The Ultimate Dolomites Elopement Guide [UPDATE 2024]
The mountains are your calm anchor, a special place of energy and an endless inspiration? How does this sound to you then: Getting married just the two of you, several thousand meters above sea level, surrounded by otherworldly rock formations and the snow-covered peaks of the Italian Dolomites as your only guests. No traditions that you can’t identify with. No pressure outside. No expectations that you have to fulfill. You are completely free to decide what you want to do on this very special day.
Before we are getting started with telling you all the necessary information you need, when planning your dream elopement in the Dolomites there is one thing, we need to get off our hearts first:
Making the decision to have a wedding that includes just the two of you and no one else is definitely not an easy one and a really brave move as well! But there is one thing we can tell you straight away: it will be one of the best decisions you have ever made, and we are absolutely sure that you will never forget such a special day!
But let’s quit the chitchat and start with the things you came for. To make it really easy for you to navigate we have prepared a few topics that we would like to discuss in the following blogpost.
Table of Contents Show
1. How can a “Just Us” Wedding look like and which advantages does it have?
We could probably spend the next 15,000 characters explaining to you exactly why we think a wedding with just the two of you is a wonderful way to get married and why you will never regret this decision. But we'll save that for another blog post and keep it "reasonably" short and sweet here.
An elopement means taking the focus away from traditions, entertaining guests and creating seating plans and putting it back on what really matters: The two of you and your love for each other. Any pressure, anxiety or obligation you have ever felt on your shoulders will be taken off you step by step. But that’s not the only amazing aspect about eloping, there is so much more – so get relaxed and let us take you on this journey on finding out why an elopement in the Dolomites is perfect for you:
Your day will be 100% yours and no one can or should change that.
No stressful and big wedding planning. Only a few things need to be planned in advance, but let's be honest: you will love planning these things!
A honeymoon right after the wedding without travelling - why not! You love the mountains more than anything else and can't imagine anything better than travelling through the impressive Dolomites straight after your wedding? We will not stop you!
By having an elopement, you are already doing the environment a big favour. Big weddings can often be full of things that create a lot of waste afterwards. If that's not for you, then an elopement, where the experiences mean so much more than material things ever could, is the perfect fit for you. (As we really share a big passion and love for nature and the mountains, this point is particularly important to us. That's why we always make sure to leave nothing behind during our outdoor weddings and work according to the "Leave no trace" principles. If you would like to know more about LNT, feel free to check it out here).
You don't have to rob a bank to finance your dream. Sure, you'll still have some expenses, but unlike a bigger wedding, they'll be much smaller. To put this into perspective: For a wedding with about 60 guests you will spend approximately between 20,000 and 25,000$. Just imagine how many wonderful adventures you could share with this amount!
2. What documents do we need ahead of time?
The first important information (and the first good one as well) for you is that both civil and catholic ceremonies are considered as legally binding in Italy. You do not have to be an Italian citizen to get married in the Dolomites. We would however advice you to submit your necessary paperwork a few months in advance to make sure everything is successfully checked on your wedding day. Most civil weddings take place at the government office of the town or city you want to get married in and they are often done by the major. But if you ask beforehand it is often possible to have the ceremony at an outdoor location. Please be aware that those civil ceremonies will be conducted in either German or Italian, so if you don’t speak either of those languages a translator is required.
You need the following documents to legally get married in Italy:
- A valid passport or ID
- Your original birth certificates or a certified copy
- If you a divorced or widowed, you need your divorce papers or a death certificate
- Nulla Osta (a certificate that give you the permission to get married in Italy)
- Atto Notorio (sworn affidavit) that you have to do prior the wedding, signed by two witnesses
- A declaration of your intent to get married which will go to the civil registrar
As of right now (2024) it is unfortunately not possible for same-sex couples to get legally married in Italy. Since 2016 Italy has recognized same-sex civil unions. Those civil unions grant you with similar rights as a marriage would but there are a few differences. Civil unions grant you the same rights with regards to inheritances, cohabitation, pensions and family name. But it doesn’t allow an adoption for example.
The majority of our couples however take a different route to avoid all the fuss about organising the needed documents and decide to get married at home. This leads to an elopement day that is so much more personal and intimate. And if you still want to have some kind of ceremony on your special adventure there is the possibility to have a symbolic wedding ceremony or you decide to right some personal vows.
3. Is it possible to get officially married without anyone else?
Just the two of you and the countless giants we call mountains. An idea that is unfortunately not quite possible in the Dolomites. Unlike in other countries, it is a legal requirement in Italy that every couple needs at least two witnesses to successfully conclude a marriage. However, it is possible to ask employees of the registry office or the hotel where you are staying. The witnesses do not have to be known to you. And don't worry: this question is not so unusual in the Dolomites and the people in the hotels or registry offices will be happy to help you.
Or, like most couples, you can choose the less bureaucratic option of having the civil ceremony in your hometown and choosing a symbolic wedding ceremony for your adventure in the Dolomites.
4. The best places for your elopement in the Dolomites
The Dolomites offer beautiful and unique locations for your wedding ceremony in every corner and in every little nook and cranny. Therefore, this chapter is less about simply listing the most beautiful places, but more about giving you general ideas for regions and places to go. There is one thing you should be aware of before you start planning your dream elopement in the Dolomites: even though the Dolomites often look rather small on the map, it takes longer to get from place A to B. That is why it is better to plan an entire day in the same region. That way you won't be stressed and can enjoy your special day to the fullest.
How can we avoid all the tourists?
A question that most couples come up with once they started planning their elopement in the Dolomites. As many beautiful places as there are in the Dolomites, there are unfortunately just as many tourists who travel there every year. Well-known places like Lago di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo or the Alpe di Siusi are of course tempting and probably your first port of call. However, these areas are usually very well frequented and therefore offer less privacy and cosiness. However, you don't have to cancel these locations and miss out on their stunning scenery. In low season or at sunrise, you're sure to find a secluded spot with plenty of peace and quiet.
Tips for impressive places
Even though we have mentioned places like Lago di Braies and Tre Cime di Lavaredo as very touristy places, there are still some possibilities to experience an unforgettable adventure there. At Lago di Braies, for example, there is the possibility of booking the jetty early in the morning and having 1,5 hours all to yourself. At least in theory. Because unfortunately, due to the enormous increase in tourism, there are always individual people who sneak over the barrier and suddenly appear on the jetty - not necessarily what you want to have on that particular day.
Fortunately, the area around Tre Cime di Lavaredo offers a few more opportunities. The top of the Tre Cime is relatively easy to reach via a well-built road. For a fee of 30€ (as of 2022), this private road leads you directly to the Rifugio Auronzo at 2,330 metres (alternative: a shuttle bus from Dobbiaco). You will already experience stunning views from up there, but if you really want that “JUST US” Wedding experience we recommend staying in one of the mountain huts around this area. That way you will be able to have all those jaw-dropping views to yourselves because you can enjoy them right when the sun rises over the mountains. The most famous huts are the Rifugio Antonio Locatelli, which is open from June to the end of September, the already mentioned Rifugio Auronzo or the Rifugio Lavaredo are also open from the end of June to the end of September.
There are of course a few places and towns that are well suited for being your base and starting point to exploring the vast beauty of the Dolomites. Those places could be:
Belluno
Alpe di Siusi
Cortina D’Ampezzo
Val di Funes
Misurina
Val Gardena
Valle di Anterselva
Val Pusteria
But don't let this list stop you from looking for other places. The Dolomites offer almost infinite possibilities and you don't have to worry about finding something that perfectly suits your needs. A really good source of information and one you should definitely check out is the website of the Alpine Club (it is in German, so you might have to use a translator).
5. How to get to the Dolomites - best airports
The best way to get to the Dolomites if you travel from overseas is probably via one of the nearby airports. You can choose one of the following airports (depending on what you want to do after your elopement day, some could be more suitable for you than others.)
Innsbruck in Austria (approx. 2 hours away)
Venice in Italy (approx. 2 hours away)
Milan in Italy (approx. 4 hours away)
Munich in Southern Germany (approx. 4 hours away)
6. How your adventurous day could look like
Just because you've decided to have an elopement with just the two of you, doesn't mean that your day should be any less special, any less adventurous. Quite the opposite! Focusing on you and your passions provides the perfect setting for a unique and extraordinary day.
There are no limits to your imagination and the sky is literally the limit here. Whether it's a romantic picnic at the top of a mountain, watching the stars in togetherness or something more adventurous like a helicopter flight - everything is possible.
Couples often start with a First Look shoot at sunrise at a special location such as the Tre Cime. They have spent the night before in one of the many huts around this area and have already experienced waking up to some of the most spectacular views you can get. That is also a perfect setting to exchange your personal vows if you wish to do so. And like mentioned before, most couples do their civil ceremony back at home so that a few members of their closest families can be a part of.
And afterwards? Afterwards, the day is all yours and you do exactly what you've always wanted to do on your wedding day. No pressure, no expectations - nothing. Sounds good? Yep, we couldn’t agree more, and that's why we support you all the way and plan this unforgettable experience together with you.
7. The best time of the year for your Elopement in the Dolomites
Well this question is kinda easy to answer (well at least sort of). The best time of the year for your elopement in the dolomites is whenever you want it to be. Every season has its own benefits, its own magical moments and of course its own little details that you need to consider while planning your dream day. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, we made it pretty easy for you to decide which month you like best, what to avoid and where you need to be extra cautious.
During the summer months (usually from mid July until the end of August) all the mountain passes should be open and all the hiking tracks should be accessible and not covered in thick layers of snow. But this time is also the busiest time with lots and lots of tourists visiting from all over the world. So finding a quiet place might be a bit trickier. But it is definitely not impossible and if you want to choose this time of the year we suggest transforming your epic day into a sunrise adventure you will never forget.
To give you a better understanding of how your elopement in the dolomites could look like we have created a list of all the months and what you need to consider during your planning.
January:
The Dolomites in January are usually known for one thing: Skiing! This is high-season for all skiers and snowboarders, so if you plan on getting married on the slopes – this is the perfect time for you. One big advantage might be, that after the Christmas holidays have ended (usually around the 6th of January) there are no holidays and you might be lucky enough to find some quiet places and time for just the two of you. But please consider that if you are planning to hike on your elopement (which is definitely possible in winter) that most of the hiking trails are not open during this time of the year.
February:
In February the dolomites start being a bit more active and touristy again. Especially becomes a lot of the locals use this time for skiing as there are several holidays like carnival around this month. So please be aware of that and start planning your elopement well in advance.
March:
March usually counts as one of the winter months in the dolomites but especially in the valleys you might see some green patches here and there poking through the thick layers of snow and also the temperatures are starting to rise a bit (at least during the day). At night, you still have freezing temperatures and you should definitely bring warm clothes. BUT: This time is perfect for skiing as there is still lots of snow on top of the mountains and there are usually now holidays in this month.
April:
Well well April is sort of a tricky month to be honest. On the one hand you have rising temperatures and spring tends to show up once in a while but on the other hand April is the month with the most rainfall in this region. The first hiking trails (those in the valleys) tend to open around this time and the roads leading there are also passable again. April requires some flexibility and spontaneity but if you bring those two things we are absolutely sure that with the right person by your side (well hello there) that knows the region and has some back-up plans for bad weather you will have lots of fun.
May:
Most of the ski lifts usually close around May and a lot of the huts are also still closed because there is too much snow up there. That means, if you are planning to do a hike on your elopement in the dolomites make sure to stay in the valley region and not hike up too high. But there is also a big advantage in May: The high season is not yet upon us and that means you might share a few more private moments and don’t get overrun by tourists.
