The Dolomites. Even the name sounds monumental. We love this mountain range, and as a Dolomites elopement photographer, we spend a lot of time soaking up all the beauty it offers. And we want to share a bit of that magic with you. If you’re here, it’s probably not because you want a traditional wedding. You’re not looking for a ballroom, a scripted timeline, or a crowd of distant relatives you might not even know existed.
You’re here because you’re dreaming about something else, and don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many couples decide to move away from large weddings and organize one that’s focused only on them and their wishes. That type of wedding is called the elopement, and it’s a rising trend in the world of weddings. If you would like to learn more about elopements and get some inspiration for yours, we invite you to visit our Love and Ventures website, where you’ll find a lot of nice ideas that will lift your elopement experience.
But in this article, we’ll focus on the Dolomites elopement and our experience of documenting love stories from couples from all around the world in some of the most stunning settings of this planet.
A Different Kind of Wedding The Dolomites are extraordinary. And so are the elopements. And they go hand in hand with one another. If you have visited any of our other articles, you might have seen that we are hiking enthusiasts and we spend a lot of our lives on hiking trails and sleeping in mountain huts. But we are also Europe elopement photographer and videographer who work a lot in the Dolomites.
Barren limestone peaks, scattered with alpine meadows and silent valleys, will inspire awe the moment you arrive and look at them. The Dolomites are a pretty elopement backdrop, but they are also a place that holds space for deep connection, for slow mornings, for unhurried vows and long looks. If you’re craving for the moments from the last sentence and dream of such an experience, then eloping is the right path for you. And when it comes to the Dolomites, well, let us just say that they are among the most famous places for eloping in Europe, especially among those who’re looking to elope among the mountains.
This Is Not Just About Photos We won’t lie to you, elopements in the Dolomites look stunning. I mean, just look at the photos we have embedded in this article. Doesn’t it look simply beautiful? But the Dolomites elopement experience goes far beyond aesthetics. The hikes you’ll take in the early morning light (which is the usual time for the elopements in Dolomites), the quiet lakes you’ll visit before anyone else is awake, the warmth of that espresso in a mountain hut after saying your vows. We are talking about the moments that will stay in your mind for a long time to come.
And that’s exactly what we should be looking for in this life. Meaningful moments shared with the person you love. There’s nothing to prove to anyone, there’s only you, your partner, and the mountains. Eloping in Dolomites isn’t about escaping tradition (even though many think that), but it’s more about making space for the parts of it that truly matter.
Elopement Logistics (The Simple Version) We have spent the past ten years documenting love stories of couples from all around the world. And we did it all across Europe. And let us share a bit of our personal experience when it comes to elopements. First of all, they are way easier to plan and organize than a traditional wedding, even if it’s going to be a destination elopement that’s held in another country. But more important than that is the stress-free experience and the true happiness we have witnessed while capturing moments and observing them unfold from behind our cameras.
When it comes to the Dolomites elopement logistics, let us share a few valuable insights:
Best time to elope : June to early October is the best period, and couples usually choose to elope during this timeframe. July and August are peak season in the Dolomites, so expect a lot of visitors, but it’s still easy to find a secluded spot for your elopement ceremony. If we had to choose, we’d say that September is particularly magical in the Dolomites. It’s a month characterized by cool mornings, golden light, and fewer tourists.Where to stay : Cozy rifugi (mountain lodges), alpine hotels, or design-forward chalets. Many couples choose to stay in Alta Badia, Val Gardena, or around Lago di Braies. We always suggest to stay in a nice accommodation for your Dolomites elopement, even for just a day or two. It really makes a difference.Ceremony rules : Symbolic ceremonies are the most common when it comes to the elopement in the Dolomites, but legal weddings are also possible with advance paperwork.Popular spots for Dolomites elopement : Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, and the hidden places only locals know.
We’ve written more on all of these in our Top Elopement Locations in the Dolomites guide .
What We’ve Learned (From Documenting Dozens of Elopements In Dolomites) From working a lot in the Dolomites and in Switzerland, we have learned how important it is to be flexible because of the mountain weather. You should never stress about the weather, and we don’t mean to discourage you. Honestly, of all the elopements we have shot so far, we just had a few of them with what you might call bad weather. And even these ended up looking perfect because the couples decided to play along and enjoy the moments.
The same thing goes when it comes to the Dolomites elopement. Be flexible, but don’t stress about the weather, as low clouds go hand in hand with the mountains, and you could easily end up with the most magical photo and video material. Traditionally, many elopements in the Dolomites are organized in the early morning since afternoons are known for sudden showers. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
Sunrise is magic – Not just for light, but for the solitude, too. You’ll have the mountains (almost) to yourselves.Weather changes everything – And that’s okay. We always reserve a buffer day before and after for flexibility.Comfortable hiking shoes > fancy heels. Trust us.It’s okay to pause – Some of the best moments happen during snack breaks, quiet hugs, or sudden misty views. Whenever we document the Dolomites elopement, we encourage these moments over the possed ones.
Who This Is For Eloping isn’t for everyone. And that’s the point. Many people are dreaming of eloping, but get discouraged along the way. Many couples who abandon the idea of eloping think that their families will get upset if they elope, so they end up organizing a traditional wedding just to please others. If you are worried about the same thing, don’t be. Present the idea of eloping to your family, and we are sure that they’ll be happy for you. There are many nice ways to include them in your elopement, even though they might not be physically present.
Eloping is perfect for couples who:
Value experiences over displays
Want to write their own script
See beauty in simplicity
Are okay with a little dirt on their boots and wind in their hair
If you’re reading this and nodding along, then it might be a type of wedding that’s perfect for you.
Bring the Right People Along For Your Dolomites Elopement We don’t just mean your photographer and videographer (though choosing the right team does make a difference). We mean energy. The Dolomites (and elopements for that matter) have a way of stripping everything back to what’s real. The people around you should add to that feeling, not distract from it. Many elopements we have documented so far included some family members or a close group of friends, and this type of elopement is usually very emotional.
Then there are couples who decide to elope alone and then make a celebration once they get back home. There are no rules when it comes to this, the only important thing is to make your wedding yours.
Before You Elope In Dolomites So, what do you think? Did we spark some imagination by this article and the images we put in it? We’re sure we did. Just find the photo you like from this article, and imagine you and your partner standing somewhere in it, facing each other and reading vows while surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountains you’ll ever see. That’s what Dolomites elopement feels like.
The Dolomites aren’t just a place to get married. They’re a place to feel married. To slow down, to breathe deeply, and to start your next chapter with clarity and intention.
So, if you’re dreaming of a Dolomites elopement, we’ve walked that path many times (sometimes literally before sunrise with headlamps). We’d love to help you find your version of unforgettable.
Ready to start planning? Learn more about us and our elopement photography , and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or doubts regarding the elopement in Dolomites.
This article is part of our elopement storytelling series, where we present our photography work, take you to some of the most stunning locations, and encourage you to elope abroad.
