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, Canada, the UK or 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.
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*NOTE: 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. Italian, German and English are spoken throughout the area.
The range of activities and accommodations in the Dolomites means it is accessible for most budgets at or over €8,000. These options are based on average prices in 2022 for services and accomodations 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.
For “elopement activities” consider things like gondola rides, ski lift tickets, dinner with private chef or wine tastings, helicopter rides, overnight rifugio stays, paragliding, boat rides etc.
Base Budget: ~€20,000 for 5 days in the Dolomites; add 825 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 double the price if you want to book the most impressive rooms, first class flights, rental cars and restaurant experiences. Italian shopping trips not included…
Budget: under €12,000 for 5 days in the Dolomites; add 520 per day
I would say the average elopement in the Dolomites will run you around €12k. 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.
Budget: under €7,000 for 5 days in the Dolomites; add 325 per day
If you’re willing to do a little grocery shopping, make your own bouquet, can drive a manual transmission and stay in cheaper accommodation, you can have a dreamy budget Dolomites elopement for under €7k!
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!
Book a car.
Driving a rental through the mountain passes is an amazing experience, and I promise you’ll want the flexibility of having your own transportation while in the area. Unlike Milan, Rome or the Almalfi coast, driving and parking in these areas is much more feasible and a lot cheaper. Many trail heads have ample parking (although it can cost you €10-30 for parking tickets in areas like Tre Cime or Seceda). Just be sure to arrive early in the morning or after dinner to secure a parking spot. Popular places fill up fast.
Personally, my favorite months for eloping in the Dolomites are June and September. Depending on snowfall, early June is a gamble and many lifts, restaurants and rifugios are not open until the 15th or later. The end of June and all of September will give you the best balance of good weather, minimal crowds and prices. Here’s a breakdown of each season in the Dolomites:
Ultimately, choosing a time of year is very dependent on what is most important to you. Consider the weather, crowds and activities you want to experience to help you decide.
READ MORE: 2 DAY DOLOMITES SKI WEDDING
Generally, there is a huge range of options for booking accomodation in the Dolomites. There are traditional guest houses, luxury spas and hotels, Airbnbs, BnBs, Rifugi and Glamping/Camping. It depends a lot on your budget, what kind of amenities you want and where you feel most comfortable. Expect prices to surge a lot in July and August. Many places are closed from October to early June. Cheapest prices from June to October will run you €100-200 on average. No matter which option below you go for, book early, which is 3-5 months in advance!
Let’s talk about my favorite option first: Rifugi or “rifugios” (Hütte, in German).
Rifugi are traditional mountain huts in South Tirol where day hikers and backpackers can grab food, drinks or a room. They are popular places to stay during the winter skii months as well. These huts sit close to summits or along alpine 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.
If you need unique accommodation, like a full kitchen or multiple rooms for guests, consider an Airbnb. You’ll be able to find entire apartments or condos which are suitable for groups up to 10 in most cases. 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, save money or accommodate for allergies or diet restrictions. It also means common areas to relax, instead of each having separate hotel rooms.
Traditional BnBs and guesthouses are also more casual and home-y options that reflect the food and culture of the area. They tend to be run by families, possibly going back generations, and are a far more immersive way to stay in South Tirol than a hotel. Check out this list of 44 great guesthouses throughout South Tirol!
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. If you want some great tips on how to behave in saunas, this list is spot on (and trust me…follow it exactly.) Then, come as you are and fully embrace the nudity!
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.
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 make you both REALLY excited! Here are some activities to consider booking during your elopement to keep your day super fun:
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!
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 take a gondola ride up to scenic points and explore the ridge trails to find a more private area. 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.
You can bring ’em as guests, or you can leave ’em at home. No matter what you choose, make sure it’s what YOU want. There is nothing more stressful or damaging than inviting guests you really don’t want there, but are too nice to say NO to. Let me repeat it for those in the back:
IT’S YOUR WEDDING AND YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO INVITE ANYONE. NO ONE IS ENTITLED TO A SEAT AT THE TABLE.
I promise, it’s seriously one of those, “those who matter won’t mind, and those who mind…don’t matter…” moments.
If you want a “just us” Dolomites elopement but want to honor your favorite humans and pets somehow, consider the following:
An elopement photographer is a very intimate part of your day, and they can make or break your Dolomites 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 important day!
I recommend video chatting with multiple photographers and choosing the one you feel most at ease with.
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 in the Austrian Alps and Italian Dolomites and these peaks are my playground, gym and office.
I know how to elope in the Dolomites, and am ready to share that knowledge with you.
My Dolomites elopement packages start at €5,400. To find out more about what’s included in my packages, check out my packages and pricing page here.
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