June:
“Here we go” With the beginning of June most of the huts start opening, lifts for the summer also begin operation and of course all the hotels are back in business as well. June might be the perfect month for your elopement in the dolomites. You ask why? Pretty simple, the days are getting much much longer, the temperatures start climbing and there are still not as many tourists around as in the upcoming months. But be aware that June also has a tendency to have stronger rainfalls and maybe even summer storms in the evening. So always have a plan B and maybe even C ready, just to be sure.
July:
July is one of the busiest months in the dolomites. All huts are open and usually all hiking trails are accessible. But that also means lots and lots of tourists from all over the world. Our best advice would be to either plan for a sunrise elopement or to use something like a helicopter to get to a more secluded area.
August:
We start with a few warnings for august. As you might be aware of, august is the month in which a lot of European countries have their summer holidays. That means: Most of the hotels and huts are booked months in advance and you will also encounter many many tourist on your hiking trails. The temperatures climb up to new records every day, too. Our advice is: If your date is flexible it is best to plan for a different month. But if august is the month you choose, we really only recommend doing a sunrise elopement.
September:
We slowly but surely dive into our favourite season of the year – autumn. The temperatures are getting a bit more manageable, and many huts are still open until mid September. The summer holidays begin to end around the start of September so hiking trails are also a bit more pleasant to walk on. Another plus point is that there is usually less sommer storms in September compared to the months prior. You might find out that a few huts and/or hiking trails are not accessible any more due to snow but there are still loads of trails to choose from.
October:
It almost feels like the dolomites are taking a quick beak in October. A quick break from all the exhausting summer months and to recharge before winter season kicks in. So most of the hotels and huts are closed during this month and although October presents itself with the most beautiful colour palette nature has to over, we advice that only experienced mountaineers should consider this months for an elopement in the dolomites.
November:
Same rules as for October apply for November. Maybe with the exception that in November temperature are getting really cold, especially during the night and you have to be aware that you probably will get some snow in November. But: The dolomites are rarely as quiet as in November. So if you are not planning to hike, this might be a good month for you.
December:
In December it is starting to get busy again. Especially during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. That also means the prices of the hotels and chalets will increase dramatically and they are often booked out months in advance. Another side note for you to consider might be that a lot of wedding vendors usually spend Christmas season with their family and friends and might therefore not be available.
8. What about family and friends?
We get that question quite frequently, because a lot of couples feel like they are not allowed to marry with no family and friends around them and even consider themselves selfish.
Hey, you are not selfish if you are planning a day that perfectly suits you and your passions, that is centred around the things you love. Because at the end of the day it is YOUR DAY and you can do whatever you desire with it. So please don’t feel pressured to invite family and friends if you don’t want to.
There are still so many possibilities how you could include family and friends into your day even if they are not present. You could have them record videos and/ or right letters that you can bring with you on your elopement in the dolomites. Or why not celebrate with them once you are back from your adventure.
Another possibility might be to not only celebrate on one day but why not make it into a two-day adventure you will never forget. The first day is for you and your closest friends and family and the second day is just for the two of you. Elopements also don’t need to be just two people. We for example accompany elopement with up to around 15 guests, so please feel free to reach out to us and to discuss what possibilities there might be for you.
9. Why it is important to have everything planned
Last but certainly not least we want to quickly talk about the planning side of your day. Chances are you are not from the Dolomites, Italy and maybe even Europe for that matter. So the planning and coordination of your big adventure is crucial in making you sure you feel absolutely zero stress during the day and have nothing wo worry about. You should focus on one thing and one thing only: YOU TWO having the best damn day EVER.
But we got you covered on that. We over a full day planning service for you, so that you have nothing to worry about. We can recommend the best vendors for you, have an eye on your budget and plan accordingly. And during the day, we make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible and if there ever might be a slight bump along the road, you will never notice because it is taken care of.