Alright, so you’re planning a surprise proposal in the Dolomites for your upcoming trip. First off — CONGRATS! Your partner is going to be so thrilled and you’re both going to love the area. In order to make this experience the best it can be, I wrote this blog for you based on my experience as a couple’s photographer here. Read on for my advice on choosing the right location, time of day, season (if it’s flexible), and how to keep the surprise…

Choosing a location for a surprise proposal in the Dolomites

Choosing a location for your surprise proposal is REALLY important. The location will not only determine the scenery (which is important) but is also crucial in avoiding crowds. As someone who sees and photographs a lot of these: do not underestimate the curiosity and downright intrusiveness many onlookers will pay to you. I’ve seen people interrupt proposals or flat out crash them, thinking they’re doing the couple a favor by cheering, or asking for emails and phone numbers so they can send photos and videos they took of you. Instead of enjoying what’s likely to be a very emotional and meaningful moment, you’ll probably be overwhelmed by clueless and careless passerbys. Especially if you’re quiet people and hate attention, it’s really important to choose locations which are not famous and time things very early or very late in the day.

Locations I suggest avoiding for your surprise proposal:

🚫 Karersee / Lago di Carezza: no direct access to lake, ugly wooden fence in the way of view

🚫 Seceda: too busy, not accessible before 9am or after 5pm without hiking or helicopter

🚫 Alpe di Suisi: extremely busy, hard to access, too big

🚫 Lago di Braies (I only recommend this location if you book the boathouse)

🚫 The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint (avoid the actual “famous” spot; nearby is okay)

Locations I suggest for your surprise proposal:

✅ Mountain passes like Passo Giau, Passo Falzarego, Passo Gardena

✅ Tre Cime National Park

✅ The top of lesser known cable car locations

✅ Hidden gems recommended by the local photographer you hire

Ideas for surprise proposals in the Dolomites

• coordinate with a local event planner to set up a romantic picnic
• hire a helicopter tour to take you somewhere otherwise unreachable!
• do a small hike together
• rent a boat on Lago di Braies
• frolic in a field of wild flowers
• embrace any rain with a full on Notebook moment

How to keep the surprise from your partner

This is tricky. It works best when you think of something your partner is already SUPER excited to see or do in the area and plan it around that. The hardest part is making sure your partner is dressed up, when they may not do so otherwise. More than likely, your partner will just sense something is up, so try not to be too out of the ordinary with it. Things that have worked for other couples:

• tell them you have really nice dinner reservations, but want to stop by a scenic lookout you saw online first
• say you read a blog on this amazing place and really want to go there for sunrise/sunset
• propose in your casual outfits, but then change into outfits you’ve secretly planned and coordinated for the shoot (you can recreate the proposal in the outfits also)
• if you take photos often and it won’t seem out of character, just tell them you’ve booked a photographer!

DOLOMITES SURPRISE PROPOSAL FAQs

What is the best time of day?

The 2-3 hours after sunrise and the 2-3 hours before sunset. This varies largely by season. Generally, the light is best at these times, and locations are far less busy.

What do we wear?

Make sure your clothes are not only cute, but functional. It is the mountains, so I recommend having a rain jacket and good shoes. From there, I recommend slightly coordinating the colors of your outfits, avoiding patterns, large logos, shirts with text, and neon colors.

I go into more detail here: Preparing for a photoshoot in the Dolomites

What other things should we know?

Make sure not to get sunburnt before your shoot! Also make sure both your nails are neat and trimmed. Take time to give yourself a good facial the day before, and moisturize well.

What about the weather? WHAT IF IT RAINS?

GASP. Yes, it does tend to do that from time to time. Honestly, don’t worry too much. The photos will still be beautiful, you’ll just be wet! Take a look at this rainy Dolomites proposal for proof. Rain or cloud cover often looks very dramatic and beautiful in the mountains.

What activities can we do during the shoot?

I recommend planning something you’ll both really enjoy. You can hire a helicopter tour, walk around a short trail, explore a lake, set up a picnic, take a gondola up to a summit or anything else you think is fun! If you’re active, keep in mind I mountain bike, rock climb, hike, via ferrata and kayak. I’d be thrilled to incorporate any of these into your shoot.

How much time do you suggest for the shoot?

A minimum of 2 hours. If that sounds like a long time, consider this: this moment is very intimate. It’s also a huge milestone for you both. Your partner will also have no idea this is happening! Once you propose, s/he is going to need some time to let it all sink in. I suggest two hours not only so we can really do and see a lot, but also so we don’t have time pressure. To get the candid, varied and intimate shots I’m known for, I need to be able to give you both space in the beginning as you ease into the shoot. That alone takes the better part of the whole first hour!

What should I look for in a photographer?

First, an artistic style you LOVE. Second, and equally important, someone you’re excited to meet in person and hang out with. It’s not the camera that takes the photos, or elicits the best side of you both, it’s the artist. Choose someone you and your partner will click with right away! It will make your shoot so much more comfortable and the photos so much more natural.

Looking for a *local* photographer in 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 speak native English and fluent German, German being one of the main languages spoken across the Dolomites.

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

I can’t wait to hear from you…

More Dolomites blogs for your trip

• Dolomites road trip itineraries: 3 & 5 days
• Preparing for a photoshoot in the Dolomites
• What to wear hiking in the Dolomites
• Booking the boathouse at Lago di Braies for your engagement
• What to wear for a mountain elopement
• Best season to visit or elope in the Dolomites

Surprise proposal in the Dolomites photo inspiration: