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Your Guide to Eloping in the Dolomites: Everything You Need to Know for Your Adventure Wedding [Updated for 2026]

Dolomites Elopement Photos, Top Posts

September 14, 2024

Planning an Elopement in the Dolomites

For couples looking for other-worldly views and an unforgettable wedding experience, your search is over. Look no further than the Italian Dolomites. Planning an elopement in the Dolomites is one of the most breathtaking and adventurous ways to get married.

This guide is for any couple looking for a comprehensive guide on how to elope in the Dolomites. As a leading adventure elopement photographer in the Dolomites and Alps, I’m sharing my best tips and tricks with you. From laying out the legalities of getting married in Italy, the best spots to elope in the Dolomites, and step-by-step how to elope in the Italian Dolomites, you’ll find all the bases covered.

What is an Elopement?

Depending on whom you talk to, you’re likely to hear a lot of ideas about what an elopement is or isn’t. One of the reasons it’s hard to pinpoint a definition is because elopements come in a variety of experiences and sizes.

We’ve seen couples elope just the two of them, or surrounded by close friends and family. Some couples get married in the mountains, while others explore a city. Elopements can be a single-day adventure, or spread over multiple days and places. 

Ultimately, an elopement is a type of wedding that allows couples to strip away all the preconceived ideas of what people believe a wedding should look like, and instead opt for building an experience full of connection and intention on the day they say, ‘’I do’’

At Made in the Mountains Photo, we primarily focus on adventure elopements in the Dolomites. An adventure elopement is exactly what it sounds like – an elopement experience but with an element of adventure involved. This has looked like hiking, paragliding, boat rides, stargazing, overnight mountain hut stays, and everything in between.

Reasons to Elope in the Dolomites

If you’re looking for a reason to elope in the Dolomites, we’ve got *six* that we’re sharing below! Keep reading to find out why you should get married in the Dolomites. 

The Dolomite Peaks

It goes without saying, the peaks of the Dolomites are all the reason you need to elope in Italy. This unique rock creates mountainscapes that are unlike anything else out there. 

Sprawling Meadows and Wildflowers

While most people associate the Dolomites with the rocky, ruggedness of the landscape, in-person, it’s so much more than that. The Dolomites are surrounded by sprawling meadows and wildflowers. The stark contrast between greenery and rock is stunning. 

Easy Access to Off-the-Beaten-Path Scenery

One thing that makes the Dolomites stand out from any other Alps elopement destination is the plethora of easy-access elopement locations. If you dream of climbing atop a mountain, you definitely still can (and we highly recommend it). But, for couples who want great sunrise and sunset locations in the alpine, the Dolomites offer no shortage of choices at all ability levels. 

Inexpensive and Amazing Skiing

For all our winter lovers, did you know the Italian Dolomites make a great ski destination? With day passes costing as little as €60 with access to 50+ lifts, you have no shortage of runs to enjoy. Don’t miss checking out the famed Sella-Ronda circuit during your snowy holiday. 

Incredible Italian Food

If you love food like we do, Italy is the place to be. From delicious local cheeses to cured meats, delectable pastries, and *the best* pizza, pasta, lasagna, and gelato out there…what is there not to love? As a side note, if you have dietary restrictions such as celiac disease/gluten-free/or lactose intolerant, Italy is one of the easiest and tastiest places to travel around! We are always amazed by the options. 

Centrally Located

Another reason to plan an elopement in the Italian Dolomites is that you are centrally located to other unique destinations within Europe. Within a few hours, you can visit the Austrian Alps German, and Slovenian Alps. You can also hop on a short train or plan ride and go further south toward Tuscany, Rome, Cinque Terre, and Amalfi.  After your destination wedding in the Dolomites, there’s no shortage of nearby honeymoon spots.

Unique Wedding and Elopement Activities in the Dolomites

For adventurous couples, the Dolomites offers no shortage of unique elopement activities to make your day unforgettable. Here are a few of our favorite adventure elopement experiences available.

Overnight in a Rifugio

Across the Dolomites you’ll find traditional mountain huts called rifugios nestled deep in lush valleys and atop mountains. Huts can range from rustic to lavish, and offer a unique way to experience the mountains. Don’t miss Rifugio Lagazuoi, which not only has an unbelievable view but is also known for its comfort. You also may want to check out Rifugio Cinque Torri, which even has a hot tub overlooking the mountains.

Paragliding

If you’ve dreamed of soaring up close to the mountains, paragliding is an activity you’ve got to try. Throughout the Italian Dolomites, you’ll find companies that offer tandem-paragliding experiences so you and your partner can go with a professional guide.

