Vegan Wedding at La Vimea on the edge of the Dolomites

Jenny's handpicked bouquet and their private vows

Morning Slow Moments: Handpicked Garden Florals

Jenny began her day in the most beautiful way: picking her own bouquet from La Vimea’s gardens with her sister. The two wandered through patches of late-summer blooms, choosing stems that felt personal. They built the bouquet together from scratch. It was grounding, joyful, and beautifully symbolic — a moment most couples never get to experience.

Meanwhile, Ryan got ready with his closest friends and family.

Why La Vimea Is a Dream Venue for Vegan Weddings in Italy

La Vimea in Naturno is one of Europe’s only 100 percent vegan hotels. It sits close to Merano and a short drive from Dolomites trailheads, making it ideal for couples who want Alpine views without demanding logistics.

What stood out:

• Fully plant-based kitchen
• Regenerative garden on-site
• Natural swimming pond with mountain silhouettes
• Calm, minimalist spaces
• Easy access to the Vinschgau Valley for portraits

For couples wanting a low-impact celebration with exceptional food, this venue is a gem.

Their ceremony & aperetivo

Lakeside Ceremony in Early September

Their official ceremony took place on the wooden dock of La Vimea’s natural swimming pond. Warm air, gentle reflections on the water, and the smell of alpine herbs created such a peaceful atmosphere. Forty-three guests gathered, many of them travelling from Canada, the US, Australia, and beyond.

Despite the distances, the couple framed travel within the context of intention — these were guests who were already planning an Italy holiday, making their trip part of their yearly travel rather than additional emissions.

Private Vows and a First Look in the Alpine Gardens

They chose to have their first look in the quietest corner of La Vimea’s garden. We found pockets of soft green shade and warm early-September sun — perfect for a slow, intimate reveal.

After the first look, they shared private vows, just the two of them. This gave them uninterrupted space to centre their intentions before the ceremony.

Their appetizers and drinks were incredible! So were their portraits ;)

Cocktails, Mocktails, and Herb-Forward Aperitivo

After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed an aperitivo on the terrace. The drinks were incredible — fresh herbs from the garden, beautifully balanced botanicals, and a mix of cocktails and mocktails.

Catering was done by Chef Aggeliki Charami of Paradiso Pure hotel. Every plate felt alive with texture, flavour, and creativity.

While guests mingled, we photographed family groups before slipping away for portraits.

Sunset Portraits in the Vineyards

Golden hour took us to a nearby winery with sweeping views of the valley and mountains. Jenny’s sister joined as a helper, wrangling bouquet ribbons and making sure everything flowed easily.

We captured:

• vineyard silhouettes
• pastel Alpine skies
• warm backlight over the orchards
• drone footage that framed the valley

It was one of those evenings where everything aligned: the temperature, the colours, the joy of the day.

A Fully Vegan, Locally Sourced Dinner

Back at La Vimea, the dinner was a highlight. Even guests who weren’t vegan gave the food a huge round of applause. The flavours were layered and creative — nothing felt like a substitute; everything felt elevated.

Between courses, friends and family shared speeches and games. There was belly laughter, quiet tears, and the unmistakable feeling of deep community. After dinner, everyone moved into dancing and stayed on the dance floor well into the night.

Check out their incredible dinner by Chef Aggeliki below

Sustainability Touchpoints

This wedding is a wonderful example of how sustainable choices can be woven naturally into a joyful celebration.

1. Plant-Based Menu:
A vegan menu typically uses far less water and generates fewer emissions than an equivalent animal-based menu. Even without exact numbers, the impact is significant.

2. Garden-Grown Florals:
No floral shipping, no pesticides, no floral foam. Just short-stem blooms picked by hand.

3. Second-Hand or Reworn Outfits:
Jenny and Ryan both chose outfits with a previous life, reducing textile waste.

4. Local, Seasonal Food:
Chef Aggeliki’s approach is rooted in seasonality, keeping the footprint small.

5. Intentional Travel Patterns:
Guests tied their attendance into their annual vacation rather than making additional trips.

These kinds of choices don’t remove all environmental impact, but they meaningfully reduce it — and they create a richer, more personal atmosphere.

Planning a Vegan or Low-Impact Wedding in Italy: What to Know

1. Pick a Venue With Built-In Values:
La Vimea and other plant-forward hotels offer menus and sourcing philosophies that align with your ethics.

2. Choose Seasonal Florals or DIY Garden Blooms:
Local flowers with no transport footprint are ideal.

3. Talk with Your Photographer About Nearby Nature Spots:
The Dolomites, Merano, and the Vinschgau Valley offer endless portrait backdrops.

4. Incorporate Low-Waste Practices:
Think reusable décor, pre-loved attire, and shared shuttles for guests.

5. Embrace a Calm, Slow Timeline:
This allows natural light, emotions, and connection to lead your day.

Ready to Plan Your Own Vegan Wedding in Italy?

If you’re dreaming of a nature-forward, vegan or eco-friendly wedding near the Dolomites, I’d love to help you plan and document every intentional detail.

Inquire here and let’s start mapping your day!

FAQ

Is La Vimea fully vegan?
Yes. The hotel, kitchen, and philosophy are all vegan.

Can you still get mountain views without driving deep into the Dolomites?
Absolutely. Naturno sits right at the doorstep of the Alps with easy access to vineyards, ridgelines, and valley views.

Do guests need to be vegan?
Not at all. Jenny and Ryan’s guests raved about the food. A talented chef makes plant-based menus a highlight.

Is September a good month for a Dolomites-area wedding?
Yes. Early September offers warm days, soft evenings, and stable weather patterns.

Planning a Vegan or Low-Impact Wedding in Italy: What to Know

1. Pick a Venue With Built-In Values:
La Vimea and other plant-forward hotels offer menus and sourcing philosophies that align with your ethics.

2. Choose Seasonal Florals or DIY Garden Blooms:
Local flowers with no transport footprint are ideal.

3. Talk with Your Photographer About Nearby Nature Spots:
The Dolomites, Merano, and the Vinschgau Valley offer endless portrait backdrops.

4. Incorporate Low-Waste Practices:
Think reusable décor, pre-loved attire, and shared shuttles for guests.

5. Embrace a Calm, Slow Timeline:
This allows natural light, emotions, and connection to lead your day.