The Dolomites are among the best places to elope in the world, offering a spectacular blend of alpine landscapes, dramatic peaks, and peaceful lakes that feel straight out of a dream. If you’re searching for the best places to elope in the Dolomites, you’ll find no shortage of options, from hidden valleys to panoramic mountain ridges, each location brings a unique mix of adventure, romance, and raw natural beauty.

Whether you’re planning an elopement, a honeymoon session, or simply a couple photoshoot to celebrate your story, this UNESCO World Heritage site provides the ideal backdrop for moments that feel personal and unforgettable.

Keep in mind that the Dolomites are a high-altitude mountain environment, and some of the most awe-inspiring spots require a bit of hiking or preparation. Even during summer, early mornings can be brisk, so dressing in layers is essential. While there are also easily accessible areas reachable by car or funicular, the most immersive and intimate experiences often come from venturing off the beaten path. And above all, remember that these are pristine, protected landscapes, let’s treat them with the respect they deserve.

1. Seceda – One of the Best Places to Elope in the Dolomites

If you’re dreaming of a surreal, cinematic backdrop for your elopement, Seceda is truly one of the best places to elope in the Dolomites. Its iconic jagged ridge, vast alpine meadows, and sweeping views create a breathtaking contrast between drama and serenity, perfect for couples who want a mix of awe-inspiring scale and intimate connection.

📍 Best time to shoot: Sunrise offers soft golden light and a peaceful atmosphere before the day hikers arrive.
📸 Pro tip: You can reach Seceda via funicular from Ortisei, but if you’re up for an adventure, hiking up before dawn gives you a more private, magical experience.

2. Alpe di Siusi – Rolling Hills & Fairytale Scenery

Alpe di Siusi is undeniably one of the best places to elope in the Dolomites, especially for couples who value peace, beauty, and a touch of magic. As Europe’s largest alpine meadow, it offers soft rolling hills, rustic wooden huts, and a stunning backdrop of dramatic peaks, all bathed in ever-changing light throughout the day. The quiet charm of this high plateau makes it ideal for intimate, emotional elopement photos that feel timeless and personal.

📍 Best time to shoot: Early morning, when the landscape is still and glowing with soft light.
📸 Pro tip: Since Alpe di Siusi is a protected area, car access is restricted after morning hours: plan your arrival accordingly to enjoy it at its best.

3. Lago di Braies – The Famous Emerald Lake

Often called the Pearl of the Dolomites, Lago di Braies is not only one of the most iconic spots in the region, it’s also one of the best places to elope in the Dolomites. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters, framed by towering mountain peaks and dense pine forests, create a setting that feels straight out of a fairytale.

Each season transforms the lake’s mood: golden foliage in autumn, a snow-covered stillness in winter, and warm light with pleasant weather in spring and summer. It’s no surprise many couples choose this magical place for their elopement or proposal photos.

📍 Best time to shoot: Early morning is key to avoiding the crowds, especially from June to September.
📸 Pro tip: Renting one of the iconic wooden boats adds a nostalgic, cinematic feel to your images. Want all the details? Check out my Lake Braies Photoshoot Guide for tips on boat rentals, timing, and more.

4. Tre Cime di Lavaredo – Majestic Peaks & Alpine Drama

One of the best places to elope in the Dolomites for adventurous couples, Tre Cime di Lavaredo offers awe-inspiring scenery and a strong sense of scale. These iconic peaks are among the most recognizable in the Alps, and the network of trails surrounding them provides endless opportunities for dramatic, elevated photos in the golden alpine light.

📍 Best time to shoot: Sunset, when the peaks glow with warm light and the crowds thin out.
📸 Pro tip: The hike is moderately challenging, wear solid hiking shoes, bring water, and prepare for some effort. The views are more than worth it.

5. Cadini di Misurina – A Hidden Gem with Epic Views

If you’re searching for one of the best places to elope in the Dolomites with a wilder feel, Cadini di Misurina delivers. Known for its jagged peaks, steep drop-offs, and surreal panoramas, this dramatic viewpoint is a dream for adventurous couples who want powerful, cinematic images in a setting that feels untouched.

