How To Plan The Most Epic Dolomites Elopement In 2025
All you need to Know before planning Your Dolomites Elopement or Destination Wedding
Hey there! We are Jane & Tony, elopement photographers serving the Dolomites ready to help you plan your Dolomites elopement experience in an epic & unique way!
We’ve captured and helped plan countless adventure hiking elopements in the Italian Dolomites and worldwide and will be happy to be your helping hand!
We got to experience our own wedding planning process, so we know all the info needed, from the unique places to elope to the legal requirements and even more. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any help!
9 steps of Planning your Dolomites Elopement
- Choose your elopement locations
- Pick your favourite season to elope in the Dolomites
- Gather the reguired documents to get married (including step-by-step instructions)
- Create your travel plan (plane tickets, travel tips and more)
- Book your accommodation
- Book your activities
- Create your timeline
- Calculate your budget
- Dolomites elopement packages
Why You Should Elope in the Dolomites?
Nature and the Mountains here are Just Out of this World
This is completely on the surface, but if you’re planning to elope here, you already know how stunning Italian Dolomites mountain peaks are. Named as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Italian Alps stand out as one of the most stunning and unique mountain ranges we’ve ever seen! The beauty of the Alps is unmatched in every season, from snowy winter wonderlands to vibrant fall landscapes, making it a perfect destination any time of year.
easy access to the incredible sights
Unlike many mountain destinations, it’s exceptionally easy to access so many breathtaking spots here. Even high-altitude peaks and panoramic viewpoints are often just a short cable car ride away.
There are plenty of unique places, like mountain passes, that you can reach with a regular car—no need for a 4×4! That means you can have a sunrise or a sunset vow ceremony without hours of climbing and hiking! How cool is that?!
Great location on the map
One more fantastic reason to elope in the Italian Dolomites is their unique location. You can head south for your honeymoon right after eloping! Iconic Italian destinations like Tuscany, Puglia, Rome, and Florence are just a quick flight or high-speed train ride away. This makes combining your big day with a honeymoon not only convenient but also more budget-friendly! You can seamlessly transition from alpine views to historic cities, giving you the best of both worlds.
It’s an outstaNding Hiking Destination
Another thing that makes Dolomites eloping here extra special is that some of the most stunning mountaintop views can only be reached by foot. Northern Italy region is renowned as a true paradise for adventure lovers and those with wild hearts, offering a real sense of exploration and accomplishment as part of your special day!
Unique and Authernic Culture and food
If you love food as much as we do, Italy is a true paradise. Well beyond the famous pizza, pasta, and gelato, the North of Italy can offer incredible local Tirolese dishes that can make your day even more special. You have to try Speck (smoked ham), Schlutzkrapfen (stuffed pasta), Knödel (savory dumplings), Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancakes), and Goulash (hearty stew) to feel the taste of the mountains! It’s the perfect blend of culture and flavor for your special day!
The best Places to Elope in the Dolomites
Cadini di Misurina
Eloping at Cadini di Misurina offers stunning views and a dramatic backdrop, surrounded by dramatic and sharp peaks. The iconic viewpoint can be reached by a steep hiking trail, which can get quite busy, especially in the summer, so we don’t recommend it as the ceremony spot. However, it’s still worth the hike for breathtaking photographs with the Cadini di Misurina in the background.
For the best experience, avoid the peak season and consider elope to Dolomites between mid-June to mid-July or all of September.
While we saw numerous eloping couples booking a helicopter to reach Cadini di Misurina, it’s definitely not worth it, just because this location is easily accessible by car followed by a light hike.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that the serpentine road leading to Cadini di Misurina has no winter service and is normally open only from June until October.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo or the 3 Peaks is known for its iconic views, these three towering peaks stand out against the sky. Absolutely an iconic place, providing a magnificent setting at sunrise or sunset.
The access to Tre Cime is the same as to Cadini di Misurina and starts from the same parking lot of Rifugio Auronzo. Our main pick will be coming here before the golden hour at sunset, just because the light there would be in the right direction and we’ll be also able to have some amazing frames at dusk, which is our favorite time. There is a fee of €30 to enter the road leading to the Rifugio Auronzo parking, where we start our hike.
Worth mentioning, that the road to Tre Cime di Lavaredo has no winter service and is normally open from June until October (can vary depending on the amount of snow).
Cinque Torri
Cinque Torri is an absolute gem with its iconic rock formations and panoramic mountain views. This location offers a unique view being surrounded by the 360 degrees of mountain peaks views. This location is still less crowded, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons, giving you the privacy needed for the private vows. While you can hike to Cinque Torri for the adventure experience, it’s also accessible by car or cable car, giving you a wide choice.
Seceda
Seceda is one of the top 3 most famous locations of the Italian Dolomites, world-known for its mountain peaks rising against the grassy slopes. The area is quite expansive, so if you visit at sunrise or sunset, you’ll be able to find a spot perfect for your intimate vow ceremony. It’s comparably easy to get to Seceda – the first one is the cableway Ortisei-Furnes and after – the cableway Furnes-Seceda. The cost of the roundup trip is €40 per person. No hike is needed after – it’s a light walk of around 15-20 minutes from the cableway station.
Pro tip: To have some extra privacy, we recommend staying in a rifugio and heading for a ceremony at sunrise before the working hours of the cable car or booking a helicopter tour to reach the place.
Alpe di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi, or Seiser Alm is a renowned spot known for its breathtaking mountain views and vibrant wildflowers covering the high-mountain plateau. Multiple cable cars and trails provide access to and around the area, but the most iconic views can be found near Adler Lodge.
To elope at Alpe di Siusi, it’s ideal to start your hike before sunrise to enjoy some extra privacy. The trail from the parking lot takes about an hour.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind, that access to many parking areas is restricted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
How to have a Secluded Elopement in the Dolomites
The bitter truth is that Dolomites have exploded in popularity recently, with some of the most popular locations often popping up on Instagram as “must-visit” spots. Yes, these places are incredibly beautiful, but they can also be incredibly crowded at the same time. Planning your vow ceremony at one of these locations means you may be sharing the location with the crowds of international tourists and even other couples deciding to get married nearby. To be 100% honest with you, those picture-perfect places that look so secluded in the pictures you see online are, as a rule, just the result of Photoshop editing or such circumstances as bad weather forecasts keeping the crowds away.
Best Tips for your Dolomites Elopement
- Head out at sunrise or sunset for the best chance of privacy (excluding Cadini di Misurina and Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which remains busy even during these timeframes).
- Consider staying overnight at a rifugio (authentic mountain hut) to access popular locations at sunrise even without using a cable car or an expensive helicopter tour.
- Elope during the low season (June, September, and early October). Yes, there will still be tourists, but you’ll find much more privacy than during the peak season.
- Popular trails and iconic viewpoints are far less crowded during the weekdays. Plan your day for a weekday to avoid tourist-heavy weekends.
- This is a very simple and effective piece of advice: save the iconic hotspots for your honeymoon vacation and choose a less popular (and overcrowded), equally stunning spot to elope at. From our experience, our couples are much happier when to have a private and intimate day.
Unique Dolomites Elopement Locations
Mountain Pass Locations
Mountain passes are a kind of cheat way to reach absolutely mindblowing spots without a hike required – you can simply reach the mountain pass by car to enjoy the sunrise or sunset private ceremony with little or no effort.
Here is the list of passes to elope on in the Dolomites:
Alpine Lakes Locations
Alpine Lakes provide stunning locations for elopements, combining serene waters with breathtaking mountain views. Many of these alpine lakes offer easy access, making them ideal for couples who want beautiful scenery without a hike. Whether you’re planning a peaceful sunrise ceremony by the water or capturing dramatic reflections of the peaks, the lake settings deliver an unforgettable experience.
Here are some of our favorite lakes in the Dolomites:
Locations Accessible by Cable Car
If you’re not planning to hike during your adventure wedding but still want to have stunning photographs with scenic mountain backdrops, we recommend checking the following unique elopement locations:
best Dolomites Wedding Venues
We’ve gathered a list of the best Dolomites wedding venues, ranging from old and classy mountain chalets, luxurious SPA hotels, and rustic warehouses to chick Michelin restaurants ready to serve you top-class cuisine. You hardly need an experienced planner to make it happen!
Our recommendation would be to book a cozy venue, starting with 10 guests invited.
Here are some of our favorite wedding venues in the Dolomites:
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What is the Average Cost of a Dolomites Reception Venue?
Dolomites can propose a wide variety of unique chalets, exclusive mountain resorts, and rifugios (high-altitude mountain hotels). The typical price for a wedding venue can range between $3000 and $4000 (including VAT) plus the wedding reception price will be around $150 per guest invited.
Getting Married in the Dolomites
What is the Best Time to Elope in the Dolomites?
Summer
Summer is undoubtedly the best season to elope to Dolomites. In June, the high alpine meadows burst into bloom, and all the hiking trails and roads are open. The weather is warm, stable, and beautiful. Summer temperatures are not exceeding 30°C/86°F even at high altitudes, making the Dolomites a comfortable destination.
