Sunrise Lago di Braies Elopement in the Dolomites
Katrina + Lachlan
Katrina and Lachlan spent a mindblowingly beautiful day exploring the Dolomites during their elopement at Lago di Braies. Although we also experienced some very unexpected super low clouds and fog while shooting wedding portraits at Cadini Di Misurina at sunset – we were also awarded the most beautiful sunrise during their Lake Braies symbolic vow ceremony.
Scroll down to read our best tips about eloping here and a story about the elopement day of the couple who flew from another side of the globe (yes, from Australia!) to have a unique Dolomites elopement and see the amazing photos of their dream day!
the Couple and their Plan to Have a Lago di Braies Elopement
Katrina and Lachlan are from Australia. They are big nature lovers and avid travelers, they decided to elope at Lago Di Braies (also called Pragser Wildsee in German) ever since they engaged at Mt. Fuji in Japan (I mean…how cool is that?!).
The couple first inquired and booked their elopement when the world had just fully opened since the pandemic at the very end of 2022. They always dreamed of having a sunrise vow ceremony somewhere surrounded by mountain peaks or at an alpine lake. Originally we discussed the Swiss Alps as an elopement destination, but eventually we all landed on the Lake Braies as their picturesque elopement location. We started planning the timeline of the day (keep scrolling to see their timeline) and creating the mood board for the elopement photography to get inspired and prepared right away.
I wish we could tell that it was an easy elopement day planning, but it wasn’t – that’s the reality of modern-day tourism. We’ve been preparing for the elopement day very thoroughly (it was quite a challenge even for us, being experienced experts in elopements in the Dolomites for years), tried to do our best to escape crowds, and have some intimate moments for the couple.
And in the end – everything turned out perfectly great! The beautiful photographs below speak for themselves.
How Katrina and Lachlan’s Lago di Braies Elopement in the Mountains LOOKED like
That morning, we all woke up very early (at 4 am). The couple planned to have their vow ceremony at Lago di Braies and we had an incredible sunrise, backlighting the snow-white mountain peaks surrounding the emerald waters of the lake.
We managed to escape 90% of the crowds, and in fact, for most of the shoot, we were completely alone, which gave the couple an amazing elopement experience.
After having a beautiful private session at the dock, rowing wooden boats, and having some more epic photos with the pine forest and the magnificent views of the towering mountains around the lake, we had a good, relaxing break for some rest, good breakfast and some nice sleep to gather power for the fantastic sunset hike.
Later in the evening, we drove to the beginning of the trailhead, leading to the stunning mountain viewpoints for some more epic photos. Although hiking in a dress is a challenge not for everyone, Katrina nailed it and it was SO WORTH IT!
The views were breathtaking, and the mountains gave us a priceless present of super low skies covering the mountain peaks, which made the blue-hour photographs with the lanterns even more magical!
Can it be a unique present from the mountains, when you walk above the clouds high in the mountains with your beloved one?!
Katrina & Lachlan, congratulations, and thank you for all the trust!!!
ITINERARY of their Lago di Braies Elopement
Sunrise Vow Ceremony & Portraits at Lago di Braies
- 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM: Set off early to escape tourists during your Lago di Braies ceremony.
- 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM: Arrive at Lago di Braies “Parcheggio P4” being the closest parking lot to the lake. It’s a 5-minute walk to La Palafitta boathouse.
- 6:30 AM – 7:15 AM: Have a private sunrise wedding ceremony at the Boathouse. The location can be booked starting from February and costs 450 Euros for private access to the boathouse.
- 7:15 AM – 9:00 AM: After your ceremony, have a walk to see every corner of the lake to take beautiful wedding photographs.
Midday Pause to Refresh & Have a Rest
- 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Have a rest, recollect energy for the sunset, and have breakfast at a local café or with a pre‑arranged picnic by the lake.
Sunset Cadini di Misruina Hike for Mountain Views
- 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Sunset & Twilight Wedding Portraits
- Afternoon Moments (2:30 – 4:30 PM): Have a hike to the Cadini di Misuirna lookout with several stops for the photographs/rest.
- Golden Hour to Sunset (4:30 – 7:30 PM): Enjoy the most stunning sunset of your lives. Make Stunning portraits with the sunset + alpenglow.
- 7:30 PM-8:30 PM: Blue hour photographs with lanterns + some stargazing + unique long exposure portraits.
Our Lago di Braies Wedding Planning Tips
Pick the Right Time of the Year
Lago di Braies is stunning year-round, but for the quietest and most undisturbed vibe, go for late spring or early autumn.
*Pro Tip – for Lake Braies, the best time to visit is usually May or September.
Hire Local Vendors
A local vendor who knows the Dolomites mountains region and Lago di Braies will guarantee the best wedding experience. As a North Italy elopement photographer duo, we can help you navigate permits, find the best elopement spots, and connect you with other local vendors to help you plan your best day!
Plan a Symbolic Vow Ceremony at the Lake
Most American couples we work with go for a symbolic ceremony in Italy and handle the official paperwork back home. Why? Because it’s easy, stress-free, and lets you focus on the fun stuff (like saying “I do” with a view!). But if you’re set on making it legal in Italy, there’s a solution called a wedding planner. They are your paperwork superhero, cutting through red tape and making sure everything’s sorted so you can enjoy every moment without a headache. Trust us, they’re worth it!
Stay Nearby
Accommodations near Lago di Braies are limited, so book early not to drive to the lake for your ceremony even before sunrise – trust me it’s sometimes tiring!
*Pro Tip – Scroll to the end to see our top choice for accommodations near Lago di Braies.
Book The Boathouse
It’s your only chance to feel completely present and calm during your vow ceremony at the lake when everyone is still asleep! You can check the working hours, and availability and book your date at the official website of the Boathouse.
*Pro Tip – Although the spots for a Boathouse private access are not cheap (450 Euros for 1,5 hours), they are booked very fast. Book your spot not later than February-March to pick the date that fits you the best!
Kind words from the couple:
“Not only did they capture breathtaking moments, but they also made us feel incredibly comfortable throughout the shoot. Their guidance and genuine enthusiasm ensured that every photo reflected the depth of emotion we felt that day. The photos surpassed our expectations; each frame was a work of art, encapsulating the raw beauty and the intimacy of our elopement. The memories they’ve frozen in time for us are priceless.”
Meet the COUPLE and their Beautiful Elopement Photographs
How much Does it Cost to Elope at Lago di Braies?
The average cost of an intimate wedding or elopement is around €8,000 (around $8,500USD), which includes:
- Marriage license (symbolic ceremony): €0
- Accommodation per 2 nights: €400
- Boathouse rental: €450
- Car rental: €200
- Hair + make-up: €0 (DIY)
- Attire: €1000
- Bouquet: €200
- Fancy celebration dinner: €250
- Photographer (6 hours coverage): €5,500
Our personal top of Places to stay Near Lago di Braies:
We’ve created a comprehensive list of the best hotels near Lago Di Braies. Starting from lakeside retreats to cozy mountain chalets, there’s something for every couple looking to celebrate their love in style. We’ve visited each of these hotels and Airbnb, so we’re happy to share our experience with you.
Hotel Pragser Wildsee / Hotel Lago di Braies
Skyview Chalets Toblach Lake
Silentium Dolomites Chalet
Gailerhof Hotel B&B Superior
Majestic Hotel & Spa
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Together with Tony Iskra, they are ISKRA Photography - a husband & wife duo shooting in Iceland and beyond.
