Where to Elope in the Dolomites

The Dolomites is an insane region of mountains. It’s some of the most rugged, yet accessible mountains in the world. And I’m saying that as someone who grew up in Washington with our own set of mountains. There’s no shortage of places that will make your jaw drop even if you’ve seen them on your phone before. There’s so many different places you can get to within a single day or make a bigger adventure out of one location.

Hey, I’m Cherlyn, a Dolomites Elopement Photographer who absolutely loves to follow couples around on foot or on skis, whatever the adventure calls. I have so many trips to the Dolomites under my belt and as an elopement photographer, I’ve got your back on where best to elope in the Dolomites.

Lago di Braies

I personally think that Lago di Braies (aka Pragser Wildsee, depending on which language you use) is the most common spot that people elope. The lake is simply iconic with its cute wooden boats and gorgeous blue color. Depending on the time of day and year, you’ll get the most color on the lake and with the larch trees that turn color in the fall. The hike around is about 3 miles if you want to escape for more solitude. You can also rent out the boathouse to make sure you’re the only one on the lake for more privacy.

It’s fairly easy to get to by driving with several lots to choose from. Going earlier or in the evening is a sure way to get a spot or else you’ll have to take a bus up during summer months.

Tip: The best time to go is on a fall morning when summer crowds have dwindled and you get there before the day-time rush

Tre Cime

When people say the Dolomites, this is probably what they are thinking about. This is part of the specific region called the Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park. It’s not the same designation as a national park but is still a UNESCO site. The Tre Cime area is highly accessible with public transportation and car accessed roads. For those who want to hike more, you can save 40€ by hiking from the bottom about 3 miles. Tre Cime has a plethora of spaces to explore from a loop all around the Tre Cime mountains themselves to the iconic Dreizinnenhütte with its famous red roof. Or you can do an out-and-back 1 mile each way to get the best view of the Cadini di Misurina. This is absolutely THE view to get for your Dolomites elopement.

As a photographer who loves to find hidden quiet spots, I like to seek out alternate spots. I’ve found that while there is the “iconic” viewpoint, it is crowded most times, even in the evenings for sunset and early sunrise, there are other locations that offer an identical view with much less waiting in line.

Tip: Go for sunset for the best lighting conditions on Cadini di Misurina. Consider staying at one of the 3 rifugios for an extended elopement excursion.

 

Can’t wait to get started on planning your Dolomites elopement? Check out my Dolomites Elopement Packages

 

Alpe di Siusi

In the Val Gardena region, there’s a local language called Ladin that is vastly different from Italian and German, hence the many names for a singular place. Sometimes Alpe di Siusi is also called Seiser Alm. It’s a high plateau that is primarily gondola-accessed. You can also drive a car up but it can be limiting with the times. This is a beautiful area with plenty of amenities and incredible hotels. I would argue that it is best in winter with cross-country and downhill skiing. But in the summer, the dramatic Sassolungo is a stunning backdrop. This is an easy place to have a sunrise or sunset Dolomites elopement.

Tip: Stay a few nights in the Alpe di Siusi to fully soak in the views and explore the area beyond your elopement day

Seceda Ridgeline

This is also one of the most popular areas but I’ve had good luck with less crowded views — go at sunset in the off season. There’s a couple options to get up to the top of the ridge. There’s the Seceda gondola from the base, a short walk to a shorter lift on the Fermeda only open high summer season and winter, or you can walk all the way up the 4 miles if you’re adventurous. Most of the buildings in the rolling hillside are private or only restaurants so you can’t stay up here. This would be a great place to say your vows in the evening and then have a full-day adventure the following day.

Tip: Check out the gondola or lift opening times well in advance. For a stunning backdrop, consider also checking out the Val di Funes area for the backside of the Seceda ridgeline

Passo Gardena

The best thing about the Dolomites is how many high-alpine regions you can simply drive to. In my home state of Washington, that’s simply not possible! I love Passo Gardena because it’s the start to many adventures. If you’re in for a thrill, this is the trailhead to several incredible via ferrata routes, what I like to call a step in between hiking and climbing. You don’t need climbing experience, but you can still get the thrill of being high off the ground. Passo Gardena is sandwiched between the massive Piz Boè mountain range and the Seceda mountain groups called Odle and Puez.

Tip: Rent your via ferrata gear the day before so you have ample time for your elopement adventure day

Passo Giau/Passo Falzarego

These are two adjacent passes, connected by trails. They have stunning rifugios sitting on steep cliffs but also incredible views down the valley and of Croda da Lago and Cima Tofana. It’s near the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is a great spot to be based out of for your Dolomites elopement. Most people like to just stop at the passes, but there’s so many trails out of both areas that are great to explore for amazing views away from the major road.

Tip: Hike a little further from the pass and enjoy quiet wildflower views in the summer

Croda da Lago

This is the common name when people talk about Lago Fedèra and its rifugio. It’s actually for the mountain that rises above the lake. This is most stunning in the fall when all the trees have turned golden and sunrise lights up the foothill. The rifugio is often open until late October, which makes it a great spot to lodge to minimize the walking and make it easier for a sunrise wake up. Plus, there’s even a sauna at this rifugio!

Tip: While there is the “iconic” view point, consider roaming around the other trails for gorgeous golden larch photos

Lago di Sorapiss

This lake is one of my favorites for its beautiful milky colored water. It’s fantastic in the summer or fall. I find that the lake water is most stunning when sunlight hasn’t hit the lake. It’s about 4 miles each way but not overly steep. You can even walk around the lake for different views. In the summer, there’s plenty of local wildflowers and in the fall, the trees turn yellow, offering a great contrast of color to the lake. For the adventurous couples, you can even add on a via ferrata to this hike!

Tip: Go in the evening for sunset for the least crowds

I hope these have been helpful for figuring out where to elope in the Dolomites! There’s so many beautiful locations beyond even the ones I mentioned here, more than can fit in a single blog. There’s also plenty of planning to figure out, especially if you haven’t been to the Dolomites and if you want to experience the full Dolomites and travel to several locations. And that’s exactly why I always help my eloping couples figure out the logistics of their elopement day and provide advice for their honeymoon excursions too!

Ready to get started with planning your Dolomites elopement?