Tips to create an adventurous & iconic Italian mountain elopement!
Looking for a breathtaking and truly unique adventure elopement, but don't know where to begin? This couple navigated the best tips and tricks to make the destination wedding of their dreams come to life (so you don't have to!)
Kelsey & Matthew wanted a relaxed yet still adventurous elopement day in the magnificent Dolomite mountains of northern Italy. Their original request was to exchange vows at Seceda, one of the most famous locations in the Dolomites. However, after realizing that Instagram and reality are very different, they chose a location only accessible by helicopter so that they could share their vows with only nature as a witness.
Keep reading to see their stunning mountaintop ceremony and the breathtaking portraits captured by Wild Connections Photography. Thank you to the amazing photography team for sharing their experienced guide to how to create your own destination "I do's"!
Finding the right 'fit for your adventure
When choosing an adventure elopement, it's up to you if formal-wear is the right fit for your adventure. This couple opted for gorgeous designer attire, paired with hiking appropriate shoes for their exciting trek across the mountains! Bride, Kelsey, wore a boho, textured Grace Loves Lace gown with a sleek ponytail and radiant makeup by Viki Aichner.
The couple's dreamy, warm palette floral accessories by Marie Floral Studio matched the natural colors of the gorgeous landscape.
You may also like
An Italian Mountain Elopement For $100 With A “To-Die-For” View
The Adventure Elopement Of Your Dreams
The Switzerland Elopement Scene Is Truly One Of A Kind
One hell(icopter) of a wedding ride
Choosing a destination location can sometimes mean taking trains, planes, and automobiles - but for this Dolomite mountain range you'll have to take a helicopter! Elikos Helicopter Service provided the amazing rides to the ceremony and photo locations.
Their second stop of the day was a stunning alpine lake, where they enjoyed a quiet picnic underneath the towering cliffs.
Finally, they were dropped off at a mountain refuge above the Cinque Torri, where they hiked back down the mountain and enjoyed a warm late lunch in the hut.
Tips for eloping in the Dolomites (from a local photographer and hiking guide)
Wild Connections Photography kindly shared with us their top three pieces of advice to create an iconic and dreamy destination elopement, informed by their experience as a local photographer and hiking guide. Planning and design was provided by Jlenia Costner. If you want to have photography and planning that truly captures the beauty of a destination - be sure to find authentic vendors who know the ins and outs of the local scenery and culture!
1. Try to look past the Instagram hotspots
The most famous locations in the Dolomites are often on the top of many couples' top choices for an elopement. But what you don't see in most of the photos you'll find online are the crowds of people or the fences restricting access. The Dolomites have so much more to offer than just the famous locations, so work with a local like Jlenia Costner who can tailor your itinerary to avoid any of the tourist traps if you're dreaming of a more intimate experience.
2. Understand the seasonality
Picking the right time of year for your Dolomites elopement can be super important for several reasons, such as:
- Getting the scenery you have been dreaming about: If you want lush greens and wildflowers, come after the snow has melted and the grass is re-growing again. If you want mirror-like alpine lakes, you'll need to know which lakes are seasonal, and when they are likely to be fuller and clearer.
- Understanding the differences between the seasons and the pros and cons of coming in the off-season vs. in the high season.
- Avoiding the times when crowds are at their biggest, access restrictions are in place in many locations, trailhead parking fills up fast, and accommodation prices are at their highest.- Understanding which areas are accessible at different times of the year and when certain spots/trails are likely to be snow-free and safe to access.
- Planning for seasonal weather trends, such as opting for a sunrise instead of sunset elopement in the months when evening storms are common.
3. Book your accommodation AFTER you choose your location
It's tempting to book a cute hotel or chalet in the mountains. And even though the Dolomites area might look quite small on a map, the mountain roads can make driving between areas long. Once you've chosen your elopement itinerary, book accommodation in that area to save hours of unnecessary driving.
Congratulations to Kelsey & Matthew on their stunning and bold elopement! Be sure to check out the full gallery of images by Wild Connections Photography for even more mountain magic.
View All Images
- Wedding Photographers: Wild Connections Photography
- Event Planning & Design: Jlenia Costner
- Dress & Apparel: Grace Loves Lace
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Viki Aichner
- Travel & Transportation: Elikos Helicopter Service
- Flowers: Marie Floral Studio