If you’re not sure what to wear for a Dolomites elopement, here’s everything you need to know for higher altitudes, wind, rain and sun. Apart from your wedding attire, you have to have practical layers packed. Being unprepared for mountain weather is the fastest way to sabotage your own elopement day, so let me share my knowledge with you.

Dolomites Elopement Packing List

• Hiking boots & wool hiking socks
• Water bottle and snacks
• Sunscreen, chapstick and sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Hiking backpack with hip straps and rain cover
• Hiking poles
• Dry bag for trash (LNT includes TP)
• Gloves & hand warmers in colder seasons
• Portable charger
• CASH for the huts and small cafes
• Sweat wicking base layers, ideally merino wool (good for summer or winter)
• A fleece sweater or zip up
• A puffy jacket
• A rain jacket
• A buff (can be used on the neck or hair)
• One extra base layer if you sweat a lot

What to wear for a Dolomites Elopement: layers and shoes

Having the right layers is the most important step to being prepared for your hiking elopement. Remember that in the mountains, elevation plays a huge role in temperature and weather. If you plan to be above 1,500m (5,000ft) especially around sunrise or sunset, expect a 5-10 degree C (10-20 degree F) temperature swing. Especially in summer, this takes tourists off guard. In the mountains, you have to be prepared with a warm layer and a waterproof layer at all times. June, July and August are no exception.

How to shop for and pack the right layers on your elopement day

Layering is the magic sauce to staying prepared in the mountains. You need to be prepared for anything, even in summer. Temperatures can go from warm and comfortable in the valleys to chilly at night and higher altitudes, even in summer. You may find yourself layering and de-layering multiple times a day, so invest in things that are light and easy to put on.

What fabrics work well, and which don’t, for layering?

✅ Merino wool

✅ Bamboo

✅ Tulle for dresses and skirts (it’s light, moves well, hides wrinkles)

✅ Satin or silk (also light and move well)

❌ Cotton (absorbs a lot of moisture and doesn’t dry quickly)

❌ Linen (wrinkles too easily)

❌ Synthetic fabrics like rayon or polyester (don’t breathe well)

❌ Crepe or suede layers (they wrinkle easily)

READ MORE: How to Elope in the Dolomites for Every Budget

What is a “good” shoe for hiking in the Dolomites?

Hiking boots.

Even if you regularly hike in tennis shoes or sandals, you’ll want hiking boots with good ankle support for hiking in the Dolomites. The Dolomite rock is slippery, the trails can be muddy, and the stones are loose and tend to slide around. You need the ankle support and extra grip of a proper hiking boot. Most tennis shoes won’t hold up to mud or rain, and the worst thing you could deal with on the trails is wet, cold feet.

Finally, it should go without saying that barefoot style shoes or hiking sandals aren’t appropriate in the Dolomites. The rock is too uneven and the small stones will get under your soles constantly.

How to Choose, Pack and Style a Dress or Suit for the Dolomites

Again, think in layers when planning what to wear for a Dolomites elopement. Pack lots of fun accessories like white shawls, ear muffs, funny socks, and scarves, and a white sweater to beautifully layer with dresses of all colors.

Choose suits or pants with a tailored fit but fabric that stretches a little.

For dresses, choose one that is easy to get in and out of, or even better, a detached skirt and separate top. Skirts lots of light layers move well and look great in photos. Skirts with a high slit for easy movement can be nice, but also show a lot of leg. For longer trains, make sure you are able to carry it and ask your seamstress for a heavy duty strap underneath.

Pro Packing Tips for Your Dolomites Elopement

Invest in a garment bag for your trip. It will save your dress/suit while on the plane, and a good waterproof one is a game changer while hiking if you don’t want to stay in your attire all day.

Practice packing your attire into your backpack. That way you know if things fit before you leave. Pack your dress shoes for photo ops, but do not plan to wear them much.

Consider bringing a travel steamer for your dress or suit if it is one that easily shows wrinkles. No matter how good you pack it, a couple days of travel will wrinkle any fabric. Therefore, pack a small portable steamer if this is something that will drive you crazy (or if you book with me, I’ll bring you one).

My Favorite Garment Bags:

$30 Waterproof garment bag with organizing pockets

$220 Super sturdy, roomy garment bag with multiple pockets and heavy duty straps

Check out more options on this blog from The Knot.

DREAMING OF A DOLOMITES ELOPEMENT OR DESTINATION WEDDING? LET’S DO IT!

I’m Mariah, an adventure elopement photographer based in Innsbruck, Austria. I moved from the United States to Germany/Austria in 2018 to chase my love of mountains, photography and a German guy who stole my heart.

I quickly learned I wasn’t the only one dreaming of a better way to get married…so I combined all those things!

I’m now a full time adventure elopement photographer. I help other travel and outdoor obsessed couples embrace a “just us” wedding day surrounded by nature.

Join me?

More Dolomites wedding planning blogs and elopement stories:

• How to plan a ski wedding in the Dolomites
• Eloping in a mountain hut
• 2 day Dolomites hiking elopement
• Ultimate guide to eloping in the Dolomites
• Guide to renting the boathouse at Lago di Braies for photos and ceremonies