Helicopter Weddings in the Dolomites

For those who want to see and go places few can, opting for a Dolomites helicopter wedding excursion may be a perfect choice. Of all the destinations in the Alps, Dolomites helicopter elopements are our favorite. Whether it’s a single location or multiple-landing spots, the folks of Elikos do a great job. Titus is an especially good pilot who is passionate about the Dolomites and sharing them with others. Chartering a private helicopter for weddings generally costs between €1,300-€2,500. You can check out our helicopter elopement guide here.

Climbing a Via Ferrata

Italy is home to the via ferrata. A via ferrata is a type of mixed hiking and climbing made possible by steel cables bolted into the mountainside. Originally established during World War I to help soldiers navigate the mountains, these iron paths are now built and maintained for recreation. To complete these routes, you’ll wear a climbing harness and employ a special y-shaped lanyard to clip into the cables as you navigate craggy mountains and cliff-sides. There are via ferrata routes for a variety of skill levels, and any climbing-loving couple should be sure to give one a try. Via ferratas can be done on your own, or with an experienced guide.

Llama and Alpaca Trekking

Numerous farms in the Dolomites offer the unique experience of guided llama and alpaca treks. If you want a fluffy friend while you walk through the mountains, don’t miss this unique experience. Alpaca Val Gardena is centrally located to many popular Dolomites elopement locations. 

Marriage in Italy as a Foreigner

After reading about how incredible getting married in the Italian Dolomites is, one big question you may have is, ‘’Can I get married in the Dolomites as a foreigner?’’. Yes, you can! Italy is one of the easiest countries in Europe to get legally married in as a foreigner. 

If you’re traveling abroad and would like to get married in the Dolomites, there are a few things you need to consider. Below you’ll find an outline of what you need to know as a foreigner for civil, religious, and symbolic wedding ceremonies in the Dolomites and Italy.

The good news is, most foreigners can legally get married in Italy. To do so, you’ll need to take part in a civil marriage ceremony at a designated civil registry. Civil marriages often take place in offices, but there are some mountain huts and more scenic location options as well. Where you can get married depends on the municipality. The best way to find out where you can get married is to contact the local civil registry of where you hope to elope in the Dolomites. 

If one/or either partner doesn’t speak Italian, you’ll also be required to hire a professional translator for your ceremony. 

Documents you may be required to show to get civilly married in the Italian Dolomites include: 

  • Passports.
  • Birth certificate
  • Your first marriage certificate and final divorce papers (if you’ve been previously married)
  • Certificate of No Impediment and Certificate of Single Status (Atto Notorio)
  • A declaration of your intent to marry (Nulla Osta). Please note, the Nulla Osta must be issued by your country’s consulate *within* Italy. For U.S. citizens, this means obtaining the Nulla Osta from Venice. 
  • A death certificate of your previous spouse (if you’re widowed)

Your documents may need to be professionally translated into Italian. For a full, in-depth legal guide, you may want to check out this resource.

From personal experience, we’ve had one couple choose to legally marry in the Dolomites. The bride is American, but also spoke Italian. The couple opted to work with a professional company to organize all the details, but even with the extra help, they said it was a complicated experience. Our couple shared, that if they were to do it again, they would symbolically marry in Italy, and save the legal aspect for at home. 

Italy has allowed same-sex civil unions since 2016, but sadly, has not yet legalized LGBTQ+ marriages. If you’d like to legally marry in a stunning place as an LGBTQ+ couple, we recommend considering Austria. Otherwise, you can still symbolically marry in the Dolomites, no matter who you love. 

Religious ceremonies in the Italian Dolomites are only considered valid if performed by a Catholic priest. If you are having an official Catholic ceremony, a separate civil ceremony is not required. Instead, the priest will civilly register the marriage. To have a Catholic wedding, you’ll be required to submit baptismal and confirmation certificates to the Roman Catholic Church. 

For couples who are eloping from abroad in the Dolomites, I suggest holding a symbolic ceremony and taking care of the legal paperwork at home. Holding a symbolic ceremony, otherwise known as a commitment ceremony, allows you to craft your day freely, and also have more flexibility with your elopement day timeline. Any couple can have a symbolic ceremony in the Italian Dolomites 

The Most Popular Places to Elope in the Dolomites

When it comes to where to elope in the Dolomites, you’ll find there are two distinct categories. The first is the most *popular* places to elope in the Dolomites. The second is the *best* places to elope in the Dolomites. What’s popular and what is best are very different (take it from someone local to the region). 

