ELOPE IN COLMAR

Eloping in Colmar, a real-life fairytale town in France's Alsace region, comes with a storybook charm. The town's distinctive half-timbered architecture and flower-lined canals create natural wedding backdrops so no need to spend money on decoration. Located in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, Colmar offers exceptional value compared to better-known French destinations.

The "Little Venice" quarter of Colmar provides countless photo opportunities with its colorful medieval buildings reflected in peaceful canals. Wedding photos here capture the essence of romantic Europe. St. Martin's Church, with its 13th-century architecture, offers a magnificent backdrop for ceremonies, while intimate wine cellars can act as unique wedding reception venues for couples with guests.

Local accommodations range from charming boutique hotels in converted medieval buildings (€120-250/night) to luxury wine estate properties. The city's compact size means most venues are within walking distance, eliminating transportation costs.

The Alsatian wedding experience extends beyond the ceremony. Couples can incorporate wine tastings at centuries-old cellars, arrange intimate dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants like JY'S or Le'Girardin, and explore the famous Route des Vins d'Alsace.

Colmar enjoys a unique microclimate that makes it one of the driest cities in France, thanks to the Vosges Mountains which block much of the rainfall. This creates particularly favorable conditions for both outdoor ceremonies and wine production.

Peak Season (June-August): 25-30°C (77-86°F)

Long daylight hours with very low rainfall are ideal for planning a wedding celebration. Occasional heat waves are possible so we would recommend eloping in the morning or evening hours around the sunrise/sunset for the golden hour lighting and overall comfortability. At this time, Colmar’s gardens and window boxes are in full bloom.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October): 15-20°C (59-68°F)

Spring brings cherry and apple blossoms, while the fall offers golden vineyard colors and wine making opportunities. This time has the perfect weather for outdoor ceremonies with significantly less tourists than in the summer.

Winter Season (November-March): 2-8°C (35-46°F)

Winters in Colmar are cold but relatively dry. December transforms the city for Christmas markets which are a must-do for anyone visiting France during this time. Occasional snow creates magical photo opportunities, while indoor venues offer a cozy and atmospheric ambiance.

Lots of sun, little wind, and breathtaking nature make this a wonderful outdoor elopement destination all year round. This reliable weather pattern means less need for contingency plans for your wedding day, though indoor backup options are still recommended for winter ceremonies.

For authenticity, consider timing your elopement during the Christmas markets (late November to December) when Colmar transforms into an enchanted winter wonderland, or during spring (April-May) when flowers bloom along the canals.

Getting around Colmar combines the charm of walking with practical modern transport options. The historic center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with most iconic wedding photo locations accessible within a 15-20 minute walk.

For local transport, you can take advantage of the free shuttle bus ("Colmar Coeur de ville") which circles the historic center. Colmar City bus app provides real-time tracking, with local buses costing €1.40 per journey or €4 for a day pass.

Bicycle rentals available from €15/day, while taxis are readily available (typical fare within city €10-15).

For accessing nearby wine villages and venues, you might want to consider private chauffeur services (€70-120/hour) or regular taxi services to wine route villages (€40-60 per trip). If one of you has a driving licence, you could consider a car rental from Colmar station (costing €35/day). If you’re eloping between April and October, you can also take advantage of the seasonal wine route shuttle buses.

Accessibility adds to Colmar's appeal - the city sits just 30 minutes from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, connecting to major European hubs. The main train station (Gare de Colmar) connects to major cities:

• 30 minutes to Strasbourg

• 2.5 hours to Paris via TGV

• Direct trains to Basel, Switzerland

• Easy connections to German border towns

Pro tip: Many wedding venues along the wine route offer their own shuttle services or can recommend reliable local transport partners.

For winter elopements during the Christmas markets, note that the historic center becomes largely pedestrian-only, making walking the most practical option for city center celebrations.

A typical elopement day in Colmar lasts 4-6 hours, offering a relaxed and intimate experience that allows you to fully enjoy the beauty and serenity of this enchanting town. Your planner will customize the schedule according to your preferences, ensuring a stress-free and memorable day.

Your day will begin with a relaxed preparation, followed by a short, meaningful ceremony lasting about 20 minutes. Whether you exchange vows in the heart of Colmar’s Old Town, by the canals, or in one of the nearby vineyards, the charming surroundings will make your ceremony feel magical.

Afterward, you’ll have time for a photoshoot around Colmar’s picturesque locations. From the colorful houses of Little Venice to the romantic canals, your photographer will capture the beauty of your elopement in this fairy-tale town. The town’s charming streets and peaceful atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for intimate and romantic photos.

For the remaining time, you may choose to explore Colmar’s quaint streets, enjoy a wine tasting in the surrounding vineyards, or indulge in some delicious Alsace cuisine at a local bistro. Colmar offers a peaceful and charming atmosphere that will make your elopement day both relaxing and unforgettable.

Somewhere Crazy elopement packages in Colmar come with everything you could need for an unforgettable wedding elopement - a wedding planner who will craft your wedding day timeline, a world-class photographer, a lovely celebrant, a wedding bouquet, and a buttonhole.

Couples may add extra services to their France elopement package, such as a hair and makeup artist, videographer, private transport, a boat ride, a vintage car, and more!