If you’re dreaming of an elopement surrounded by towering peaks, emerald lakes, and storybook alpine villages—this is your sign to say yes to the Dolomites! Whether you’re down for a light hike with insane views or just want to ride a cable car to a mountain hut and soak in that European charm, the Dolomites have everything. This guide is packed with everything you need to know to plan your Dolomites elopement, from where to stay to what to do and all the absolutely stunning spots in between.

Table of Contents

• Why Elope in the Dolomites
• Where Are the Dolomites + How to Get There
• Best Time to Elope in the Dolomites
• Dolomites Elopement Locations
• Where to Stay
• Making it Legal
• Fun Elopement Day Activities
• How Much Does it Cost to Elope in the Dolomites
• Dolomites Elopement Packages

Why Elope in the Dolomites

The only reason you need – because Dolomites are freaking magical! The Dolomites are part of the Italian Alps and also a UNESCO World Heritage site—so you already know they’re something special. Picture dramatic rock formations, rolling green meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages. It’s so awe-inspiring to be there.

But more than that? The Dolomites are diverse. You’ve got peaceful lakes, beginner-friendly hikes with jaw-dropping views, rugged peaks, fairytale villages, and options to make your day as relaxed or adventurous as you want. Plus, symbolic ceremonies don’t require permits here, and you’re free to bring your photographer along to capture all the magic without extra red tape. Yes, please!

Where Are the Dolomites + How to Get There

The Dolomites are located in northeastern Italy, stretching across regions like South Tyrol, Trentino, and Veneto. The easiest way to get there:

Fly into a nearby airport – Bolzano, Venice, Treviso, Verona, Innsbruck, Milan, or Munich.

Drive or take a train to a base town like Bolzano, Ortisei, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or San Candido. From there, local buses and cable cars will get you into the mountains. Renting a car gives you more flexibility, but many spots are still accessible with public transport—just plan ahead because schedules can be limited.

Ortisei is one of the better places to stay, being well-connected and most accessible.

Best Time to Elope in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are stunning year-round, but each season brings its own vibe, so the best time really depends on what kind of atmosphere and experience you’re dreaming of! Here’s a season-by-season breakdown to help you choose the perfect time for your Dolomites elopement:

Spring is shoulder season, so crowds are low and the air is fresh. Snow starts melting, waterfalls pick up, and alpine flowers begin to bloom—but some trails are still inaccessible, and the famous cable cars and rifugios (mountain huts) don’t usually open until early to mid-June.

Summer is one of the best times to elope when it comes to accessibility and weather. The Dolomites are fully open—lifts are running, mountain huts are operating, and trails are dry. It’s perfect for those wanting a full adventure elopement with hiking, cable cars, and golden light late into the evening. However, it is super crowded, especially in July and August. If you choose to elope during summertime, I recommend opting for a sunrise or a weekday for fewer crowds. Book accommodations and parking in advance!!

Fall might be the most underrated time to elope in the Dolomites. The trees turn golden, the crowds start thinning, and the weather is still relatively stable in early September. By mid-October, some lifts and rifugios begin to close, and snow might start dusting the peaks. I recommend planning your elopement before mid-October to catch the golden leaves and enjoy the trails while they are still accessible.

The Dolomites in winter feel like a scene out of Narnia. If you’re dreaming of a cozy, snow-covered elopement, this could be your vibe! Keep in mind that most hiking trails and mountain huts are closed, so your day will look very different (think snowshoes, cozy cabins, and firelit dinners instead of hikes). Consider winter-friendly towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo, and focus on lower-elevation lakes or villages for accessibility.

Dolomites Elopement Locations

The Dolomites are packed with stunning locations for your elopement day. Seriously, you could close your eyes, spin in a circle, and land somewhere beautiful. Here are some ideas for you!

Lago Di Braies

If you’re dreaming of those iconic lake views with crystal-clear water, dramatic mountain peaks, and that adorable wooden boathouse, this is the place. Lago di Braies is one of the most famous spots in the Dolomites.

