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Whether you’re eloping or having a more traditional wedding ceremony at Lago di Braies with family, the La Palafitta boathouse is an ideal location. It’s one of the few “reservable” outdoor ceremony spaces in the Dolomites, making it reliable as well. Since the sun doesn’t rise above the eastern cliff face until late morning all year round, it also means you have nice even lighting conditions regardless of weather. It is beautiful in all conditions, extremely accessible and photogenic to the point of being surreal.

Planning a wedding ceremony at Lago di Braies with Family

The accessibility of this location is also a huge plus for wedding ceremonies involving family. While you may be down to hike around for great views, your mom/dad/grandma/best friend may not. That means, no matter who you invite, this spot works for everyone. There is ample parking and multiple cafes just steps away, and enough wooden boats for everyone.

The staff is super kind, and there to help with anything you need.

Inside the boathouse, there is also seating, large windows and a large space heater to keep everyone warm.

ALSO READ: Guide to renting the boathouse at Lago di Braies for photos and ceremonies

Planning a wedding ceremony at Lago di Braies just the two of you

If instead you’re vision is to rock up just the two of you, things are even easier! When you show up alone, it mostly means more time to explore, with all the same perks listed above.

ALSO READ: “Just us” elopement at Lago di Braies

Planning engagements, proposals or other private shoots at Lago di Braies

You can reserve the boathouse for any reason. You do not need to be having a wedding, or any other type of wedding shoot. The private sunrise slot is also ideal for engagement shoots, proposals, landscape photography, workshops, dog photography, family photos, product/fashion photography or anything else you can think of. You can also book it out just to stare silently at the water, taking no photos at all.

Booking the Lago di Braies boathouse for photos FAQs

How do we reserve the boathouse?

You can secure your booking via the La Palafitta website here.

What are the different sunrise shoot times?

With sunrise times changing from season to season, the private sunrise slots are as follows:

How many people can attend a wedding ceremony at Lago di Braies?

There is no limit in theory. In practice, more than 15-20 people is going to be very tight and logistically difficult.

How cold does it get here in the morning?

Chilly! All year round! The lake sits at around 1400m, meaning temps are chillier than lower elevations. Even in July and August, mornings here are a brisk 10C (50F). In spring and fall, it’s not uncommon for the day to start out just above freezing. Make sure you’re group is prepared! It warms up fast as soon as the sun comes up though.

What’s the “instagram vs. reality” take on Lago di Braies?

Lago di Braies is the most visited location in the Dolomites. It receives 10-20k visitors daily. After 9am, it’s chaotic, and being shoulder to shoulder with people near the boathouse is not uncommon. The water levels of the lake vary a lot depending on rain and snow melt. Dry years can place tourists very close to the docks during your ceremony, while wet years flood up to the pathway, creating a bigger buffer. Someone is always flying a drone, and you’ll probably see multiple other photo shoots taking place.

What hotels do you recommend?

For sunrise ceremonies at Lago di Braies, I recommend staying no further than 45 minutes away. Bruneck, San Candido, Villabassa and Toblach are convenient towns to look.

Hotels I gladly recommend are: HIRBEN, Skyview Chalets, Naturhotel Leitlhof, La Casies, Hotel Hubertus, Hotel Petrus and Hotel Villa Stefania

I DO NOT recommend staying at the Lago di Braies hotel. Their staff is incredibly rude and downright hostile toward wedding vendors. Moreover, they do not allow photography inside the building or on their property. The rooms are old and ugly, the food is bad, and the Wifi sucks. Plus, you’re surrounded by bus loads of loud tourists 24/7. It honestly just gets worse from there.

Does a photographer come with the boathouse booking?

No. When you reserve the boathouse, a photographer is not included. You must book a photographer independently. I recommend choosing someone local to the area, who has shot here before!

How to book a photographer to cover your Lago di Braies wedding or elopement ceremony

Hi! I’m Mariah. I am an elopement photographer based along the Italian and Austrian border. I specialize in intimate destination weddings and adventure elopements all across Europe.

I’m originally from the U.S., so I’m also the perfect bridge between cultures on your elopement day! I speak native English and fluent German (German is widely spoken in the Dolomites).

I truly want you to have the most relaxing and fun experience possible, so if you and your partner are looking for something low key and adventurous, then I know the places, the vendors and the areas for you.

I can’t wait to hear from you…

OTHER DOLOMITES BLOGS YOU’LL FIND HELPFUL:

• Guide to renting the boathouse at Lago di Braies for photos and ceremonies
• How to elope in the Dolomites for every budget
• How to plan a ski wedding in the Dolomites
• Dolomites elopement inspo for every season
• What to wear for a Dolomites elopement
• The best lake locations in the Alps for your elopement
• Just us elopement at Lago di Braies

More photos from wedding ceremonies at Lago di Braies: