Civil Wedding in Chur, Graubünden
A spring wedding in the capital of Graubünden
Chur’s Old Town as a historic backdrop
When we first met, we planned to grab a quick coffee and go through the wedding day details. Instead, we ended up having several coffees and losing ourselves in conversations about life. I fell for S&P straight away. The two of them were beaming with happiness and excitement from ear to ear. They had found each other a few years earlier and decided to “make it official” – as the bride put it. And that’s exactly what they did. On a sunny April day, they married at the registry office in Chur, the bride’s home city.
First Look in the lanes of Chur’s Old Town
At noon, a car pulled up at our meeting point in the Old Town and the groom stepped out – accompanied by his two sons and the son of his bride-to-be. In their matching blue suits with smart brown leather shoes, they looked absolutely wonderful. It was lovely to watch the boys fuss over their visibly nervous father and encourage him – the close bond between them was plain to see.
Then she arrived – with her sister by her side. A long, elegant wedding dress with a train and a beautiful pearl-embroidered open back. When he turned around and saw her as his bride for the first time, he was almost lost for words.
Couple’s shoot in the Old Town and Fontana Park
For the shoot we chose two settings: the charm of Chur’s Old Town with its beautiful lanes and colourful building facades – and then Fontana Park, already in full spring bloom. I had scouted all the spots in advance and studied the light carefully: long shadows, intense colours, perfect conditions. You can tell from the photos that we all had a wonderful time.
Civil ceremony in the Council Chamber
On Poststrasse in front of the town hall, the couple was warmly welcomed by nearly 60 guests. The civil ceremony took place in the Council Chamber – a late-Gothic hall with rich woodwork, historic heraldic windows and beautiful artisan details. The couple and their two witnesses – the bride’s sisters – took their places at the central wooden table, with guests seated along the long tables lining the walls.
I was particularly moved that both sets of parents, despite their age, were able to be there. After the vows, the three sons brought forward the rings. Afterwards, the newlyweds stepped out onto Poststrasse to cheers and a shower of rose petals.
Apéro and wedding dinner at Restaurant Va Bene
The tension lifted – time to let go and simply enjoy. The celebration took place in the garden of Restaurant Va Bene. Guests soaked up the warm spring weather over a glass of wine. The sons gave a speech and organised a few games. After the main course, I said my goodbyes and headed home happy, carrying many beautiful impressions with me.
Thank you, S&P, for letting me capture your most special day. I felt so at ease with you both.
Here’s to many exciting adventures together!
Would you like me to photograph your wedding too?
FAQ – Civil Wedding in Chur
Yes. The civil registry office in Chur performs ceremonies for couples who are not registered residents. It’s important to submit your application well in advance, as preparation can take several weeks. Chur’s Old Town is a popular choice for couples looking for a historic setting with excellent transport connections.
Chur has a lovely range of options: the late-Gothic Council Chamber in the town hall for the civil ceremony, the Cathedral of the Assumption for religious services, and charming restaurants and gardens for the reception. Restaurant Va Bene with its garden is a great example of a relaxed, atmospheric celebration right in the heart of the city.
Chur’s Old Town offers wonderful backdrops: the narrow lanes around Poststrasse and Kramgasse, colourful Grisons building facades, the historic town gate and the cathedral. Fontana Park, right nearby, is especially beautiful in spring – blossoming trees, lovely light, and pleasantly quiet. I always scout all locations in advance and plan the light carefully so the shoot runs smoothly and without stress.
Chur enjoys a favoured microclimate and is one of the sunniest cities in Switzerland. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful: in spring the parks are in bloom and the light is soft and intense. In autumn, the colours of the Old Town glow warm and inviting. Summer can get very hot in Chur – couples planning an outdoor celebration should make sure to have a shaded spot available.
Absolutely. Alongside Chur, I photograph weddings throughout the region – in Lenzerheide, Flims Laax, Arosa, Davos and the Engadin. Graubünden has countless stunning locations for authentic, natural wedding reportage. I’m also happy to travel across Switzerland or abroad on request.