However, this is also peak season, so we’ll need to plan the itinerary carefully to avoid the crowds. Afternoon thunderstorms are very common, so we recommend planning an elopement at sunrise to have a more predictable experience.
Best months in the Dolomites: end of June, whole of July, August, and mid-September.
Pro Tip: We recommend avoiding August because of the overtourism in the mountains.
Fall
Autumn is something unbelievably beautiful here! It’s our secret weapon in planning Italian Dolomites elopements. It’s the time when the tourist season is getting much slower, while the weather is still mild, the alpine lakes aren’t yet covered with ice, and the days are long enough to enjoy every activity possible. This is the only time when the larches change from green to golden, orange, yellow, and colors. It’s our second favorite season to explore and travel in the region.
Best months: Late September to mid-October
Winter
If you dream of getting married with snow and skiing activities, a Dolomites winter wedding is your ideal choice! Getting married in winter is also an amazing excuse to stay at some of the luxurious spa hotels or mountain chalets with a private hot tube.
The downside of eloping in winter is, that many areas like mountain passes and lakes, such as Braies Lake (but not only it), are inaccessible or completely frozen during this period.
Best months: January and February
Spring
Spring brings new life to the rough and severe Alpine nature. From the middle of May temperatures rise, snow melts, mountain trails open up, and flowers start to bloom all over the place! It’s a beautiful time for your dream day, especially in the south of the region, near Lake Garda and Lake Como. If you’d love to see more traditional and expected mountain views it’s really worth waiting until at least the middle of June, when the weather is far warmer and predictable.
Best months: Mid-May to mid-June
Where to Stay During Your Elopement?
Finding your perfect place to stay during your special day, with options from cozy Airbnb to luxury spa hotels and rifugios (mountain hotels) is so dang easy.
Lodging Tip: For the best “getting ready” photos, pick a hotel with enough natural light and light colors in the interior. If you’re planning a “first look” at your accommodation, check the surrounding scenery at Google Street View before booking, so it’ll meet all your expectations and vibes. Here are a few fantastic hotels for a relaxing stay based on our experience
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Unique Elopement Activities & Experiences
Have a Mountain Helicopter Tour
For those who want to see and go places few can, adding a helicopter tour to your Dolomites elopement may be a perfect choice. You can reach the unique locations for epic photographs or even a vow ceremony, which are reachable only by a heli. Whether it’s a single location or multiple landing spots, Elikos Helicopterservice does a great job. Daniel & Titus are our favorite pilots – passionate about the Dolomites and sharing it with their passengers. Booking a private helicopter tour for costs between €1,800-€2,500 (50-90 minutes long).
Spend the Night High in the Mountains
All over the Dolomites, you’ll find traditional mountain huts called rifugios, hidden in valleys or sitting on mountain tops. These huts can be either basic or pretty fancy, giving you a special way to experience the mountains. Plan a wellness day and take a hot tub high in the mountains at Rifugio Lagazuoi, or stay at the iconic Rifugio Auronzo to see the most beautiful sunrise above the clouds at the iconic Cadini di Misruina peaks.
Row a Boat at the Alpine Lake
Picture rowing a boat on a clear Alpine lake in the Dolomites. With the mountains all around you and calm waters, it’s a peaceful and romantic way to celebrate. Whether it’s Lago di Tovel, Lago di Misruina, or another alpine lake, this simple yet classy adventure can make your special day even more memorable. You’ll enjoy quiet moments together, get married in the Dolomites, surrounded by nature, creating memories you’ll never forget.
Book a Scenic Horse Riding Tour
Think about booking a scenic horse riding tour around the Dolomites. This unique experience lets you explore the beauty of the mountains in a relaxing and memorable way. Whether you’re wandering along trails or reaching the panoramic spots, a horse-riding tour adds a special touch to your special day.
Plan AdvenTUre Winter Elopement
Turn your winter elopement into a skiing or snowboarding adventure in the Dolomites. Just imagine yourselves gliding down snowy slopes with breathtaking mountain views as the most epic backdrop for your elopement. After your vows, embrace the thrill of the slopes or unwind with a cozy après-ski! If you’re a skiing or snowboarding fan – is there any better way to celebrate your marriage?
Sample Dolomites Elopement Timelines
THESE ARE JUST EXAMPLES, AND THEY CAN BE MODIFIED IN ANY WAY YOU WOULD LOVE TO!
8-Hour Day Timeline
Sunrise Session
- 4:30 AM – 5:30 AM: Getting ready at a cozy mountain lodge with early morning light.
