Locations, guides, and all the important things to consider when eloping in the Dolomite mountains
If you are considering eloping in the Dolomites, let us be the first to say that you are in for a treat! Having visited this mountain range in the Italian Alps many times, I (Henry) have to say the Italian Dolomites are one of the most beautiful and best places to elope in the world!
This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your elopement in the Dolomites – from the best Dolomites elopement locations, transportation and accommodation tips, and more.
Explore Some Of The Most Adventurous and Beautiful Italian Dolomites Weddings, Elopements, and Vow Renewals
HOW TO ELOPE IN THE DOLOMITES IN 6 STEPS
1) Choose the best Dolomites elopement location that fits your vibes and visions
2) Decide when to elope in the Italian Dolomites
3) Book a Dolomites elopement photographer that you connect with. Send us an inquiry for a FREE consultation
4) Book your Dolomites transportation and accommodation
5) Obtain your marriage license for your elopement in the Dolomites
6) Adventure around the location you picked, take in the beauty of the Italian Dolomites, and create memories, (and, of course, we’ll photograph the heck out of you guys!)
Step 1: Choose The Best Location for Your Elopement in the Dolomite Mountains
Where are the best and most beautiful places to elope in the Dolomites? And how long do we have to hike?
Seceda
Seceda is one of the most famous photo locations in the Italian Dolomites. It’s also one of the more accessible elopement locations as you can ride a cable car to the top of the mountain.
If you want to include this location in your Dolomites elopement, keep in mind that the cable car is only open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, so we may not be able to catch the sunrise or sunset here. If sunset is important to you, one option is to book accommodations at the top of the mountain and stay overnight.
If you don’t care for sunrise or sunset and just want to experience the magic of Seceda, we can do so as well. During Brittany and Chris’ elopement, we were lucky to have cloud covering and soft light during the day.
Lago di Braies
If you are considering eloping in the Dolomites, then you have probably seen photos of boats on Lago di Braies. This lake is one of the most popular Dolomites elopement locations, but after visiting here, you will understand why.
The clear, blue lake is set against a beautiful mountain backdrop and with a hotel onsite, you can stay right on the lake, or visit with just a short walk from the parking lot.
We recommend eloping at Lago di Braies during sunrise for the best lighting and to avoid the crowds.
If you want more privacy, you can book a private boat and get the lake’s boat house all to yourself before it opens to the public.
Cadini di Misurina
With 360-degree mountain views, Cadini di Misurina is one of our favorite places to elope in the Dolomites. This location is located at the same parking lot as Tre Cime (see below) giving you access to two beautiful mountain locations in one!
The hike to Cadini di Misurina is about two miles out and back and is beautiful at both sunrise and sunset.
This location has gotten a bit more popular in the past couple of years, so while you may run into other hikers, most of the time it is not an issue and well worth it for the views!
Tre Cime di Laveredo
While this hike is a bit longer (about six miles total), it provides some of the best views of the Dolomites. The trail leads to three peaks with various hiking options all around.
As we mentioned earlier, these peaks are visible from Cadini di Misurina, so you can view the mountain from afar, but if you want to get up close and get a different view of the mountains, we highly recommend this trail.
Lago Sorapis
If you are up for a bit of a hiking challenge and want even more beautiful lake views, then you may want to consider Lago Sorapis. This 8-mile hike leads to some of the most stunning turquoise blue waters you can imagine surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. Keep in mind, though that this route is challenging and requires some cables and ladders.
Lake Carezza (aka Rainbow Lake)
Lake Carezza is another easily accessible place to elope in the Dolomites. There is no hike to get to the lake, however, you can walk all the way around and explore the different views around the water.
Giau Pass (aka Passo Giau)
Lakes are not the only easy-to-access elopement locations in the Dolomites. Giau Pass is one of our favorite trails as you get gorgeous views by simply parking your car and wandering around the flat trails. You can walk or hike around as much as you want and get all different kinds of views. We’ve been to this Dolomites elopement location a handful of times and no two elopements have ever looked quite the same.
