Mid May Boathouse elopement at Lago di Braies

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Mid May Boathouse elopement at Lago di Braies

Dolomites Elopements

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A young couple in wedding clothes sit in a wooden boat on Lago di Braies in the Dolomites, kissing in front of a dramatic mountain background on their elopement day.

B&K’s mid May boathouse elopement at Lago di Braies shows what a moody spring day looks like on the lake. Lago di Braies sits at about 1,500m which means it is always chilly in the mornings here. Even in July and August, you need a jacket or sweater in the morning. For May elopements at Lago di Braies, always have a nice warm layer that’s easy to take on and off.

Here are some important details from this mid-May sunrise ceremony at the boathouse:

Elopement Date: May 23rd, 2024

Temperature: 38F in the morning and 55F by noon.

Weather: overcast and calm, a few light rain drops here and there, with heavy rain beginning at noon

Timeline: 5 hours, 06:30 – 11:30

06:30 met for a few getting ready photos
07:00 – 08:30 reservation at boathouse
07:15 first look
07:30 – 08:00 ceremony
08:00 – 08:30 playing in the boats
08:30 – 10:00 picnic, family letters and first dance on south end of the lake (15 min walk each way)
10:00 – 11:30 exploring, fun portraits and lakeside champagne toast

A couple read vows at the Lago di Braies boathouse on their elopement day. There is a row of wooden boats and mirrored mountain reflection surrounding them.

Sunrise ceremony at the Lago di Braies boathouse

If you’re planning a mid May boathouse elopement at Lago di Braies and you have not yet reserved the boathouse, stop reading this and go here: HOW TO RESERVE THE BOATHOUSE. The official boathouse rental website is https://www.la-palafitta.com/en/reservation/private-shooting. Reservations for each year open in February and you’ll want to book immediately. June, September and October dates fill up by April.

For their sunrise ceremony, we planned their first look on the dock as well. They took in the view for a few minutes and then we set things up for their ceremony.

Picnic, cake and champagne on the beach

Once their reservation for the boathouse was up, it was starting to get crowded. We headed straight to the other end of the lake and were the only ones there. They sat on the rocky beach with a picnic and read letters from family. It started to drizzle just a bit, so after about a half hour, we packed things up and walked a little further, sheltering under the tall pine trees. The sun popped out again, and they had a champagne toast.

Lago di Braies boathouse elopement ceremony FAQs:

Can I elope at Lago di Braies without booking the boathouse?

Yes. Access to the lake is open 24/7 all year round. It is a public park. But please read this carefully: I do not recommend it. The lake receives tens of thousands of visitors daily. Even at sunrise, there are crowds of photographers. You’ll likely see at least two other wedding couples here. The path around the lake is narrow. If water levels are high (and they often are in spring) you will have nowhere to go for photos. If you do not rent the boathouse, you will have zero privacy. It is extremely uncomfortable to have a vow ceremony here without reserving the boathouse privately.

Should I stay at the Lago di Braies hotel?

I have mixed feelings about the hotel. It’s a convenient location, and the hotel itself is nice. The food and the staff, however, are genuinely awful. They strictly forbid any photos within the hotel and on their property even if you are a guest. They have zero affiliation with the boathouse, and will aggressively ignore any questions or requests on that topic. They won’t make any special accommodations for you, and they couldn’t care less you’re getting married. If they weren’t located where they are, I honestly don’t think they’d be in business. I only recommend the hotel only so you can get that extra hour of sleep on your elopement day. Otherwise, stay somewhere else, as there is no shortage of 4 and 5 star hotels which will be THRILLED to go the extra mile for you.

What’s the difference between the shared booking and the private one?

With the shared booking, you split the dock and boats with another couple whereas the private one you have all of it to yourself. The shared booking is great if you don’t want a ceremony here. If you plan to propose or read vows on the dock, you really want to book it privately.

Looking for a local elopement photographer for Lago di Braies?

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.

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…

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