August Rock Climbing Elopement in the Dolomites, Italy

Magic in the Dolomites

Some elopement stories are so special they stick with you forever. Yelena and Alex’s adventurous day in the Dolomites is one of those stories. When they first reached out to me about eloping in Lake Tahoe, I was thrilled. During our call, I casually mentioned I’d be traveling to the Dolomites in August for my 7th anniversary and attending the Eras Tour. I joked that they could meet us there and to my surprise and delight, they said yes. That’s how we began planning their epic rock climbing elopement in the Dolomites.

From the start, Yelena and Alex wanted their day to reflect who they are as a couple: adventurous, laid-back, and deeply in love. Every detail they shared helped me craft an elopement that felt true to them.

The Day Of

Our day began at Hotel Columbia, where Yelena and Alex got ready. There was so much charm to this hotel and it was the perfect backdrop for their first look. From there, we left Cortina d’Ampezzo and rode the Cinque Torri ski lift. The moody skies and sweeping mountain views took our breath away. After a short hike, they suited up for rock climbing with the most epic backdrop. Thanks to my husband’s expertise, we safely set up a system that allowed both of them to climb together, and watching their joy was a highlight of the day. It perfectly captured their adventurous spirits.

The weather in the Dolomites was dramatic, with clouds rolling in and out. Luckily, we stayed dry. After climbing, we stopped at a nearby Rifugio for drinks and a little après break. Sitting on the mountainside, Yelena and Alex read heartfelt letters from loved ones who couldn’t be there. It was a quiet, beautiful moment.

Later, as we hiked toward a private outcropping for their ceremony, they asked if they could run through a field – which was such a spontaneous, joy-filled moment that made the day unforgettable. At golden hour, with the peaks of Cinque Torri glowing pink in the alpenglow, Yelena and Alex exchanged private vows. It was intimate, raw, and magical, and these kinds of moments remind me why eloping is so special.

Cortina feels a little bit like home

The Dolomites hold a special place in my heart. My husband and I first visited a few years ago after photographing two elopements in Switzerland. Our time there was too short, and we knew we had to return. Coming back for our anniversary felt perfect—and sharing it with Yelena and Alex made it even more meaningful.

Throughout the day, Alex and Yelena kept saying, “I can’t believe this is our wedding day!” and “I can’t believe we GET to do this!” Their joy was infectious. As I stepped back to take a panorama of the peaks glowing in the twilight, I found myself welling up with tears. I cannot believe I get to do what I do: helping couples create unforgettable days in the world’s most awe-inspiring places.

Tips for Eloping in the Dolomites

If you’re considering a Dolomites elopement, here’s what you should know. August is a beautiful time for an elopement in Cortina d’Ampezzo, but it’s also peak tourist season. Knowing how to navigate the crowds and find quieter spots—like we did for Yelena and Alex’s private ceremony—is key. With the upcoming Winter Olympics, Cortina is seeing lots of updates and changes, so having a guide who knows the area is invaluable.

From the dramatic peaks to the cozy Rifugios, the Dolomites are an adventurer’s dream. Whether you’re dreaming of a Dolomites rock climbing elopement or a relaxed hiking adventure, this region offers endless opportunities to create a day that’s as unique and extraordinary as your love story.