 It’s also super accessible, with a flat walking path around the lake and minimal effort required to reach the shore. You can exchange vows on the dock at sunrise, rent a rowboat for dreamy portraits, or just take a quiet walk together in the forested trail that wraps around the lake. It does get very busy, especially in summer, so arriving early is key. If you want an ultra-convenient experience, stay at the lakefront hotel, and you’ll have access before the crowds roll in.

If you’d like to elope in Lago di Braies, here’s my full elopement guide to help you plan the perfect day here!

Seceda Ridgeline

This one’s for couples who want big mountain drama with little effort. I love the massive jagged peaks rising out of soft green meadows and how the whole area feels peaceful and expansive. You can get here by taking a cable car from Ortisei (open seasonally), and from there it’s just a short, easy walk to reach the most iconic viewpoint. It’s great if you want incredible views without a long hike, and it’s especially magical at sunrise or late golden hour. Plus, with Ortisei as your home base, you’ve got charming village vibes and more epic locations just a stone’s throw away.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Tre Cime is one of the most famous spots in the Dolomites—and yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype. Picture three towering peaks surrounded by rolling alpine terrain, wildflowers in the summer, and even a few remnants of WWI-era bunkers along the trail. The loop hike here is about 6 miles total, and the views are nonstop stunning. The further you go on the trail, the more likely you’ll be able to get away from the crowds.

Alpe di Siusi

For a more laid-back elopement surrounded by soft meadows, grazing cows, and golden Dolomites backdrops, head to Alpe di Siusi. It’s the largest alpine meadow in Europe and feels absolutely dreamy, especially in summer when everything is green and golden and glowing. The area is super accessible thanks to cable cars from Ortisei or Siusi, and there are tons of easy trails to wander through.

Cadini di Misurina

If you’re looking for something a little more wild and off the beaten path, Cadini di Misurina might be it. The trail to the viewpoint is short but a little narrow and steep in spots, so it’s best for couples who are comfortable with a bit of adventure and want those epic, spiky mountain shots that make your jaw drop. The views here are absolutely incredible and definitely worth the effort it takes to get here!

Where to Stay

One of the best parts about eloping in the Dolomites? You have so many incredible stay options—whether you’re looking for rustic mountain huts, luxury hotels, glamping sites with hot tubs, or budget-friendly guesthouses with alpine charm. Your basecamp can be as cozy, adventurous, or bougie as you want it to be.

Here’s everything you need to know to find your perfect stay, plus a few of my favorite areas depending on what part of the Dolomites you’re exploring!

Rifugios (Mountain Huts)

If you’re visiting in the warmer months (June–September), staying in a rifugio is such a fun and budget-friendly way to immerse yourself in the mountains. These mountain huts are perched along hiking trails and offer dorm-style or private rooms, usually with shared bathrooms and hearty meals included. You’ll wake up with the peaks all around you and step right onto the trail. 

Most rifugios are only open during the summer and early fall, since many become inaccessible once snow hits. But if you’re up for a little adventure and want a truly local experience, they’re so worth it.

Glamping & Camping

Yes, camping in the Dolomites is a thing—and it’s way more elevated than you might think. Campsites here are clean, quiet, and often feel like little resorts, with pools, saunas, laundry, playgrounds, and even spas at some spots. It’s a great option if you want a mix of freedom and comfort, especially in the warmer months.

Many sites also offer glamping tents, tiny houses, and van-friendly spots, giving you flexibility without sacrificing the views. Just make sure to book ahead, especially in July and August, when everything tends to be busier and pricier.

Best Towns to Stay In

Val Gardena (Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva di Val Gardena)

Perfect if you want easy access to Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and tons of stunning trails right from the villages or via short cable car rides. Ortisei is charming and walkable with great restaurants and cute shops, while Selva and Santa Cristina are a bit quieter and even closer to hiking trails. The public transport here is solid, but if you’re renting a car, having your own wheels makes it even easier. Expect higher prices here in peak season, but the location is so worth it.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Stylish, lively, and surrounded by epic peaks, Cortina is a great option for couples wanting a mix of nature and comfort. It’s close to Cadini di Misurina, Tre Cime, and several scenic cable car routes (like Faloria and Tofana). The town has plenty of hotel options, good food, and some serious après-hike potential. Bonus: it’s a good winter option too, since it stays open year-round!

