How to Elope to Lake Braies / Dolomites Elopement Photography

How to Elope to Lake Braies featuring Macie & Garett’s beautiful Dolomites Elopement Photography, including a gorgeous mountain picnic and some famous Dolomiti cows!

Lago di Braies is one of those rare destinations that feels so out of this world it’s hard to believe it exists. This alpine lake, set against an epic mountain backdrop, is something truly special and a view that personally, I don’t think I could ever tire of. It’s no wonder it’s become such a popular spot for couples around the world looking to document their love in style, whether for beautiful portraits or sharing your vows in an intimate elopement. Travelling to a new destination in a whole different country (for your wedding, no less!) can be daunting though, which is why I’ve created this guide for you on How to Elope to Lake Braies, and making the most of your Dolomites Elopement Photography.

Dolomites Elopement Photography

As always when I make these guides (like my Lake Como Guide!), I’d love to start by sharing a little about Macie & Garett’s amazing wedding day. These two reached out to me in late 2022, both excited not just to plan their Lake Braies elopement in September, but to also welcome a baby in the months beforehand! I can’t imagine the nerves of planning an elopement on the other side of the world whilst also preparing to welcome your first kid, but they took everything in their stride.

Macie & Garett wanted to make the most of their Dolomites Elopement Photography, so we decided to start their day at the lake with a first look and private portrait session at the iconic boathouse. Afterwards, we took a little break to warm up, ordering coffee & croissants at the small café there, before having a few more portraits along the start of the Lake Braies Loop Trail.

From there we headed up to a nearby mountain pass so that they could exchange their vows somewhere private, surrounded by greenery (with a cheeky stop for photos with some friendly mountain cows along the way!). Before they left Texas to come to Italy, they’d asked friends to write letters for them so that they could share part of their day with friends. They read those letters after exchanging vows, which was such a special way to make their Dolomites Elopement unique.

The moment I really knew Macie & Garett were my kinds of people though was when they asked, ‘by the way, is it possible for us to swim in the lake?’ Which of course, the answer was a big old yes! We saved that for last, and had so much fun getting photos in the freezing alpine water (and the photos show it was definitely worth it!).

HOW TO ELOPE TO LAKE BRAIES

Where is Lake Braies  

Of course, before we get into How to Elope to Lake Braies, it helps to know where it is! Lake Braies, also known as Lago di Braies (Italian) and Prager Wildsee (German), is an alpine lake found in the Italian region of Trentino-Sud Tirol. The lake is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites mountains which has made it a seriously popular spot for adventurous couples planning their elopement. As much as the Dolomites are a part of Italy though, the history of the area means it’s culturally as much German as it is Italian. This means you’ll find as much beer as wine, and as many German strudels as you will Italian pastas (as well as some seriously delicious local delicacies, like canederli in broth yum!).

Getting to Lago di Braies

If you’re dreaming of epic Dolomites Elopement Photography, and are wondering How to Get to Lago Di Braies, I’d for sure recommend renting a car and driving there, as it will give you so much more freedom to explore. I know driving in Italy can be daunting, but the roads in this area are generally more well-maintained than what you might picture if you imagine the bustling city streets of Rome or the narrow coastal roads of the Amalfi Coast. That said, the closest major airport is Innsbruck, but car rentals can get complicated if you’re crossing national borders, so I’d recommend flying into Venice instead. Of if you’re flying in from somewhere in Europe, Bergamo airport outside Milan is a similar distance as well.

Can you Elope to Lake Braies

Yes, you can elope to Lake Braies! Of course you can – this destination hasn’t become such a popular elopement spot for nothing. And while you might prefer to avoid having a legal ceremony at the lake (if you have some time to kill, listen to my podcast episode with Untold Italy where I talk about why it’s not worth the hassle of getting legally married in Italy!), it’s definitely an unforgettable location to share your vows.

Share your vows on the vintage boathouse jetty, have some fun paddling around the lake on the iconic wooden rowboats, and then head back up to one of the lake’s cafes for something lovely to drink. From there, you can hike a little around the lake or drive further up into the amazing mountains the lake is surrounded by to find some friendly local cows or have a hearty lunch at a traditional rifugio.

Choose your Lago di Braies Elopement Photographer

If you’re wondering How to Elope to Lake Braies, choosing your Lago di Braies Elopement Photographer is for sure the best first step! You might think I’m biased, but here’s why:

• A good elopement photographer will be so much more than just your photographer – they’ll help you plan, they’ll help connect you with the right vendors, and they know all the tips & tricks to get the most out of your day
• Photos are likely the only lasting memento you’ll have of your day (asides from your memories, of course!), so you want to make sure your favourite photographer is available.
• Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding with 15 guests, or an elopement just the two of you, you’ll spend more time with your Dolomites Elopement Photographer than anybody else on your wedding day (true story!). It’s really important that you like your photographer as well as their photos (and again, you want to make sure they’re available!!).

Portraits at the Lake Braies Boathouse

and How to Book Portraits on the Vintage Boats

Perhaps almost as iconic as the vista across Lake Braies to the towering mountains behind it are the lake’s vintage wooden rowboats. Early in the morning, you’ll see them tied up one behind the other, drifting off the heritage-listed boathouse in a truly romantic way. As the early morning rolls into the afternoon, the boats dot across the lake as merrymakers make their way around the beautiful scenery.

As with so many of these breathtaking destinations, social media has steadily increased the number of visitors coming to capture the perfect shot, so lines often form at the boathouse before it’s even opened. It is possible to book the boathouse exclusively though, which I’d definitely recommend if you’re planning to have your elopement portraits there. Boat hire is included in the price, and it entitles you to an entire hour and a half which is more than enough for photos on the boathouse jetties and the boats themselves.

Making your Lago di Braies Elopement Unique

Of course, Lago di Braies in and of itself makes for an incredible Elopement Destination in Italy! Much like Positano, the view here is one I don’t think I could ever tire of, but while you’re here, why not make your Dolomites Elopement even more special?

The beauty of the Dolomites is that it is home to endless incredible locations, from epic mountain vistas to sweet traditional towns. You can take the gondola up to the Tre Cime, or head to one of the nearby rifugi along winding mountain roads that promise encounters with friendly alpine cows (so long as you’re there before mid-October, when the cows are brought down for the winter!). Depending on the time of the year, you could even brave the fresh water of the lake like Macie & Garett did for this epic shot!

Whatever you choose to do, starting your Italian elopement at Lake Braies is a guaranteed way to have not just spectacular photos, but also a truly beautiful elopement experience, and I’m so excited to share that with you.

You want to know more about How to Elope to Lake Braies? Or perhaps you’re even ready to book it in! Either way, reach out! I’d love to help you make your Dolomites Elopement unique to the two of you, and document it all for you.

Did you love Macie & Garett’s Dolomites Elopement Photography? Let them know in the comments below!