If your dream destination elopement involves breathtaking alpine scenery and turquoise waters, Lago di Braies (also known as Pragser Wildsee) is the place to be. Located in the heart of the Dolomites in Northern Italy, this picture-perfect lake is the perfect backdrop for your day. 

Honestly, I couldn’t be more thrilled you’re considering to elope here! To help you plan for the perfect day, I put together this Lago di Braies elopement guide for you! It will walk you through everything you need to know from the locations to fun activities, permits and more!

Table of Contents

• Why Choose Lago di Braies
• Where is Lago di Braies and How to Get Here
• Best Time to Elope in Lago di Braies
• Where to Get Married in Lago di Braies
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Legally Married Here
• Elopement Activities
• How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Lago di Braies
• Extend Your Stay
• Lago di Braies Elopement Packages

Why Choose Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies is one of the most beautiful and iconic lakes in the Dolomites. It is surrounded by towering peaks, lush forests and, of course, the water here is crystal clear. It’s an epic place for your elopement!

Lago di Braies is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is so special! You can take it all in during a boat ride and enjoy hikes and other adventures in the area. Whether you’re exchanging vows on the lake’s wooden pier or simply taking in the views during a quiet moment together, Lago di Braies is the epitome of romance and adventure.

Where is Lago di Braies and How to Get Here

Lago di Braies is located in South Tyrol, Italy, near the Austrian border. The nearest major cities are Bolzano and Innsbruck, both of which are well-connected to international hubs.

Fly into Italy: Most travelers from the US fly into Milan (MXP) or Venice (VCE). From there, you can rent a car or take a train/bus.

Drive to Lago di Braies: The drive from Venice takes about 3 hours, while the drive from Milan takes closer to 5 hours. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and ease of access. However, note that alpine roads can be narrow and winding, so drive cautiously.

Public Transportation: There are regular bus lines to Lago di Braies from Val Pusteria, but I definitely recommend researching the best connections depending on where you’re staying and when you’re traveling because timetables and access can change. This site is a great guide for all your transportation needs!

Parking and Access

The road leading to Lago di Braies is closed to private vehicles from 9 AM to 4 PM between mid-July and mid-September. To avoid restrictions, plan to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Alternatively, use public transportation or pre-book parking at P4. 

During the off-season, such restrictions do not apply.

There are three large parking areas near the lake. However, during peak hours (9:30 AM onward), you must pre-book parking at least a day in advance. Same-day bookings are typically not allowed. There is an additional fourth parking lot as well, but it’s 5.5 km (3.4 miles) away from Lago di Braies. They offer a shuttle service, but I’d try to park in one of the other parking lots if possible for convenience.

If you’re staying at the Lago di Braies Hotel, you’ll have unrestricted access to the lake area, even during road closure times.

Best Time to Elope in Lago di Braies

The best time to elope at Lago di Braies depends on the kind of atmosphere you’re looking for. Each season has pros and cons. No matter the season, weather in the mountain areas and outdoors can change quickly, so always bring layers and appropriate footwear for the potentially muddy and uneven trails!

The lake normally begins to thaw after freezing over in the winter, sometime around April. The area is beautiful in spring, with some peaks still being covered with snow, and it’s a bit less busy than in summertime. However, some trails may still be inaccessible. Also, the water levels are often low until mid-May, meaning you’ll likely not be able to rent a boat since the boathouse doesn’t usually open until closer to June.

Summer is the absolute peak tourist season. The weather is warm, and the days are long, perfect for hiking, renting rowboats, and exploring the area. However, crowds are at their highest, therefore, you need to plan for the driving restrictions and come here for sunrise for the most privacy.

The fall colors, combined with the lake views, are absolutely stunning! The weather gets a bit cooler, and the crowds are fewer, which is nice. However, the water levels start dropping again, so you may not get to experience the lake at its fullest glory.

During winter, the lake freezes over, and snow covers the landscape, creating a postcard-worthy backdrops for your elopement. While temperatures can drop below freezing, it is nice and quiet! The downside is that there will be fewer things to do. Some trails, like the east side of the lake, will likely be closed, and the boathouse will also be closed until reopening again in May/June.

Where to Get Married in Lago di Braies

There are many amazing spots around Lago di Braies for your elopement. You could:

• exchange your vows on the iconic wooden dock that stretches into the lake with the mountains as your backdrop,
  
• explore one of the hiking trails in the area and find a secluded spot along the way for your ceremony,
  
• rent one of the wooden rowboats for a truly unique and romantic elopement setting.
  

For an all-inclusive experience, consider the Boathouse Elopement Package offered by La Palafitta. This package includes exclusive use of the boathouse, stunning lake views, and a tailored setup to make your day magical. It costs EUR 380 for 1.5 hours, and it’s a nice way to get a guaranteed time and place for your day. Learn more about the package here.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of accommodation options near Lago di Braies to make your elopement experience even more special. 

