Tying the knot on high

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Mitsuhiro Miura and Mari Miura from Tokyo. swissinfo.ch

The "wedding package" set the couple back SFr3,500, not including "extras". Such weddings do not constitute a binding marriage contract, but that doesn't stop 30-40 couples from tying the knot on Swiss peaks every summer. The Japanese are particularly enamoured with high-altitude weddings. swissinfo.ch

The father of the bride, Taizo Akamatsu, escorts his daughter into the chapel to the sounds of an alphorn, being played by Balmer Heinz of Grindelwald. swissinfo.ch

"We don't understand a word of German," says bridegroom Mitsuhiro Miura. "But as long as the words [of the master of ceremonies] come from the heart, we're happy." swissinfo.ch

"Dearly beloved, I welcome you to St Petronella on the First, one of the most beautiful places in the world." The words of Otto Recknagel, whose day job is running a five-star hotel reception desk, are translated into Japanese by Yasuyo Ando. swissinfo.ch

Omedetou Gozaimasu - Congratulations! "It's a show," admits Otto Recknagel. "But it makes people happy. It's important to them to have a special memory of their wedding." swissinfo.ch

The bride, Mari Miura, is a music teacher, and wants to try out an alphorn. "I knew I could do it," she says. "It's like any other wind instrument." swissinfo.ch

The ceremony might be short but posing for the pictures takes a while. swissinfo.ch

Yasuyo Ando knows exactly where the best pictures can be taken. swissinfo.ch

This couple brought their wedding gear with them from Japan. But gowns and suits can also be hired. swissinfo.ch

In Japan, weddings tend to be a family affair. But here the happy couple alone takes centre stage. swissinfo.ch

"May the peace of these surroundings stay with you throughout your married life," - last words from Otto Recknagel. swissinfo.ch

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Getting married on a Swiss alpine peak.

Getting married on an alpine peak had long been a dream of Mitsuhiro Miura and Mari Miura from Tokyo. They tied the knot at the St Petronella “chapel” on the First peak near Grindelwald, at 2,168 metres above sea level. (Pictures and text: Christoph Balsiger, swissinfo)