A June elopement in the Dolomites can look drastically different on the 1st of the month vs. the 30th. Because higher elevation snowpacks won’t start melting until May, many areas stay icy and muddy well into June. Elevation does play a huge factor, however, so if you’re considering eloping in the Italian Alps during June, there are some things to consider.
Would you believe the two images above were taken just 2 hours apart on the same day (June 5th, 2024)? This is what I mean when I say elevation plays a huge factor. Lower valley elevations will be warm and green, with wildflowers blooming (left) while higher elevations may still be covered in snow (right). So if you’re planning a Dolomites elopement in June — especially early to mid June — you need to choose locations carefully. Early June in places like Tre Cime can be downright dangerous some years, and it’s important to work with local photographers and guides who can recommend safe areas to hike
The first week of June is a wildcard. Year to year, this week could be completely fine at higher elevations, or it could be an icy, muddy, unsafe mess. It’s really important to be flexible on locations if you choose an elopement date during the first week of June. This tends to be the week where gondoals to locations like Seceda, or toll roads to places like Tre Cime begin to open even after snowy winters.
Generally, by week two, most higher elevation locations have melted entirely or at least significantly. If there have been late or heavy snowfalls in April or May, it could mean delays to certain gondola opening dates and higher elevation toll roads. Most mountain huts begin to open around the 10th to 15th of June, depending on trail conditions.
Week three generally marks the beginning of a snow free Dolomites at all but the highest summits. By now, all the huts, gondolas and toll roads are almost always open. It’s warm and very green in the valleys, where a light jacket or puffy may be needed at higher elevations, especially around sunrise or sunset.
The last week of June is well and truly the start of summer. Most elevations are snow free, and only extreme years keep toll roads, huts and gondolas closed this late into the season. If you want wildflowers at higher elevation locations, the earliest dates you should consider for a June elopement in the Dolomites is the last few days of the month.
It’s busy, but not peak busy. Early June is still quieter. By the end of June, however, things really pick up. Popular places like Tre Cime and Lago di Braies will be packed with visitors no matter what.
Valleys (~1,200–1,500m) Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Alta Badia
Mid-mountain (~2,000m) Tre Cime, Passo Giau, Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi, Seceda
Higher elevations (~3,000m) Rifugio Lagazuoi, Rifugio & Piz Boé, Sorapiss, Tofana di Mezzo
Snowfall can happen in June, but the snowline tends to be above 2,500m (7,000ft). Lower altitudes will receive rain. By the end of June during most years, however, almost all beginner/intermediate trails will be clear of snow.
It varies a lot by elevation, temperatures, rain amounts and sun. In lower elevations, early June is an explosion of color below 1,500m. This encompasses most valleys and towns. Mid mountain wildflowers start to bloom in late June and taper off by mid-July. Through the end of July, most wildflower blooms are finished at all but the highest elevations. However, at higher elevations, blooms are always sparser.
You won’t find any edelweiss or pink alpine roses until at least mid-July.
June is a great month for touring lake locations or hiking to higher elevation alpine lakes. Most lakes are fed by glacial and snow melt, so as the season heats up and dries out, lakes do the same. In very dry years, some lakes, like Sorapiss, will become no more than a small puddle by late summer. Keep in mind, however, many lakes at elevations above 2,000m stay frozen with full or partial ice until mid to late June.
Hotel Hubertus • view booking platform
Kolfuschgerhof Mountain Resort & Spa • view booking platform
Forestis Dolomites • view booking platform
Nancy’s Holiday Homes and Chalets • view booking platform
Skyview Chalets & Glamping • view booking platform
Salena Luxury Chalet • view booking platform
Hotel Chalet Lago Antorno • view booking platform (Tre Cime)
B&B Passo Tre Croci • view booking platform (Lake Sorapiss)
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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