Ortisei (for easy Dolomite access)

Yes, it deserves another shoutout. Whether you’re hiking or just soaking in the views, Ortisei is one of the most convenient and beautiful villages to stay in. Cable cars to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi leave right from town, and there are tons of restaurants, bakeries, and markets nearby. It’s a bit more polished than the smaller towns, but you still get that alpine magic.

Making it Legal

If you’re planning a destination wedding, getting legally married in the Dolomites involves navigating some bureaucratic processes. I highly recommend getting legally married at home and having a symbolic ceremony and vow exchange in the mountains. This will make things simple and stress-free for you! 

And as I mentioned before, you don’t need an elopement or special use permit for a symbolic ceremony here!

Fun Dolomites Elopement Day Activities

An elopement day is not about how much time you spend in front of the camera. It’s about the full-day elopement experience you create to cherish and remember forever. Filling your day with things you love to do will make it THAT much more meaningful.

On your elopement day, I am your guide, coordinator, friend, and, of course, photographer. Together, we get to run around and explore the beautiful locations you have chosen, creating personal moments and memories, catching a break, and, yes, time for posing and getting those amazing shots.

• Ride a cable car up to your ceremony spot
• Enjoy a mountaintop picnic
• Visit one of the many alpine lakes
• Go on a scenic hike (or a chill alpine walk!)
• Rent a rowboat at Lago di Braies
• Share a first dance at sunset
• Read letters from loved ones
• Cut a tiny cake and pop some prosecco!
• Book a helicopter tour! *pro tip: This is the best way to avoid crowds!
• Stargaze at the beautiful, clear night sky
• Soak in the views and just be together

There are many, many more things you could do on your elopement day! As your Dolomites elopement photographer and planning assistant, I’ll help you plan the perfect day(s) filled with activities you both would LOVE!

How Much Does It Cost to Elope in the Dolomites

On average, couples spend between $5,000 and $25,000 on a Dolomites elopement, depending on their preferences, length of stay, and priorities. Your elopement day can be tailored to suit your needs and budget, but these are some common expenses to consider:

• Travel costs: international flights, rental cars, and local transportation can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per couple, depending on the season and departure location.
• Accommodation: It can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on where and how long you stay in the Dolomites.
• Photographer and Videographer: Professional elopement packages often start at $3,000 and can go up to $10,000 or more for multi-day coverage.
• Other Expenses: Include meals, activities, attire, and optional extras.

Dolomites Elopement Packages

Hi! I’m Christina, your Northern California and beyond adventure elopement photographer. Planning, traveling, and finding beautiful locations and experiences are my jam. Helping you create and document the celebration of a lifetime brings me the utmost joy! I want you to make the most amazing memories and have stunning photos that you can share with all of your loved ones. This is a day where you get to look back and say, “Wow, we did that!”

My Dolomites elopement packages offer a half-, full-–, or multi-day experience! I offer a ton of flexibility in designing our time together and would love to get to know you more to help you plan! To learn more, head over to my contact form, and we can get together on a call.

Offered throughout every Dolomites elopement package:

• Help you hand pick a location
• Provide resources and custom location guides on lodging, activities, and the best places to indulge in delicious foods.
• Scout locations with boots on the ground to find the best places and lighting for your ceremony and photos
• Secure the right location permits to make sure your wedding is legal!
• Recommend vetted vendors to help make your dream of a day come true. 
• Create your custom timeline (there are 2-3 options to choose from!) with room to breathe and enjoy your day.
• Deliver a joyful experience along with swoon-worthy photos in your own online gallery!
• Have a backup plan for it all!
• Deliver sneak peeks within 72 hours and a full wedding gallery within 6 weeks! 
• Provide a Fine Art Wedding Album design for you to print and hold onto your photos to thumb through for years to come.