Post Summary: Are you dreaming of an enchanting elopement in one of the most incredible mountain ranges in the world? The Dolomites are a total alpine paradise, offering idyllic landscapes like you’ve never seen, from secluded turquoise lakes to lush, green valleys and soaring peaks that are only accessible by cable car or hike. In this guide, I’ll be giving you the best places to elope in the Dolomites, as well as helpful information about where to stay during your trip, bucket-list activities to add to your itinerary, and more!

Where Are the Dolomites?

Situated in northeastern Italy, the Dolomites are an unbelievably beautiful mountain range that lie between the Austrian mountains and the plains of Italy. The main towns in the Dolomites include Trento, Cortina D’Ampezzo, Bressanone, Brunico, and the capital of the area, Bolzano—which is essentially the gateway into the Dolomites!

And let me tell you: the natural beauty of this region is UNREAL. Amidst these stunning mountains that are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, you’ll find massive limestone rocks, sheer cliffs, deep valleys, jagged mountain ridges, wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and more landscapes that will have any outdoor lover drooling. The Dolomites are actually recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their spectacular natural beauty, international significance, and diverse terrain!

To get to the Dolomites for your elopement, I’d recommend flying into Venice and renting a car to drive into the mountains. You could also fly into Verona, Milan, Zurich, or Munich, but Venice offers the easiest access via a 2-3 hour drive (depending on where in the Dolomites you’re headed). 

10 Most Breathtaking Dolomites Elopement Locations

I would have to write 10 other blog posts in order to go through all the incredible places you could elope in the Dolomites—so to keep it simple, I’ve narrowed it down to just 10 of the best Dolomites elopement locations. While this is by no means a complete list of all your options, it’ll give you an amazing place to get started, and to really feel out what type of locations you’re looking to explore.

This list includes locations of varied accessibility, from easy drive-up viewpoints, to moderate 3-mile loops, to longer hikes that require a bit more effort. So depending on how much time and energy you’d like to spend hiking during your elopement (if any), you can decide which locations are calling your name, and which ones you want to prioritize when building your itinerary.

If you want to elope somewhere in the Dolomites that doesn’t require much of a hike (or any hike at all), you have a few options:

• Drive around the mountain passes, and get out of your car at scenic overlooks/viewpoints
• Ride a cable car up to a stunning viewpoint
• Find an alpine lake you can simply drive up to + walk around

The Dolomites also have quite a variety of amazing boutique hotels, private chalets, and small event venues where you could host an intimate elopement ceremony or small reception. As your Dolomites elopement photographer, I’m super happy to chat through your options with you, and help you figure out what would best serve your unique elopement dreams!

Note: Locations in the Dolomites can get a little confusing, because many of them go by both Austrian and Italian names—plus sometimes even German, and English for us Americans. I’ve done my best to include the main names these locations go by, so that you know exactly how to look up more info about each one.

Lago di Braies

Also known as Pragser Wildsee; Lake Prags; Lake Braies

Lago di Braies is one of the most famous and photographed destinations in the Dolomites, and for good reason: it’s one of the most enchanting, fairytale-esque alpine lakes you will EVER see. And that’s saying a lot, coming from a Pacific Northwest-based photographer who gets to see a lot of beautiful alpine lakes! The aquamarine waters, cinematic mountain backdrop, and lush greenery make Lago di Braies a truly spectacular sight to see no matter the season or time of day. 

Because of its unreal natural beauty, Lago di Braies is also one of the most crowded places in the Dolomites—meaning you definitely need to set proper expectations beforehand. The lake gets VERY crowded pretty much all day, even at sunrise and sunset, so this isn’t a location where you’d want to try and have a private, quiet ceremony. I’d recommend renting the dock area + a boat for a private shoot before they open to the public, so that you can have a little time to yourselves to enjoy the views!

Passo Gardena

Also known as Gardena Pass; Ju de Frara

Gardena Pass is a STUNNING part of the Dolomites to drive around, high up in the mountains connecting Val Gardena with Val Baldia. In the summertime, Gardena Pass serves as a starting point for a ton of amazing hikes, via ferratas, and mountain biking trails; in the winter, it’s a haven for ski lovers who come to visit the Selva ski area. With multiple cozy mountain hotels and lodges, as well as smaller rifugios, this pass is an amazing place to call your home base as you venture off into the Dolomites wilderness! Oh, and it’s absolutely unreal at sunrise and sunset, especially during the autumn months when the larches are at their peak.

