Elopement at Lago di Braies Boathouse in the Dolomites
There are some places that feel almost mythical at sunrise. Lago di Braies is this really all times of day, but especially at sunrise. The water is glass, the mountains glow, and conditions change rapidly and beautifully. A sunrise elopement at the boathouse on Lago di Braies, tucked deep in the heart of the Dolomites, is a once in a lifetime experience.
For Julia + Liam, what started as a intimate wedding plan in Colorado evolved into an intentional, international adventure. They were after something just the two of them and after considering several locations, the idea of a multi-day adventure in the Dolomites, starting with Lago di Braies, was exactly what they were after.
This is their story, as well as a detailed guide for couples dreaming of their own sunrise at the iconic Lago di Braies boathouse, known locally as La Palafitta.
Planning an Elopement in the Dolomites
Julia and Liam initially planned to get married in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, but as planning continued, they realized that a once in a lifetime, international, mountainous adventure was really where their hearts were being pulled to.
We started exploring international options from coastal cliffs, European cities, alpine villages.
The minute we started talking about the Dolomites, they were hooked.
The Dolomites offer a balance that’s hard to find elsewhere. Dramatic, towering peaks paired with stunning lakes and European mountain culture. It’s adventurous and epic without feeling too chaotic.
When we discovered that the historic wooden boathouse at Lago di Braies, La Palafitta, could be privately rented for photoshoots, everything aligned. A sunrise elopement on the lake would give them intimacy, atmosphere, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So in March, when reservations went live, we were able to secure their September sunrise reservation.
Why Lago di Braies Is So Iconic
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee in German) is one of the most photographed lakes in Europe and for good reason.
The lake sits at the northern end of the Dolomites in South Tyrol, framed by dramatic rock faces and dense alpine forest. The water ranges from emerald to deep turquoise depending on light and season. At sunrise, when the wind is still, the surrounding mountains reflect perfectly in the water. But even without a reflection, the lake will take your breath away.
What makes Lago di Braies particularly special for elopements:
Accessibility: Unlike remote alpine lakes that require long hikes, Lago di Braies is easily accessible by car.
Immediate mountain backdrop: The towering Seekofel mountain rises directly behind the lake, creating a dramatic and cinematic setting.
The wooden boathouse: La Palafitta provides a structured, private, and visually iconic starting point for your day.
Rowboats on the water: The classic wooden boats create movement and perspective you simply can’t replicate from shore.
It’s popular, especially in summer, but sunrise access at the boat house is a unique experience that’s hard to replicate!
What to Know About Renting the Boathouse, La Palafitta
One of the most important pieces of planning a sunrise elopement here is securing the boathouse rental.
1. What Is La Palafitta?
La Palafitta is the historic wooden boathouse and dock structure that extends into Lago di Braies. It’s the image most people associate with the lake - rustic wood, moored boats, and mountains rising behind it. A dream!!
While the lake itself is public, the boathouse area is managed privately, and access for exclusive use requires a reservation. If you’re lucky, you can secure a private reservation, however if the date is possible, you might find yourself sharing the dock with another couple that morning.
2. When to Reserve Lago di Braies Boathouse
Reservations open seasonally, and prime dates book quickly, especially:
June–September
Weekends
Peak foliage season (late September–October)
For Julia + Liam’s September sunrise, we secured the rental in March. Ideally, couples should begin inquiries about 12+ months if they want flexibility in choosing a date.
3. Why Sunrise Is Essential
Even with a private boathouse rental, Lago di Braies is a popular destination. However, sunrise does offer less shoreline crowds (definitely still crowds, don’t get me wrong, but less than the rest of the day). Morning also delivers calm water and the chance for reflections as well as soft, flattering light.
By mid morning, tour buses and visitors begin arriving. Sunrise ensures your experience feels a bit more intentional and less crowded than being on the shores mid day.
Julia, Liam and I arrived in blue hour, just before the sun actually rose. Watching the light start to dip into place and light up our surroundings was a magical way to start their experience!
Lago di Braies Boat Rental Inclusions
While details can vary seasonally, typically a boathouse rental include exclusive access to the dock and boathouse area during your reserved window, use of rowboats during your time, and on-site staff assistance.
The staff were kind, flexible, and genuinely invested in making the experience smooth for Julia and Liam the morning of. They helped them stay warm + comfortable, ensured safety on the water, and allowed space for creative freedom.
When to Elope at Lago di Braies
The best months to elope at Lago di Braies and experience the Dolomites will be June through September. Julia + Liam opted for September, and we were met with a crisp morning but slightly fewer crowds than summer. Because of the cooler temps, we spent plenty of time keeping them warm with coat breaks, blankets inside the boathouse next to heaters, and warm drinks on the shore after we had wrapped up.
Lago di Braies Sunrise Elopement Timeline
To give you a realistic sense of pacing, here’s how Julia + Liams elopement worked out timeline wise for their elopement morning at Lago di Braies.
6:20 AM – Arrival & Blue Hour
The lake was silent. A few early photographers stood along the shoreline, but the boathouse belonged entirely to Julia + Liam. We settled into the boat house and got familiar with the area and watched as light poured into the scene in front of them.
6:40 AM – Sunrise at Lago di Braies
As the sun crested the mountains, golden light skimmed across the lake surface.