Video Guide to Dolomites Elopement Locations

Here’s what I’d share with couples about Dolomites elopement locations. In it, you’ll find everything from the most popular to the best spots, created as a video guide. It’s almost like we’re sitting down together, chatting about potential regions for your Dolomites elopement. This guide has been created so that you can also tune in like a podcast.

Eloping at Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies (also called Pragser Wildsee in German) is one of the most famous elopement locations in the Dolomites, and it’s easy to see why. With the deep blue water, dramatic mountains, and picturesque boathouse, it’s charming. 


Renting the Lago di Braies Boathouse

When couples elope at Lago di Braies, they generally rent the boathouse. Wedding boathouse rentals at Lago di Bries are 90 minutes in length and cost €400. This includes exclusive use of the boathouse, and two rowboats. Shooting times vary throughout the year, but always happen in the morning before opening to the general public. The boathouse is open May-November. There is only one 90-minute exclusive slot available each day. You can request a boathouse reservation here. 

While renting the boathouse does mean you have exclusive use of that small part of the lake, there are still plenty of others photographing sunrise that can see you from the shoreline. Additionally, I’ve heard more than a few stories of photographers and influencers trying to climb onto the boathouse (without a reservation) to get their iconic shot. Because of these factors, we don’t recommend Lago di Braies for couples who truly want a private elopement experience. If you still really want to go here, consider saving your vows for a more private part of the day. 

Lago di Sorapis Elopements

Another incredibly picturesque lake in the Dolomites is Lago di Sorapis. While the only way to get here is via a 7-mile round-trip hike, that doesn’t dissuade hundreds from visiting here daily. While you’re likely to encounter people at all hours of the day, if you are set on eloping at Lago di Sorapis, consider booking an overnight hut stay at Rifugio Vandelli.

Eloping at Alpe di Siusi

The famed Alpe di Siusi is a popular elopement location. Not only do you get beautiful mountain views, but also lots of wildflowers atop this high-mountain plateau. There are numerous cable cars and trails up to/and around Alpe di Siusi, but the most iconic views are near Adler Lodge. 

If you want to elope at Alpe di Siusi, you should plan on going at sunrise (and still expect to see other photographers there). From the parking lot, it’s approximately 1 hour of hiking. Please note, there are driving restrictions to many of the parking areas between 9am and 5pm. For a more relaxed experience, consider splurging on a stay at Adler Lodge or Sporthotel Sonne which give you direct access to the viewpoints.

Seceda Elopements

One of the most popular places to get married in the Dolomites is Seceda. This cable-car-accessible mountain is known for its jagged summits rising above grassy slopes. While you may see couples frolicking through seemingly endless meadows on top of the mountain, what most don’t tell you is that large sections of the mountain are fenced off (please, don’t jump over the fences!), and two, the hillsides are *very* steep, making slips and falls easy. 

For eloping couples that have their heart set on Seceda, you should consider one of the following options:

  • Staying overnight in a rifugio and hiking the rest of the way up the mountain for sunrise 
  • Book an evening helicopter ride with a landing at Seceda. 

It’s worth noting, in 2025, a turnstile was temporarily installed at the start of the Seceda Ridgeline trail as locals protested mass tourism in the area. The turnstile was removed, but there has been talk of it being reinstalled again.

In addition to the turnstile, the local tourism board is in the process of implementing a slot system for visiting Seceda. This would require visitors to pre-book their time, and a limited number of tickets will be available. It is also possible that higher prices will be charged for peak seasons and hours.

Eloping at Cadini di Misurina 

The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is also a top place couples elope in the Dolomites due to it’s impressive vista of the staggering peaks across the valley. Not only is the view dramatic, but it’s easy to access with a short, 40-minute hike that offers panoramic views in all directions. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of this location, you may need to wait in line to take the famous photo. There are also times I’ve seen multiple eloping couples up there (as early as 4 am!). While some choose to helicopter to the location, we don’t think it’s worth it because you aren’t rewarded with a spot hundreds of others can’t easily access via driving and the short hike. 

Avoid peak season for a better experience at Cadini di Misurina. Please note, that the access road to the trailhead is closed until sometime in June most years, and closes again once winter has set in.

As of 2025, an online reservation system is now required to drive up to the Rifugio Auronzo parking area. This is the access point of Cadini di Misurina and Tre Cime. You cannot access the road without pre-booking. You can reserve up to 30 days ahead of time via the Auronzo municipality portal. Tickets are valid for 12 hours from your selected arrival time and cost €40 for cars. 

