Packing for the mountains takes consideration and skill. If you’re not sure what to wear for a Dolomites elopement, here’s everything you need to know for higher altitude, wind, rain and sun!

Dolomites Elopement Packing List

• Hiking boots – NOT running shoes! More on this later…
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (those high altitudes hit different)
• Headlamp
• Hiking backpack with hip straps and rain cover
• Dry bag for trash
• Gloves
• Rain jacket
• Chapstick
• Portable charger
• CASH for the huts and small cafes

What to wear for a Dolomites Elopement? Layers and good shoes.

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! Tennis shoes are also generally NOT waterproof, and won’t hold up to mud or rain, which can happen at any time.

It should go without saying, but also don’t wear barefoot style shoes or hiking sandals either. The rock is too uneven and the small stones will get under your soles constantly. As much as I love walking and hiking in both those styles of shoes, they are not ideal for Dolomites trails.

Always dress in layers

Layering is the magic secret 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 and frigid at higher altitudes, even on sunny summer days. You’ll find yourself layering up and de-layering multiple times a day, so invest in things that are light and easy to put on.

Always have the following:

• Sport bra
• Sweat wicking base layer, ideally merino wool (good for summer or winter)
• A fleece sweater or zip up
• A puffy jacket
• A rain jacket
• Thick hiking socks that go past the ankles
• Gloves
• A buff (can be used on the neck or hair)
• Sunglasses
• One extra base layer if you sweat a lot

Always have extra dry layers to change into

If you sweat a lot, bring an extra base layer. Sweat will soak your clothes, and as you get to higher altitudes or windier conditions, you’ll lose body heat quickly in damp clothes. At the summit, it’s common to take off sweat soaked base layers and put on a dry one for the break and hike down.

The same goes for socks.

✅ Fabrics to consider

• Merino wool
• Bamboo
• Tulle for dresses and skirts (it’s light, and moves well)
• Satin or silk skirts (also light and move well)

❌ Fabrics to avoid

• Heavy cotton shirts (doesn’t dry quickly)
• Linen (wrinkles too easily)
• Synthetic fabrics like rayon or polyester (tend not to breathe well)
• Dresses with crepe or suede layers (they wrinkle easily when packed away)

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

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.

Choose a dress 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. Choose a skirt with a high slit for easy movement, and make sure you have a way to hold the train if you opt for a longer one.

Choose a dress with pockets if you can, because, well duh.

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.

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!

Practice packing your attire away at home before you go. It will make things easier if you need to change multiple times on the trail, and make sure you fold things away in a manner that will prevent wrinkles.

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 most fabrics and white shows wrinkles. Pack a small portable steamer if this is something that will drive you crazy.

Pack your dress shoes for photo ops, but do not plan to wear them much.

Read More:

• Breakdown of wedding photography sessions at Villa del Balbianello
• 2 Day Elopement in the Faroe Islands
• Golden sunset elopement at Cadini di Misurina, Italian Dolomites
• Summer Hiking elopement under the Austrian Zugspitze
• Sunrise villa elopement on Lake Como

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 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.

My Dolomites elopement packages start at €3,850. To find out more about what’s included in my packages, check out my packages and pricing page here.

Ready to get started with a call?