait session before the civil ceremony at Casa Gronda.
The old town of Ilanz is perfect for wedding photos in Graubünden: narrow alleys, hidden corners, cobblestones, historic houses, the Obertor gate, and so much more.
A few weeks earlier, I had visited at the same time of day to check the position of the sun and identify the best spots — an important part of my work as a wedding photographer in the Surselva.
At noon, we headed to Casa Gronda, where the guests were already waiting excitedly.
Civil Ceremony at Casa Gronda in Ilanz
Casa Gronda, built in 1677, features a large hall with a stunning historic vaulted ceiling — a truly unique ceremony venue in the Surselva.
After the ceremony, D&O stepped out onto the old town street as husband and wife — and hundreds of soap bubbles sparkled in the backlight. A magical moment and one of my favorite images from this wedding report.
Church Ceremony in Pigniu
From Ilanz, we took the post bus up the winding mountain road to Pigniu — a tiny mountain village with only 26 residents at 1,300 meters above sea level and breathtaking views across the valley. Perfect for a mountain wedding in Graubünden.
The ceremony was emotional and personal. The pastor shared the couple’s love story — something I always enjoy hearing. It was romantic, heartfelt, and filled with laughter.
After the church ceremony, you could feel the relief. The formal part was done. Now it was time to celebrate. Viva!
Apéro at Restaurant Alpina, Pigniu
On the sunny terrace of Restaurant Alpina, surrounded by spectacular mountain views, guests congratulated the couple, toasted together, and enjoyed delicious regional specialties: Bündnerfleisch, cheese, farmhouse bread, and of course a traditional Bündner nut tart for dessert.
It was so cozy and relaxed that we almost forgot to head to the grand couple’s shoot at Lag da Pigniu — which would have been a real shame.
Spectacular Couple’s Shoot at Lag da Pigniu / Panixersee
I have rarely photographed couple portraits in such an incredible location. It was simply breathtaking — a dream setting for wedding photos in the Surselva. The light, the mountains, the silence.
After capturing all the planned spots, we walked back across the dam toward the car. I had brought my little speaker, and their playlist was playing. I walked ahead, looked back at them, and thought: this is just perfect.
The shoot was technically over — but I couldn’t let this moment pass. I told them to dance, to simply enjoy the moment while I captured a few final images.
That spontaneous little series became one of my absolute favorites. Unposed, joyful, natural — exactly the feeling I always look for during a couple’s session.
Wedding Celebration in Laax
From Pigniu, we returned to Laax. In the garden of Camino Restaurant, guests enjoyed a relaxed apéro — the perfect ending to an eventful day.
This part of the wedding reportage is one of my favorites: moving quietly through the crowd, capturing small moments, documenting authentic snapshots of the guests.
Later, I photographed the table decorations at Casa Veglia before my day came to an end. Happy, incredibly tired, and filled with beautiful impressions, I drove home… only to realize later that I had left my flash on one of the tables and had to return. Typical.
Thank you, D&O, for allowing me to document your wedding. You are simply amazing.
I wish you all the very best and so much joy on your shared journey — which I’m sure will be full of adventure.
Would you like me to capture your wedding as well?
FAQ – Wedding in Ilanz & the Surselva (Graubünden)
The Surselva is one of the most diverse regions in Graubünden: wide mountain landscapes, historic villages, spectacular side valleys, charming hotels, and historic buildings. Couples planning an authentic alpine wedding will find endless possibilities here — from rustic and traditional to modern and elegant.
The region offers a wide variety of venues, including:
Casa Gronda in Ilanz for civil ceremonies
Mountain churches in villages such as Waltensburg, Ruschein, or Surcuolm
Hotel Ucliva in Waltensburg
Berggasthaus Bündner Rigi
Locations around Laax / Falera
Cozy restaurants and lodges in the Upper Surselva
Many couples also choose outdoor ceremonies on mountain meadows or by small alpine lakes.
Ilanz’s old town is a true highlight: narrow streets, centuries-old houses, cobblestones, archways, and hidden corners. It offers a beautiful, authentic backdrop for timeless wedding photography.
Casa Gronda, located in the heart of the old town, is a historic 17th-century building with a unique ceremony hall. Many couples combine their civil ceremony there with a portrait session in the surrounding streets.
The Surselva offers countless beautiful locations for natural wedding photography:
Alpine lakes such as Lag da Pigniu or Crestasee
Meadows and forest paths around Laax, Falera, or Brigels
Riverbanks along the Rhine
Charming villages like Ilanz, Sagogn, or Ruschein
Depending on the season and light, different locations are ideal. I always scout venues in advance to find the most beautiful spots for your wedding day.
Summer and autumn are especially popular due to warm colors and soft light. Spring offers fresh landscapes and clarity. In winter, the Surselva transforms into a magical snowy backdrop — perfect for couples planning a romantic winter wedding.
Yes, absolutely. I photograph weddings throughout the entire region — wherever couples wish for a natural and emotional wedding reportage in Graubünden. Upon request, I also document weddings elsewhere in Switzerland and abroad.