Wedding in Zakopane – how to organize a dream wedding in the mountains?

Kasprowy Wierch. Fog so thick that I can barely see the young couple standing two meters from me. We wait. 10 minutes, 30, an hour. The question swirling around in my head is “will anything come of it?“. And then suddenly – after more than two hours of waiting – magic happens. Clouds lazily slide down from the peaks, revealing the Tatra Mountains in all their glory, and the light piercing through the milky sky paints an amazing atmosphere. Click. Click. These frames are still among my favorites to this day.

Another time, also on Kasprowy, the forecast promised beautiful sunshine and clear skies. We took the cable car full of enthusiasm, but nature played its own way – rain, wind and cold. Then, instead of waiting indefinitely, we went down. We went to a place that few know about – overlooking a forest shrouded in fog, with silence so thick that you could hear your own thoughts. The photos? They came out beautifully – completely different, but equally magical.

Why am I writing about this? Because I have dozens of such stories. Having photographed weddings and sessions in the Tatra Mountains for years, I’ve learned that the mountains have their own rules. But that’s what makes them special – and they require someone who knows them. Someone who knows when to let go, when to wait, and when to change the plan and… find something even more beautiful.

I created this article for couples who are planning their wedding in Zakopane – to help, inspire and share experiences. Because if you dream of a mountain wedding or a wedding session in the Tatra Mountains, which will be not only beautiful, but also well organized, you have come to the right place.

Zakopane – the perfect place for a mountain wedding

Organizing a wedding is one of the most important events in any couple’s life. Choosing the right venue for the wedding ceremony and reception is of paramount importance for creating an unforgettable atmosphere. One of the perfect places to hold a mountain wedding is Zakopane. This charming resort located in the heart of the Tatra Mountains offers not only picturesque scenery, but also many attractions for wedding guests.

Choosing the perfect wedding location in Zakopane

There are many popular wedding venues in Zakopane. The choice is really wide. If you dream of organizing a wedding in an inn, you will have a choice of many interesting venues in truth. However, if you decide to have your wedding at a hotel then you will also be able to choose among many great venues. I have described specific wedding venues in and around Zakopane in a separate article that briefly introduces each of them. You can read more by clicking on the link below.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the ideal location. First, you need to determine the number of guests who will attend the wedding in order to find a venue with adequate capacity. Next, it is worth paying attention to accessibility and convenience for guests, so that everyone can easily get to the venue.

Wedding halls in Zakopane and surroundings

Planning a wedding ceremony in the mountains

The decision to hold the wedding ceremony outdoors or indoors depends on the preference of the bride and groom. An outdoor ceremony in the mountains can be extremely romantic and picturesque, but be aware of weather conditions. The weather can be changeable in Zakopane, so it’s a good idea to have a plan B in case of rain or bad weather.

Many times I have had the opportunity to photograph a wedding in the mountains given by an officiant. When deciding on an outdoor wedding in Zakopane, you should contact your local Registry Office.

It is also very common practice when choosing a wedding venue to hold the ceremony at the hotel or wedding hall where the wedding reception is held. In the Zakopane area, I particularly recommend three locations for such a wedding. The first is the Mlyniska Inn, where you will hold your civil wedding overlooking Giewont.

Another venue is the Aries Hotel, in whose surroundings you can hold, for example, a humanist wedding. If you are planning to hold an outdoor wedding, another hotel that will delight your wedding guests is Hotel Bachledówka, which is a bit far from Zakopane, but in an excellent location. It is an ideal place for a wedding and reception not only for immediate family and friends, an intimate wedding, but also for a wedding with more guests.

Church wedding in and around Zakopane.

Many couples still choose to hold their wedding in a church. Zakopane and the surrounding area is a great place for this, as there are many really nice churches here that will delight both you and your guests. The Podhale region is famous for its beautiful wooden churches, where photography is a real pleasure. The chapel at Jaszczurówka certainly deserves a mention. Jaszczurówka may not be able to accommodate all your guests, but it will certainly give your celebration a unique atmosphere. Another beautiful church in Zakopane is the Shrine of St. St. Anthony of Padua.

If you are planning a larger wedding and you want the church to accommodate all your guests, I highly recommend the church in Bachledowka. It is, in my opinion, one of the nicest churches in the area.

