Are you seeking a mystical and distant spot to exchange your vows? Allow me to introduce you to The Dolomites! The Dolomite Mountains, also known as the “Pale Mountains”, are a mountain range in Italy’s northeast. They form part of the Alps and have become one of the trendiest places in the world due to social media. The Dolomites region is divided into two portions; some places have two names as the northern areas were previously part of the Austrian Empire. Folks from the North – South Tyrol – typically converse in German as opposed to Italian and possess a much more Austrian culture. But the further South you go in the range – Belluno and Trentino – you can find more Italian speakers and Italian influence in the culture.
If you’re looking for the perfect elopement spot, look no further than the Dolomites. Everywhere you go, you’ll be surrounded by majestic peaks that reach almost 10,000 feet. For centuries, this spectacular mountain landscape has captivated visitors with its towering rock walls, cliffs, and deep, narrow valleys. It’s an absolute must-see! No matter the season, the Dolomites offer a wealth of activities for skiers, climbers, hikers, and cyclists alike. For the more adventurous, the mountain range also offers some truly thrilling activities like BASE jumping, paragliding, hang gliding, and free climbing. It’s the perfect destination for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
A wedding here can be incredibly romantic, but it is important to make sure you do the proper preparations so it does not become a disaster. It can be difficult to plan from afar, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. That is why it is essential to get help from the natives. Here is a little guide to all the things you can do and what you need to get married in Dolomites. Let’s get started!
- How to legally get married in Italy
- What’s the Difference between a Civil Ceremony and a Symbolic Wedding?
- What is the optimum season for getting married in the Dolomites?
- Best location to elope in Dolomites!
- Getting to The Dolomites: How do you arrive?
- Capturing Wedding Memories in the Dolomites and South Tyrol
How to legally get married in Italy
Can foreigners get married here?
If you’re planning to tie the knot in Italy, you have to either go for a civil or Catholic ceremony. But, you don’t have to be an Italian citizen to get married. Just make sure that you fill out and submit the necessary paperwork before your wedding day to avoid any issues. For civil ceremonies, an official from the government such as the local mayor will officiate the wedding in either Italian or German depending on your location. It’s mandatory to have a translator in case you don’t understand either language. Generally, these ceremonies take place at a local government office, but you can request an outdoor setting after receiving pre-approval. It’s worth noting that Italy does not recognize LGBTQIA+ marriages. At present, the only option is to have a civil partnership. We certainly hope that this will change in due course, but for the time being, that’s the law in Italy. Fortunately, it’s possible for same-sex couples to get married in the nearby Tyrol region of Austria!
Nevertheless, a lot of couples aren’t too enthusiastic about managing the legal aspects of their nuptials on the same day. Rather than dealing with the paperwork while you’re away, it’s possible to take care of everything in your home country – probably the US if you’re reading this. Doing things this way means you’re completely free to do whatever you desire for your elopement in Italy – the possibilities are endless and so exciting!
What’s the Difference between a Civil Ceremony and a Symbolic Wedding?
Presuming that you would prefer to have a civil wedding ceremony, the previous point assumed that you would have to sign all the necessary paperwork outside of your home country.
Is it possible to have a Civil wedding outside in any location in Italy?
It’s usually not possible to legally sign any documents for marriage outside of the municipality structure. However, there is a celebrant who is approved to do civil ceremonies wherever you want in Italy! You can contact Angela of Bespoke Weddings Italy to learn more about it. If you don’t want to sign any paperwork on your wedding day, then a symbolic wedding ceremony is the way to go. It is faster and easier and also doesn’t matter where you sign the wedding papers.
You can take care of the paperwork at your house either before or after the complimentary ceremony – you can rejoice in your nuptials right in the hills in whatever way you desire! YEEEEEESSSSSS!
What is the optimum season for getting married in the Dolomites?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach here, as we’re all so unique! However, I can definitely provide a few suggestions to sidestep the most difficult times.
To start, contemplate what type of scenery and colours appeal to you. Are there plenty of mountains in it? Is there a meadow, or is it made of rocks? Does it have snow or a lot of trees? What would be the optimal choice for you?
What temperatures would make you feel very uncomfortable and how much of a risk do you think you are taking with the potential for bad weather?
Before settling on a decision, it’s important to consider some things. To get more detailed advice on the best places and times to get married, you can visit When to get married in the Dolomites.
Best time of the year?
- During the low season: Tourist activity is low at the start or end of the season, usually mid-June to late September, and during winter this spans from early to mid-December and late February to late March.
