The absolute best places to elope in the Dolomites
Carefully crafted by your experienced dolomites photo and video duo
Are you dreaming of eloping in the Dolomites? Do you picture yourself standing on the most picturesque mountaintops you can imagine? Your partner in your arms, the gentle breeze in your hair and the best views you can get in Europe in front of you? This is what you will get in Europe’s most stunning mountains, the Dolomites. The only thing standing between you and this experience is the question: How to elope in the Dolomites? As your dolomites elopement photo and video team we got you covered. We know the area inside out, got insider knowledge for you and are more than happy to help you plan your dream elopement or intimate wedding in the Dolomites from scratch. In this blog we’ll take your hand and show you around the best place on earth. Come and find out about everything there is to know about making your dream a reality in our ultimate guide to elope in the dolomites, part I: The best places for an elopement in the dolomites. And if you want to get to know us as your elopement photographer and elopement videographer first, head over to our About us or book a call with us straight away right here.
Let's get you right there!
An elopement in the Dolomites is something you will never, ever forget in your life. It is an adventure with your partner, a celebration of your love and an experience you will cherish for the rest of your lives.
Why should you choose the Dolomites as your elopement location?
Located in northeastern Italy, the Dolomites with its breathtaking pale peaks (the name derives from the carbonated rock dolomite) have fascinated people for centuries. The history of the region is rich with stories and tales about the peaks and valleys and wherever you go, you’ll find traces of the past, next to the most unbelievable views, of course.
In our opinion as your elopement photographer and videographer duo, the Dolomites are simply the best place for your elopement. The area truly has it all. Glistering lakes with the stunning mountain peaks mirroring themselves on the surface of the crystal clear water, soft hills and valleys straight from the fairytales and winding roads leading to extensive plateaus make every spot a perfect spot for your elopement or intimate wedding. With your one or two day elopement you’ll be able to see so many different locations and landscapes that it will feel like a weeklong vacation. To make the most out of your adventure elopement, we are going to show you the absolute best elopement places in the Dolomites so that your pictures and videos will be the favorite memories of your lives.
How a Dolomites Elopement looks like on video
The Best Places to Elope in the Dolomites
It may not look like it on the map, but the Dolomites are a huge and scattered area. The small villages and bigger cities are located in different valleys separated by monstrous mountains and getting from one place to another always takes its time. Therefore planning your elopement day ahead with the help of someone who knows the place is hugely important. By doing so you can make sure to make the most of your time and do exactly what you want and envision. But don’t you worry! With our expertise and local knowledge exploring this beautiful landscape will feel like a walk in the park and we will find the best places to elope in the Dolomites together and show you how to elope in the Dolomites. In the following section you'll find the best lakes in the dolomites, followed by the most beautiful mountains and hikes, before we'll have a walk in the most picturesque valleys and cutest towns in the Dolomites.
The most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites
All over the province of South Tyrol you can find more than 400 lakes, one more beautiful and picturesque than the other. Some of them are true hidden gems that can only be reached after long hikes, some are well accessible by car and yet still rather unknown, while others are developed for tourism and can become quite overcrowded especially during summer. For your elopement we can choose between Ice-cold glacial lakes, crystal clear mountain lakes or stunningly blue lakes in the valleys with the reflection of the mountains on their surface. Let’s dive right in the best lakes for your elopement in the Dolomites.
1. Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee
Lake Braies is probably the most famous lake in the Dolomites and a real instagram star. And of course, there are reasons for that. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in South Tyrol and is also known as "the Pearl of the dolomite Lakes". Located at an altitude of about 1,500 m above sea level, in the picturesque Alta Pusteria, the mountain lake captivates with its turquoise-green colour and the imposing mass of the Seekofel (2,810 m) that surrounds it. The lake can be easily reached by car and offers parking a few steps away from the most magical views you can imagine.
