(Updated for 2025) This guide is for couples looking for tips and guidance on how to elope in the Dolomites. It can be a lot to organize, so whether you’re coming from the US/CAN, the UK, Australia, the Philippines or anywhere else, consider this blog your local’s guide and checklist.

Below you’ll find three different budget options, starting with an all-out luxe option, the average option, and something for the DIY minimalists. You’ll also be able to choose the best time of year based on your needs, what to pack, and what to consider when choosing locations and transportation in the area.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Eloping in the Dolomites on a luxury budget
• Eloping in the Dolomites on an average budget
• Eloping in the Dolomites on a DIY budget
• Transportation and the best way to get around the Dolomites
• Best month the elope in the Dolomites
• Best places to stay in the Dolomites
• How plan the right activities for your Dolomites elopement
• How to plan your vows in the Dolomites
• How to include your family
• How to Pick the right Dolomites Elopement Photographer

*IMPORTANT NOTES: the Dolomites is an area of northern Italy often referred to as “South Tyrol” (tee-ROLL) in English, or “Süd Tirol” in German. The area is a rich overlap of Austrian/German and Italian mountain culture. Both Italian and German are spoken throughout the area. This means almost all cities, parks and lakes will have two names. One is the German version, one is the Italian version.

7 Quick Tips for Planning a Dolomites Elopement:

• Base your trip around the cities of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Corvara, Alta Badia, San Candido Innichen, Bruneck, Bolzano or Ortisei
• Book your photographer and accomodation first. Those things go quickly. The rest you can be more casual about.
• Pack layers, all year round. Mountain weather changes quickly, and higher elevations bring chill no matter how warm the valley temps are. Always have a rain jacket and fleece hoody with, even during summer.
• Bring hiking boots or trail shoes with good tread and ankle support. Mud and loose stone is everywhere, and you don’t want to slide or roll an ankle!
• Be prepared for some places to speak little English. Study up on some Italian basics for checking in/out of your hotel, or have Deepl translator bookmarked in your search engine.
• Don’t be discouraged by a little rain. Rain can be romantic and create some very atmospheric, moody conditions. Cloudy skies also make for the best midday photos.
• Consider avoiding the most popular locations, like Lago di Braies and Tre Cime, on your elopement day. They are very crowded and this may impact your experience.

ALSO READ: Dolomites elopement FAQs

How to elope in the Dolomites for 3 different budgets

The range of activities and accommodations in the Dolomites means an elopement is accessible for most budgets at around €10,000 – €15,000. These options are based on average prices in 2024 for services and accommodations including two people.

Please note that all budget descriptions are in the local currency of Euro. For the most accurate exchange rate in your currency, I recommend XE currency converter.

How to elope in the Dolomites on a luxury budget

Base Budget: ~€25,000 – 30,000 for 5 days in the Dolomites; add ~850 – 1,000 EUR per additional day

When it comes to luxury, the sky is the limit. These prices are for a “basic” luxury elopement, and you can easily inflate the price if you want to book the most impressive rooms, business class flights, additional vendors and michelin star restaurant experiences.

• One day of photography coverage: 8k
• Videography: 3-4k
• Elopement planner: 4k
• Helicopter hire: 2.5k
• 2 days of elopement activities: 400-1,000
• Bouquet and boutonniere: 150 – 450
• Two business class, direct flights (return included) from NYC to Vienna/Milan: 6k
• 5 nights in 5 star luxury chalet or wellness hotel: 3k-6k
• 5 day car rental: 500
• Hair and Makeup: 800
• Highway tolls, gas and parking: 200
• Food & Drinks (lunch and dinner): 750
• 1 Michelin star meal for two: 500

How to elope in the Dolomites on an average budget

Budget: under €15,000 for 5 days in the Dolomites; add 520 per day

I would say the average elopement in the Dolomites will run you around €15k. You can adjust each area to save or splurge depending on what you value most, but ultimately, this is how much the average Dolomites elopement will cost a couple for 5 days in the area.

• Full day of photography coverage: 6k
• 1 day of elopement activities: 200 – 400
• Bouquet and boutonniere: 150
• Two premium economy flights from NYC to Milan/Vienna: 3k
• 5 nights in 3-4 star hotels: 1.5k
• 5 day sedan car rental: 400
• Hair and makeup: 800
• Highway tolls, gas and parking: 200
• Food & Drinks (lunch and dinner): 450
• 1 Michelin star meal for two: 500

How to elope in the Dolomites on a DIY budget

Budget: under €10,000 for 5 days in the Dolomites; add 325 per day

If you’re willing to do a little grocery shopping and Airbnb cooking, make your own bouquet, do your own makeup and stay in cheaper accommodation, you can have a dreamy Dolomites elopement for under €10k!

