Three Amazing Wedding Venues in the Dolomites
A valley in the Dolomites, photo from San Luis.
If you’ve never visited this stunningly beautiful region in the north of Italy, the Dolomites should be on your list. Majestic rocky mountains, charming towns, expansive vistas, ample local crops grown on terraced hillsides, ancient castles + uber modern lodges, and delightful food + culture that feels (much like its locale) somewhere between Austria and Italy. As a wedding destination, it’s a magical place to welcome guests. All of the distinctive experiences and sights make it an awe-inspiring setting to host a wedding. We love visiting the Dolomites any time of year, but summers here are perfect for wedding season. The summer temperatures are comfortably in the mid 70s, while the rest of the country to the south is sweltering. Here are a few of our favorite wedding venues in the Dolomites that are an easy few hours drive from Milan, Verona, or Venice.
San Luis Hotel and lodges
Photos from San Luis
Fifteen minutes into the hills outside the historic thermal spa town of Merano, you’ll find San Luis Hotel and Lodges set on a 100 acre private alpine park. The modern wood lodges are built around a mountain lake, so every moment spent on the property keeps you in a state of awe. Sleep in contemporary luxury chalets and treehouses, taste locally grown goodness prepared by expert chefs that combine alpine and mediterranean flavors, watch a movie in the clubhouse’s cinema, enjoy mountain spa rituals with steams, saunas, and dips in either the lake or pools. Imagine your guests relaxing and celebrating with you on this remarkable property, making memories that will last a lifetime.
At a glance
-Accommodation for up to 124 guests in 54 chalets/treehouses/studios
-Full exclusivity only, check in Thursday + check out Monday
-Restaurants, bars, and lawns for hosting group events
-Gym, spa, pools
-Cinema + library
-Gardens with an organic farm
-Shop and a seasonal ice rink
Castel Fragsburg
Photos from Castel Fragsburg
Also fifteen minutes outside of Merano, nestled on a sun drenched hillside, you’ll find Castel Fragsburg. The property is comprised of the castle’s paternum (a 14th century stone fortified residence) and maternum (once a 17th century aristocratic hunting lodge now a five star hotel and spa). Fragsburg maintains much of the historical detail you’d expect but offers the comforts of modern luxury that you’d expect from a Relais & Chateaux vetted property. Swim in the outdoor heated pool, enjoy the four different saunas and the spa’s herbalist experiences, and dine on the region’s South Tyrolean specialties in one of the boutique hotel’s restaurants (including one with a Michelin star). For weddings, you can use the hotel exclusively or rent the castle’s paternum additionally depending the the scope, style and variety of spaces you desire.
At a glance
-20 suites
-130 capacity for weddings
-2 knights halls and one fireplace hall
-Courtyard and loggia (the romanesque veranda)
-Pool and spa
-Gardens
-Quaint restaurants and bars
-Exclusivity available
Schloss Freudenstein
Header image by Melli and Shayne, other photos from Schloss Freudenstein
Perched on a hilltop, 15 minutes drive from Bolzano (or 30 from Merano), sits Schloss Freudenstein. The 12 century castle with its romantic turrets and ancient fortified walls exude an air of well maintained historic authenticity with the comforts of modern luxuries. The estate’s vineyards and apple orchards skirt the property in terraced layers. Sleep under medieval frescoes, drink the estate wine while watching the sun set over mountains and valleys, warm yourself next to massive stone fireplaces, take a dip in the infinity pool or enjoy the castle’s spa or golf course.
At a glance
-16 modern suites
-Quaint neo-gothic chapel
-Large light filled orangery for events
-Historical ballrooms
-Restaurant + bistro on the property
-Courtyards and terraces
-Exclusivity available
BONUS If you’re looking to explore the region more, we highly recommend checking out these other incredible properties for your honeymoon or pre-wedding stay.
We hope you love this region as much as we do.
Ciao!
XO, The GATHER Girls