Passo Giau

Also known as Giau Pass; Jof de Giau

Similar to Gardena, Giau Pass is the starting point for many gorgeous hikes in the Dolomites, and is super easy to reach from a lot of the popular destinations nearby. It only takes around 30 minutes to get to Giau Pass from Cortina d’Ampezzo, and there’s free parking at the top of the pass that gives you easy access to multiple amazing trails. You can take a quick and low-effort walk to an incredible viewpoint of Ra Gisela, or go a little further to get absolutely jaw-dropping views of the road leading up to the pass. 

Sella Pass

Also known as Passo Sella; Sellajoch; Jeuf de Sela

If you love the idea of exploring a mountain pass for your elopement, but would prefer to escape the crowds that can sometimes flock to Gardena & Giau, Sella Pass is another great option. Just down the road from Gardena, this pass usually sees less visitors, but offers views that are just as incredible, as well as access to multiple hiking trails, via ferratas, climbing routes, and skiing opportunities in the winter. If you only have the chance to spend a little time here, definitely check it out at sunset to see the magical colors over the mountain peaks.

Cinque Torri

Also known as Cinque Torri di Averau; the Five Towers

Cinque Torri is easily one of the most well-known landmarks in the Dolomites, featuring 5 picturesque dolomite towers in the southwest area of Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s super easy to access via cable car, or you can make the trek up to Cinque Torri via hike from nearby spots such as Giau Pass, Falzarego Pass, and the dedicated Cinque Torri parking area. Riding the cable car is the perfect option for couples who want to enjoy an easy, low-effort (and still wildly picturesque) adventure, or couples who want to start hiking once they get to the top, as there are plenty of jaw-dropping trails accessible from Cinque Torri.

Seceda

It’s actually insane how little hiking is required to visit Seceda, being that it offers some of the most magnificent views in the entire region. If you’ve seen ANY photos of the Dolomites, I’d bet 99% that you saw a photo of the view from Seceda! The Fermeda Towers (also known as the Torri di Fermeda) of Seceda are absolutely iconic, towering over the enchanting alpine landscapes with jagged peaks, rugged cliffs, and sharp edges that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Seceda is an amazing place to elope because you can make it as easy or difficult as you want, riding either the cable car from Ortisei to the top of Seceda, OR hike up if you’d like a longer adventure. You can also ride the cable car and then find a trail to explore once you’re near the summit! To avoid crowds, consider staying in a nearby rifugio, then going out to Seceda early by hike before the majority of visitors arrive.

Cadini di Misurina

I literally cannot put into words how stunning not only the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is, but also the trail leading up to it! At only ~2 miles round trip, this easy hike is a must-do during your time in the Dolomites. You’ll definitely run into crowds along the way, but it’s worth it for the breathtaking, panoramic scenery you get at the end of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina itself, of course. This hike is best done on a clear, dry day, as the trail can get dangerous when it’s wet, and is usually open from June-October before the road closes for the winter.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Also known as Three Peaks of Lavaredo; Drei Zinnen

There are multiple ways to explore the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail: either you take the full 6.2 mile loop, or stop anywhere along the way and turn around for a shorter adventure. Viewpoints such as Cappella degli Alpini and Rifugio Lavaredo make this hike so dang worth it, offering unreal views of the Auronzo valley and the Cadini di Misurina as you go. This trail is pretty busy at all times of day, so be prepared to hike with other visitors nearby—it’s not an ideal spot for an intimate ceremony! The road to Tre Cime di Lavaredo is closed in the winter, so you’ll want to plan for a summer or early fall hike.

Alpe di Siusi

Also known as Seiser Alm

I know that literally every location on this list feels like it’s been pulled straight out of an enchanted fantasy world, but Alpe di Siusi might take the cake. Unlike most of the other spots I’ve mentioned that offer up-close views of the Dolomites’ iconic mountain peaks, Alpe di Siusi is this vast, alpine pasture filled with fields of greenery, wildflowers, and amazing trails. Easy to access from Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi is a magical place to visit in the summertime, when you can explore the full range of over 250 miles of hiking trails, cable car rides, vibrant wildflowers, cozy mountain huts, and epic via ferratas. This region gets an incredible 300 days of sunshine every year, so chances are high that you’ll get to enjoy gorgeous blue skies as you stroll through these dreamy alpine meadows!