Decorations and arrangements for a wedding in Zakopane

Highland-style weddings in Zakopane are popular, featuring traditional decorations and elements. Popular wedding themes include floral motifs, wooden elements, embroidery and highland patterns. However, the highland style, of course, does not necessarily appeal to everyone. Most hotels in and around Zakopane will easily organize a wedding with a banquet style.

However, if you want to hold your wedding surrounded by mountains, in a traditional highland inn, you should keep in mind that there will be elements of highland-style decorations around you.
Traditional highland decorations in inns often include handmade ornaments such as lace, embroidery and wooden carvings.

Traditional mountain cuisine on the wedding menu

Zakopane and its surroundings are famous for their rich culinary tradition, so it makes sense to include local dishes and ingredients in your wedding menu. In all my recommended wedding halls in Zakopane and the surrounding area, which you can find here: Wedding halls in Zakopane, there is really excellent cuisine. Cooks working in these places usually have a lot of experience, so be sure to ask the owners of these halls about free dates :).

It’s a good idea to consult with the chefs at your chosen venue to create a menu that reflects the local cuisine and satisfies your guests’ palates.

Music at a wedding in Zakopane

Traditional highland dances and music are popular in Zakopane and can be included in a wedding. Local music bands can be hired to perform traditional highland songs and dances. You can also organize contests and games that will put guests in a highland atmosphere. A frequent service offered by highland bands is the so-called traditional highland sleepovers. Sleeping is a fun interaction with highlanders that introduces an element of surprise at a wedding. Their main task is to provide entertainment and laughter to the assembled guests. The combination of a kind of performance with music and highland dancing makes it possible for people from other parts of Poland to enjoy themselves for a moment like real highlanders 🙂
It is important to create an atmosphere full of fun and joy, which will be remembered by all participants of the wedding.

Wedding in Zakopane – accommodation of guests

There are many popular hotels and guesthouses in Zakopane that offer accommodation for wedding guests. It is advisable to book enough rooms for the wedding, so that all guests have a comfortable place to rest. There are also group booking options and discounts that can help you save money.

When choosing accommodation for guests, it is worth considering location, convenience and accessibility. It’s also important to book venues with adequate amenities, such as parking, a restaurant and a swimming pool. Hotels and guesthouses can also be consulted for additional information and advice. When organizing a wedding in a hotel in Zakopane, it is a good idea to accommodate all guests in the same place where the party takes place.

Experience of a wedding photographer in Zakopane

I have been doing wedding photography in Zakopane and the surrounding area for about 10 years. During this time I have accompanied dozens of couples on their big day at the foot of the Tatra Mountains and beyond – in the sweltering July sun on Rusinowa Polana, in the autumn mist on Kasprowy Wierch, and even during a winter blizzard, when the civil wedding took place by the fireplace of a mountain hut. Every wedding in the mountains has taught me something new. I know exactly how to take care of beautiful shots even in capricious weather and how to help the bride and groom relax in front of the lens. Thanks to this experience, I can confidently say that Zakopane and the surrounding area have no secrets from me – I know the magical corners for outdoor events, proven service providers and the secrets of the local weather. I will be happy to share this knowledge so that your wedding in the Tatra Mountains will be exactly as you dreamed.

Photo session in the mountains – how to capture the beauty of the area

Zakopane offers many picturesque locations that are ideal for a wedding photo shoot. You can capture the beauty of mountain landscapes, traditional huts and nature. I invite everyone who dreams of a wedding session in the Tatra Mountains to contact me. I will help you organize the whole event and together we will create an unforgettable souvenir.
You can read more about wedding sessions in the mountains in the article in which I wrote a little more on this topic: Wedding Plein Air in the Tatra Mountains

Tourist attractions for wedding guests in Zakopane

Zakopane offers many tourist attractions that can be included in the itinerary for wedding guests. You can organize trips to the mountains, visit the famous Krupówki or go for a walk in the Koscieliska or Chocholowska Valley. There are many options to choose from, depending on guests’ interests.

It’s also a good idea to plan various outdoor activities, such as biking, skiing and hiking. You can also use the services of local guides to help plan interesting and interesting attractions for guests. A very good source of information on what to do in Zakopane is https://hasajacezajace.com/zakopane-atrakcje/

Photographer Zakopane – Is it worth getting married in Zakopane?

Is it worth getting married in Zakopane?