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Elopements

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Drei Zinnen, or the 3 Peaks, is aptly named. Three giant rocks rise up imposingly, and the sight is stunning. Tre Cime di Lavaredo is also home to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. It’s hard to pick a ‘’Top 3’’ most popular spots to elope and visit in the Dolomites, but this is likely one of them. 

For beautiful, quieter views of this area, consider staying overnight at the Dreizinnenhütte. We know of a few incredible, private viewpoints that can be accessed from the hut. 

Please note, that the access road to the trailhead is closed until sometime in June most years, and closes again once winter has set in.

As of 2025, an online reservation system is now required to drive up to the Rifugio Auronzo parking area. This is the access point of Cadini di Misurina and Tre Cime. You cannot access the road without pre-booking. You can reserve up to 30 days ahead of time via the Auronzo municipality portal. Tickets are valid for 12 hours from your selected arrival time and cost €40 for cars. 

Lago di Fedèra Elopements

Lago di Fedèra recently became Instagram-famous due to its great location to view fall colors. While it is a wonderful spot for landscape photography, Lago di Fedèra does not make a good elopement location. The lake’s shoreline is quite small, and is often busy with other photographers. 

Eloping in Val di Funes

The quaintest church in the Dolomites draws many eloping couples to Val di Funes. The small village of Santa Maddalena, nestled in the valley and surrounded by tall mountains, is breathtaking. To be exact, the view from this side is looking at the backside of Seceda. While Santa Maddalena makes a beautiful spot to visit, we don’t recommend it for weddings. 

A few things worth noting include: 

  • The meadows outside the church are blocked off, and you are not allowed to step on them. Photos of the church are taken via a special wood viewing platform
  • The higher viewpoint of the village and churches has multiple signs asking visitors to not step onto the meadows and stay on the road. Please respect the locals. 

Privacy During Your Dolomites Elopement

The truth is that the Dolomites have become incredibly popular in recent years. Some locations pop up over and over again on Instagram as ‘’must-visit’’ spots. While they are beautiful, they are also insanely busy. Eloping at one of the most popular places in the Dolomites means you may wind up getting married within sight of multiple other couples also saying I do. In full transparency, what you see online of popular spots that look private is often due to creative shooting, photoshop, or unique circumstances such as bad weather forecasts.

A few tips to help make your popular elopement location more private include: 

  • Going at sunrise or sunset (the exception being Cadini di Misurina and Lago di Braies, which are still very popular during these hours)
  • Staying overnight at a rifugio (mountain hut) gives you access to some popular locations during quiet hours, while still being able to take advantage of a leg-saving cable car ride
  • Elope in the off-season (June, September, and October). While the hotspots will still have tourists, you’ll find more privacy than in high-season. 
  • As simple as it sounds, opt to save the hotspots for your vacation time, and go somewhere lesser-known (yet equally stunning) for your elopement. We’ve found couples are happiest when they prioritize privacy on their wedding day. 

The Best Places to Elope in the Dolomites

So, now that we’ve covered all the most popular places to get married in the Dolomites, you’re bound to wonder…’’ where is the best place to elope in the Italian Dolomites?’’

The truth is, there is no ‘’best place to get married in Dolomites’’ because there is no one-size-fits-all location. Every couple has a different vision of how they want to spend their day. Because of this, I give all of my booked couples in-depth location help by creating custom location guides. Those guides take into account what types of scenery you want, how little (or how much) you want to walk or hike, overall accessibility, the season, and more. 

In this guide, you’ll find great locations that are designed to be a jumping-off point as you start planning your Dolomites wedding. If you’re looking for more in-depth help, location-scouting assistance is something we include in all of our elopement packages (and it’s one of our unmatched skills!).

Mountain Pass Elopement Locations in the Dolomites

As mentioned earlier in this guide, we love the Italian Dolomites because there are numerous stunning locations suitable for a variety of ability levels on the mountain passes. Mountain passes mean you don’t have to worry about cable car operating hours. Instead, you can enjoy sunrise or sunset with ease. 

Here are some of our favorite mountain passes to elope on in the Dolomites

  • Passo Falzarego
  • Passo Valparola
  • Passo Pordoi
  • Passo Gardena
  • Passo Giau
  • Passo Fedaia
  • Passo Rolle

Cable-Car Accessible Elopement Locations in the Dolomites

If you’re looking for a fun cable car excursion during your elopement, don’t miss checking out these Dolomites elopement locations. 