Val di Funes

Finally, Val di Funes is yet another alpine valley that feels like it’s from a freaking storybook. Situated in the western Dolomites, the dramatic green slopes and jagged mountain edges offer absolutely insane views from every angle. There are quite a few places you won’t want to miss when exploring Val di Funes, including the Church of St. Magdalena and the Church of St. Johann, as well as the epic Adolf Munkel Weg to Geisler Alm trial. The views of the vibrant green fields and lush, forested hills are straight out of a dream, especially when there’s fog or clouds gently rolling in. . . just insane!

Where to Stay When Visiting the Dolomites

The Dolomites has an abundance of incredible places for you to stay for your elopement, no matter what your budget is or the type of accommodations you’re looking for! There are seriously endless options ranging from rustic, primitive mountain huts deep in the backcountry, to luxurious mountaintop hotels with full-fledged spas and 5-star suites. I’d recommend looking into accommodations in areas like Val Gardena, Alta Pusteria, Val di Funes, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, which can all serve as great home bases during your trip.

The most iconic accommodations in the Dolomites, though, and what I’d most recommend looking into, are the rifugios–or mountain huts! These rifugios offer a super unique way to experience these spectacular landscapes, located all throughout the Dolomites region and usually only accessible by foot or by helicopter. Most of the mountain huts in the Dolomites are very basic, offering only the necessities you’ll need to spend the night and enjoy safe accommodations, but it’s honestly the most authentic way to experience the culture of this region—and to get phenomenal views while you’re at it. Rifugios are often located in the high mountain passes, which means they’re only accessible from around mid-June to early October, before the snow hits.

Not only will you feel totally at home in the mountains when you stay at a rifugio, you’ll also get the chance to connect with fellow hikers, since some rifugios offer shared dorms instead of private rooms. If that’s something you enjoy while traveling, then you’ll love the community aspect of these huts! You won’t get the luxury experience that you’d get at a 5-star mountain resort, but I highly recommend staying in a mountain hut for at least a night or two during your trip to really embrace the full experience. If you do want to stay in a rifugio, make sure to book it as far in advance as you can, since they get more and more crowded + popular with hikers every year!

If you’re looking for a more upscale place to stay, you won’t have to search very far—there are plenty of absolutely stunning, luxurious hotels and resorts throughout the Dolomites that you’ll fall in love with! The Dolomites region is known for its focus on health, wellness, and nature, so you’ll find that a lot of the hotels have gorgeous built-in spas, phenomenal views, dreamy retreats, and amazing excursions/activities you can participate in. 

8 Adventurous Ideas for Your Dolomites Elopement

I’m sure you’ve already realized just how many incredible things there are to do in the Dolomites, no matter what activities are on your bucket list, or how adventurous/laid-back you want your elopement to be. Just in case you need more, though, here are 8 epic ideas to make the most of your Dolomites elopement!

1. Go on an unforgettable helicopter sightseeing tour over the mountains

2. Take a scenic road trip through the mountain passes

3. Dine at one of the 19 Michelin star restaurants in South Tyrol

4. Go white water rafting in Trentino

5. Explore the enchanting town of Val di Funes

6. Go paragliding over the jagged mountain peaks

7. Stay in a rifugio and connect with fellow hikers

8. Climb a via ferrata route and admire the views from above

Legalities of Getting Married in the Dolomites

Wondering about the logistics and legalities of eloping in the Dolomites? Let’s chat about what it looks like to get married in this beautiful alpine paradise, and why you may want to opt for a non-legal ceremony.

How Do You Legally Get Married in the Dolomites?

If you were thinking of getting legally married during your trip to Italy, unfortunately you may be disappointed—because while you can get your Italian marriage license as foreigners, you actually can’t sign the paperwork for a civil wedding ceremony outside of a specific list of permitted locations. So instead, I recommend having a symbolic elopement ceremony in the Dolomites, and signing the legal paperwork back home prior to your trip. This will take a TON of stress out of the planning process, and honestly, will just let you enjoy your time in the Dolomites even more!

Do You Need a Permit to Elope in the Dolomites?