Situated on the edge of the lake you can find a romantic boathouse and the famous floating docks you probably know from pinterest boards or instagram reels and posts. It is an absolutely stunning spot for your personal elopement ceremony and offers an atmosphere that can hardly be beaten. Naturally, the accessibility and the beauty of the lake make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world and therefore the place can become very crowded during the busy season. This is why we always recommend to book a private session at the boathouse. The sessions normally last 90 minutes and are available before the boathouse opens for everybody else. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy the unbelievable surroundings before everybody else and will give you a secluded feeling from the busy shore of the lake. Moreover, you will have a chance to have a private ceremony on the docks with nobody watching and to be the first boat out on the crystal clear waters. You can check availability of the private photo package and booking information at the boathouse website La Palafitta.
After the ceremony there is always time for a coffee and a croissant at the cafe located right on the bank of the lake or a stroll around the lake to explore even more views of this unique place in the Dolomites. Lago di Braies offers amazing views, perfect spots for photos and videos and is easily accessible for everybody. If you want to have iconic shots on one of the most hyped places in Europe, this is the place for you.
2. Lago Dobbiaco / Toblachersee
Lake Dobbiaco in Alta Pusteria Valley is picturesque and unmistakably beautiful. Located on the border of the Three Peaks nature park and the Fanes Sennes nature park, very close to the famous Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina this natural alpine lake is a popular destination for families, hikers and anyone looking for tranquility. Like Lago di Braies it is also easily reachable by car for your elopement so you won’t have to worry about hiking in your wedding dress and wedding suit. When the lake is full it offers amazing views and breathtaking reflections of the surrounding mountains. As your Dolomites elopement photo and video team we know a lot of secluded spots around the lake where we can take candid shots of you and your partner that will simply take your breath away.
An amazing experience for your adventure elopement in the Dolomites is to rent out a paddle boat and explore the lake by way of water. This will give you a special moment together while enjoying the spectacular views around you. Lake Dobbiaco is also known to be a habitat for rare migratory birds because of its peace and quiet. So, if we are lucky those birds will accompany your ceremony and fly off behind you while you kiss each other.
Another benefit of lake dobbiaco is its close proximity to dobbiaco town. The town itself is home to roughly 3.000 extremely friendly people and has wonderful italian or local restaurants for your lunch break on your elopement day.
3. Lago di Landro / Dürrensee
Not far from Lake Dobbiaco, on the way to Cortina d'Ampezzo, lies Lake Landro / Dürrensee. It is part of the Tre Cime Nature park and right on the way to the toll road to Refugio Auronzo. Its turquoise blue water invites visitors and passers-by to relax by the water’s banks and is the third largest lake in the area. Some argue that it offers the best views and the most stunning reflections, though. Just like the lakes mentioned before, Lago di Landro is easily accessible by car and offers enough parking spots right next to the lake itself so you’ll be able to explore the lake in a very short period of time. Hop out of the car, follow one of the footpaths through a small forest to its banks and you’ll be rewarded with unbelievable views.
Unlike Lago di Braies and Lago Dobiacco you will not find infrastructure around the lake and this will give you the feeling of really being in nature. The shores around the lake offer a great chance to explore the place on your own and simply enjoy the majestic peaks sitting enthroned around you. In our opinion and experience Lago di Landro is not the best lake to hold a ceremony but it is amazing for an exploring session or a dreamy picnic on the shore.
4. Lago Anterselva / Antholzer See
A true natural treasure of the Kronplatz holiday region can be found at the end of the Antholz valley: Lake Antholz. It is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes, and an area of 44 hectares makes Lake Anterselva, the third largest natural lake in the Dolomites. Its Emerald water and wonderful views makes it one of the best spots for your Dolomites elopement or intimate wedding.
A dreamy lake with crazy reflections
During winter the Antholz area is well-known for its biathlon competitions and extensive cross country skiing routes. From spring to autumn you can enjoy glorious views and romantic hikes. Lake Anterselva itself is surrounded by stunning nature and mountains and a small winding path circles the water. So if you are looking for a picturesque walk, rather than a hike on your elopement day as an unforgettable activity, this lake is definitely a place to consider.
