Why the Dolomites is a top tier place for your elopement

(Updated for 2026) If you only read ONE Dolomites elopement guide, this is the one. I’m going to break down every single thing you need to know about planning your elopement here.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• The Best Time of Year for a Dolomites Elopement
• The Most Iconic Dolomites Elopement Locations
• Legal Requirements for Eloping in the Dolomites
• Dolomites Elopement Guide to Costs, with Sample Budgets
• Sample Dolomites Elopement Timeline
• Transportation Tips for Couples
• Packing and Gear Guide for Dolomites Elopements
• Adventurous Activity Ideas for your Dolomites Elopement
• Dolomites Elopement Checklist
• Which Dolomites Elopement Vendors to Hire
• Why Hire a Local Dolomites Photographer Early
• Top Planning Mistakes Couples Make Early and How to Avoid Them

The elopement location trifecta goes like this: dramatic landscapes, excellent food and culture, and accessible, diverse activity options for everyone. The Dolomites scores a perfect 10 in all categories. The Dolomites are a world UNESCO heritage location, dropping jaws with their jagged white peaks and lush green valleys. The added blend of Italian culture, hearty alpine cuisine, and varied outdoor and wellness activities make it a perfect place to elope for just about anyone. Finally, it’s proximity to international airports in Venice and Milan and great network of public transportation make it a cinch for both you and your guests to arrive to.

The Best Time of Year for a Dolomites Elopement

No Dolomites elopement guide is complete without a breakdown of the seasons. Seasons in the Dolomites are very distinct and differ from those in non-mountainous regions. Take care to choose a month that fits the exact vision you have for your elopement. Don’t get caught off guard your your expectations vs. reality!

🌞 Summer (June–August): Crowds, Accessibility & Warm Weather

June, July and August in the Dolomites are very different. Even June can be vastly different week to week. Be wary of early June, as many things are still closed, and some years, heavy or late snowfall can keep things icy and dangerous well into mid or late month. By July, things are predictably warm and the highest peaks have mostly melted. Wildflowers are at their best, and crowds are just starting to pick up by mid July. I strongly recommend avoiding August due to crowds.

🍂 Fall (September & October): Golden Colors & Waning Crowds

Fall elopements here are my favorite, specifically October. Be careful of early September due to crowds, and if you want fall colors, opt for week two and three of October. The first or second week of November may be viable depending on your idea, but be prepared for potential snow.

⛄ Winter (December–March): Snowy & Peak Ski Season

Winter elopements are so beautiful and so much fun! If you want a ski elopement, I recommend March above all. Full day ski passes for the entire region are usually €75-90. December is lovely for the festive Christmas feel. January and February are dark and cold, so those would be my last picks for winter elopements.

🌷 Spring (April–May): Quiet, but Unpredictable Weather

May, specifically April, are months which you should avoid. April is the worst month to travel to the Dolomites due to melting snowpack, high avalanche risk and limited location options. Huts, gondolas and many businesses close down in April between ski and hiking season. April in the Dolomites is still very cold, icy and muddy.

Week three and four of May are the only potentially viable weeks.

YOU’LL ALSO LOVE: Detailed breakdown of Dolomites elopements by season and month

The Most Iconic Dolomites Elopement Locations

The most popular locations in the Dolomites all come with pros and cons. I recommend researching each of them for a better idea of which one suits you best, or if you’d prefer a location a bit more off the beaten path.

Take a look at each specific mini Dolomites elopement guide by location:

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo & Cadini di Misurina (Dramatic Peaks)
• Seceda (Ridgeline Views)
• Alpe di Siusi (Rolling Alpine Meadows)
• Lago di Braies (private boathouse venue location)

YOU’LL ALSO LOVE: Instagram Vs. Reality at the Famous Five Dolomites Locations

Legal Requirements for Eloping in the Dolomites

💍 Symbolic vs. Legal Ceremonies

For foreign couples eloping in Italy, I recommend holding a symbolic vow ceremony only. Legal ceremonies require tedious EU bureaucracy, which require in person application weeks/months before, and will be in Italian. Additionally, legal marriage ceremonies in Italy must be held in the city hall, so you can’t have the mountaintop legal ceremony you envision anyway.