Col Pradat
If you are thinking about having an intimate wedding in the Dolomites, you will definitely want to consider this micro wedding venue!
Nicknamed ‘The Eagle’s Nest’, Col Pradat is actually a lodge nestled in the mountains with beautiful views of the Dolomites. The lodge is accessible by cable car meaning you’ll get beautiful views not just at the lodge itself, but also on the way up and down. The lodge partners with Hotel Kolfuschgerhof so you can either host your ceremony up on top of the mountain or, host a reception at the hotel and take the gondola up the mountain for sunset portraits.
Cinque Torri
As you can see, there are lots of cable car hiking options in the Dolomites. The trail to Cinque Torri leads to a rock formation surrounded by breathtaking views! Accessible by cable car, it’s a short walk to the end of the trail where you can hold your ceremony or spend time exploring for your adventure portraits.
Step 2: Decide What Time of Year You Want to Elope in the Dolomites
As with most mountain elopement locations, choosing when to elope is very important to consider!
We’ve photographed elopements in this area as early in the year as late May all the way up until mid-October. Here are some tips to keep in mind depending on which time of year you want to visit.
April – May: Shoulder Season
Shoulder season is a good time to elope in the Dolomites if you want a more private experience. As the weather is still quite cool, and school has not let out for the summer, there are not as many tourists and hikers which means less traffic on the roads, fewer people on the trails, and more accommodation availability.
Kelly and Mike planned their Italian Dolomites elopement in late May and we got the most beautiful sunset on the mountain.
However, this time of year can also be a bit unpredictable in terms of the weather. For instance, Valerie and Jeffrey eloped in mid-May, and while the snow had already melted on the mountain, some of the mountain roads were still closed. This meant we had to spend more time hiking to get to their destination.
June – mid-October: Peak Season
If you are looking for the best time to elope in the Dolomites and don’t want to worry about road closures, we recommend June through mid-October. During these months you can truly go anywhere in the mountains.
If you are looking for fall colors, the Dolomites are beautiful in October and into early November. Keep in mind that these months are also considered shoulder season and the weather can be more unpredictable.
*Pro Tip – August is a popular month for Europeans to go on holiday. During this month, more locals are on vacation and traveling around the continent meaning these places can be busier.
Step 3: Find The Best Dolomites Elopement Photographer and Book The One You Can Connect With
Why us for all your Dolomites elopement photography needs?
We are huge believers in “there’s a photographer out there for everyone”. We don’t know how you ended up here reading all these words, but we know you are here for a reason.
Growing up, I (Henry) never thought one day I would become an elopement photographer. I went to school for nursing and started working as a Cardiac ICU Nurse before my heart found photography. Through my nursing career, my heart found a need for documenting memories from seeing how short life truly is.
When we grow old, photos remind us of how we once looked.
When times get tough, photos let us re-live those times when life was much easier and full of hopes and dreams.
When we lose our loved ones, photos are the only things that live on and allow us to immerse in the nostalgia and memories.
Photos are timeless. Photos are sacred.
This is why we don’t mess around when it comes to creating a safe space for our couples to express themselves. We want you to feel how you feel and to be who you are meant to be. This is how we can then capture your true authentic selves.
How We Help You Plan Your Dolomites Elopement
When it comes to eloping in the Dolomites, it’s important to choose a photographer who is experienced in this region. Especially if you are traveling internationally, there are a lot of things you might not know about eloping abroad.
As your Dolomites elopement photographer, not only are we experienced in this area but we can help you navigate all the important details of your Dolomites elopement. On top of helping you plan, we also provide you with location recommendations and tips for when to elope in the Dolomites based on what you are looking for.
We’ll also provide recommendations for where to stay, plus we’ll help you create an elopement timeline that includes all the important moments and details.
Besides the main focus of capturing memories and moments, we are also huge believers in “Leave No Trace”.
What is “Leave No Trace” and why should we care about it?
As experts in adventure elopement photography, we care a lot about “Leave No Trace”. LNT is where we go on adventures for photos, but we also make sure to leave things the way they are. By doing our part to preserve the beauty of nature, we help make sure it lasts for others to enjoy for many years. Here are some things we do and expect our couples to do (not limited to):
- Stay on trails
- Not climbing over fences, roped-off areas, or places with visible signs of “Do Not Trespass”
- No meadow stomping
- No confetti in nature areas (it doesn’t matter if they are bio-degradable or not). Each region has its own living organisms, plants, animals, etc. By leaving things behind, we can harm these living organisms. Bio-degradable confetti takes a while to degrade and might need rain or water to speed up that process. In the meantime, other animals might still be able to ingest them. If you are thinking about confetti, we can do so at your cabin (if allowed)
Step 4: Book Your Dolomites Elopement Transportation and Accommodation
Where are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are a mountain range in northern Italy near the Austrian border. They are a part of the European Alps and are sometimes referred to as the Dolomite Alps, Dolomite Mountains, or the Italian Dolomites.
The mountain range is most known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, etc.
How to Get to the Dolomites
If you are traveling internationally for your elopement in the Dolomites and are traveling by plane, the best airport to fly into is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). From the airport, it is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the mountains depending on the area you are staying in.
We recommend renting a car and driving to the Dolomites as the area is quite remote.
*Pro Tip – Give yourself a few days of buffer time before or after your elopement to explore Venice. Since you are already here, you might as well have some fun! You can spend a day exploring the city and taking a gondola ride through the canals. Or, you can plan to do an engagement session in Venice the day before you head into the mountains. If this sounds like something you are interested in, reach out and we can help you plan!
Transportation Tips: How to Get Around
If you are traveling to Italy from outside the EU and plan to drive while you are in Italy, you will need an International Driver’s License.
An IDP translates your driver’s license into multiple languages, making it easier for local authorities to understand. Some car rental companies also require an IDP, and it’s better to have it on hand in case you are asked.
We recommend getting your IDP before leaving your home country. If you are coming from America, we recommend getting your international driver’s license from AAA. You can either apply in person at a AAA location near you, or by mail.
If applying in person, you will need to present a valid U.S. driver’s license and pay a $20 fee. Then, you will get your photo taken and within a half hour, you will receive your International Driver’s License. Be sure to carry your permit when traveling just in case you are asked to show it to the car rental company or by a local authority.
*Pro Tip – You will need to pay a toll when driving to the Dolomites from Venice which can be paid by cash or credit card. When you go through each toll booth you will receive a physical ticket. Be sure to hold onto this because you will need it to exit the freeway.
*Pro Tip 2 – While we always recommend following the speed limit, this is especially important when driving in Italy. Speeding is strictly enforced throughout the country and you won’t know that you got a ticket until after you get home – sometimes even months later.
Where are the best places to stay for an elopement in the Dolomites?
The most popular place to stay for your elopement in the Dolomites is Cortina. This is one of our favorite places to stay in the Dolomites because it is so close to everything. The town has several restaurants, shops, and hotels nearby. Plus, it is centrally located to many of the elopement locations we shared above such as Lago di Braies, Giau Pass, and Candini di Misurina. We recommend staying in this area if you want to be close to the main attractions and have a variety of restaurants to choose from.
However, this area can be more expensive because you are in the most touristy part of the Dolomites.
When deciding where to stay, we recommend looking at accommodations after you choose your elopement location. Depending on the location you choose, it could be further away from Cortina so you may want to consider accommodations that don’t require as much drive time.
Some of our other favorite hotels in the Dolomites are:
- Forestis: Couples who stay at Forestis don’t even have to leave their hotel to get incredible views!
- Mi Chalet: Not only is this Airbnb super unique, but they also have alpacas on site which makes for a fun elopement experience
- Hotel Edel.Weiss: This hotel is located very close to Lago di Braies, making it a popular choice, especially for couples who elope at the lake during sunrise.
Step 5: Obtain Your Marriage License for Your Dolomites Elopement
How to apply for a marriage license in Italy
If you are a U.S. citizen looking to get legally married in Italy, we recommend reading this article. You will also want to contact the Registrar’s Office of the town hall where you intend to get married for a complete list of local rules and requirements.
