A Destination Wedding at Fairmont Montreux Palace

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious wedding venues. With its Belle Époque architecture, panoramic views over Lake Geneva, and five-star service, it’s the perfect setting for a luxury wedding. As a wedding videographer at Fairmont Montreux Palace, I’ve had the privilege of capturing multiple weddings and exclusive events –  It’s a place I know well and always love returning to.

Image of Emma filming over Lake Geneva: Credit Maxwell Art Photography

Some weddings are more than just a single day … They are an experience, a way of bringing together family and friends for something truly special. That was exactly what Michèle and Collin had in mind when they planned their destination wedding in Montreux.

Though both live in the United States, Michèle’s Swiss heritage made Montreux a natural choice – a place that connected her past with their future. With family and friends traveling from both Switzerland and the U.S., they wanted a setting that felt significant to them while also offering their American guests a real experience of Swiss culture.

The Fairmont Montreux Palace was the perfect setting. Michèle and Collin’s wedding, planned and designed by Savina Uldry, was a beautiful mix of elegance, tradition, and personal touches. From the stunning lakeside ceremony to their high-energy reception, their wedding film captures a weekend that was both deeply personal and unforgettable. When they asked me to capture their story, it was an honour to do so in a place I have such appreciation for.

A Weekend of Celebration in Montreux

Michèle and Collin’s wedding was more than just a single day – it was a full weekend of celebration. With many guests traveling from the U.S., they wanted to make the most of the time together and create an experience that felt immersive and special.

The festivities began with a Lake Geneva Belle Epoque cruise, a chance for guests to take in the stunning scenery of Montreux, the vineyards, and the surrounding Alps. After an evening on the water, the celebration continued at Domain De La Crausaz, where Michèle’s Swiss family shared a taste of local traditions. From Alphorn performances to yodelling, it was a cultural experience that blended both sides of their story.

For the Welcome Dinner I was photographer & videographer, capturing all the special moments
simultaneously.

This welcome event set the perfect tone for the wedding day – an occasion that wasn’t just about the couple but about bringing together two families, two cultures, and two worlds.

The Wedding Day at Fairmont Montreux Palace

The wedding itself took place at Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, a venue that provided both grandeur and intimacy, making it the perfect setting for their day.

Michèle and Collin began with a first look at Château de Chillon, one of Switzerland’s most famous castles. From there, they traveled back to Montreux in a speedboat, adding a sense of excitement and cinematic energy to their journey.

Credit Cecilia Hofer

The ceremony was held on the lakeside terrace of the Fairmont, with guests overlooking the water as Michèle and Collin exchanged their vows. The setting was spectacular, but it was the personal touches that made it so meaningful.

Capturing a Celebration That Reflected Them

What made this wedding truly special was how much of Michèle and Collin’s personalities were woven into every part of the day. Their reception took place in one of Fairmont Montreux Palace’s grand ballrooms, where elegance met an undeniable sense of energy and fun.

One of the highlights of the night was their DJ set – something not every couple can say they’ve done. Music has always been a big part of their relationship, and instead of just choosing a playlist, they took to the decks themselves, turning the dance floor into an unforgettable celebration. Guests weren’t just watching a party unfold; they were part of it.

As a filmmaker, my focus is always on capturing a wedding as it happens – without staging or directing, but by letting moments unfold naturally. Michèle and Collin’s film wasn’t just about the beauty of Fairmont Montreux Palace; it was about the mix of cultures, the energy of their celebration, and the quieter, more intimate moments in between.

During the speeches, Michèle’s father said something that stood out:

That moment, like so many others throughout the day, is what made this wedding so memorable. Their story wasn’t just about one incredible weekend – it was about the journey that brought them here and everything still to come.

A Wedding Designed to Perfection

The success of a wedding like this comes down to more than just a breathtaking venue and a couple’s love story – it’s also about the meticulous planning, attention to detail, and the right team of vendors working together to bring the vision to life.

Michèle and Collin entrusted Savina Uldry with curating and designing their celebration, and every element was thoughtfully considered, from the seamless timeline to the stunning décor. Her expertise in planning high-end weddings ensured that the day not only looked beautiful but flowed effortlessly, allowing the couple and their guests to fully enjoy each moment.

A Wedding Film That Balances Energy and Emotion

Michèle and Collin’s wedding film reflects everything that made their day special – the elegance of their ceremony by the lake, the excitement of their speedboat arrival, the intimacy of their first look at Château de Chillon, and the high-energy celebration on the dance floor.

Every element was carefully edited to feel immersive and real – so that when they watch their film, they’re taken right back to these moments, experiencing them all over again. Their wedding wasn’t just about the grandeur of the venue; it was about their love, the people who surrounded them, and the emotions that made the day unforgettable.

What They Said …

After receiving their wedding film, Michèle and Collin shared these kind words about their experience:

Planning Your Wedding in Montreux

For couples considering a destination wedding in Montreux, Fairmont Montreux Palace offers everything you could want – stunning lake views, historic grandeur, and a setting that feels both luxurious and personal. It’s a venue that transforms a wedding into something truly unforgettable.

If you’re planning your wedding at Fairmont Montreux Palace and want a film that captures not just the event but the experience, I’d love to hear more about your plans.

Get in touch to discuss how we can create a wedding film that tells your story.

Vendor Team:

Planner & Designer – @savinauldry
Bride – @pfluges
Groom – @freshgrounds
Videographer – @storyofyourday
Photographer – @ceciliahofer
Venues – @fairmontlemontreuxpalace, @domainedelacrausaz, @chateauchillon
HMAU – @maeljorand
Chandeliers & Lighting – @phos_events
Stationery – @cmo_studio
Riva Boat – @swissrivierawinetours
Florals – @lilas_et_rose
Dress – @inesdisanto
Chocolates & Gifts – @laderach.official
Train – @lavauxexpress
DJ – @djerem
DJ & Saxophone – @drumminsax
Drone – @charlie_wedding_films
Music – @ryantaubert (Licensed by @musicbed)