The 7 most beautiful wedding locations in Cologne.

# 01

The Rhine banks – from Köln-Deutz to Köln-Rodenkirchen.

No hall. No roof. Just the river, the cathedral in the background and the light that falls across the water in the afternoon. The Rhine banks aren’t a classic wedding location – and that’s exactly what makes them so special.

My tip: just before sunset, the Deutz bank, looking towards the old town. The golden light around 5–6 pm is unbeatable – and completely free.

# 02

The Volksgarten Cologne.

In the middle of the city, and yet it doesn’t feel like it. The Volksgarten has a quality many underestimate: real depth in the image. Trees, dappled light, soft shadows. Photos here rarely look like Cologne – and that’s exactly the trick.

Especially lovely in spring with blossom and in autumn with warm colours. Before 9 am it’s quiet enough for real intimacy.

# 03

Schloss Herrenstrunden – Bergisch Gladbach.

Just outside Cologne, but for me it counts. A moated castle with real character – not a sterile backdrop, but a place with history. The grounds give couples a setting that’s hard to find in Cologne itself.

I’ve photographed several weddings here. The afternoon light over the moat is one of my favourites in all of NRW.

# 04

Cologne’s old town – Heumarkt & Fischmarkt.

Yes, it’s touristy. But that’s exactly the point – if you’re marrying in Cologne, you’re allowed to celebrate it. The old lanes, the cobbled streets, the view of the cathedral: that’s Cologne. Real and unposed.

Tip: early morning or late evening, when the crowds of tourists are gone. Then the city belongs to you alone.

# 05

Cologne Cathedral – and its surroundings.

Not for the ceremony – there are better places for that. But for photos, the cathedral is unbeatable. The cathedral as a backdrop, the silhouette at dusk, the light falling sideways through the arches. That’s Cologne distilled to its essence.

I often combine the cathedral with the Rhine as a second stop – two completely different moods, one city.

# 06

Gut Leidenhausen – Köln-Poll.

A historic estate right in Cologne – with stables, a courtyard and a quality you wouldn’t expect from the city. Rustic, but with class. Couples who don’t want a sterile event venue are in the right place here.

The light in the courtyard in the late afternoon is one of my favourites in Cologne – warm, soft, with depth.

# 07

Your own home.

My most personal recommendation: marry where you truly are. Whether a rooftop terrace, garden, living room or backyard – the place that belongs to you gives your images something no event venue can replace: real belonging.

I’ve photographed weddings in a 40-square-metre apartment. And made images I’ll never forget. Location is everything – and nothing. What counts is you.

This is me

Chirly Chantal Hübenthal – wedding photographer from Cologne for weddings, elopements and couple shoots in NRW and worldwide. View portfolio → · About me →

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