However, we’ve created a brief overview of the steps you will need to take to make your marriage in Italy official.
- Gather the necessary documents for both parties (U.S. passports, birth certificates, and proof of termination of previous marriages if applicable).
- Obtain an affidavit from a U.S. consular stating there is no legal restriction to your marriage according to your state laws and get the document authenticated (the fee for this is around $20).
- You will need to present all of the above information to the Marriage Office of the town hall in the city where your marriage will take place. If you do not speak Italian, you will need an interpreter to go with you.
- You will be able to choose between a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony.
- Civil ceremonies are performed by the mayor or one of his deputies and require two witnesses over the age of 18 and an interpreter. The cost of civil ceremonies ranges from €500 to €9,200 depending on the time of year and day of the week.
- Religious ceremonies are performed by a Roman Catholic priest and do not require a separate civil ceremony, as the priest will register the marriage for you.
A note to our LGBTQ+ family
At this time gay marriage is not legal in Italy. We hope this will one day change, but if you still want to have your elopement in the Dolomites, know that it is possible. You will just need to legalize your marriage in the U.S. or wherever gay marriages are allowed.
*Pro Tip – Almost all our couples who elope internationally complete their legal paperwork at home. This gives you one less thing to worry about during the planning process, not to mention it eliminates the need for translation and the waiting for the official documents from a foreign country.
Step 6: Everything Else You Need to Know About Planning an Elopement in the Italian Dolomites
Can we invite guests? How many people should we have at our elopement in the Dolomites?
We’ve photographed elopements with just the couple, and we’ve also photographed elopements with family members and friends.
There are no rules when it comes to having your wedding day how you want and that includes the guest list. Invite who you want and leave out who you don’t want. And, remember it isn’t selfish to want to elope with just the two of you! It is 1000% ok!
If you want to read more on this topic, check out our blog post on 6 Things To Consider Before Eloping.
And, if you want the best of both worlds, know that is also possible! Check out this blog post on Elopements vs Intimate Weddings to learn more.
Do we need a permit? What other fees do we need to be aware of when we elope in the Dolomites?
In all the times we have helped couples elope in the Dolomites, we have not run into any location that requires a permit.
Some of the locations we shared are only accessible via cable car and, for these locations, you will need to pay a fee. The cost of the cable car can range from location to location, so once you have decided on a ceremony spot, check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Keep in mind that you will also need to pay fees to drive on the toll roads in and around the Dolomites. Remember to keep your tickets as you will need them to exit the freeway.
More Breathtaking Dolomites Wedding Photos: See the Magic for Yourself
Dolomites Elopement Packages
– Explore anywhere on our beautiful planet Earth
– Coverage from 4 hours to Full Day
– A personalized elopement experience with unlimited guides and resources. Click here to see everything that is included
– All your breath-taking photos in a secure & private online gallery
– Travel fees included
Starting at $8,900
(Ranges between $8,900 – $15,200)
Thanks for reading and we hope you consider us as your Dolomites elopement photographers. You can read more About Us, Pricing, Elopement Packages, and Everything we are about. If you are ready, please head over to our Contact Page to send an inquiry.
Ready to elope in the Dolomites? Need our help in finding the most perfect location for you?
Meet Your Intimate Wedding & Elopement Photographers
We’re Henry, Sergio, and Nick, the faces behind these honest, meaningful, and artful photographs of couples eloping in the most beautiful places. Since 2018, we’ve photographed more than 200+ intimate weddings and elopements all over the world and on 6 different continents. Our work has been published on Junebug Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes, Brides, Dancing With Her, etc…We’ve won international awards for best wedding photos but what’s most important to us is actually winning our clients’ hearts with our art.
With 15 years of combined photography experience, we’ve learned that the only way to a beautiful wedding experience & photos is through intentionality.
We’re here for you and with you from “let’s do this” to “I do”, one step at a time, each step of the way. We’re in this together