• Full day of photography coverage: 6k
• DIY bouquet from supermarket: 30
• 1 day of elopement activities: 200 – 400
• Two economy flights from NYC to Milan/Vienna: 1.5k
• 5 nights in Airbnb or 2 star hotels: 550
• 5 day compact MANUAL car rental: 300
• Highway tolls, gas and parking: 200
• Food & Drinks (packed lunch with dinner out): 325

If you’re still wondering how to elope in the Dolomites on a tighter budget, consider cashing in travel or hotel points if you have them and book in shoulder seasons. Rooms are dramatically cheaper in late October/November and in April/May. Remember that Dec-March is ski season, so things won’t necessarily be cheaper those months.

READ MORE: real past couple share their Dolomites wedding budgets

Transportation and the Best Way to Get Around the Dolomites

Book a car.

There are lots of train and bus connections, but I promise you’ll want the flexibility of having your own transportation while in the area. There are lots of bus connections in the area though, especially in summer, so do consider taking the buses on the days around your elopement to cut down on your impact.

Tips on car rentals, driving and parking the Dolomites:

1. Find out if you need to obtain an international driver’s permit. Generally, they must be obtained BEFORE you leave.
2. Double check you’ve booked an automatic transmission if you can’t drive manual.
3. Car rental companies in Bolzano are closed on Sunday. If you’re arriving on the weekend, plan ahead for this.
4. Download the Easy Park app. Many parking meters only take coins.
5. Parking by popular trailheads will fill up by mid morning. Get out early.

Best months to elope in the Dolomites

Summer, July and August

SOMEWHAT IDEAL. If you want the warmest weather possible and don’t mind crazy crowds and surge pricing, July and August are beautiful even at the highest elevations. Early July is great for wildflowers. Personally, I recommend avoiding August altogether though.

Early Autumn, September to mid October

IDEAL. Warm to cool daytime temperatures, comfortable, generally dry and much less crowded than summer.

Late Autumn, mid October to December

SOMEWHAT IDEAL. The last two weeks of October can either be great, or not great. November may be dry and sunny, or snowy. It’s a gamble, although I’d say the odds are more in your favor. Late December can be beautiful for festive ski elopements, but some years snowfall is minimal.

Winter, late December to March

IDEAL FOR SKIING. If you like snow sports, or just that cozy snowy vibe, this is your sign to book a winter ski elopement! The snowpack is best from Feb to March, and days get longer as well.

Early spring, March to early May

NOT IDEAL. Not quite reliable enough to book a winter or a summer elopement. It’s an absolute shoulder season and things are just a bit wet, chilly and unpredictable. Probably my least favorite time of the year.

Late Spring, end of May through June

GENERALLY IDEAL. Each season is different, and some years the highest passes and lifts don’t open until almost July due to spring snow conditions. Some years, they are completely clear by the end of May. It’s hard to know, so book things for mid June or later if possible. May is compatible with lower elevations plans, such as Alpe di Suisi or Lago di Braies.

READ MORE: the Dolomites by month, when to elope

Best places to stay in the Dolomites

There is a huge range of options for booking accomodation in the Dolomites. There are traditional mountain huts, luxury spas and resorts, Airbnbs, BnBs, Rifugios, Chalets, glamping and camping. It depends a lot on your budget and what kind of amenities you want. Expect prices to surge a lot in July and August. Many mountain huts are closed from October to early June. Cheapest prices from June to October will run you €100-200 a night on average. Luxury hotels can be from €500 – 1000k per night.

Rifugios

Rifugi are traditional mountain huts in South Tirol where day hikers and backpackers can grab food, drinks and/or a room. They are popular places to stay during the winter ski season as well. These huts sit close to summits, gondolas and popular trails. Most are accessible only by foot, and some can be reached by cable car. Often, the food in these huts is classic South Tirol cooking and is an experience in itself.

When to Stay in a Rifugio: if you want to wake up right on the trail, go skiing, or experience sunset on the mountains without having to hike down in the dark, definitely consider a rifugio. They offer fast trail access and flexibility in ways that even the gondolas can’t, and are the ideal spot to stay overnight for a two day elopement.

ALSO READ: how to elope in a mountain hut

Vacation Homes

These option are great for groups. You’ll be able to find entire apartments or condos suitable for groups up to 10. Access to a full kitchen means you’ll be able to prepare some or all of your own food, which is a great way to have family style meals and save money. It also means space to hang out together, instead of each having separate hotel rooms.

