Lago Di Braies Elopement | Pragser Wildsee
Imagine exchanging vows amidst the breathtaking Italian Dolomites. Lago di Braies, with its crystal-clear blue waters, deep green pine forests, and majestic Dolomites peaks around, has become a dream location for elopements for couples from across the whole world.
As local elopement photographers in the Dolomites, we recommend against choosing Lago di Braies for your day. We’ve even created a Dolomites Elopement Guide so that you can check out other more private elopement spots in the Dolomites for your ceremony. Despite Lake Braies’ incredible beauty in photos, your personal experience of visiting can be quite different. Even with early starts to avoid crowds, it still can be challenging to feel privacy, so it’s important to be mentally prepared if you decide to visit this popular spot.
How To Get To Lago di Braies
If you’re considering a Lago Di Braies elopement, I highly recommend renting a car for the journey. Renting a car and driving there is the most convenient option, ensuring you’re not dependent on others. And there will be no delays that could impact your special day. The main national road SS49 provides direct access to the lake. Optimal driving routes are from Venice, Milan, and Innsbruck, as well as closer cities like Brunico, Trento, and Garda Lake. Here are the approximate driving times from each city most visitors drive from:
- Milan: 4.5 hours
- Venice: 3 hours
- Innsbruck: 2 hours
- Brunico: 35 minutes
When using public transport to reach Lago di Braies, the recommended train station is Toblach/Dobbiaco. From this station, you can easily transfer to a bus service that will take you to the lake. For bus timetables, you can refer to the Tourist Information Website for detailed schedules.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Lake Braies
To determine the ideal time to visit Lago di Braies, you need to decide on the experience you are waiting for.
Choose the summer months of June to August for warmer weather and clear skies. However, if crowds are a concern, it’s best not to plan Italy elopement from July and August when the lake attracts a high influx of tourists from across Europe.
If you prefer cooler weather, then fall (mid-September to November) might be the perfect time for you. This season provides gentler temperatures and fewer crowds compared to summer, creating an ideal setting for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy the beauty of this region. Additionally, fall showcases stunning colors, such as vibrant reds and oranges set against clear blue skies, adding an extra touch of magic. It’s important to note that during the fall months, the water levels in the lake can significantly decrease.
Winter at Lago di Braies (December-March) offers a unique spectacle with its frozen landscape, transforming the lake into a serene winter wonderland. The lake freezes over completely, creating a picturesque scene of soft, white snow covering its surface. Visitors can also enjoy the charm of Christmas markets during the Advent season. Walking across the frozen lake is a special experience not to be missed. However, do keep in mind that winter days are shorter, and the boathouse remains closed due to the frozen lake.
When spring (April-May) arrives, the weather can be quite unpredictable. While the lake usually thaws in April, snow may still linger, even into May, especially in the mountains surrounding the area. Although the trails become more accessible, the peaks of the mountains retain their snow-capped beauty. Additionally, water levels in the lake may remain low until late May, leading to the boathouse typically opening towards the end of the month.
The Boathouse at Lago di Braies
The Boathouse, or La Palafitta, is a popular choice for couples considering an elopement or a photoshoot at Lago di Braies. This picturesque spot has gained fame on Instagram and can provide couples a private setting if booked for exclusive use, offering a respite from the usual lake crowds. However, even with a private reservation, it’s common to encounter tourists along the shoreline who may be observing and disruptive.
Changes and Operating Hours
Starting in 2023, the boathouse has implemented significant alterations to its boat rental and private rental policies to address the challenges made by excessive tourism in the area.
- 20.05.-16.06.2024
- Mon-Fri 10.00-16.30 | Sat-Sun 9.00-17.30
- 17.06.-29.09.2024
- Every day 8.00-18.00
- 30.09.-05.11.2024
- Every day 10.00-16.30
Opening Schedule for 2024
The boathouse at Lago di Braies typically opens from the end of May and operates until the beginning of November (but it’ll also depend on the temperatures!), providing visitors with specific dates and times for their convenience during the 2024 season.
Renting the Boathouse at Lago di Braies
If you want some privacy at Lago di Braies for your wedding in the Dolomites, we strongly recommend booking the 1.5-hour timeframe available for a private elopement in the morning before the boathouse opens to the public. For 400€, you can book the whole boathouse for 1h30min, together with 2 of our wooden boats.
SHOOTING TIMES for 2024:
15.06.-08.09.2024
6.30-8.00 a.m.
09.09.-29.09.2024
7.30-9.00 a.m.
30.09.-03.11.2024
8.30-10.00 a.m.
Best Hotels to Stay Nearby
For a memorable stay, we recommend some of the best hotels near Lago Di Braies. From lakeside retreats to cozy chalets, there’s something for every couple looking to celebrate their love in style.
- Hotel Pragser Wildsee / Hotel Lago di Braies
- Skyview Chalets Toblach Lake
- Silentium Dolomites Chalet
- Gailerhof Hotel B&B Superior
Pro Tips How to Escape Crowds
Plan Off-Peak Visits
Consider planning your trip to Lago di Braies during the quieter months from October to May, as this period tends to be less crowded compared to the peak summer season from June to September.
Choose Weekdays
Opting for visits on weekdays rather than weekends can help minimize encounters with large tourist groups. Saturdays and Sundays often attract more visitors due to leisure time, except for July and August when the area is busy every day because of European school summer vacations.
Activities
Make the most of your time at Lago Di Braies by exploring the area and taking part in various activities. Whether it’s a leisurely boat ride, a hike around the lake, or a visit to the charming chapel, there’s plenty to see and do.
Dolomites Elopement Photography Packages
Our Dolomites elopement photography packages start at 5,000 Euro for full-day coverage and include:
- Work of a 2 photographer team for duration of 10 hours
- Location Assistance
- Vendor & Accommodation Recommendations
- Custom Timeline
- Unlimited Planning Assistance
- All fees included
- Drone photography coverage
- Customized online gallery of high-resolution images and print store
Lago Di Braies Elopement Photographer
Capture the magic of your elopement with us. As elopement photographers, we specialize in creating timeless and romantic images that will be cherished for a lifetime. Let us help you tell your love story against the breathtaking backdrop of Lago Di Braies. Don’t hesitate to contact us! We’ll be super happy to help you with anything you may need!
STORYTELLERS
Adventurers
Your Friends
and Lago Di Braies Elopement Photographers
We are Jane & Anton Iskra – a duo of wedding and elopement photographers in the Dolomites and beyond.
Here on our website, you can see our vision of wedding photography and if you like it and our tastes match – then we will be happy to share the emotions of your special day and make tons of beautiful photographs.
We sincerely hope we’ll get the opportunity to capture your story!
Get In Touch
If you’re looking for a photographer and you connect with our work, we would love to hear from you! Please allow 48 hours for a response.
Together with Tony Iskra, they are ISKRA Photography - a husband & wife duo shooting in Iceland and beyond.
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