Of course it’s worth it! Zakopane and its surroundings offer a unique atmosphere – mountain views, fresh air and regional culture, which adds to the charm of the ceremony. From a photographer’s perspective, I have to admit that any bride and groom in the mountains look unique against the backdrop of majestic peaks. However, there are a few challenges to keep in mind: changing weather and logistics (getting guests there, booking accommodations). If you are ready for a bit of mountain adventure, a wedding in or around Zakopane will provide amazing memories – both for you and your guests.

How to find a good photographer for a wedding in the mountains?

You should start choosing a wedding photographer in the mountains by reviewing the portfolio of local photographers – Zakopane has many talented professionals who are familiar with the local outdoors. Pay attention to whether the gallery of a particular photographer from Zakopane includes wedding photos in mountainous terrain – this is important, because the photographer must be able to work in variable lighting and weather conditions. A good wedding photographer will not only take beautiful photos, but will also advise on the choice of location for the outdoor ceremony (such as less besieged scenic glades) and help plan the schedule of the day to take advantage of the best light. When looking for a photographer, it’s a good idea to ask other couples for reviews, check references and just talk – chemistry and trust between you and the photographer are key. As a local Zakopane wedding photographer, I often help my couples with logistics and make sure they feel comfortable in front of the lens on their wedding day

When is the best time to plan a wedding in Zakopane?

In my experience, the wedding season in Zakopane lasts practically the whole year – it all depends on the climate you want. If you dream of an outdoor ceremony in luscious greenery overlooking the Tatra Mountains, the months of May-September will be ideal. Autumn, on the other hand, can surprise you with colors and tranquility (fewer tourists!). For fans of white landscapes – a winter wedding in Zakopane has its own unique charm, although you need to be ready for additional logistics in snowy conditions. Regardless of the season, Zakopane and its surroundings can impress. The only important thing is to book the venue and photographer in advance – even a year in advance, especially for the popular months!

Is an outdoor civil wedding in Zakopane possible?

Yes – more and more couples are opting for a civil wedding overlooking the mountains! Organization requires some logistics – it’s worth planning everything in advance. As a photographer, I often advise couples on locations that are spectacular, but also practical in terms of access, weather and lighting. To have an outdoor civil wedding in Zakopane, you need:

Obtain permission from the Tatra National Park for an outdoor wedding
Grant yourself to the registry office (USC) competent for Zakopane
Apply for permission for an outdoor wedding
Pay the stamp duty for preparing the marriage certificate (PLN 84)
Pay an additional fee for an outdoor wedding (PLN 1000)
Provide assurance that there are no impediments to marriage
Identify two adult witnesses
If the wedding is to take place on the territory of the TPN – Obtain permission from the Tatra National Park for an outdoor wedding

More information can be found on the office’s website – Zakopane Registry Office

What does a church wedding in Zakopane look like?

Zakopane is a real gem when it comes to churches – from wooden, atmospheric chapels to larger temples in the highland style. Most often couples choose the Chapel on Jaszczurówka or the Sanctuary on Krzeptówki. It’s worth remembering that some of them are very busy – so be sure to contact the parish early enough. On the wedding day, I also recommend taking a moment to breathe – the surroundings, wooden interiors and the play of light create a unique atmosphere that comes out great in the photos.

How much does a wedding in Zakopane cost?

It depends on your expectations and the scale of the event. Prices of wedding halls vary – mountain inns are sometimes cheaper than hotels, but it all depends on the date and package. On top of that, there is accommodation for guests, musical setting, decorations and of course… photographer 😉. The cost of a wedding photographer in Zakopane varies depending on the scope of work, but if you care about someone with experience and knowledge of the mountains, it is worth a solid budget – it is a souvenir for life. I am very open-minded when it comes to the question of price. You can see my price offer here: Wedding offer

Is it worth doing a wedding session on a day other than the ceremony

Definitely worth it! On the wedding day everything happens fast – stress, tension, waiting guests… And the Tatra Mountains deserve time and peace. That’s why I recommend a wedding open air at another time, preferably in the morning or at sunset. We can then set off to unique places that cannot be visited with a whole team of guests, and you can be more relaxed and focused on yourself. The session can take place even a few days after the wedding – and always provides unforgettable memories.

Wedding photographer Zakopane – feel free to contact me

Contact me

Hosting a wedding in Zakopane is an excellent choice for couples who want to create an unforgettable atmosphere in a mountainous setting. Choosing the right location, planning the ceremony, decorations, menu and entertainment are just some of the aspects to consider when organizing a wedding. Zakopane offers many opportunities and attractions that will make this special day unforgettable for all guests.