Luxury Chalets

Chalets offer an amount of privacy and space which is already a huge plus. Luxury chalets then include an entire staff and concierge at your service, as well as warm food from their chefs sent directly to your chalet. These chalets typically come with their own sauna and bathing area, full kitchens and more. I highly recommend a luxury chalet for your elopement, as they have so much more room and charm than hotels.

Wellness Hotels

If you go the hotel route, definitely try a wellness hotel. These hotels have all the typical amenities and professionalism of other hotels, but offer a spa and sauna area. There are typically upgrades for a number of massage types, skin care and other ways to indulge. Bathing culture is sacred in South Tirol, and definitely something to experience while you’re here.

Glamping

The glamping and camping in the Dolomites is impressive. Sites are extremely clean and quiet. Many places have pools, spas, laundry facilities, playgrounds and other bonuses. For a truly unique experience, this glamping site on the north side of the Tre Cime National Park has lodges, treehouses and a spa area.

How plan the right activities for your Dolomites elopement

The Dolomites are a paradise for mountain sports, culture and food. Your elopement is NOT a glorified photo shoot, so fill it with the real things that excite you. Here are some activities to consider booking during your elopement to keep your day super fun:

• Rent a classic or luxury car for an unforgettable scenic tour
• Book a heli tour of Tre Cime, Lago di Braies and more…
• Book a helicopter transfer to supercar Dolomites tour
• Ride a gondola
• Go paragliding
• Take a cooking class
• Rent an e-Bike or mountain bike
• Stay overnight in a traditional Rifugio
• Try a via ferrata
• Plan a picnic with Italian cheeses, meats and wine
• Book a sunrise boat ride on Lago di Braies
• Go on a hike, from short walks to demanding climbs
• Reserve a table with a Michelin star chef
• Star gaze in the clear night skies
• Sunrise first look
• Sunset vows

If you need more ideas, or aren’t sure, consider this an opportunity to have a bucket list experience. It’s your wedding day, so splurge on something memorable that you’ve always wanted to do.

How to plan your vows in the Dolomites

Your vow ceremony is super special – it’s the focus point of your entire day. Consider your vow location and time carefully. The most famous spots you want to visit are great for excursions and photo ops, but not always for vows. You want to choose a location that is lesser known or trafficked by tourists so you can have some privacy. Consider doing sunset vows since most day hikers are gone to dinner by then, or hire a helicopter. Privacy is important for your vows because you definitely don’t want this moment ruined by screaming kids, cell phone wielding tourists or photo bombing hikers.

READ MORE: pros of a helicopter elopement

How to elope in the Dolomties with your family

If you’ve got some VIP folks you really want by your side, the more the merrier!

Here’s some ideas and tips for including a select number of guests:

• Consider which parts of your day you want seen by others, vs. the parts you’d prefer to keep private
• Have your dad or parent “walk you down the aisle”
• Have someone officiate your ceremony
• Have them read letters or toasts out loud
• Make sure you have plenty of breaks for people, and that everyone is fed and hydrated.
• Set boundaries and expectations. Make sure everyone invited knows what’s expected of them.

And here’s some ideas for “including” none at all:

If you want a “just us” Dolomites elopement but want to honor your favorite humans and pets somehow, consider the following:

• Have your friends and family record video clips of them congratulating you in a shared Google drive. Only watch them after your vows.
• Same as above, but with hand written letters
• Have a party before your trip, and take polaroids with everyone. Bring them with you along with your vows.
• Bring your pet’s collars, or have a small custom plushy of them made
• If you have a quirky sense of humor, printing faces on socks is hilarious
• Write thank you or “wish you were here” cards on local post cards
• Facetime them
• Use the photos later to announce a party if you want to celebrate with them later!

How to pick the right Dolomites elopement photographer

An elopement photographer is a very intimate part of your day, and they can make or break your elopement experience. Choose wisely. Pick someone you vibe with, who makes you feel supported, relaxed and seen. Your photographer may just be the only other person with you on this day.

I recommend video chatting with multiple photographers and choosing the one you feel most at ease with.

Be wary of photographers who don’t know the area, as the mountains present specific challenges. If you want someone local to the Dolomites, trained in wilderness medicine, full of dad jokes and possibly part mountain goat – hey, stranger, let’s talk about it! I’m Mariah. I live on the Austrian and Italian border, and the Dolomites is my home.

MORE RESOURCES ON HOW TO ELOPE IN THE DOLOMITES:

• Real couples share their Dolomites wedding budgets
• Dolomites Elopement FAQs
• 2 Day Hiking Elopement in the Dolomites
• Best month to elope in the Dolomites
• How to Plan a Ski Wedding in the Dolomites
• How to Pack and What to Wear for a Dolomites Elopement
• 7 Tips for Photo Sessions at Lago di Braies
• Pros and cons of a helicopter elopement