Why they chose two days at these locations

J&I are two busy parents who originally planned for a traditional wedding back at home in Seattle, WA. The were overwhelmed by the planning, and eventually decided they needed LESS stress, not more. They also realized that as two new parents, it had been a while since they had some quality time together. It was hard for them to spend so much time away from their toddler, but in the end, they realized how much they needed this break to reconnect.

J fell in love with photos she had seen of the Dolomites, and knew immediately it was the place. As for the locations, they wanted something epic, and jaw dropping, like from another world. They wanted to feel like they were hiking in the clouds. Shortly after our planning began, they decided to jump on a full two days so they could really take their time and see all the locations they were interested in. That’s how these two ended up with a multi-day October hiking elopement in the Dolomites!

J&I’s multi-day Day October Hiking Elopement Timeline

Day One — October 10

Time	Activity	Notes
06:30–08:30	Getting Ready, First Look, Portraits	Soft morning light, Final touches, detail photos
08:30	Drive to Tre Cime	Parking must now be reserved in advance
08:30–12:30	Hike Tre Cime Loop	Usually takes 3-4 hours, hiking boots are a must
12:30–13:30	Picnic at parking area	Rest, refuel, flexibility buffer
13:30-17:30	Hike to Cadini viewpoint, set up for vows and other activities	The viewpoint often has a line of 20-60 minutes

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Day Two — October 11

Time	Activity	Notes
06:30	Meet	Starting early is a must for Lake Sorapis
06:30 – 09:00	Hike to Lago di Sorapis	Hiking up usually takes 2–3 hours
09:00-11:00	Lago di Sorapis Break and photos	There are limited spots to take photos at the lake, as it’ a narrow view and often crowded
11:00-13:00	Hike Back	The hike back is usually faster

Morning: Getting ready and sunrise first look

J&I’s hiking elopement started at a tranquil lake a few miles below the Tre Cime parking area. They took their time getting ready as we waited for the sun to rise and the morning fog to clear. At the last moment, the clouds lifted and we had a clear view of the mountains above for their first look.

Midday: Tre Cime loop trail, portraits and picnic

In 4-6 hours, you can explore a handful of the park’s most incredible, world famous viewpoints. You will never get bored here. Everywhere you look is another interesting overlap of expansive peaks; it’s a museum of dramatic, rocky beauty.

From here, you can access the Auronzo, Lavaredo and Tre Cime huts, as well as the insta-famous Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. The area is so expansive, there is almost always plenty of room to spread out and find a quiet corner.

Evening: Cadini di Misurina portraits and vow ceremony

After a long lunch break to recharge from the early morning, we congregated in the parking lot with a couple beers before heading out to the opposing Misurina viewpoint trail.

The trail starts right from the parking lot, but goes off in the opposite direction of the Tre Cime trail. It’s super short with only one steep section and three great spots to stop for views, including the overlook itself.

DAY TWO: LAGO DI SORAPIS (LAKE SORAPIS) RIDGE HIKE

The second half to this multi-day October hiking elopement in the Dolomites was a trek to Lago di Sorapis. This hike is maybe the most famous hike in the Dolomites, so it’s imperative to go at sunrise. By 9 or 10am, there is quite literally a line of people hiking up. By midday, there can be a hundred people jammed into the tight, uneven area around the lake.

We got there at the perfect time, with only a few others around. J&I changed into their wedding outfits, which they had in their backpacks during the hike up, and we had some fun taking photos around the water.

Once at the lake, we paused for a lunch break before J&I changed into their wedding attire for more portraits. J’s black dress was her “something borrowed” from a close friend, and the contrast of the black looked incredible against the whites, blues and yellows of the rocky peaks.

What J&I had to say about their day:

“We stumbled upon Mariah by what I believe to be destiny, I had been searching achingly for weeks to find someone whose style was in tune with my own vision for our elopement. I took a gamble and set up the interview, and from that point on, I was smitten.

I gained not only a photographer, but a wedding planner, an advisor, trip planner, florist, therapist, cheerleader, personal trainer…the list goes on and on. Above all, a friend I will cherish for the rest of my days. She helped me organize what is going to be one of the most beautiful moments of my life. Her hard work created a flawless experience for all of us.

We had the most incredible time, we hiked, we cried, we got to dance, Mariah planned surprises for both my husband and I. Everything was perfect. She even handled my poor mood with grace and kindness. You’ve got big feelings on your special day, sometimes those can be sour. Even during the planning phase and my anxiety over the weather, she reassured me that we had a backup plan, and I trusted her wholeheartedly.

Mariah is not only organized and professional, but she made it fun, we felt relaxed and at home with her. Their professionalism and cheerful demeanors allowed us to hike as though we were among old friends, and the gallery it produced is nothing short of remarkable. The days were documented and every time I find a second to look back on the photos, they seem more and more beautiful. She left nothing out, and as we had to leave our little one behind, she was sure to plan how we could incorporate our daughter into our photos.

We are so grateful. I miss my dear friend and our daily emails but regardless of the time that may go by now that we are back to reality, the photos hanging on the wall and the bill paid, I’m honored to have been a client of Mariah.”

— Jackie

Looking for a *local* Dolomites elopement photographer?

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.

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More images from this two day hiking elopements in the Dolomites: