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April and Taylor officially got married in the Summer of 2024 and planned a winter honeymoon in Italy. They wanted a really beautiful and unique post wedding shoot experience celebrating them and their love, and along with Mariah, their photographer and Jlenia from Dolomites Wedding Planner, they planned a gorgeous day with a picnic in the snow and a unique dog sledding experience.
Why Did the Couple Choose The Dolomites for Their Elopement?
April & Taylor: We chose to elope in the Dolomites because the scenery felt like stepping into a winter wonderland, and it perfectly reflected what we love most as a couple. We’re both huge fans of skiing, so being surrounded by world-class slopes made it feel natural and exciting for us. On top of that, the region’s incredible cuisine added another layer of joy to the experience—sharing amazing food together in such a breathtaking setting felt like the perfect way to celebrate our marriage.
We chose to elope because we wanted our wedding day to be a sacred moment just for the two of us—a chance to pause, breathe, and truly soak in the meaning of the promise we were making. For us, marriage is about giving each other undivided attention and embracing the adventures that lie ahead together. Eloping allowed us to honor that commitment in the most genuine way, free from distractions and expectations. It was intimate, intentional, and beautifully ours—a day centered not around anyone else, but around the love and vows we wanted to share with each other.
What Makes The Dolomites Special for Elopements?
Mariah, the photographer: Winter here is absolutely magical, with snow drenched trees and soft light. There is also a lovely hut right at the start of the tour, where you can get anything from a hot coffee to a warm plate of knödel. The dog sled track takes you up and around a less accessible area, and you’re likely to be alone!
Can You Get Legally Married in Italy?
Yes, you can but April & Taylor opted for a legal ceremony at home and a symbolic one in Italy.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in The Dolomites?
April & Taylor: Sustainability was something that felt important to us, even in the midst of all the excitement of planning. We loved that all of our food and wine were locally sourced, allowing us to not only enjoy the flavors of the region but also to support the community that hosted us. Our planner also provided utensils and glassware from their own collection, which meant everything was reusable and nothing went to waste. Most importantly, we made it a point to leave no trace—ensuring that the pristine beauty of the mountains remained exactly as we found it. Knowing that our celebration honored the land around us made the day feel even more meaningful.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of The Dolomites into Their Elopement?
April & Taylor: Yes, we definitely wanted to weave in some local touches to make the day feel authentic and connected to the region. We started the day with hot coffee from a hut located right at the start of the trail. The owners were so sweet and even helped me get my skirt on. We had a cozy picnic featuring meats and pastries from our planner’s family store, which made it feel extra special and personal. We also went dog sledding with local huskies, which was such a unique and memorable way to experience the snowy landscape. Those little cultural details made our elopement feel even more meaningful and rooted in the Dolomites.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in The Dolomites During February?
April & Taylor: we definitely recommend it! The mountains were absolutely amazing, and we loved how peaceful it felt compared to busier destinations. The slopes were accessible and never too crowded, which made the experience even more enjoyable. It was the perfect time of year to soak in the beauty of the Dolomites and truly enjoy everything the region has to offer.
Mariah, the photographer: I recommend winter for an activity like this, as it obviously requires snow (Feb/March are my favorites due to longer days and milder temperatures). However, summer and fall are other wonderful seasons. I only recommend avoiding April through mid May and November.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in The Dolomites?
April & Taylor: Our biggest tip is to find a planner who really knows the region. Having someone local who can guide you makes such a difference, especially since some things can be spread out and harder to coordinate on your own. A great planner will go above and beyond to gather all the little details for you, so you can relax and truly enjoy the experience.
Mariah, the photographer: The right outfit is a must. Good, warm and functional layers are necessary for being outdoors this long. You also must stay flexible in your plans, as winter weather can be unpredictable at best and dangerous at worst.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
April & Taylor: We really wanted our wedding day to feel like us, so we leaned into the things we love most. The outdoors and snow have always been a huge part of our relationship, so it felt only natural to embrace that winter wonderland setting in the Dolomites. We’re also huge animal lovers—back home we have two quirky Frenchies who are our world—so being able to spend time with the local huskies was incredibly special. Interacting with them added such a joyful, personal touch to the day, almost like a little nod to our own pups being there in spirit. It made the whole experience feel unique and deeply connected to who we are as a couple.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in The Dolomites, and How Did They Overcome Them?
April & Taylor: Planning a destination wedding in the Dolomites naturally came with its share of challenges—navigating a foreign country, coordinating vendors from afar, and trying to bring our vision to life from thousands of miles away. What made all the difference, though, was having a truly incredible planner by our side. From the very beginning, they were responsive, attentive, and always ready with answers to our questions, big or small. Knowing we had someone local who understood the region and cared about the details allowed us to relax and trust the process. Instead of feeling stressed, we were able to stay focused on the excitement of the adventure ahead. In the end, those challenges turned into an opportunity to lean on the expertise of someone who went above and beyond to make our day seamless and unforgettable.
What Advice Would You Give to Others Planning an Elopement in The Dolomites?
April & Taylor: Our biggest advice for anyone dreaming of a winter wedding in the Dolomites is to embrace both the magic and the practicality of the season. First and foremost—dress warmly! The snow creates the most breathtaking backdrop, but layers will be your best friend. Just as important is finding a great planner who knows the region inside and out; having someone local makes everything feel seamless and allows you to fully enjoy the experience without worry. We also recommend gathering plenty of inspiration beforehand—it helps bring your vision to life in such a unique setting. And on a more practical note, invest in vacuum-sealed luggage bags. With all the cozy winter clothes and wedding attire, they truly save space and make traveling so much easier. With the right preparation, you’ll be free to soak in every magical moment of the mountains.
Mariah, the photographer: I very much recommend hiring the dog sled far in advance. They book out months ahead. Moreover, a 100% private tour is recommended. It’s not ideal to share the trail with lots of other tours, as it impacts your flexibility to stop and say vows.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
April & Taylor: One of the most unforgettable moments from our day happened during the husky ride. Taylor took a turn a little too quickly and ended up having to jump off the sled, which left his team of dogs racing ahead without him. We’d been told how far the huskies could run if they weren’t stopped, so in that instant everything felt both exhilarating and surreal. As his sled pulled up beside mine, I leapt across, straddling both sleds, and called out to the dogs to stop. For a moment, it felt like something straight out of a fairytale—my gown billowing dramatically in the snowy wind, the mountains all around us, and the huskies’ energy carrying us forward. It was wild, beautiful, and completely unforgettable—like a scene written just for us.
Why Is The Dolomites One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
April & Taylor: The Dolomites are one of the most breathtaking places in the world to elope because they truly feel like stepping into a dream. Towering peaks, snow-dusted forests, and quiet valleys create a natural backdrop that feels both intimate and awe-inspiring—like the mountains are witnessing your love right alongside you. What makes the Dolomites so special is the way they combine adventure with romance: world-class skiing and winter activities blend seamlessly with cozy alpine lodges, incredible cuisine, and a sense of old-world charm. It’s a place where you can exchange vows surrounded by raw, untouched beauty and then celebrate with a glass of local wine and the warmth of authentic hospitality. For couples seeking a wedding that feels magical, adventurous, and deeply personal, the Dolomites are truly unparalleled.
