If you’ve been dreaming of an intimate, breathtaking elopement surrounded by towering peaks and a crystal-clear lake, then Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) in the Italian Dolomites is your perfect destination. This alpine wonderland offers an ethereal backdrop that turns your love story into an unforgettable experience.
Why Elope at Lago di Braies?
Emerald waters and dramatic mountain reflections
Lago di Braies is often described as a fairy tale brought to life. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a wooden rowboat in the middle of the lake or standing on the shoreline with the dramatic Dolomites behind you, every moment will feel like pure magic.
Best Time for Your Elopement
While Lago di Braies is stunning year-round
The best times to elope here are June – mid July and autumn mid September – late October.
The crowds are thinner and the colors are mesmerizing. Sunrise ceremonies are highly recommended to capture the most serene atmosphere and golden light, avoid the crowds, and secure a private shooting spot at the boathouse, ensuring the lake is yours with just your boat.
Seasonal Insights:
Spring brings fresh greenery, melting snow, and fewer tourists compared to summer. The lake starts to regain its vibrant turquoise color, making it a beautiful and quiet time for an elopement. However, some higher-altitude hiking trails may still be snow-covered. by towering peaks. Rent a wooden rowboat for a romantic ceremony on the water, or exchange vows on the serene shoreline.
Tip: Book a photoshoot spot at sunrise for soft light, the lake and a boat all to yourself and fewer tourists in general — it’s magical!
This period experiences the highest influx of tourists, with daily visitors reaching up to 17,000. While the weather is warm and perfect for scenic boat rides, the crowds make it essential to plan sunrise ceremonies to secure a private spot.
One of the best seasons for an elopement, autumn brings stunning golden foliage, crisp air, and fewer tourists compared to summer. The lake remains vibrant, and the surrounding mountains create a magical atmosphere for photos.
The lake freezes over, offering a unique snowy landscape. However, accessibility can be challenging due to snow-covered roads and trails. If you love a winter wonderland aesthetic, this season can provide an enchanting elopement backdrop with snow-covered trees and frozen reflections on the lake.
CLIENT LOVE
"We had a fantastic experience with Jennifer. We had a really good feeling about her starting from our few first online meetings and she exceeded our expectations when we met in person. She helped with any tiny detail we needed during our wedding. She wasn't just a photographer, she felt like a friend during our special day. Photos are just beyond what we ever imagined. Absolutely recommend!"
WHY CHOOSE ME AS YOUR LAGO DI BRAIES ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER?
I know there are many photographers, but the Dolomites are my second home. From the stunning Lago di Braies to the breathtaking Seceda peaks, I’ll lead you to incredible locations for an unforgettable elopement experience. I’ll help you find the perfect accommodation, craft heartfelt vows, and book top-notch vendors. Count on me to make your day amazing!
Let's chat about your vision for an Elopement at Lago di braies
How to Plan Your Elopement at Lago di Braies
5 things you need to do for a stressfree elopement at lago di braies in the dolomites
1. Booking a Photoshoot Spot at the Boathouse (Very Important!)
If you’re dreaming of capturing stunning elopement photos on the iconic wooden boathouse or in the traditional rowboats, it’s essential to book your private photoshoot spot in advance. The booking system opens every beginning of February year and the spots are booked out fast! Reservations can be made via La Palafitta.
Shooting Times at lago di braies for 2025:
- 10.05.2025 – 18.05.2025: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
- 19.05.2025 – 15.06.2025: 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
- 16.06.2025 – 07.09.2025: 6:30 – 8:00 a.m.
- 08.09.2025 – 28.09.2025: 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
- 29.09.2025 – 02.11.2025: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
🚨 Important Notes:
- Exclusive Rental: To ensure privacy, it’s advisable to rent the entire dock. Partial bookings may result in sharing the space with other couples or groups.
- Booking in Advance: The boathouse is in high demand, so securing your private shooting spot as early as possible is crucial.
- Alternative Options: While La Palafitta offers an elopement package, it may not align with everyone’s aesthetic preferences. The package includes pre-arranged plastic flower decorations and a flower bouqet that you can not choose or have a say in colorwise.
2. Decide on a Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremony
Italy has specific legal requirements for getting married, which can be complex for foreigners. Many couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony at Lago di Braies and handle the legal paperwork in their home country. For detailed information on legal requirements, check out my Dolomites Elopement Guide.
If you’re looking for an amazing celebrant to make your ceremony truly special, I highly recommend Gemma. She brings warmth and uniqueness to every ceremony she officiates.
3. Booking Key Vendors
Elopement Photographer: Choose a photographer who specializes in capturing raw, emotional, and editorial-style love stories in epic landscapes (like me!).
Elopement Planner (can be a first as well depending on what you wanna do and need to organize, I offer Planning services and guides but I can not replace a wedding planner e.g. to coordinate at the elopement day with a helicopter company while I am shooting your vow exchange. Recommended: Dolomites Wedding Planner
Florist: Opt for wild, nature-inspired florals to complement the natural surroundings. Recommended: Grünes & Co.