📄 Permits for Certain Locations

Unlike some US national parks, there are currently no required permits for photography. However, you will need parking/gondola permit reservations for popular locations like Lago di Braies, Tre Cime and Seceda.

📸 Photography Restrictions (What Couples Need to Know)

There are no general photography restrictions in the Dolomites. However, be aware that drones are illegal in almost all areas of the Dolomites. Drone photography and videography is done at your own risk and can be subject to on the spot fines.

🥾 Safety & Mountain Regulations

The Dolomites are beautiful, but they are mountains. These elevations can become hostile and deadly in minutes when weather rolls through. In 2025, almost 100 people died due to exposure. Please take your safety, attire and posted trail closures very seriously. This is one of the number one reasons to hire local photographers and planners! They know the mountains, how to read the weather radars and when to act. They also likely have outdoor and emergency rescue training, and are familiar with evacuation procedures.

Dolomites Elopement Guide to Costs, with Sample Budgets

Obviously, budgets will vary drastically. Everyone has different priorities for their elopement. Some spend the most on attire, while others splurge on photo and video, or luxury spa hotels. If you need to work within a specific budget for your elopement day, prioritize what’s most important to you. Generally, people spend most on their photographer and hotel accommodation.

These are budgets from three of my previous clients who represent very typical elopement days. Scroll to see all values.

Couple	TOTAL	Flights	Hotel	photo	HMUA	flowers	food	car	attire	celebrant	venue	planner
J&I	$15,000	$1,600	$450	$8,000	$0	$110	$40	$300	$4,000	$0	$0	$0
A&S	$15,000	$2,900	$800	$6,000	$600	$130	$50	$300	$1,270	$0	$0	$0
J&D	$22,000	$2,500	$3,500	$6,000	$450	$400	$100	$350	$6,700	$0	$0	$0

**These numbers are all based on 2023 elopements, so increase overall costs for inflation in 2025/2026

YOU’LL ALSO LOVE: Full budget breakdowns for three average Dolomites elopements

Sample Dolomites Elopement Timeline

Based on 5 years of specializing in Dolomites elopements, this is my most common timeline for couples. It’s based on the sunrise and sunset times for the most popular month for elopements here (September) with the two most popular locations and activities (Lago di Braies and Tre Cime).

Transportation Tips for Couples

🚘 Renting a Car (Best Option)

While not the most sustainable option for the area, it is your elopement day and you should prioritize flexibility and ease. Weather can change plans fast, and having a car is best for accommodating backup plans or needing to pivot.

🚕 Hiring a Driver

You can call taxis, shuttles or hire a driver for the day as well. There are a lot of companies in the area, including jeep shuttles to some huts and restricted access roads/areas.

🚍 Public Transport Options

The bus and train system in the area is very good, especially in peak season (June – August). You can get buses between every town, village and city, and even some popular trail heads.

🚠 Cable Cars & Gondolas

In both summer and winter, the Dolomites is packed with a dense network of gondolas and cable cars. You are able to reach many summits and hiking areas by lift, which not only reduces walking time, but lessens car traffic to certain areas.

⛔ Parking Restrictions (Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, etc.)

Due to overtourism, many popular locations have implemented parking permit systems to reduce traffic and overcrowding. It started with Lago di Braies, and in 2025, Tre Cime and Seceda followed. Make sure to look into the parking permit systems and get your permit!

🤼 Tips for Avoiding Crowds

Season, time of day, luck and location will determine crowds. If you want to avoid crowds while getting around, choose sunrise and sunset times, calmer months like June and October, and opt for locations outside of the famous five. A local photographer and/or planner will help immensely with this!

Packing and Gear Guide for Dolomites Elopements

Due to the mountains, the Dolomites is a specific location to pack and prepare for. You want to make sure you are prepared for the conditions as well as your wedding or elopement event. No matter the season, here is a list of things to come prepared with:

• Hiking boots (yes, boots)
• A hiking backpack
• A rain and wind layer
• A warm insulating layer, like a down puffer jacket
• Headlamps
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Recommended, but not necessary depending on season and activity: hiking poles, micro spikes, thick winter layers

For my full Dolomites elopement guide on how to pack and prepare specifically for adventure elopements, check out this list here. For a general hiking list (in case you’ll be doing a lot of treks etc while here) I have a more general hiking guide as well.