5. Lago Carezza / Karersee
If you drive in Bolzano in the direction of Eggental and then on towards Latemar and Karerpass, you will reach Lake Carezza / Karersee, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes, on the high plateau of Welschnofen, surrounded by tall coniferous trees, in the middle of an otherwise barren landscape. In winter, Lake Carezza is a fascinating layer of ice for ice divers, and documentary film scenes filmed under water and ice have now gained cult status due to their special play on light. From spring and summer to autumn it is most known for its fascinating reflections of the triumphing chain of mountains that frame this wonderful lake. The lake itself is only 180 meters (200 yards) long and 2 meters deep (6 feet) but every inch is incredibly beautiful.
Lake Carezza is also easily accessible and offers a parking spot in close proximity to those magical views and it is an unforgettable experience to have a walk around the lake and enjoy all the small spots it is blessed with. As with all the lakes in the Dolomites we recommend coming here as early as possible or during sunset as the parking lot and the lake itself can become quite busy during the day. In the mornings, however, it can still feel like you are there alone and as you Dolomites photo and video duo we will make sure to frame you perfectly between the lake and spectacular mountains in the background.
6. Lago di Misurina / Misurinasee
Located in the province of Belluno and accessible from both Alta Pusteria and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Lake Misurina / Misurinasee is a popular destination in the warm summer months. Due to its clear water and the mighty mountain scenery that surrounds Lake Misurina, it is also known as the "Pearl of Cadore".
If you are looking for a lake straight from a fairytale, lake Misurina is the one you are looking for. Steep mountains in the background, surrounded by deep, natural forest, the lake rests next to the street leading up to Refugio Auronzo. So if you are planning to experience the famous Tre Cime and/or the stunning viewpoint to Cadini di Misurina and want to see a breathtaking lake along the way, you should consider coming here. Due to its close proximity to these dreamy spots it is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy the glittering reflections on the surface of the water. Close by you can find a small, even more beautiful lake (Lago d’Antorno) with a small hotel right with newly renovated rooms right next to it. This place can serve as a great base for your dream elopement day in the dolomites. You can have a look at the hotel here.
7. Lago di Sorapis / Sorapissee
Probably one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites: Lake Sorapis. Visitors are enchanted by the turquoise-blue lake at an altitude of 1,900 metres. With white cliffs and gentle alpine pastures in the background, this lake is a truly magical place. You can relax here, surrounded by the mighty Dolomites, and soothe your soul. Just 150 metres from Rifugio Vandelli, this Dolomite lake can only be reached on foot.
The closest town to this lake is Cortina d’Ampezzo but the views from this lake have to be earned. If this is your dream spot for your Dolomites elopement, be prepared for a 2 hour hike to get there and 2 hours to get back. But believe us, it will be worth the trouble. The intense turquoise of the water cannot be compared to anything else in the Dolomites and the views simply will take your breath away. Lago di Sorapis is one of our most favourite places in the whole area and we’d love to take you there and have an unforgettable hike for your adventure elopement in the Dolomites.
Mountains and hikes for your elopement in the Dolomites
When you think about the Dolomites, of course you think about mountains. The area is blessed with the most beautiful, spectacular and stunning peaks and plateaus you can imagine. Every time we reach high altitudes in the Dolomites we simply cannot get enough of the views and have to pinch ourselves to make sure that what we are seeing is real. We love our work as an elopement photo and video team and being able to capture your memories in places like the Dolomites is a major reason for our happiness. During the years of our work we have had the opportunity to experience a lot of mountain elopements and in the course of our work we got to know the best elopement spots in the Dolomites. Pack your backpacks, bring a Prosecco and follow us to the best high altitude elopement spots. Of course we cannot list all the hiking routes around because we would simply overload the internet. So, this is a list of our personal favorites for your European Mountain Elopement.