If you’re having a symbolic ceremony in the Dolomites, you won’t need a permit to hold your ceremony, or bring a photographer! The only thing your photographer will need to note is that there are specific no-fly zones for drones on certain national park and private property.

Can You Bring Guests to a Dolomites Elopement?

Yes, but I’d recommend keeping it to a minimum with maybe 2-3 guests. The Dolomites already get pretty crowded at most of the popular locations for a symbolic ceremony, and it may be difficult to find somewhere with enough space if you bring a larger group with you. It can be incredibly special to elope in private with just the two of you, and then celebrate with loved ones later on (maybe even meet up with them in Italy after your Dolomites adventure!). This way, you can really be present and focused on each other, enjoying this time to yourselves and not worrying about anybody else. 

5 Essential Tips for Your Dolomites Elopement

1. Elope in the shoulder season

While summer in the Dolomites is absolutely stunning, certain locations can get super duper crowded at pretty much any time of day—which isn’t the best recipe for an intimate elopement. Both summer and winter are high season in the Dolomites due to the gorgeous summer weather that’s perfect for outdoor recreation, and the amazing snow that offers the ideal environment for winter sports.

If you want to elope with a bit more privacy, opt for an elopement in the shoulder season in June, September, or early October! This will help you escape the major crowds that come during the peak months of July and August, but you’ll still get comfortable temperatures, breathtaking scenery, and an abundance of hiking opportunities. Fall is actually a really great time to elope if you want to escape the summer heat, and get those fresh, cool mornings + evenings in the mountains. Eloping outside of peak season also means you’ll probably find lower accommodation costs, and more lodging availability in general.

2. Be flexible with timing

Whether you’re eloping in the mountains of the Northwestern US or Northern Italy, Mother Nature will always do her thing—without care for your elopement plans. So it’s important that you prepare for all weather scenarios, even if it’s the middle of July and the skies are supposed to be clear + sunny! You never know when the weather will change on a whim in the mountains, or when clouds will roll in with a spontaneous rainstorm. As long as you’ve got backup plans in place and are ready to embrace any type of weather, you’ll have an incredible time no matter the temperature or the color of the sky!

P.S. Be sure to also pack for all different types of weather! Layers will be your best friend in the mountains, where temps can drop drastically once the sun goes down, or if it starts to rain.

3. Weekdays are best

Eloping on a weekday is a MUST for elopements in the Dolomites, especially if you decide to elope during peak season. It’s the only way you can avoid the biggest crowds, though you’ll still run into other visitors for sure. And if you want to have even more privacy when you exchange your vows, set an early alarm + elope at sunrise instead of mid-day or sunset!

4. Rent your own car

To really make the most out of your time in the Dolomites, you’ll definitely want to rent a car once you arrive. There are trains and buses you can take to get around the region, but it’s honestly best explored by car, on your own time and schedule! If you do plan to rent a car, you’ll need to get an International Driving Permit to drive in Italy as a tourist.

5. Pack the right shoes

Hiking through the Dolomites is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we want to make sure it’s a safe one, too! Sturdy hiking boots with plenty of traction are a must as you explore the various types of terrain found throughout the mountains, especially ones with waterproof material in case of rain. You’ll be doing a LOT of walking to make your way through these incredible landscapes, so you need to make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way!

Meet Your Dolomites Elopement Photographer

Hi, I’m Katie—your Dolomites elopement photographer, ready to document your incredible escape into the heavenly wilderness of northeastern Italy. I’ve been dying to visit this area for so long, and would be so excited to scout out the perfect location for your day, help you build your timeline, and plan activities that’ll make your day unforgettable.

Learn more about me and my approach to elopement photography here, and then take a peek at my Dolomites elopement packages & pricing below! If you’re feeling like we’d be a great fit, then I’d be SO thrilled to help you plan an epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure in this incredible region of Italy. Let’s chat so you can tell me everything you’re envisioning, and bring allll those dreams to life.

Dolomites Elopement Packages & Pricing

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Want to learn about more incredible destination elopement locations around the world? Below, I’ve included comprehensive guides to some of my personal favorite locations to help inspire you + show you what’s possible!

How to Elope in Namibia

How to Elope in Jordan

How to Elope in Egypt

How to Elope in Bali

How to Elope in Morocco