Eloping at Lago di Braies

Planning an elopement at Lago di Braies? I’m here to help you! In this comprehensive guide, I’m sharing with you all the do’s and don’ts for a ceremony at the undoubtedly most beautiful lake in this part of the world. Discover insider tips on timing, permits, logistics and weather, so that your special day becomes unforgettable.                                                                               Lago di Braies Elopement

As a photographer who has captured plenty of elopements and engagement sessions in this spectacular location, I do realize how many questions you may have in the planning phase of the very special day of yours. However, here I would like to address all of you, not only those who are going to elope at Lago di Braies, but also these of you who are looking for a more ordinary session, not necessarily in the wedding outfits.

Early morning vows exchange

These are only the early hours that do magic here. The later we start, the more people arrive at the lakeside, the worse the light is (on a clear day), the less sounds you hear and the more spoiled the aura of the place becomes. We don’t want that, do we?

The House Boat at Lago di Braies

I bet you all dream about exchanging vows on a dock without anybody around, with the otherworldly landscape in the background. Just like the lucky ones above. All these photos were taken on a private house boat. Its dock can be booked for a private ceremony directly on La Palafitta’s website. Make sure to reserve the entire dock instead of securing just one out of the two available slots. Otherwise, take it for granted, we would end up with another couple or – what’s worse – a big group having workshop just next to you aiming at the intimate moment. Furthermore, book the dock as soon as possible. They sell very fast. The dock’s availability (open from late May to early October) exclusively to you, on that one date that you are looking at, is a rare find.

Weather in the Dolomites

Weather is usually most reliable in between late spring to early fall. If I were to pick the best timing, it would be either early June or September to October. The late spring is safe in terms of the wild crowds of tourists that inevitably hit the place during summer. Whereas September and October is when the Dolomites are in its prime. No matter what month you are eventually going to arrive, be prepared that mornings are cold here. Expect temperatures anywhere from 0 to 10 Celsius (32 – 50 Fahrenheit) even on a summer morning. Lago di Braies is located at 1495 meters (4908 feet) above sea level, so it’s never ever warm in the early hours. The good news is that the lake is situated in a valley which is a firm wind shield. Yet, there are mushroom heaters inside the house boat that do their job.

What if it rains?

Let’s bring it further. You have already chosen the dates, flights are booked, car rented, hotel confirmed. Now you probably wonder, what if. What do we do in case it rains? Given the fact that the dock can’t be rescheduled, I’m always prepared to shoot with you no matter what the day brings. If it rains, it brings cinematic and moody effect to the photos. My mom would add that getting married on a rainy day brings luck, so let’s just do it. Just as Mallory and Colton did.

Boat ride

It does feel very unique to hop on a boat and bring your beloved one on a ride without anyone else around. Only you two, surrounded by the incredibly beautiful mountains and me, your photographer in some nearer or farther distance. Once you book the dock, you will have the boat ride included within the same reservation. And you don’t really have to be an experienced sailor. You should easily row it yourself, even if it’s your first time.

Any permits required for Lago di Braies?

As of now there are no specific permits required or entrance fees for you to arrive at the location. However, if you are staying anywhere outside of the lake side, you will have to reach the place by car and leave it at the nearest paid parking lot number 4. During the summer months, cars are allowed to arrive at the lake only until 9am. After that the traffic guards will redirect you to another parking. This one might be as far as 5 km away from the lake (see the details here). However, in case you booked your stay at the Lago di Braies hotel, you are already there at the spot. You can start tuning in for one of the most magical mornings you will ever experience.

 

 

 

Planning a bigger wedding?

If you are planning anything bigger than a private ceremony, you might be interested in engaging also a professional event planner. They would help with all the necessary logistics. Here are some contacts you might find worth exploring:
Jlenia & Gemma – Marianna & Alessandro – Le Jour Du Oui

Elopement at Lago di Braies or Venice?

How about both? What if you exchange your vows in the Dolomites and then we meet again in Venice for your honeymoon session (like this)? The city of Venice – where I am based – is roughly 3 hours drive away from Lago di Braies. Plenty of my couples are drawn to the contrast between the peaceful Italian mountains and the romantic allure of the Venetian lagoon. While both locations are just a short distance apart, they offer two entirely different worlds, each with its own unique charm.

In case of any further questions or inquiries about capturing your elopement, wedding or any kind of session, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Send me an email or a WhatsApp message. We can also schedule a video call. Your unforgettable experience in the Italian mountains starts here.

Luka, Venice and Lago di Braies elopement photographer