1. Tre Cime / Drei Zinnen
You may be thinking: Where can we elope in the Dolomites? And where can we see the most spectacular views? If you are dreaming of probably the most famous mountain backdrop of the Dolomites, look no further than Tre Cime. The three pointed peaks standing next to each other like proud brothers are a motif you’ll see on every second Dolomites postcard. The Tre Cime are the namesake for the Tre Cime National Park and attract thousands of visitors every day. The area is best reached from Dobbiaco or Cortina d’Ampezzo via a toll road leading straight to Rifugio d’Auronzo. During the main season from June to September the road closes once the parking lot is full and the only chance to get all the way up is by bus. For example you could catch bus 442 from Dobbiaco main station. For detailed information, booking and the bus schedule, look here.
If you want to avoid the trouble of catching the bus, we recommend going up there early or late in the afternoon. By doing so we can make sure to witness one of the two golden hours in the most amazing surroundings. Why not leave in the dark and enjoy the most special sunrise of your lives. We can bring lanterns and headlights, do a short hike and wait for the warming beams of sunlight to rise above the sharp mountain ridges. As your Dolomites photo and video team we can tell you, these are the moments you’ll never forget.
2. Cadini di Misurina
Situated right next to the Tre Cime is another unbelievably beautiful Dolomites viewpoint - the Cadini di Misurina. Maybe you have already seen pictures and videos of these mountains that look like straight from Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. The view is absolutely unbeatable and the short hike from Rifugio d’Auronzo (3,2 km, 2 miles roundtrip; total ascent 210 meters, 690 feet) is one of our favorite hikes in the Dolomites. It will take us between 35 to 45 minutes to get to the viewpoint, depending on how long your wedding gown and veil are and how easily you can hike in it. :)
We also recommend going there very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Of course, these times offer the best light for our elopement photography and elopement videography. Moreover, however, the viewpoint can be very crowded at times and by arriving early or late we can avoid waiting in line for an hour to enjoy the view. Don’t worry though, the hike itself is also amazingly picturesque and the views are no less spectacular along the way. We also love this hike because we can combine views of Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina in only one go and you’ll be able to witness two of the most famous landmarks of the Dolomites in a very short period of time. All the couples we brought to this magical place were absolutely out of words and the pictures and videos we took of them made their friends and families question whether they were real. So if you are looking for out of this world views and a short, easy hike - let’s go to Cadini di Misurina for your elopement!
3. Passo Giau
We know, we have said this before, but Passo Giau is one of our favorite places in the Dolomites. When planning a Dolomites elopement, you should seriously consider going there, and we are going to show you why.
The Giau Pass is a high mountain pass in the Dolomites in the province of Belluno. It connects Cortina d'Ampezzo with Colle Santa Lucia and Selva di Cadore. Passo Giau is located in the Dolomites, about a 30 minutes drive away from Cortina d’Ampezzo. From Cortina d’Ampezzo follow the SR48 towards Pocol and catch the intersection after the small town to the left. Through winding roads this will lead you to a display of towering mountain ridges and soft hills all at once.
The best thing about Passo Giau is that we can watch at least three sunsets in one day if the timing is right. Driving up from Cortina the sun sets behind the ridges and the higher you get, it appears again. As your Dolomites photographer and Dolomites videographer, we will guide you to the best spots along the way, let you enjoy these precious moments together and capture you in front of this amazing landscape in the best light you can imagine. When we reach the highest point of the pass, we’ll say goodbye to the sun and if you want, you can enjoy dinner at the famous restaurant and enjoy the 360 views. We love the place and definitely recommend a visit for your adventure elopement in the Dolomites. Compared to other famous spots in the area, Passo Giau is so extensive that we won’t notice the crowds and the time together will feel very private. Also don’t worry about the difficulty of the hikes as we’ll be walking over soft hills and flat footpaths that don’t require any climbing or hiking skills.
4. Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese
Get ready, because this place won’t feel real! Prato Piazza is a stunning high plateau at more than 2,000 m a.s.l. and a real natural jewel and a popular excursion destination.It is part of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and provides a fascinating landscape, ideal if you are seeking a natural scenery that has a relaxing impact. Particularly fascinating is the panoramic view on the surrounding mountains, such as the 3,221 m high Monte Cristallo, the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and the mighty Tofane Group, a mountain massif in the Dolomites. Prato Piazza is an ideal destination for a picnic break and/or a short picturesque hike during your mountain elopement in the Dolomites.
