Planning your elopement can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially when you realize how many directions your day could take. Do you start slow with a relaxed morning, or head out before sunrise to catch the best light? Do you stay in one location and really soak it in, or move between multiple spots and turn it into an adventure?

The truth is, there is no one right way to elope.

The ideas you’ll find below are not set timelines or fixed packages. They are simply examples to help you visualize what your elopement day could look like in this location. Different places allow for different kinds of experiences, and sometimes all it takes is seeing a few possibilities to start understanding what feels right for you.

Some couples want a laid-back, slow-paced day with plenty of time to relax and be present. Others want to explore, hike, and turn their elopement into a full adventure. And many fall somewhere in between.

These sample itineraries are here to give you inspiration, show you what’s possible, and help you start shaping a day that truly fits you.

1. Ceremony at lake Braies, visiting a waterfall and a mountain meadow and a fine-dining experience

You could start the day with getting ready in the night time with a hair and make-up artist.

At sunrise we would head out to lake Braies for a ceremony. The lake reservation that is only available early in the morning includes 1,5h of usage of the docks and boats privately.

After this we could head out to have a brunch. During the day we could go and visit a waterfall and a forest location. This waterfall is full of water in May and June and it is an amazing location to be away from the mid-day crowds and intense sun.

In the late afternoon we could head out to a mountain meadow where you could pop champagne, eat a wedding cake, read letters from friends and family or have your first dance. This is also an amazing spot for some dance-around-on-a-meadow-photos. We can stay a little past sunset and take also some lantern photos when it is already a bit darker outside.

You could finish the day with 5-course fine-dining experience at an amazing restaurant in the area. It is also listed in Michelin guides. You can have the dinner privately there in a beautiful wine cellar.

2. Ceremony at a less known lake, visit Passo Giau and dinner from a private chef

You could get ready in the morning at your lodging.

There is a stunning lake with swans on it very close by to lake Braies. It is way less known, but way more private. You could have your ceremony there.

During the day you could head out to Passo Giau. On the way there you can drive by some other stunning locations like lake Misurina and Three peaks of Lavaredo and you also get to experience those curvy mountain roads.

If you have chosen an accommodation with a kitchen you can have a private chef prepare you an amazing 3-course dinner. You can finish the dat with a private meal away from all other people and never worry about how to get home from the restaurant after this much wine 😅

3. Slow morning, ceremony and first look at your lodging, visit a mountain meadow, dinner at a restaurant

Some couples do not like waking up early at all! If you really are not a morning person, you should stick to it. You can sleep longer in the morning, have breakfast and do the hair and make-up so that you are ready around lunch time. Eat lunch and then we start with our other plans.

You can have the first look on the spacious balcony of your hotel room with mountain views. You can also have your ceremony right there.

Some 5* hotels have infinity pools. We could take some infinity pool photos after the ceremony there.

In the afternoon we can head out to a mountain meadow. You can read letters from friends and family there. Maybe send away your maiden name. Pop champagne, take in the views and just hang out and relax. Meadows are good places for first dances and more cinematic run-around-on-a-meadow-photos.

After the sun has set, we can head back to a town where you can finish the day at a restaurant with an authentic Italian dinner.

4. Ceremony at a mountain meadow, Italian cooking class, picnic on a meadow at sunset

You could get ready at your hotel located on Alpe di Siusi mountain meadow.

At sunrise time we could head out to the mountain meadow and have the first look and ceremony there.

After the ceremony and portraits it is time for some breakfast.

During the day we can explore one of the towns in the area and take part of a cooking class that teaches you how to cook like a real Italian!

In the afternoon you’d have a little bit time to relax at your hotel and in the evening we can organize a beautiful picnic on the same meadow with sunset views.

Lantern photos after the sunset is always a possibility, too.

5. Combination of Dolomites and Lake Garda

If you are located on the eastern side of the Dolomites, you can add lake Garda visit to the day.

You could get ready at your hotel located on Alpe di Siusi mountain meadow.

At sunrise time we could head out to the mountain meadow and have the first look and ceremony there.

After the ceremony and portraits it is time for some breakfast.

Then we would drive to lake Garda, you can rest a little in the car.

At lake Garda we could go on top of the mountain and have a beautiful overview of the lake.

Or visit Riva del Garda and its beautiful view point

At sunset we could go for a relaxing boat ride on the lake.

You can finish the day with a delicious authentic Italian restaurant I know at lake Garda. This is the place where I’ve had THE BEST pasta Carbonara ever!

Conclusion

At the end of the day, your elopement doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. These itinerary ideas are simply a starting point to help you see what’s possible in the Dolomites. Every elopement I plan is built from scratch around each couple. Based on their energy and their priorities.

If any of these ideas sparked something for you, I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning and help you bring it to life. Get in touch with me through the contact form on my WEBSITE and let’s dream about your elopement together! 🥰