Getting married in the cave: the “I do” underground
Since 2002 couples have married by candlelight in the Wiehl stalactite cave.
- Civil ceremony venue
- since 2002
- Metres underground
- approx. 30
- Temperature in the cave, all year round
- 8 °C
Getting married
Getting married in the stalactite cave: your vows among the stalactites
A yes that sounds of stone and silence: couples have been able to marry in the cave since 2002. The Wiehl registry office conducts the ceremony in the stalactite cave, while the Waldhotel prepares the ceremony venue and celebrates with you afterwards.
The tasks at a glance
The ceremony is conducted by the Wiehl registry office, while the festively prepared ceremony venue and the celebration afterwards are taken care of by the Waldhotel. Tickets and tours for visitors go through the cave's website.
Afterwards: drinks reception and celebration
After the vows, you go upstairs to the drinks reception. The celebration for up to 120 guests takes place in the hall, see celebrate a wedding in Wiehl. Guests from further away stay overnight in the hotel, as wedding guests staying overnight in Wiehl describes.
More about weddings at the Waldhotel
You find all building blocks of your day collected under wedding venue in Oberberg.
The place
A ceremony venue that exists only once: underground, among stalactites
Marry among stalactites
Your ceremony venue lies about 30 metres underground. Stalactites hang and grow all around you, forming slowly over millennia. The light is soft and warm, and the sounds stay quiet.
In the cave it is around 8 °C all year round, so rain and summer heat play no role for your ceremony. The limestone formed around 390 million years ago, and the stalactites grow only about one centimetre in a hundred years.
Your day
From the cave to the Waldhotel: how your day unfolds
You agree the exact order and times with the Wiehl registry office and the Waldhotel.
Arriving at the Waldhotel
Your guests arrive at the Waldhotel at Pfaffenberg 1, and free parking is right at the hotel.
26 steps down
After 26 steps you are already 7 metres underground. Then you continue to the deepest point, together with a guided tour.
Ceremony at the deepest point
The ceremony table awaits at a depth of around 30 metres. The Waldhotel staff festively prepare the ceremony venue, and the Wiehl registry office conducts the ceremony.
Ascent and drinks reception
After the vows you climb back up and raise a glass of sparkling wine. On request the Waldhotel arranges a small canapé buffet.
Photos in the forest and wildlife park
Right next to the cave is Wildpark Wiehl, freely accessible all day, with lovely wedding photos in daylight.
Celebration at the Waldhotel
You then celebrate only a few steps away at the Waldhotel, with up to 120 guests.
Facts
Fee, dates, number of guests: the key facts
Usage fee for the cave
€110, plus the registry office fees.
Dates
Tuesday and Friday mornings as well as on individual special weekends.
Guests in the cave
We discuss the number with you on request.
Celebration at the hotel
At the Waldhotel you celebrate with up to 120 guests.
Registration
The civil registration runs via the Wiehl registry office; we will tell you when that step is due.
First step
Enquire about the date, celebration and rooms at the Waldhotel via enquire about a wedding.
Planning
Step by step to the vows in the cave
Enquire at the Waldhotel
Send us your preferred date, the number of guests and your wish for a celebration and rooms via enquire about a wedding. We agree the date, schedule, drinks reception and celebration with you. A fee of €110 applies for the use of the cave.
Wiehl registry office
The civil registration runs via the Wiehl registry office, and we will tell you when that step is due. Please name the stalactite cave as your preferred ceremony venue.
Prepare the documents
The registry office will tell you which documents you need for the registration. Allow time for this early.
Fix the date and plan early
Popular dates are taken early, so you should plan several months in advance.
Good to know
Well prepared for the way down: clothing, shoes and steps
Our tip
Dress and suit
At 8 °C a stole, bolero or jacket over the wedding dress is advisable, and a suit in a thicker fabric suits the groom. The way leads down 26 steps, so sturdy shoes are wiser than heels. The cave is not barrier-free, and for details it is best to call us.
Discover more
Around your wedding day
Questions
Good to know
Can you have a civil wedding ceremony in the stalactite cave?
Yes, ceremonies conducted by the Wiehl registry office have taken place there since 2002. We will be happy to plan the on-site schedule with you.
How much does the ceremony in the cave cost?
A fee of €110 applies for use of the cave, plus the registry office fees.
When are dates possible?
The cave is available for ceremonies on Tuesday and Friday mornings as well as on selected special weekends.
How many guests can come into the cave?
We will discuss this with you on request. For details, it is best to call us: +49 2262 7920.
How do I get to the ceremony venue?
Down 26 steps, together with a guide. The cave is not barrier-free; sturdy shoes are wiser than heels.
Where do we celebrate after the ceremony?
At the Waldhotel next door, with up to 120 guests in the hall or in a smaller group in the salon.
Enquiry
Tell us about your wedding day
Tell us your preferred date, the number of guests and your wishes, and we will get back to you with a proposal.