Activity Ideas for your Dolomites Elopement

Each season comes with different ways to enjoy the Dolomites, as does each fitness level and general interests. By season, here are the most popular types of elopement activities for your day:

All seasons

• Picnics
• Overnight stay in a rifugio
• Pizza by a lake
• Wine tasting
• Helicopter tour
• Gelato stop

Summer (warm season)

• Hiking
• Boat rides
• Gondola ride
• Horseback tour
• Mountain biking
• Via Ferrata
• Tandem paragliding

Winter (cold/snow season)

• Dogsledding
• Skiing and snowboarding
• Ice skating
• Snowshoeing
• Snowmobile tour
• Christmas market tour
• SEE MY FULL WINTER ELOPEMENT ACTIVITY LIST HERE

YOU’LL ALSO LOVE: 110 Elopement Activity Ideas by Interest

Dolomites Elopement Checklist

On average, most couples plan an elopement in the Dolomites in the 6-12 months out range. When you have 10 or less guests, and especially if it’s just the two of you, planning a year or more out isn’t really necessary. That’s because most hotels don’t book more than 12 months in advance, and flights tend to show the best pricing in the 6-9 month out range. An elopement is unlike a wedding in that sense, so don’t feel pressure to start thinking of your elopement planning until you’re about a year out. I have many couples who plan 3-6 months out, and have even made very last minute elopements happen in less than 2 weeks!

6-12 Months Out

✅ Choose the city you want to stay in

✅ Choose your flights and accommodation

✅ Hire a Dolomites elopement photographer or planner

✅ Double check your passport expiration dates and obtain your ETIAS visa waiver

✅ Apply for and obtain your international driver’s permit (they are becoming stricter)

✅ Hire your other high priority vendors

✅ Buy wedding dress and/or suit

1-3 Months Out

✅ Confirm your floral orders (more time based on complexity)

✅ Send timeline to your vendors; confirm plans

✅ Reserve a car rental

✅ Buy all details and accessories, like vow books, ring boxes, cake toppers etc.

✅ Break in any new hiking boots

✅ Write vows

1 Week Out

✅ Contact vendors to confirm meeting plans and exchange Whatsapp numbers

✅ Make sure payment is arranged

✅ Try on your full, entire dress/suit with all accessories

✅ Pre pack everything

✅ No seriously, write your vows

Night before & Day-Of Essentials

✅ Tidy up room

✅ Steam outfits

✅ Arrange all your gear for the day

✅ Clean your rings and trim, clean your nails

✅ Backpacks, hiking boots, water and sunscreen

✅ Eat a big dinner and arrange breakfast to be brought to your room

✅ For real, have you written them yet??

Which Dolomites Elopement Vendors to Hire

Which vendors to hire for your wedding or elopement depends largely on your needs. The most common vendors, in order, are: photographers, hair and makeup artists, florist, videographer, planner, celebrant, cake or pastry chef and musicians. Some people elope with no vendors, others with just a photographer. In a nutshell: costs vary a lot, but here are common costs for the best local vendors to work with so you can budget accordingly.

Vendor Type	Low Budget	Average Budget	When to book	Notes
Photographer	€2-4k	€5-8k+	6-12 months out	8 hour coverage
Videographer	€2-4k	€5-8k+	6-12 months out	8 hour coverage
Hair & Makeup	€450	€800	depends	€800 is with travel and setup at your hotel
Florist	€100-200	€200-500+	depends	A bouquet and boutonniere from a flower shop runs in the low budget range; for designer florals or bespoke setups, expect €500-1k+ minimum

Why Hire a Local Dolomites Photographer Early

For those forgoing an elopement planner, it’s a really good idea to hire a local photographer who specializes in elopements early on. Many higher end elopement photographers take on a sort of “planner” role. They will literally be your Dolomites elopement guide! While they typically don’t take over payment and communications with other vendors, they will be your liaison for trustworthy vendor recommendations, location tips, timeline building, and any other travel or planning advice you need.