We focused on quiet portraits around the dock, movement-based images to keep warm, and those wide, dramatic mountain compositions! Honestly, I’m still not over the views. It was a dream!
7:30 AM – Inside La Palafitta
Inside the wooden structure, Julia + Liam snuggled up next to the heaters and took in the views from the other side of the windows. They took their time to warm as I took a few shots in + around the boathouse, and then we continued on outside!
8:00 AM – Rowboats on the Water
Once they were warmed up and we had gotten plenty of images on the docks, it was time to get out on the lake! It was extremely cinematic, being the only boat on the water!
Liam rowed slowly and their laughs ran across the lake. Even as more visitors began appearing onshore, it felt private being out on the water by ourselves + rowing around with all of the various views.
9:00 AM – Coffee at Lago di Braies
Once we had wrapped up with the boathouse and the boats, it was time for a good ol Italian cappuccino! We had come coffee and pastries at one of the picnic tables along the lake shore and gushed about how incredible the last few hours had been. Ironically around this time, a layer of fog rolled into the lake and nearly took away the view. Our luck with timing felt like magic!
Why the Dolomites Are Perfect for Elopements
Beyond Lago di Braies, the Dolomites offer extraordinary variety from dramatic peaks like Tre Cime, to alpine meadows, rifugios perched on ridgelines, and charming mountain villages. Julia and Liam opted for a two day elopement so we could explore mulitple areas, and landscapes, and that’s exactly what we did. You can combine a sunrise at Lago di Braies with a mountain hike later in the day for your ceremony, and a cozy, rifugio dinner to end the day, or break it into a multi-day experience to include all the things!
The region feels adventurous yet refined. Italian cuisine, Austrian influence, and mountain hospitality create a really unique cultural blend.
Travel Logistics for Eloping at Lago di Braies
Nearest Airports
Venice
Innsbruck
Verona
From there, renting a car is essential for flexibility.
Where to Stay
Look for accommodations near:
Braies/Prags
Dobbiaco
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Staying nearby allows you to reach the lake well before sunrise without stress.
Privacy for a Lago di Braies Elopement
Even at sunrise, there likely will be landscape photographers, early hikers and tourists around. However, booking exclusive dock access makes a huge difference in the level of privacy felt. That paired with wide shots framed carefully, using boats to create separation and planning for a midweek date will help optimze your experience to feel as private as possible!
Julia + Liam’s experience felt private because of thoughtful timing and planning.
The Cost for Eloping at Lago di Braies Boathouse
While costs vary, couples should plan for:
Boathouse rental fee (roughly $500-$600)
Accommodation (2–3 nights recommended)
Transportation
Vendors (photographer, hair + make up, florals etc)
Attire suited for cold mornings
Eloping internationally often costs less than a large traditional wedding, but investing in the experience and proper planning ensures it feels effortless and will go a huge way in making this an exceptional, memorable experience.
Multi-Day Elopement in the Dolomites
Having a multi-day elopement in the Dolomites really allowed for Julia + Liam to experience so many other aspects of the region, and make the most out of their elopement in their trip. Sunrise at Lago di Braies was first on their list, but the rest of their adventure included staying at a rifugio with the most incredible views, a sunrise hike to the iconic Seceda, and mountain biking the Alpe di Suisi valley. To see Day Two of Julia + Liams Adventure Elopement in the Dolomites, head here!
Is a Lago di Braies Sunrise Elopement Right for You?
This location is perfect for couples who:
Don’t mind early wake-up calls
Embrace alpine weather
Want dramatic scenery without a strenuous hike
Love the idea of drifting in a wooden rowboat at sunrise
It may not be ideal if you:
Want complete isolation (it’s popular)
Prefer warm tropical climates
Dislike structured planning
Plan Your Lago di Braies Boathouse Elopement
A sunrise at Lago di Braies isn’t just visually stunning, it’s truly a once in a lifetime experience. If you’re a couple dreaming of an international elopement in the Dolomites, renting the boathouse and greeting the day from the water might just be the most unforgettable way to start your marriage. If you’re ready to start planning your Dolomites elopement, reach out below and let’s get the conversation started! Magic is waiting!
Lago di Braies Elopement FAQ
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Yes! Reservations go live at the beginning of the year and sell out quickly so it’s best to have lots of notice before your elopement date to secure your reservation!
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I’ll shoot it to you straight, it’s busy. It’s pretty much always busy. But renting the boathouse is about as private as you can get and is still really lovely and can feel much more private.
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June - September will be your best bet! This elopement was in September and incredibly beautiful!
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In short, yes. However there can be seasonal road closures and seasonal parking restrictions so it will require a bit of planning to have a seamless experience!
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No! Lago di Braies is only a short walk from the parking area.
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Your rental of the boathouse includes use of the rowboats! However, if you don’t rent the boathouse, you can rent the wooden rowboats during their operating hours.
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They are not, and as visitors, it’s incredibly important to respect the rules and regulations of the area.
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Absolutely! This is a awe-inspiring lake and absolutely worth a visit, especially if you’re in the Dolomites. Plan for a visit at sunrise for best light, conditions and crowds.
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Lago di Braies! It is in the eastern area of the Dolomites in South Tyrol.
International Elopements + Planning Resources
How to Start Planning an International Elopement