  • Lagazuoi 
  • 5 Torri Chairlift
  • Arabba – Pescoi – Forcella Europa Cable Car
  • Funivia Piz Boè
  • Tofana-Cortina

Scenic Lakes in the Dolomites

Consider one of these sparkling scenic lakes for your elopement in the Dolomites.

  • Dürrensee
  • Lago di Antorno
  • Lago di Limides
  • Lago di Fedaia
  • Lago di Toval

Amazing Wedding Venues in the Italian Dolomites

If you’re planning on bringing along close friends and family to your elopement (whoohoo!), here are some beautiful Dolomites mountain wedding venues to check out. While it’s possible to hold a micro wedding in the Dolomites without a venue (and some of my couples do hike with their guests), you’ll want a wedding venue if you need seating, or want to have tables, decorations, etc. We recommend couples have a small venue arranged for groups of 8 or more. This can also relieve stress if you’re worried about the weather. 

Unique Mountain Elopement Locations in the Italian Alps

Italy has lots of mountains beyond the Dolomites. Some of our favorite elopement locations in the Italian Alps are:

  • Livigno, Italy
  • Courmayeur, Italy
  • Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy

When to Elope in the Italian Dolomites

Eloping in the Dolomites is beautiful any season, but here’s what you need to know about when is right for you. 

Winter Weddings in the Dolomites

Winter weddings in the Dolomites are a fantastic time to take advantage of skiing, ice skating, or sledding on a groomed track. There are also plenty of snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails to enjoy.  Getting married during the winter also is a great excuse to stay at a cozy chalet in the mountains and relax in your own personal hot tub or sauna. For couples eloping in winter, please make sure to rent snow chains for your car. 

Best Months: January and February

Spring Weddings in the Dolomites

The Dolomites spring climate widely varies, so be sure to plan appropriately for your wedding. By late May, you can expect many of the lower alpine regions to be melted out and getting green. Higher up in the mountains, there is still plenty of snow. Late spring is a fantastic time for elopements in the Dolomites southern region, near Gardasee. For more traditional Dolomites mountain views, it’s best to wait just a little bit longer for things to thaw out. 


Months: Late-May to mid-June

Summer Weddings in the Dolomites

Summer is my favorite season for elopements in the Dolomites. By this point, the wildflowers are in bloom, all the hiking trails are open, and the weather is beautiful. In the Dolomites high-alpine locations, temperatures are cool (especially at sunrise and sunset), but it’s  not uncommon to experience 30 °C/86 °F during the height of summer. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent during the summer, so planning a morning-elopement can be a good choice. 

Months: Late-June, July, August, early-September. We recommend avoiding August due to crowds.

Fall Weddings in the Dolomites

Fall is one of the best-kept secrets for planning a Dolomites elopement. By this time, the busy tourist season has slowed down, but the weather can still be beautiful. For brilliant fall colors, the middle of October is best. This is when the larches change from green to vibrant yellow and orange. It’s absolutely INCREDIBLE!


Months: Early to mid-October


January is when winter kicks into full swing, and all of the large ski resorts will be open. Overall, the Dolomites have a fairly mild climate, and it’s not uncommon for there not to be snow on the ground at lower altitudes. 

Like January, February is also the peak winter season in the Dolomites. Many school districts have a short winter break in February, so the slopes can be crowded. 

The Dolomite’s climate in March widely varies. While some regions begin to thaw out, it will still be snowing heavily at higher elevations. By mid-march, the weather also becomes wetter. Go early in the month if you want clearer skies and a better shot at a winter wonderland. 

April is officially the start of the Dolomites shoulder season. The weather is also unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to have snow and t-shirt weather within a few days of each other. Most low-altitude valleys have melted by this time, and the grass and trees will be brown. I recommend couples avoid eloping in April, as many locations are inaccessible, and it can be quite muddy.  

Mid-May welcomes the start of spring, and lower altitudes erupt in color as the green grass comes in and yellow wildflowers dot the meadows. Higher altitudes are still snowy and muddy, so it’s best to stick to low-elevation locations such as lakes in the valleys. 

June continues the spring season, and by the end of the month, summer has arrived. In June, all the cows and sheep begin to graze in alpine pastures, the lakes are brilliantly blue, and the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. Depending on how snowy the winter has been, not all locations are accessible in June (such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which varies from year to year). 

Late-June and through July are the best time to plan a summer elopement in the Italian Dolomites. By this time, the hiking trails have melted out, the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the scenery is just breathtaking. July is busier than June, but the trade-off of more accessible locations is worth considering, depending on your vision. 

