Intimate Elopement at the Sacred Mont Donon Overlooking Alsace, France

Boho France Elopement

Today’s elopement is proof that the joy is in the journey—but we can’t deny that the peak of arrival isn’t so bad, either! Hélène + Jey were married in a customary ceremony amongst friends and family, but that didn’t stop them from planning a memorable, intimate day for just the two of them. (As Hélène herself told us, An elopement instead of a traditional wedding? Why not both?) They hiked to the highest point of the Vosges Mountains, a low range in eastern France, where the sacred site is home to a wild and charming temple-like structure built in 1869. It was a hard climb, but sweet surprises met them along the way! Hélène filled us in on their decision to make the adventure:

We’d already been married in the front of the state and also had a memorable wedding with family and close friends. But we felt like it wasn’t complete. We really appreciated and loved those moments, we just didn’t really have the time to enjoy each other like we wanted to. I mean, we did celebrate and enjoy everything, but we mainly shared all those moments with all our guests. We missed this moment for us and only us. We can strongly recommend to all the lovers around the world to do both (a wedding and elopement), if possible…but when you do something out of love you don’t count the cost, do you?

Margherita Calati captured the couple’s sweet moments along the way to Mont Donon’s peak. Let’s have a look!

blue invitation suite

Such a romantic suite by Studio Alispi—a darling treasure to commemorate H+J’s day!

Boho France Elopement

Boho France Elopement

Hélène’s Elopement Bouquet

Boho France Elopement

Boho France Elopement

The pink + burgundy blooms gathered into a most perfect bouquet by La Gazette d’une Fleuriste!

Couple Elopement Style

Boho France Elopement

So, what do you wear when your elopement destination requires a generous hike? For Hélène, it was a gown by Italian designer, Anna Fucà, and Jey, a jacket from French atelier, Blandin & Delloye. Oh, and some appropriate footwear, of course!

Boho France Elopement

A Respite in the Woods

Boho France Elopement

Along the mountain path planner + designer Mélanie, from Féelicité, prepared a gorgeous table for two. The wooden table, made with fruit boxes and old boards, was decorated with beautiful details from different European artisans: flowers by La Gazette d’une Fleuriste, handmade textiles, glass place markers by Céline at Les Mignonneries, and the lovely handwritten invitations.

Boho France Elopement

Boho France Elopement

Love these blues and peaches against the mountain views!

Boho France Elopement

Boho France Elopement

Boho France Elopement

After some sweet moments at the table, H+J began the long path up Mont Donon for an intimate ceremony high above Alsace.

Up the Mountain

Boho France Elopement

Onward! If you’re considering an adventurous elopement up a mountain, here’s another hike we highly endorse!

Boho France Elopement

Boho France Elopement

Boho France Elopement

Such a gorgeous view!

berry bouquet

The Ceremony at Mont Donon

Boho France Elopement

A storm was on its way, so they waited a few minutes under the temple before beginning the ceremony. They read their vows, written in a handmade notebook, cried a few tears, and then held each other close in the cold winds.

Boho France Elopement

Boho France Elopement

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

The vows for sure! It was something we didn’t do in the front of our family and friends. It was maybe too personal to do so? And this elopement just allowed us to have THIS moment. Combining the vows with a mystic place, a changing weather, some laughs and tears... It is simply one of the sweetest memories that we will never ever forget.

Boho France Elopement

Boho France Elopement

Here’s a rad way to pass the rings: H+J tattooed rings on each other’s fingers!

Boho France Elopement

Boho France Elopement

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Live and enjoy every second of the elopement with your dear to the fullest. Don’t think about the organization or, even better, let professionals do it for you. Motivated and inspirational photographers or wedding planners who are used to elopements are just an undeniable pro. Even more so when you don’t have the energy to find a place for the elopement after a "classical" wedding and don’t want to bother with administration.

Boho France Elopement

What a stunning love and a beautiful day! Carlo Vittorio captured even more in the video below:

Congrats to the lovely Hélène and Jey!

photography: Margherita Calati // event design: Féelicité // planning: Féelicité // florals: La Gazette d'une fleuriste // wedding dress: Anna Fucà // hairpiece: Nea Bridal // bride's ring: Titoo for you // hair stylist: Eric Hua // makeup artist: Caroline / L'atelier des sens // groom attire: Blandin & Delloye // groom's ring: Titoo for you // videography: Carlo Vittorio // paper goods: Studio Alispi // calligraphy: Studio Alispi // handmade details: glass place markers by Les mignonneries // linen rentals: handmade textiles and ribbons by Seideband // leather notebook: Sardine Leather Goods // turban: Bridal Turban // jewels: Nea Bridal

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