- Out of season: Mid-April to mid-June, or mid-September to late November are great times to visit the Dolomites.
Getting married in the Dolomites in Summer?
During the summer months, it can be difficult to find a peaceful destination, as most people are travelling to the same popular locations such as Seceda or Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee). These places are picturesque, however, the crowds can be overwhelming and intrusive. As a local photographer in Italy, I know some amazing, secluded areas that could be the perfect place for a wedding. Alternatively, during winter months, tourists are mostly scattered on the ski slopes, making it hard to find a place to be undisturbed.
Getting married in the Dolomites in Winter?
Winter weddings in the mountains can be stunningly beautiful. If you are considering a winter wedding in the mountains, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, having a winter wedding in the mountains requires a bit more planning than a traditional wedding. You need to think about the weather conditions, transportation for guests, and dress for the occasion. All of these factors need to be taken into consideration when planning a winter wedding in the mountains. Furthermore, you should also consider what type of photography you would like for your special day. A professional wedding photographer in Italy with experience in the mountains will be able to capture the beauty and atmosphere of your winter wedding in the most stunning way possible.
Organizing a matrimonial event in the mountains is amazing, but having a winter wedding in the highlands is even more magnificent! Literally. As an experienced photographer from the Dolomites, I have created a guide for winter nuptials, in order to aid you in making plans for your wintry wedding in the Italian mountains. Timeframe: When
Best location to elope in Dolomites!
Before selecting the perfect spot for your elopement, it’s essential to contemplate whether you’d prefer to take a hike or drive to the ceremony site. You can get to many of these areas by car, however, if you do, you won’t have as much privacy since others will be able to access it easily. If you’re willing to go to a more isolated area via a hike, you’ll be able to discover more exclusive spots and make your special day even more magical. Plus, taking a walk opens up the possibility of encountering unique sights that the average tourist won’t get to experience! If you really want to make it an extraordinary event, why not book a helicopter? There are some tour operators near the Dolomites who can take you to nearly unreachable locations to make your elopement even more special.
Lago di Braies
Photos can make it seem like this is the ideal spot for an intimate elopement. However, it’s actually one of the most visited tourist spots in the Dolomite Mountains with multiple weddings occurring each day. That’s not to say that it’s not a great location to elope! The lake boasts crystal clear, azure water and is encompassed by towering mountains. It’s one of the most majestic places on earth. But if you’re looking for some privacy, you’ll want to plan your elopement for the early morning or tie the knot at one of the many boathouses.
Consider staying at Hotel Lago De Braies
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo—also known as Drei Zinnen—is absolutely iconic in the Dolomites! Getting to the base of any of the three peaks is a breeze, and even better, there’s a toll road that’ll get you there in no time. To really soak in the scenery, you should book one of the mountain huts at any of the peaks to spend the night and then go for a sunrise elopement! Just remember to book the huts a few months in advance to ensure you get the perfect spot.
Consider staying in Mountain Hut Antonio Locatelli, Alpine hut Auronzo, or Hut Lavaredo
Seceda Ridgeline
Seceda is a renowned spot in the Dolomites that’s accessible via a lift or a one-hour trek using the Col Raiser lift. Visitors are greeted by lush, captivating mountains of varying sizes. Tourists flock to this spot throughout the day, so the best time to visit is at sunrise. Watching the sun ascend behind the mountain peaks while the sky lights up is a breathtaking experience, making it the perfect setting for a romantic elopement.
Alpe Di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi is an incredible sight to behold! From the lush green meadows to the towering rocky peaks dotted with charming mountain shelters, you and your partner will be absolutely amazed by its beauty. Photos can’t even begin to do it justice – you’ll be snapping away with your camera all day long! Getting there requires some pre-planning, as some of the roads open at certain times only. Our advice is to make an early start and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise or midday marriage ceremony before the roads close. If you’re staying at one of the nearby hotels, you’ll have more time. Or, you could take the gondola lifts up to the top, though they don’t open until 9am, and it could be tricky to transport all your wedding items using the gondola.
Passo Giau
The Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, or the Great Dolomites Road, is an incredible 100km journey that will take you through some of the most breathtaking sites in the Dolomite range! Starting in Bolzano and ending in Cortina D’Ampezzo, you’ll have the opportunity to explore popular areas including Lago di Carezza, Passo di Costalunga, Vigo di Fassa, Canazei, Passo Pordoi, Arabba, Livinallongo, Passo Falzarego, and the Ampezzo Valley. It’s an awe-inspiring experience that will be a memory to last a lifetime!