- 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM: Private first look with mountains bathed in sunrise hues.
- 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Ceremony at a scenic sunrise location.
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Couple’s photoshoot in iconic sunrise spots like Seceda Ridgeline.
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Midday rest and refresh at your accommodation.
Sunset Session
- 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Golden hour photoshoot at Cadini di Misurina or Alpe di Siusi.
- 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Celebration toast & picnic with mountain views.
- 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Final sunset portraits at Cadini di Misurina.
12-Hour Day Timeline
Sunrise Session
- 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM: Getting ready with intimate morning preparation shots at a mountain retreat.
- 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM: First look at the Alpine lake illuminated by sunrise.
- 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM: Vow ceremony at the lake with the Mountain View, capturing sunrise hues.
- 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Sunrise photoshoot at iconic spots like Alpe di Siusi.
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Celebratory breakfast picnic together in nature.
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Midday rest and refresh at your accommodation.
Sunset Session
- 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Golden hour exploration at locations like Seceda Ridge or Gardena Pass.
- 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Private dinner and toast, enjoying quiet, reflective moments.
- 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Final sunset portraits as the day ends with the dramatic twilight in the Dolomites.
A Few Tips for your Journey to the Dolomites
Monitor Flight Deals
Use websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to set up price alerts for flights to the Dolomites. This helps you catch deals and book flights at the best price. Booking early often results in better deals, as flights can be expensive.
Plan for Shoulder Seasons
Visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) offers a more peaceful experience with fewer tourists. The weather is still relatively mild, allowing you to enjoy the stunning landscapes without the peak-season crowds.
Pack Smartly
The weather in the Dolomite mountains can change quickly, so pack layers to stay comfortable. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket and good hiking boots. Bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days, and also gloves and a warm hat for cooler weather.
Stay Connected
Getting a local SIM card can be an affordable way to stay in touch. Alternatively, check if your phone plan offers good international rates. Many places like hotels, cafes, and public spots have free Wi-Fi, so you can easily keep in touch with family and friends or share your adventures online.
Enjoy Your Day
The Dolomites are a perfect spot for relaxation and natural beauty. Take enough time to enjoy the amazing views, connect with nature, and savor every moment of your special day in this breathtaking mountain setting!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in the Dolomites?
The average cost of a destination wedding or elopement in the Dolomites is €18,000 (approximately $19,500 USD) and you can you can even combine it with your honeymoon.
Below, you’ll find a rough estimate of the costs of getting married in the Dolomites (based on the expenses of just you two). Keep in mind, that this doesn’t include flights or transportation, as those can vary greatly depending on where you’re coming from.
Dolomites Budget Elopement Cost
The average cost is €7,250, which includes:
- Marriage license (symbolic ceremony): €0
- Accommodation: €300
- Car rental: €200
- Hair + make-up: €0 (DIY)
- Attire: €1000
- Bouquet: €150
- Dinner at the pizzeria: €100
- Photographer (6 hours coverage): €5,500
Dolomites Luxury Wedding Cost
The average cost is €28,750, which includes:
- Marriage license (symbolic ceremony): €350
- Accommodation: €1500+
- Car rental: €700+
- Hair + make-up: €800+
- Attire: €3000
- Bouquet: €400
- Wedding reception venue: €2000+
- Officiant: €2000
- Planner: €2000+
- Helicopter private tour: €2500
- Photographer (12 hours coverage): €8,500+
- Videographer (12 hours coverage): €5,500+
Dolomites Elopement Packages
Prices for our Dolomites Elopement Packages start at 5500 Euros and depend on the amount of working time & add-ons you will choose. All of the packages include:
- Planning guidance
- Handcrafted locations
- Custom itinerary of the day
- Digital photography with full printing rights
- Drone photography coverage
- All photography packages include travel and other fees
Prices START at €5,500
Elopement Photos from the ITalian Alps
Check out these beautiful galleries from couples we’ve guided through their planning process to get inspired for your special day!
Testimonials
STORYTELLERS
Adventurers
Your Friends
We are Jane & Anton – international award-winning adventure elopement & wedding experts.
Here on our website, you can see our vision of work and if our tastes match – we will be happy to share the emotions of your special day and make a story of your love and adventure with the one-of-a-kind backdrop of gorgeous Dolomites mountains!
We sincerely hope we’ll get the opportunity to capture your story!
Get In Touch
We would love to hear from you! Please allow 48 hours for a response.
Together with Tony Iskra, they are ISKRA Photography - a husband & wife duo shooting in Iceland and beyond.
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