August is the busiest (and most expensive) month to visit the Dolomites. The weather is similar to July, so you can expect warm summer weather. If you want to elope in August, we suggest planning a more off-the-beaten-path adventure to escape the crowds. In August, many hotels also require a minimum number of 5 nights to book a place, so keep this in mind while scoping out places to stay. We don’t normally shoot in August, as we believe June/July/September are much better times to elope. 

September is entering the off-season, but there’s still plenty to do! What we love about early September is that there are fewer crowds, the temperatures are milder, and the mountains are still quite green (although the wildflowers are gone by this time). September’s weather can be unpredictable entering the second half of the month, and it’s not uncommon to see the first snowfall by the third week or so.

October is one of the most underrated, but BEAUTIFUL times to elope in the Dolomites. Not only is it quieter due to being the off-season, but the fall colors are breathtaking. The Dolomites are known for their golden larch trees, which change from green to brilliant yellow and orange in the middle of the month. By late-October, many cable cars and rifugios have closed, so keep this in mind while planning. 

November, like April, is shoulder season. During this time, most hotels, restaurants, and cable cars are closed. The leaves have all fallen, and the grass is brown. While November can have some nice days, we don’t recommend it for elopements due to so much being closed. 

Mid-to-late December is the start of winter in the Dolomites The snowfall can be hit or miss since it’s still early in the season, so it’s best to wait until January for more reliable conditions. Most ski resorts don’t open until a few days before Christmas, so elopements during this time are busy due to the winter holidays. 

Video | The Best Time to Elope in the Dolomites (A Seasonal Guide)

Here’s what I’d share with couples about the best time to elope in the Italian Alps & Dolomites, created as a video guide. It’s almost like we’re sitting down together, chatting about everything you need to know about when to elope and get married in Italy and other regions in the Alps. This guide has been created so that you can also tune in like a podcast, but there are a few additional visual examples you may find helpful.

Key Steps to Planning Your Dolomites Elopement

Ready to start planning your elopement in the Dolomites? Below you’ll find our simple process for making your Italian Dolomites elopement a reality. As part of your Dolomites elopement photography and videography team, my husband and I are here to help you throughout each step.

We recommend couples allot 9-12 months to plan their Dolomites elopement or destination wedding. It is possible to plan on much shorter time frames though, and we’ve helped couples make their adventure a reality in as little as two weeks.

Choose an Elopement Date 

Before you can dive deep into planning your Dolomites elopement, one of the first things you need to do is set a date. Setting a date will allow you to start booking the vendors that can help make your dream come to life! 

Book Your Dolomites Elopement Photographer (and Videographer)

Hiring your Dolomites elopement photographer and videographer is one of the most important steps in the planning process. The right photographer or photo/video team will be a key player in helping guide you through the process of getting married abroad. They’ll also be sure your day is not only documented beautifully but also that you have the experience of a lifetime. 

As a leading adventure elopement photo and video team in the Dolomites and Alps, we specialize in helping couples craft unique, awe-inspiring, outdoor-centered wedding experiences. We know the alps like the back of our hands (seriously, we’ve done 200+ peaks in just the last four years), and use our expertise to help you each step of the way. If you’re up for an adventure, contact us now!

Visualize What You Want Your Day to Look Like

If you don’t have a vision of what you want your Dolomites elopement to look like yet, that’s totally ok! This step is where you’ll really want to start thinking about what is most important to you as a couple, and how you want to honor that on your intimate wedding day. 

Whether it’s spending the night stargazing before catching the sunrise from a beautiful location and exchanging vows, or enjoying breakfast in bed before a morning-first look, and afternoon helicopter tour, the possibilities are endless. 

Our booked couples receive an exclusive guide that goes over prompts and questions that can help them find clarity in the dreaming process. 

If you’re looking for some inspiration, at the bottom of this guide, we have multiple elopement days blogged that include real timelines, helpful info, and more. 

Pro-Tip: During this step, you may realize you have a dream so big, you need a little outside help. This would be a great time to book a Dolomites elopement planner!  If you want to know more about hiring an elopement planner, we have a free guide you can find here about hiring an elopement planner.

Decide on an Elopement Location in the Dolomites

Choosing your elopement location in the Dolomites is an exciting task that we love helping couples with. When choosing a location, you’ll want to consider:

  • What time of year are you eloping in?
  • How popular is the location?
  •  Are there any restrictions on the location?
  • What time of day has the best light?