However, getting to Prato Piazza can be a little challenge, but we got you covered and it is definitely worth it! In order to protect nature on the high plateau and in the valley - frequently overloaded by the huge volume of visitors -, a traffic concept has been introduced, which also includes Braies and Lake Braies. During the high season from June to September the road closes at around 10:30 a.m. and does not re-open before 4:00 p.m. You guessed it, getting up early in the morning is recommended again. During the day there is a great bus connection though, which is comfortable and cheap. You’ll find all the information about the buses here.
5. Alp di Siusi / Seiseralm
Are you ready for another famous jewel and popular sight of the Dolomites which is also a great spot for intimate mountain weddings or elopements? Then let us introduce you to Alp di Siusi/Seiseralm. The Seiser Alm (Italian: Alpe di Siusi, Ladin: Mont Sëuc) is a Dolomite plateau and the largest high-elevation Alpine meadow (German: Alm) in Europe. It offers unbeatable views of the Langkofel Group and during golden hour you can witness the famous Alpen Glow, when the peaks seem to be on fire as the last beams of sunlight slide over the dolomite rocks. The area extends for 52 square kilometers (20 sq mi) between Val Gardena to the north, the Sassolungo Group to the northeast, and the Sciliar massif to the southeast, which with its unmistakable profile is one of the best-known symbols of all the Dolomites. Given the vastness of the area, from here it is possible to admire a large number of mountain groups: among others, the Sella Group, the Rosengarten group, and the highest peak of the Dolomites, the Marmolada.
Thinking of your elopement up there, you can picture yourself walking over soft hills and ancient footpaths admiring the beauty of your love and the beauty of the mountains in the background. Getting there? Not a problem if we get up early in the morning as the road to the landscape conservation area Seiser Alm is closed to private traffic from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. During this time you can get to the Seiser Alm by the Seiser Alm cable car or bus. More information here.
6. Seceda
A trip to the Dolomites wouldn’t be complete without seeing the famous view of the Puez Odle Group from the Seceda viewpoint. Seceda is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Dolomites and it offers a viewpoint towards the jagged peaks of the Odle Geisler Group, which is surrounded by the Gardena Valley (Val Gardena) to the South and Funes Valley (Val Di Funes) to the North. The nearest towns from where you can access the Seceda viewpoint are Ortisei (St. Ulrich) and Santa Cristina di Val Gardena. As your Dolomites photo and video duo and elopement specialists we can recommend the place from the bottom of our hearts. The view is incredible, the pictures metaphorically scream “We are in the Dolomites” and you’ll 100% love the experience.
Access is also rather easy as we can simply take the cable car and enjoy the ride. The two-tier gondola and cable car Ortisei—Furnes—Seceda are the most straightforward and fastest options for reaching the Seceda viewpoint. The Cable Car station is in Ortisei (St. Ulrich) in the Gardena Valley and parking only is 12 Euros/day. If you are fit and plan to do a workout during your Dolomites elopement, then let’s hike from the bottom of Val Gardena. Be prepared for 4 hours of real hiking and 1000 meters (1093 yards) of elevation. If you want to experience something truly special though, we recommend a helicopter tour around the area with a planned landing on top of Seceda. We had the honor of doing this with our couples before and let us tell you, it is so worth it! Cruising around those powerful peaks with ease and seeing the mountains from a very special perspective is simply wonderful. We can recommend the following companies for your helicopter flight in the Dolomites: Elikos and Kronair.
7. Catinaccio/Rosengarten
The Rosengarten group is a beautiful mountain massif and located between the Tierser Tal and Eggental in South Tyrol and the Fassa Valley in Trentino. One peculiarity of the Rosengarten is the pink shade, owing to the presence of the mineral dolomite, which takes in the sunset and "glows" and offering an amazing setting for your elopement photos and videos. Meaning "Rose garden" in German, the name refers to the legend of King Laurin and his Rose Garden, a traditional story explaining the outer appearance of the mountain range.
