Vegan Winter Wedding in the Dolomites at Paradiso

EUROPEAN ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER | SHAWNA RAE

Nadine + Dennis

Vegan wedding at Paradiso.Pure Living Hotel, on Alpe di Siusi in the Dolomites

Nadine and Dennis live in Frankfurt and had always dreamed of a wedding that reflected their values, their love for the mountains, and their commitment to sustainability. When they found Paradiso Pure Living Hotel on Alpe di Siusi, everything clicked. The hotel is fully vegan, beautifully remote, and deeply rooted in sustainable practices. Add a snow covered landscape in December and it created the kind of winter celebration people talk about for years.

Their date was December 16th which meant fresh snow everywhere and the calm winter energy that makes Alpe di Siusi feel even more special.

Last updated: November 30, 2025

A Welcome Night Around the Fire

Guests arrived the evening before and gathered outside by a crackling fire under the stars. Dennis had worked in America for a while and picked up the tradition of making s’mores. So vegan marshmallows were a must. Most people there had never roasted one before which led to some weird looks and fiery marshmallows... but it was all fun and everyone enjoyed the act. It was warm and relaxed and set the perfect tone for the weekend.

A Slow Winter Morning at Paradiso

The wedding day began quietly. Snow outside. Soft light in the rooms. Nadine and Dennis got ready in separate suites, joined by their family and their rescue cats. The cats were not entirely convinced that wedding mornings were made for socializing, so they supervised from under the bed, which felt very on brand for cats. One of them graced me with her presence, and she had the most beautiful eyes... you will have to check in the photos below!

Nadine, an interior designer with her own company, chose every detail with intention. Dennis matched the energy with his own thoughtful touches. It was calm. It was intimate. It was exactly how a winter wedding morning should feel.

nadine + Dennis

To anyone who’s on the fence about booking Shawna, we can highly recommend her. If you want breathtaking photos and a smooth, enjoyable experience, Shawna is your photographer.

Vegan wedding ceremony at Paradiso.Pure

The Ceremony With Mountain Views

Their ceremony took place inside the hotel with panoramic views of Alpe di Siusi coated in snow. Nadine walked down the aisle for their first look, which made the moment beautifully emotional and traditional.

Two front row seats were reserved with photos of her parents, who passed away when she was young. The room fell into stillness. You could feel how much love was present and how deeply meaningful it was to honour them in that way.

Warm Drinks and Vegan Appetizers Outdoors

After the ceremony guests stepped outside for hot chocolate, mulled wine, and plant based appetizers. Most people there were not vegan but Paradiso always finds a way to surprise everyone. The reviews from guests were very enthusiastic and every drink helped keep hands warm in the winter air.

Their ceremony, aperitivo, and portraits

A Snowcat Adventure for Portraits

Then came the mountain adventure. We climbed into a snowcat and glided higher into the landscape for portraits in untouched snow. The views were endless. The cold air was sharp and refreshing. Nadine and Dennis loved our little adventure, and held each other tight for warmth. Poor Nadine was freezing...but anything for the photos, right? I highly recommend getting some fleece-lined, skin-colored tights to help... you can't notice them in the photos!

All the food was incredible!

Dinner by Chef Aggeliki

Back at Paradiso, Chef Aggeliki created a fully vegan dinner that made everyone pause after the first bite. There were surprised faces. There were impressed nods. There were guests genuinely wondering how plant based food could taste that good. It was one of those meals that becomes part of the memory of the day. Everyone was so impressed that the group decided to invite the kitchen staff in after the dinner and give them a round of applause!

Speeches, Games, and Dancing Into the Night

After dinner came speeches that made people emotional, games that made people laugh, and dancing that kept the room warm even as snow kept falling outside. Nadine and Dennis spent the night surrounded by their people and it felt like a true celebration from beginning to end.

A Winter Wedding Rooted in Intention

Snow covered mountains. A fully vegan hotel committed to sustainability. A couple who created a celebration that was honest and meaningful. Paradiso Pure Living was the perfect match for them.

If you dream of a vegan or sustainable wedding in the Dolomites with winter views and a warm atmosphere, this is one of the most unforgettable places you can choose. And if you want someone to document it all with heart, adventure, and a bit of fun, I would love to be there.

Vendor Credits

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

Can you have a fully vegan wedding in the Dolomites?
Yes. Paradiso Pure Living Hotel on Alpe di Siusi is one of the only fully vegan hotels in the Dolomites and is an incredible venue for plant based couples. Everything from appetizers to the full dinner can be done vegan without sacrificing flavour or presentation. Even guests who are not vegan usually walk away impressed.

Is Paradiso Pure Living a good venue for winter weddings?
Absolutely. Paradiso sits high on Alpe di Siusi which means you get snow covered peaks, cozy indoor spaces, and that soft winter light that feels magical. It is ideal for intimate weddings where you want both comfort and mountain views without worrying about unpredictable alpine weather.

Is it possible to take wedding photos higher in the mountains during winter?
Yes. Paradiso offers snowcat transportation which allows you to reach higher viewpoints safely in winter conditions. It is a fun and memorable way to explore the landscape and get portraits in quieter areas with untouched snow.

Are vegan menus suitable for guests who are not vegan?
Completely. Most guests at Nadine and Dennis’ wedding were not vegan and every single person was surprised by how flavourful and creative the food was. Plant based cuisine in the Dolomites has come a long way, especially at Paradiso where the chef is known for beautiful and satisfying dishes.

What should we expect for winter weather on Alpe di Siusi?
Winter here means snow, crisp air, and temperatures that can drop quickly once the sun goes down. It is breathtaking, but you should plan for layers, warm boots, and a bit of flexibility. The snow covered landscape more than makes up for the cold, especially during portraits.

Can we include our pets in our Dolomites wedding?
Yes. Many couples bring their pets to Paradiso since the hotel is pet friendly. Your animals can be part of the morning, the portraits, or even the ceremony. Some pets (like Nadine and Dennis’ rescue cats) may prefer staying under the bed during the excitement and that is perfectly fine too.

"We had the most amazing experience working with Shawna for our wedding in the Dolomites and we can’t recommend her highly enough! From start to finish, the communication and planning process was seamless. Shawna made everything so easy and stress-free, which is exactly what you need when planning a destination wedding.

We chose Shawna because her portfolio was stunning, and we could tell she had a unique eye for capturing natural, beautiful moments. On the day of our wedding, she made us feel so comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera, which was such a gift. We were a bit nervous at first, but Shawna's calming presence and professionalism put us at ease, and the photos turned out absolutely incredible.

The photos have so much emotional value to us. Every shot captured the beauty of the Dolomites and the love we shared that day. We’re so glad we have these memories to treasure forever.

To anyone who’s on the fence about booking Shawna, we can highly recommend her. If you want breathtaking photos and a smooth, enjoyable experience, Shawna is your photographer. We’re beyond thrilled with our photos and all our friends and family are just as excited as we are!

We shot in the Dolomites and the stunning landscapes Shawna captured were simply breathtaking.

Thank you so much, Shawna, for everything – you truly made our wedding day unforgettable!"

Testimonial by nadine & dennis

As a wedding & elopement photographer, I am very happy to share my years of expertise with you and give you more tips and tricks to help you make your dream wedding come true.

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