Your Dolomites wedding photographer (hey, it’s me, Christine!) will have advice for all of this. Location scouting is one of my biggest strengths (beyond taking stellar photos and making sure you have an amazing experience). This is something I help our booked couples extensively with.

If you are planning an elopement with guests or a micro wedding, you may want to consider hiring a wedding planner to help with securing a venue or permission to hold your ceremony at specific locations.

Book Your Dolomites Travel & Lodging

Now that you know where you’re eloping in the Dolomites, it’s time to book your travel and accommodations. 

How to Get to the Dolomites

The Dolomites do not have any direct airports flying into the region, so you’ll want to fly into a major city, and then drive in. The best major airports to fly into are Venice, Italy; Innsbruck Austria; Milan, Italy; and Munich, Germany. Depending on where you are heading, you’ll travel 2-4 hours from the airport to the Dolomites. We find Innsbruck airport to be the most convenient. 

Getting around the Dolomites (trains and buses) 

Like most countries in Europe, Italy has an extensive train and bus network. With that being said, the Dolomites are trickier than many places to get around, so depending on how much you hope to see, you may want to rent a car for the entirety of your trip. If you want to stick to public transportation as much as possible, consider making Bolzano or Cortina d’Ampezzo as your base, since many bus and train transfers leave from these destinations. 

We always recommend getting a rental car for the elopement portion part of your trip though, since it will make getting around mountainous regions a seamless experience.

Accommodation for Your Dolomites Elopement

The Dolomites offers a wide variety of lodging options, from upscale hotels and ski lodges to quaint bed and breakfasts in the villages. Airbnb and similar rental property options are also popular. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a place where you can relax and isn’t too far from your elopement location. 

Lodging Pro-tip: Choose a location with great natural light and that is clutter-free for the best getting-ready photos! If you want a “first look” where you’re staying, also keep in mind what scenery is nearby and how everything will look. 
A few great hotels to relax at during your Dolomites elopement include: 

Mountain Rifugios

For a unique spin on your Dolomites adventure elopement, consider a multi-day adventure that includes overnighting in a mountain rifugio. Below are five to check out: 

Book Your Dolomites Wedding Vendors

Are you booking more than a photographer and videographer for your Dolomites wedding or elopement? Some couples may opt to include a wedding celebrant/officiant, hair and makeup artist, a private chef, or maybe even a mountain guide. 

Vendor Pro-Tip: We provide every booked couple with our exclusive English-speaking vendor suggestion guide.

Plan Your Elopement Day Activities 

Activities are what help make your Dolomites elopement into an experience! This is a great time to consider what small (and possibly) big things you may want to do to level up your day. Some activities may include reading letters from family and friends, stopping by a mountain hut for lunch, renting a boat, going for a swim, stargazing, embarking on a helicopter tour, or booking a guided via-ferrata tour. 

Once your locations are selected, and activities booked, this is the time to put it all on paper and build a timeline of your Dolomites wedding. That way, you know there’s room for everything. We’ve helped countless couples build custom timelines of their adventures (including multi-day ones!).

Gather Any Necessary Wedding and Travel Documents

The documents you may need to bring for eloping can really vary, depending on where you travel from. Some documents you may need for your elopement include:

  • Passports
  • Drivers Licenses
  • Confirmation of booked flights
  • Hotel/Lodging confirmations 
  • Any legal documents needed if you plan on having a civil ceremony 

Pro-Tip: Be sure to have a list of everything you need, print out the documents, and keep them together in a folder. If you’re flying, be sure these stay with your carry-on luggage.

Packing for Your Dolomites Elopement

Are you wondering what else you need to pack for your Dolomites elopement? We have a free guide and downloadable checklist with tips and tricks you can find here. 

Elope in the Dolomites!

Your elopement day is here! After all of your dreaming and excitement, it’s finally happening. Soak up every second and remember- these memories will last forever. Your photographer and videographer (oh hey!) will be sure you have amazing photos to help document the experience.

The Top Mistakes to Avoid While Planning Your Elopement in the  Dolomites

Here are some of the top mistakes we see couples make while planning their elopement in the Dolomites, along with tips for what to do instead. Ultimately, hiring a Dolomites elopement professional can help you avoid a variety of planning pitfalls. 

While many locations in the Dolomites can look close on the map, in reality, they often involve a lot of driving. This is because commuting between locations often means driving around the mountains.  Be sure to book accommodation that is somewhat central to your chosen location(s), and add on a little more time than Google estimates. 

Google is also notorious for navigating people to drive to locations that have driving bans. Working with someone local to this region can make your planning experience smoother.