📍 Best time to shoot: Sunrise, the light is magical, and you’ll have the place mostly to yourselves.
📸 Pro tip: The viewpoint requires a short but steep uphill hike. It’s absolutely doable, but be sure to wear good shoes and pack light.

6. Passo Giau – A Scenic, Accessible Mountain Pass

For couples who want epic views without a strenuous hike, Passo Giau is one of the best places to elope in the Dolomites. This high mountain pass is easily accessible by car, yet offers sweeping panoramic views, alpine meadows, and dramatic peaks in every direction, perfect for those who want to feel immersed in nature without going too remote.

📍 Best time to shoot: Sunset, when the surrounding mountains glow with golden light and the sky turns pastel.
📸 Pro tip: The open landscape here is ideal for wide-angle shots that capture the vastness and wild beauty of the Dolomites.

7. Lago di Misurina – A Scenic Lake with Stunning Reflections

Peaceful, romantic, and effortlessly beautiful, Lago di Misurina is one of the best places for a photoshoot in the Dolomites if you’re drawn to calm waters and cinematic backdrops. Surrounded by majestic alpine peaks, this serene lake offers breathtaking reflections and a quiet atmosphere that feels made for heartfelt vows or a dreamy couple session.

📍 Best time to shoot: Sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and the surface of the lake is still.
📸 Pro tip: Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the silence and avoid the crowds, especially in summer.

9. Cortina d’Ampezzo – The Heart of the Dolomites

Often called the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the best places to elope in the Dolomites for couples who want a balance of refined charm and alpine adventure. This picturesque mountain town offers stunning panoramic views, exclusive chalets, and vibrant Italian style, all nestled among some of the region’s most breathtaking peaks. With the Winter Olympics approaching in 2026, Cortina is more iconic than ever, making it a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your love story.

📍 Best time to shoot: Late afternoon for golden-hour magic, or winter for a fairytale landscape blanketed in snow.
📸 Pro tip: Use the surrounding trails or ski lifts to reach high viewpoints and capture unforgettable mountain vistas.

10. Lago di Landro – An Accessible Alpine Lake

If you’re looking for one of the best places to elope in the Dolomites that combines scenic beauty with easy access, Lago di Landro is a hidden gem. Located just off the main road, this alpine lake offers breathtaking views without the need for a long hike. Its calm waters and dramatic mountain backdrop create a peaceful, romantic setting, ideal for couples who want a simple yet striking location for their photoshoot.

📍 Best time to shoot: Sunrise or early morning, when the water is still and the light is soft.
📸 Pro tip: Being close to the road makes it convenient, but arriving early helps avoid traffic and enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere.

11. Cinque Torri – The iconic rock towers

Near Cortina d’Ampezzo, Cinque Torri is one of the best places to elope in the Dolomites for couples who are drawn to winter magic and cinematic scenery. These dramatic rock towers rise from the snow like something out of a fairytale, especially in the colder months when the landscape is silent, surreal, and deeply romantic.

I visited in February, and it was pure enchantment, peaceful, remote, and absolutely worth braving the cold. The trail to Rifugio Scoiattoli begins in the forest and takes about an hour with a gentle incline. In winter, the route remains accessible with proper gear like crampons or snowshoes. It’s perfect for couples who love the stillness of snowy landscapes and want to celebrate their love in a truly unforgettable setting.

📍 Best time to shoot: Winter, for that otherworldly snowy glow and alpine atmosphere.
📸 Pro tip: Not into hiking? Take the cable car or stop at Passo Falzarego roadside viewpoints, the views are just as breathtaking (especially at sunset!).

Final Thoughts:

The Dolomites are truly one of the best places to elope in the world, offering a perfect blend of dramatic peaks, peaceful alpine lakes, and rolling meadows that feel untouched by time. Whether you’re drawn to easily accessible locations or up for a sunrise hike to a hidden gem, every spot in this region promises something unforgettable.

As always, respecting the land is essential. Stay on marked trails, leave no trace, and honor the natural beauty that makes these landscapes so magical.

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, adventurous, and stress-free celebration in the mountains, and you’re looking for a local photographer who knows exactly where and when to capture the best light, views, and emotions – I’d love to help.

Inquire here to get my Dolomites elopement & photoshoot pricing and start planning your story in one of the best places to elope in the Dolomites!