What If There’s Bad Weather on the Day of Your Photoshoot in Zermatt?

It’s one of the most common (and totally valid) questions I get from clients planning a professional photoshoot with me in Zermatt:

“What if the weather is bad?” on the day of your Zermatt photoshoot

The short answer? We adapt — and often, the “bad” weather turns into something truly magical.

The Swiss Alps are breathtakingly gorgeous but they’re also unpredictable and constantly changing. That’s part of what makes them so special. After years of photographing surprise proposals, couples, families and intimate moments in Zermatt, I’ve learned that every type of weather has its beauty.

One Client Per Day = Flexibility

My steadfast booking policy is that I intentionally only take one client per day. This allows us the flexibility to adapt our timing to the conditions throughout the intended date. If the weather looks poor in the morning, we can delay. If there are forecasted storms in the afternoon, we can pivot and head out early. It gives us the peace of mind and the time to wait for a break in the clouds, adjust our location, or change the flow of the shoot without feeling rushed.

I closely monitor multiple weather apps leading up to your session and on the day itself to determine the best timing and location. Mountain weather changes fast — sometimes within minutes — and experience matters here. Because conditions change so quickly, I always recommend checking forecasts three days out or less for realistic expectations.

Let's explore different weather scenarios...

Winter Weather: Snow Isn’t a Problem

In winter, snowfall can actually elevate the entire experience. Snow adds a soft, romantic, almost dreamlike quality to photos. As long as conditions are safe, I often still recommend heading up the mountain.

Cloudy Days & Hidden Peaks

Forecasts that call for rain or snow usually mean clouds sit lower in the valleys. In the best case scenario, sometimes once we come up the mountain, we actually climb above these low hanging clouds and still get a wonderful mountain view. Either way, the fog-like atmosphere can create moody, cinematic scenes whether it covers the mountains entirely or not.

On days forecasted simply as “cloudy”, however, they typically sit high in the sky and don’t interfere with any views. 

And while the Matterhorn does like to hide sometimes, it also has a habit of breaking through the clouds just long enough to surprise us.

One of my favorite locations for these conditions is Riffelalp. The forest, chapel, and surrounding landscape offer beautiful points of interest even when visibility is limited. The result is often a quiet, ethereal atmosphere that feels incredibly intimate and timeless.

The Rain Plan

In summer, rain is the main concern — but it rarely rains all day. We can usually find a window of calm weather.

And when it does rain? We come prepared.

I provide transparent umbrellas so your outfits stay protected and your photos remain clean and elegant. As my parents used to say: there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. Preparation makes all the difference.

High Winds (The Trickiest Element)

Wind is the one element that’s hardest to work around. On cold days, it can turn mild temperatures into something piercing very quickly.

Another consideration is that wind leads to closures. Because of this, I often choose routes along the Gornergrat Railway, which is almost always operating. Other areas rely on cable cars that frequently shut down when wind conditions worsen — and reliability matters when planning a shoot.

It’s About You, Not Just the View

If you find yourself stressing about the bad weather before your Zermatt photoshoot, wanting a perfect atmosphere, I want to remind you of this: especially during surprise proposals, many couples realize afterward that they barely noticed the weather at all.

That’s because my focus is always on you — your connection, your emotions, your story. The mountains are a stunning backdrop, but they are just that: a backdrop. My goal is for you to be the main attraction in every image, no matter what the sky is doing.

Not to mention your focus will be so entirely on your partner that you will feel bliss no matter what mother nature decides for your day. 

Can We Reschedule?

I can’t promise a reschedule in every case, but if it’s possible within my booking schedule, I’m always happy to adapt. Because I work with only one client per day, I can often squeeze people in on an alternate day when availability allows.

That said, I genuinely love working with the elements rather than fighting them.

Trust the Process (and the Mountains)

Zermatt is dramatic, emotional, and raw — and so is the weather. But that’s exactly what makes photos here feel alive.

No matter the conditions, we’ll work together with the elements to create something beautiful, honest, and uniquely yours.

And more often than not, those unexpected weather days become the ones clients fall in love with the most. ✨