April and November are two of the worst months to elope to the Dolomites. They are part of shoulder season, so many attractions are closed. Foliage and plants are also dead (read: very brown) during these times of the year. August, on the other hand, is peak season, so everything costs more and is far busier. 

Many couples elope because they want an epic, stress-free experience in the Dolomites. During the excitement of seeing all the locations and activities available, it can be tempting to try and fit too much into a single day. For couples who want to do it all and visit a variety of areas, we recommend a multi-day experience. That way you have the time and space to relax.

As we shared extensively in this guide already, the most popular places to elope in the Dolomites are not necessarily the best places to elope. If you’re still set on visiting a hot spot, consider making it a smaller part of your overall experience. Ideally, opt for vows in a different, private location. 

What Does it Cost to Get Married and Elope in the Dolomites?

The average cost of holding a traditional wedding in the US is around $35,000. If you plan a destination elopement in the Dolomites though, the average cost is closer to €9,050 (approximately $10,000 USD) and you can wrap your honeymoon into the trip too. This cost covers the expenses associated with food and lodging, wedding attire, professional photography coverage that includes planning assistance, and marriage licenses. 

Below, you’ll find some approximate numbers of the cost of eloping and getting married in the Italian Dolomites (based on the expenses of two people). Please note, these numbers don’t include flights and transportation costs, since these can widely vary, depending on where you’re coming from.

Despite the average budget, there is still a lot of flexibility in how much couples spend on getting married in the Dolomites.

For example, some couples may find wedding attire that costs less than €200 and suits them perfectly. Others may opt out of having professional hair and makeup since they’d rather do it themselves atop a mountain. When it comes to desserts, Italy has no shortage of bakeries, and it’s easy to pick up a few slices of delicious, already-made cake for under €15, or get something custom-made for well over €300. Lodging can range from cozy mountain chalets to luxury wellness resorts. 

When choosing how much to spend on your Dolomites elopement, make sure you invest in what’s most important to you. Whether it’s photo and video, having your dream dress or custom-made suit, or splurging on a helicopter ride, don’t be afraid to create the day you’ve always dreamed of. 

Below, you’ll find some approximate numbers of the cost of eloping and getting married in Dolomites (based on the expenses of two people). Please note, these numbers don’t include travel and transportation costs, since these can widely vary, depending on where you’re coming from. Lodging and food have been averaged for two nights.

At the end of the day, how much or how little you choose to spend on your elopement in the Dolomites won’t matter. What will count is how you choose to intentionally connect with your partner and honor what you value most. 

Dolomites Budget Wedding Cost

The cost of a budget elopement in the Dolomites is €5,970.

Expenses may include:

Marriage License (Free for symbolic ceremonies)€0
Lodging€200
Food and Drinks€150
Wedding Attire€600
Hair & Makeup (DIY)€0
Wedding Dessert€20
Photographer (4 hours coverage)€5,000

Dolomites Mid-Range Wedding Cost

The cost of a mid-range elopement in the Dolomites is €9,050-€14,500.

Expenses may include:

Marriage License (free for symbolic ceremonies)€0-€200
Lodging €450
Food and Drinks€250
Wedding Attire€1,000
Hair & Makeup€600
Small Wedding Cake€100
Flowers (Bouquet)€150
Photographer (8 Hours Coverage)€6,500+
Videographer (8 Hours Coverage)€5,000+

Dolomites Luxury Wedding Cost

The cost of a luxury micro wedding in the Dolomites is €22,350+

Expenses may include:

Marriage License (free for symbolic ceremonies)€0-€350
Lodging€1,000
Food and Drinks€500+
Wedding Attire€2,000+
Hair & Makeup€1,000
Wedding Cake€200+
Flowers (Bouquet)€300+
Venue€1,000+
Wedding Planner€5,000+
Wedding Celebrant€2,500+
Add-On Activities such as a helicopter ride€1,500
Videographer€6,000+
Photographer€7,000+

Dolomites Elopement and Wedding Packages

Are you ready to start planning your elopement in the Dolomites? If so, why not start with your Dolomites elopement photographer and videographer? You can view our Dolomites wedding packages here, or contact us to get a more detailed pricing guide. 
We help guide each couple through the eloping process and make sure they get the epic coverage their day deserves. 

Alps Wedding Inspiration

Dolomites Elopement Photos and Videos

Want to get a glimpse into what your adventurous Dolomites elopement can look like? Below you can see some inspiration for your Italian Dolomites wedding.

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