Consider staying at Averau Mountain Hut
Getting to The Dolomites: How do you arrive?
In order to wed here in the mountains of South Tyrol, you now know the procedure. Nevertheless, if you are coming from a long distance, a long drive may not be feasible. Taking into account the cost of motorways and fuel in Italy, driving can be quite pricey.
It’s easy to become drained on a train ride, especially when you have to switch onto different ones multiple times. The routes are not never-ending, especially in the mountainous regions. The entire trip could be very lengthy. On the plus side, the train and Flixbus are the most economical options when traveling around and to Italy.
Taking Flight
Let’s take a look at the nearest airport to get here:
- Bolzano is situated close to the Dolomites, and South Tyrol is almost at its doorstep. Unfortunately, it has quite limited flight options, so it is not a real viable option.
- Innsbruck is a larger city with numerous travel possibilities, though it can be costly. It is probably the most convenient route to South Tyrol. By taking advantage of the South Tyrolean and Italian railways, you can reach San Candido or Merano within a short time. The city is well connected to its neighbouring places.
- Treviso and Venice may have comparable sizes to Innsbruck, yet making it to South Tyrol can be quite a challenge, particularly in the winter season. It depends on where you plan to tie the knot or lodge. Treviso and Venice, for example, are not ideal if you want to head to Merano and stay overnight.
- Verona is distant, yet a sizable airport with many connecting flights. Thus, I suggested it as the final option. Although one can reach South Tyrol and the Dolomites from Verona, it is a lengthy trip overall.
- Milano. The Italian Dolomites and South Tyrol are located around five hours away from Milano Malpensa. This airport is the most convenient for individuals coming from America or Asia as it has a variety of international and transatlantic flights. To be able to move around the area after arrival, it is recommended to rent a car. Alternatively, a train or Flixbus are good alternatives to reach the cities! Check out the options below. Check also this
During the Winter months, travelling by plane to The Dolomites is an option
Though one might expect to find more snow in Innsbruck, the mountain passes between Treviso, Venice, Corvara, and San Casiano may be closed due to snow or the risk of avalanches. Additionally, rental vehicles at airports, including Verona, are unlikely to be fitted with winter tires, making this a potential hazard. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the cost versus security of the journey. In winter, the connections between Treviso and Venice are not the optimal choice; however, the “Cortina Express” coaches are a good alternative. Alternatively, the safest option would be to book a transfer (Taxi) at a higher cost.
Exploring South Tyrol During the Summer Season
Experience the wonders of South Tyrol in the summertime and take a trip there. Soar through the air to arrive in this magical place and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Enjoy the warm sunshine, green hills, and picturesque villages. Spend your days trekking, mountain biking, and indulging in some of the local delicacies. So make plans to fly to South Tyrol and create lasting memories.
During the summer season, Treviso and Venice provide a great option to save some money while also having easy access to the mountains. If you are traveling to these destinations around August, it is best to prepare yourself for some traffic. The most convenient time to drive is either early in the morning or in the evening.
By Rail
You can get to South Tyrol in no time and at a great price by taking either the Frecciarossa or the Italo Italian railway services. Here are the most important stops in South Tyrol:
- Bolzano, located in Italy,
- Merano,
- Ponte Gardena,
- Brunico,
- San Lorenzo di Sebato,
- Dobbiaco, and San Candido are all towns in the South Tyrol region.
Utilizing the Bus System
The bus could be a viable option when it comes to getting from point A to point B.
It could be said that utilizing the bus is the final option. When you disembark from the train, there must be someone to transport you to your destination. Naturally, you can also take the long-distance bus.
- Flixbus: which comes to Bolzano and Bressanone
- Cortina Express: which comes to Alta Badia and Val Pusteria
- Sad transport: Our local means of transportation consists mainly of buses, but also includes regional railways and a few cable cars, such as the one that leads to Renon/Ritten.
Capturing Wedding Memories in the Dolomites and South Tyrol
If you are certain that you want stunning photos but you don’t want to hire a wedding planner, you have come to the right spot. As a destination wedding photographer in Italy and elopement photographer, I’m delighted to assist you in getting organized and providing you with advice on how to make your nuptials an unforgettable event.
It ought to be a straightforward, small, and pleasant experience. Who knows, it may even be confidential. My fee for photographing weddings and elopements in the Dolomites typically totals €7.000.
I would love to hear from you and set up a video chat. There is no pressure to commit and it is completely free! It’s almost time! All that is left to do is submit the form – and I’ll be expecting you!