Hair & Makeup Artist: A stylist familiar with working in outdoor settings to ensure your look stays flawless. Recommended: Viki Aichner @viki_hairandmakeup
4. Booking Accommodations
Given the popularity of Lago di Braies, booking your stay well in advance is crucial. Consider charming alpine lodges or boutique hotels nearby.
You do not have to book Hotel Lago di Braies in order to elope at the lake. Furthermore they strictly forbid photographers in the hotel so you can not get any getting ready shots there anyway.
If you book me as your photographer: I created a booking.com list with my favorite places, that are maximum 40 minutes drive away from the lake. Make sure you stay somewhere close or nearby Toblach and Bruneck. Having the boathouse for sunrise means getting there early, hair & makeup at least takes 1.5 hours – so if you are far away you need to get up way earlier.
5. Choosing the Perfect Ceremony Spot
At the docks of the Boathpuse: A stunning and easily accessible choice with mountain reflections in the background and enough space to walk and shoot.
On the Wooden Boats: The most romantic option, allowing you to float on the crystal-clear waters as you say “I do.”
Hidden Forest Pathways: For a more secluded, magical vibe with dreamy, filtered sunlight, but with less intimacy.
Additional Tips for a Stress-Free Elopement
helpful tips for your Lago di Braies elopement
The Dolomites can have rapidly changing weather. Packing layers, including a stylish but warm jacket, is a must.
Waterproof shoes are recommended, especially if hiking or taking photos in forested areas.
If rain is in the forecast, clear umbrellas or ponchos can still allow for beautiful, romantic photos.s. Rent a wooden rowboat for a romantic ceremony on the water, or exchange vows on the serene shoreline.
Gostner Schwaige – A traditional Alpine hut with local flavors.
Malga Foresta – Cozy, rustic dining near the lake.
Hotel Lago di Braies Restaurant – Perfect for a lakeside, romantic dinner.
Prato Piazza – A stunning plateau with panoramic mountain views.
Cadini di Misurina – A breathtaking viewpoint with dramatic peaks.
Passo di Gau – A picturesque mountain pass with spectacular vistas, perfect for hiking and enjoying the fresh mountain air
For an elopement or micro wedding at the lake you have to book a photoshoot spot or boat at the lakehouse, otherwise there is no permit of any kind. If you just wanna do some photos at the lake shore this is free BUT the shore and hotel area is strictly prohibited. If your photographer is not from Europe like me they need a working visa.
Drones are highly restricted at Lago di Braies due to environmental regulations, so couples should not plan on aerial shots without approval.
Lago di Braies offers a once-in-a-lifetime
With the right planning, timing, and vendor support, your elopement here will be an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, romance, and stunning photography. If you're ready to plan your dreamy elopement in the Dolomites, I’d love to help capture your love in this extraordinary place.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, access to the lake is free. However, parking near the lake is paid with around €4 per hour, and a private photoshoots spot for 1.5 hours at the boathouse including 2 wooden boats is €450.
Definitively Sunrise: Best for avoiding crowds (still lot of people all year round!) & only way to book a private shooting spot. This time offers the best lighting and a serene atmosphere.
Technically, yes, but the water is extremely cold year-round, and there are no designated swimming areas.
The circular trail around the lake takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and stops for photos.
The trail around the lake is an easy, mostly flat walk. However, some hiking trails leading to viewpoints or surrounding peaks can be more challenging.
Yes, it can get very crowded, especially in summer and during peak hours. Visiting early in the morning or in the off-season is recommended.
The name translates to “Lake of Braies” and refers to the small village of Braies in South Tyrol, where the lake is located.
The closest major city is Bolzano, but the nearest towns are Villabassa (Niederdorf) and Dobbiaco (Toblach)
Absolutely! Lago di Braies welcomes all couples, and eloping here is a beautiful way to celebrate love without restrictions.
Costs vary depending on vendors and services, but a well-planned elopement at Lago di Braies can range from €5,000 to €15,000+ including photography, accommodations, floral arrangements, and celebrant services.
Lago di Braies is located in South Tyrol, Northern Italy, and is accessible by various means:
- By Car: Renting a car provides the most flexibility. The lake is about a 1-hour drive from Bolzano and 3.5 hours from Venice. Note that from July 10th to September 10th, the road to the lake is closed to private vehicles between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM; during these times, you’ll need to book a parking spot in advance, take a shuttle bus, or rent an e-bike. You can reach the parking lot near the lake (P3 or P4) by car.
The Braies Valley is closed from July 10, 2025, to September 10, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. During this period, a parking reservation is required, which can be made on the website https://www.pragsparking.com/ - By Public Transport: Trains run to Villabassa/Niederdorf or Dobbiaco/Toblach, where you can catch a local bus directly to the lake. During peak season, shuttle buses operate regularly to manage traffic and limit the number of cars near the lake.
- By Plane: The nearest airports are Innsbruck (Austria) – 2 hours drive, Venice Marco Polo – 3.5 hours drive, and Munich (Germany) – 4.5 hours drive.
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