Lago di Braies Hotel: Stay right on the lake for unparalleled views and easy access. Many rooms feature private balconies overlooking the water, offering the perfect spot for quiet moments together. This is also a great way to get to the lake early before crowds arrive!

You could also stay in the nearby towns. Ortisei is perfect if you’re looking to explore more of the Dolomites, being close to famous hikes like Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.

San Candido is a charming town with plenty of accommodations a short drive from the lake. It has a cozy village vibe, and it’s a great base for exploring the eastern Dolomites. 

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, stay in smaller towns outside the main tourist spots. Just make sure your accommodation has food options if you’re visiting in the off-season, as some places have limited options and even close up during the off-peak seasons.

How to Get Legally Married Here

If you’re planning a destination wedding, getting legally married in Italy involves navigating some bureaucratic processes. I highly recommend getting legally married at home and having a symbolic ceremony and vow exchange at Lago di Braies. This will make things simple and stress-free for you! 

However, if you’d like to get legally married in Italy, check out the information from the U.S. embassy here.

Elopement Activities

An elopement day is not about how much time you spend in front of the camera. It’s about the full-day elopement experience you create to cherish and remember forever. Filling your day with things you love to do will make it THAT much more meaningful.

On your elopement day, I am your guide, coordinator, friend, and, of course, photographer. Together, we get to run around and explore the beautiful locations you have chosen, creating personal moments and memories, catching a break, and, yes—time for posing and getting those amazing shots.

There are activities you can do in the Lago di Braies area, but consider extending your celebration and getaway over several days to enjoy everything the Dolomites and Italy have to offer!

• Go hiking in the area. There are plenty of hikes of different difficulty levels here – something for everyone!
• Rent a boat!
• Consider nearby Lago di Landro for a quieter option, where fewer tourists stop for extended visits.
• Explore romantic locations via cable cars in Cortina d’Ampezzo, such as Tofana, featuring panoramic terraces.
• Enjoy a picnic with a view.
• First Dance.
• Cake cutting/eating dessert.
• Reading letters from friends and family.
• and so much more…

Extend Your Stay

Lago di Braies is stunning on its own, and you can easily spend all your time in the area, hiking the trails and taking in the views. But if you’re up for traveling the area some more, here are some ideas!

In the Dolomites

• Seceda Ridgeline
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo
• Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)
• Val di Funes
• Cortina d’Ampezzo

Larger Cities in Northern Italy

• Bolzano (Bozen)
• Trento
• Verona
• Venice

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Lago di Braies?

On average, couples spend between $5,000 and $25,000 on a Lago di Braies elopement, depending on their preferences and priorities. Your elopement day can be tailored to suit your needs and budget, but these are some common expenses to consider:

• Travel costs: flights to Italy, rental cars, and local transportation can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per couple, depending on the season and departure location.
  
• Accommodation: Prices for stays near Lago di Braies range from $150 to $500 per night, depending on the season, level of luxury, and proximity to the lake.
  
• Photographer and Videographer: Professional elopement packages often start at $3,000 and can go up to $10,000 or more for multi-day coverage.
  
• Other Expenses: Include meals, activities, attire, and optional extras like a boat rental ($50 to $100) or local guide services.

My Lago di Braies Elopement Packages

Hi! I’m Christina, your Northern California and beyond adventure elopement photographer. Planning, traveling, and finding beautiful locations and experiences are my jam. Helping you create and document the celebration of a lifetime brings me the utmost joy! I want you to make the most amazing memories and have stunning photos that you can share with all of your loved ones. This is a day where you get to look back and say, “Wow, we did that!” My Lago di Braies elopement packages offer a half-, full-–, or multi-day experience! I offer a ton of flexibility in designing our time together and would love to get to know you more to help you plan! To learn more, head over to my contact form, and we can get together on a call!

Offered throughout every Lago di Braies elopement package:

• Help you hand pick a location
• Provide resources and custom location guides on lodging, activities, and the best places to indulge in delicious foods.
• Scout locations with boots on the ground to find the best places and lighting for your ceremony and photos
• Secure the right location permits to make sure your wedding is legal!
• Recommend vetted vendors to help make your dream of a day come true. 
• Create your custom timeline (there are 2-3 options to choose from!) with room to breathe and enjoy your day.
• Deliver a joyful experience along with swoon-worthy photos in your own online gallery!
• Have a backup plan for it all!
• Deliver sneak peeks within 72 hours and a full wedding gallery within 6 weeks! 
• Provide a Fine Art Wedding Album design for you to print and hold onto your photos to thumb through for years to come.