If you hire an elopement photographer early on, much of the stress of planning an elopement falls away.

CHECK OUT: Dolomites Elopement and Photography Packages

Top Planning Mistakes Couples Make and How to Avoid Them

#1 Not staying in the area long enough

Every “what about the weather” elopement horror story begins and ends with couples choosing not to plan buffer days around their elopement. If you don’t remain flexible, how do you expect your vendors to accommodate? Don’t rush through the area. Arrive a couple days before, and stay a couple days later. The Dolomites are huge, and there is enough to do here for weeks on end, even with perfect weather every day. You’ll thank yourselves for the slower pace, an additional rest day, and the ability to really be present in the area.

#2 Assuming “you’ll have time” after you arrive to do last minute errands

Picking up vow books, finding THAT champagne, a bit of grocery shopping for a picnic — you think you’ll have time but I promise you, you will not. Even if you do, everything is different, in another language, and probably not open at times you’re used to. Arrive with everything you need, and only pick up less crucial last minute things you can live without.

#3 Not hiring local planners and photographers

If you’re already coming in from overseas, it’s not a good idea to also fly in vendors who don’t know the area. This is especially important for planners and photographers. They are the most important vendors for coordinating and directing your day, and not only will local teams provide the most knowledge and value, they will also keep you safe in mountainous terrain.

#4 Being unrealistic about how much time things take

The fastest way to overwhelm yourselves the day of is to do too much. Rushing will very quickly pull you out of the moment. Getting ready always takes twice as long as people think, walking to the car, finding parking, running back for the umbrellas you forgot, stopping to get water on the way — it all adds up. If you’re lucky, you’ll only be running 30-60 minutes behind half the day. Let your planner or photographer set the pace for things if you’re unsure!

ALSO READ: Dolomites elopement planning FAQs

Final Tips for A Stress Free and Magical Day

Finally, the most important thing for your elopement is that you enter with a “whatever happens it will be wonderful!” mindset. Weather, plans and activities sometimes change. At least one thing will probably go “wrong,” and that’s okay! Everywhere you look, the Dolomites is beautiful. The food is incredible. The hotels and experiences available are 5 star. Even the weather, no matter what it does, is always gorgeous if you approach it with the right preparation.

Finally, I’ll leave you with some really crucial tips for the area:

• Shop, hire and support local
• Shops and markets close at 5-6pm, Monday – Saturday
• EVERYTHING is closed on Sundays (even smaller car rental shops)
• The pace of life is slower, 24/7 culture does not exist here
• Italian, German and English are spoken
• Respect for nature, and others is paramount
• Always check the weather forecast and webcams before heading out (or up)

YOU’LL ALSO LOVE: Dolomites elopement FAQs

Hi, I’m Mariah! A local Dolomites elopement photographer and logistics whiz

I’ve written this Dolomites elopement guide to help kick off your planning. I’m a full time photographer, curator of elopement experiences, and mountain athlete. I’ve lived, worked and played in the Dolomites for 5 years. That means the network, knowledge and experience I have working in this region becomes your “everything backup plan” on your elopement day.

I’ll be real: your elopement photographer will be a very intimate part of your day, and they can make or break your elopement experience. Choose wisely. I recommend video chatting with multiple photographers and choosing the one you feel most at ease with.

Lastly, please, be wary of photographers who don’t know the area, as the mountains present specific challenges. 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!

You can view my Dolomites elopement packages below:

MORE DOLOMITES ELOPEMENT GUIDE RESOURCES:

• Dolomites Elopement and Photography Packages
• Real couples share their Dolomites wedding budgets
• Dolomites Elopement FAQs
• Instagram Vs. Reality at the Famous Five Dolomites Locations
• Detailed breakdown of Dolomites elopements by season and month
• How to Plan a Ski Wedding in the Dolomites
• How to Pack and What to Wear for a Dolomites Elopement
• 110 Elopement Activity Ideas by Interest
• Pros and cons of a helicopter elopement
• Cadini di Misurina Wedding Photos in Every Condition
• Guide to renting the boathouse at Lago di Braies