The Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail is a stunning and easy access place to get elopement photos in the Dolomites. From late June to mid September, you can drive straight up to the Tre Cime trail and Lavaredo Rifugio. There is a €30 toll road fee to the upper parking lot.

From there, trails go in all directions, with the two main ones less than an hour from the parking lot on a wide gravel trail. It’s easy access, jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and a fabulous spot to explore for all fitness levels.

That of course means it is very busy. You’ll often see other couples out here getting their photos taken in peak months, and there are people everywhere. Here are some tips for getting the most out of this popular location!

ARRIVE AT SUNRISE, OR STAY OVERNIGHT IN A RIFUGIO

You will be competing with day hikers, overnight trekkers, rock climbers, mountain bikers and other athletes and travelers for the same views. If you want relative privacy and don’t want your experience overwhelmed by crowds, plan to have your tre cime elopement photos at sunrise.

If you want the most stress free and flexible option, book a night in one of the many Rifugios in the park. You will wake up right under Tre Cime and won’t need to stress about others crashing your vow ceremony.

• View the Auronzo Rifugio website – you can park directly at this rifugio
• View the Lavaredo Rifugio website – you must park near the Auronzo rifugio and walk 20-30 minutes.
• Parking near Tre Cime can be navigated to from Cortina here, or by using these GPS coordinates.
• The toll road up the pass to the parking area costs €30
• It is common that this parking lot fills up before 9am in the high season and on weekends!

PLAN YOUR TRE CIME ELOPEMENT PHOTOS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK, AVOID JULY AND AUGUST, AND HOLIDAYS

Did I mention the trail is busy? If you want to have the best chances for empty(ish) trails, plan your elopement photos in the middle of the week. Avoid July and August, as they are extremely busy! Make sure you avoid the long weekend holidays as well – Germany, Austria and Italy have a lot of public holidays in the months of May and June. If your date falls near one of these, you’ll see a lot of travelers and people on the trail.

• Public holidays for Austria
• Public holidays for Germany
• Public holidays for Italy

ALSO READ: How to elope in the Dolomites for every budget

DON’T BE DISCOURAGED BY RAIN OR CLOUDY WEATHER

Mountain weather is wild and varies valley to valley, and from valley to summit. You can’t be too discouraged or obsessed with the weather forecast when in the Dolomites. You just have to be prepared.

A little rain is actually not a deal breaker, and neither are cloudy skies! For midday photos especially, clouds are ideal. The light is more falttering on your skin, and everything has a softer look.

• For historical weather and climate data, click here
• For live webcams of Tre Cime, click here

When the weather is too dangerous to go out in (lightening, hail, thunderstorms, extreme wind etc.) you’ll want to plan a backup shooting location nearby. I recommend Lago d’Atorno at the bottom of the toll road; you will be at a more comfortable elevation close to restaurants and parking, and can quickly make the drive to Tre Cime if things clear up.

If it continues to drizzle a bit, don’t forget how romantic rainy photos can look. Bring umbrellas and rain jackets, and embrace the aesthetic. Low clouds look beautiful and add atmosphere in ways clear skies just can’t.

ALWAYS HAVE A CHANGE OF CLOTHES

The benefit of having your elopement photos at Tre Cime is you can usually wear your wedding clothes all day. I always recommend having an outfit change in your backpack though. In case the weather turns, it’s a good idea to have a functional outfit ready to go so you stay warm and dry.

Choose layers that are moisture wicking and quick dry. Whatever you normally wear for exercise or hiking is ideal. Avoid layers with buttons, straps or other design elements that make it hard to get in and out of.

ALSO READ: J&I’s 2 day Dolomites hiking elopement in October

BUY A “BRIDAL BUDDY” IF YOUR DRESS HAS A LONG TRAIN

A bridal buddy is basically a net you wear under your dress so you can scoop the skirt up quickly (see photo). There are arm holes to wear it around your shoulder as well. It does look pretty funny, but as long as you’ve got leggings underneath, it is an amazing accessory to have with you.

Bridal buddies are a lifesaver on wet or rainy days when the ground is wet. The bottom of your dress will soak up water and become really heavy (and dirty) otherwise. If you plan to walk in your dress and have a long train, definitely pick one of these up.

Looking for a *local* elopement photographer for the Dolomites?

Hi! I’m Mariah. I am an elopement photographer based along the Italian and Austrian border. I specialize in intimate destination weddings and adventure elopements all across Europe.

I’m originally from the U.S., so I’m also the perfect bridge between cultures on your elopement day!

I truly want you to have the most relaxing and fun experience possible.

If you and your partner are looking for something low key and adventurous, then I know the places, the vendors and the areas for you.

MORE DOLOMITES ELOPEMENT BLOGS YOU’LL LOVE:

• How to elope in the Dolomites for every budget
• How to plan a ski wedding in the Dolomites
• Dolomites elopement inspo for every season
• What to wear for a Dolomites elopement
• J&I’s 2 day Dolomites hiking elopement in October

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