Not AN easy HIKE, but worth it
The Cattinaccio is a playground for climbers from around the world. So if climbing and more difficult hikes is something you want to include in your adventure elopement, this is the place. We recommend parts of this area only for proficient and experienced climbers/hikers, but there are definitely spots to only enjoy the views as well.
8. Vallunga/Langental
Are you planning to take it easy in the Dolomites and are you looking for a romantic elopement destination in Europe? Maybe Vallunga is just the place you are looking for during your Dolomites elopement. The hike through Vallunga is a perfect choice if you want to enjoy an easy hike, soak in the moment and see some absolutely stunning scenery. Vallunga is a very popular walk amongst the locals and the best thing is, you can make it as long or short as you want, with a couple of extension possibilities to turn it into a full-day circuit hike or even an overnight hut stay.
9. Val Venegia
Even though Val Venegia is rather far away from the most popular Dolomites sights, we simply love this hike. Other than the drive, you don’t need a lot of effort to enjoy crazy beautiful views. From the moment you enter the trail until you reach Malga Venegiotta, you will not be able to close your eyes because of the Pale di San Martino range stretching ahead. All this within a 2-hour walk with a mere 150 meters (492 feet) of elevation gain, which is more than double even in a wedding gown and a suit. :) This is a place to get different photos and videos from your Dolomites Elopement or intimate wedding.
10. Passo Gardena/Grödnerjoch
For us, Passo Gardena is yet another perfect spot for your mountain elopement in the Dolomites. It is easily accessible, offers great views along the way and is a perfect spot to experience the sunrise or the sunset. It will give you a real Dolomites feeling and will leave you breathless.
The pass itself is a high mountain pass in the Dolomites and at an elevation of 2,136 m (7,008 ft) above sea level, the pass connects Sëlva in the Val Gardena on the west side with Corvara in the Val Badia. The road over it comprises part of the famous Sella Ring, in which four linked passes (Gardena, Sella, Pordoi, and Campolongo) encircle the spectacular Sella group. The pass has 19 unnumbered hairpin bends which, shot with a drone, look like a snake winding its way up to the mountain. The route becomes busy with tourists, motorcyclists, and cyclists during the summer. If we make adjustments to your timeline, however, we’ll be able to avoid the masses. There are tourist accommodations on the pass itself, where we can grab a bite or have a coffee break during your elopement and watch the climbers accessing the dramatic Dolomite mountains from the pass.
11. Cinque Torri
Cinque Torri, not to be confused with Cinque Terre is an amazing photo spot for your elopement. Cinque Torri means five towers and are a spectacular backdrop for you and your partner celebrating your love in front of it. The mountains comprise a small rock formation belonging to Nuvolao group in the Dolomiti Ampezzane (part of the Eastern Dolomites) north-west of San Vito di Cadore and south-west of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
The most beautiful Valleys and Towns for your Elopement in the Dolomites
In this Dolomites Elopement Guide we want to give information about everything you are dreaming about. We are your experienced elopement photo and video team in the Dolomites and know our way around all those beautiful spots and will be more than happy to make your dreams of a romantic and spectacular mountain elopement come true. In this section we want to talk about the best places to elope in the Dolomites and focus on the most beautiful valleys and towns in the area. Follow us to pink skies during sunset, city strolls through old towns and great Italian food in famous restaurants.
1. Val Gardena / Grödnertal
Nestled beneath the alpine summits of Langkofel, Sellastock and Geisler-Puez mountains, this charming valley is comprised of numerous tiny villages and peaceful pastures just waiting to be explored during your elopement in the Dolomites. Signs of the area’s 2,000 year old history are everywhere, particularly in the language spoken and the ancient traditions still carried on by the friendly people who call it home. Nearly 90% of the population speaks the ancient dialect of Ladin, carrying on the legacy of generations that came before.
Val Gardena is also home to some of nature’s most beautiful landscapes and backdrops for your very very special elopement photos and videos. Serene pastures welcome leisurely summer strolls while picturesque trails make way to challenging mountain passes. You can also experience the rich culture of the locals as they celebrate in their brightly colored Gardenesi costumes, and listen to the enchanting language as it is spoken around you. Why not spend the night in a mountain rifugio and dine on the delectable local fare. One thing’s for certain – the Val Gardena atmosphere will have you coming back for more.
2. Val di Funes / Vilnöss
This valley is one of our absolute favorite places for an elopement in the Dolomites. Val di Funes looks like straight from a fairytale and this bewitching land is the perfect mix between beauty and brawn, a true masterpiece of nature. The valley unfolds gently through winding roads, deep forests and soft hills. Its small villages look like from a different age and the steep mountains in the back offer views from the heavens.
The best daytime to visit Val di Funes and the famous church of St. Magdalena is definitely during the sunset as the peaks in the back will glow in the setting sun. Just imagine how beautiful you will look in this magical setting.
3. Val Badia/ Gadnertal
Also known as Alta Badia, the views from this quaint ski resort village can only be described as breathtaking and stunning. Since you are reading this, we are guessing you love the outdoors. The terrain in this region is perfect for a hiking, biking or skiing elopement or you can simply take in the spectacular nature that surrounds you during your special day and enjoy the evening in one of the numerous wellness hotels around. If you love to move, there are more than 400 km of trails to explore, certainly enough to keep you busy during your stay.
Val Badia is not just about outdoor activities, however. The area is also home to several award-winning hotels and restaurants that serve first class cuisine. Take some time to enjoy the local artwork or take in a local folk festival. There’s so much to do in Val Badia, we’ll try our best to fill it all in during your elopement in the Dolomites.
4. Bolzano / Bozen
Bolzano is a charming cobblestoned city, the capital of Trentino-Alto Adige and a great base to explore the area. The town also offers a wide variety of things to do. For example, you can go museum hopping from the world-famous South Tyrol Archeological Museum where you can learn about Ötzi, the 5,000-year-old man discovered preserved in a glacier, or the Natural History Museum to discover more on the geology of the region and to the Museion Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art that houses over 4000 artworks.
Or lets simply have pizza or a coffee during your dolomites elopement. Medieval buildings such as the Maria Himmelfahrt parish church and the Piazza Walther together with the Castel Sant’Antonio are worth seeking out as you wander the shops and cafes of this alpine town.
5. Ortisei / St. Ulrich in Gröden
Once you’ve visited, it is easy to see why Ortisei is one of the most popular towns in the Dolomites. This picturesque village boasts spectacular vistas created by the surrounding mountains including the impressive Seceda ridgeline. From here you can also reach the Alpe di Siusi by cable car.
While Ortisei is a typical ski town, including some world-class resorts, it’s also known for its long and rich history with wood carving. This charming village has wood shops that have been around since the 17th century. The town’s culinary delights also satisfy every hunger, offering a range of Michelin-star restaurants as well as South Tyrolean delicacies.
6. Chiusa / Klausen
Chiusa is one of the most stunning towns in the Dolomites, with a wonderful mix of art, culture, and nature right outside your door. Hiking through the Valle Isarco (Eisacktal) or exploring the Säben Abbey monastery are just a taste of the variety of options this town offers to you while you enjoy your elopement days in the Dolomites.
If hiking and Medieval monasteries aren’t what gets you out of bed in the morning, rest assured that this mountain town is also home to a collection of excellent wineries showcasing varieties like Kerner, Riesling and Pinot Grigio. Chiusa also has some of the best views thanks to the exquisite chestnut groves surrounding this small town that seep into the Dolomite mountain range greenery.
7. Bressanone / Brixen
Brixen is definitely a town worth detouring for. The oldest town in Tyrol, it is a quintessential alpine town renowned for its scenic beauty, narrow streets and beautiful arcades. The Chiostro di Bressanone is the town’s most famous cultural heritage monument, but you could also visit at Christmas time for a winter elopement in the Dolomites. Let’s stroll through the most festive market of the region and top it off with skiing in your wedding gown. If you are more into warm weather adventures, Bressanone also features some of the best hiking trails and mountain biking adventures in all of the Dolomites.