Lake Braies Elopement & Photoshoot: The Complete Planning Guide

Your Ultimate Guide to a Private Shoot or Elopement at Lago di Braies

Eight years ago, when almost no one in the wide world had heard of Lake Braies (Lago di Braies in Italian, Pragser Wildsee in German), I photographed my very first pre-wedding session there. Since then, I have captured dozens of couples, their pre-wedding sessions, post-wedding , honeymoon shoots, and my personal favorite — elopements — at this breathtaking lake.

Over the years, I’ve gained experience with every season, every type of light, and every weather condition. There is hardly a scenario I haven’t photographed couples in — from soft misty mornings to dramatic rainy storms and golden sunsets.

Over time, the fame of lake has completely transformed. It has become a symbol of the Dolomites, attracting hundreds of visitors daily in peak summer months. Entire tour groups arrive by coach, making daytime photography almost impossible — a true challenge for anyone trying to capture intimate moments. I would never recommend shooting there during the day in the peak season.

Fortunately, having insider knowledge of this magical location in every season, I can guide you on how to preserve intimacy, even in such a popular destination, and help you achieve fairytale, dreamlike, and breathtaking images — a true celebration of nature itself.

How to Book La Palafitta at Lago di Braies for an Engagement or Elopement Photoshoot?

Lake Braies is one of the most iconic alpine lakes in the Dolomites — and La Palafitta, the historic boathouse and wooden rowing boats, has become one of the most sought‑after backdrops for engagement sessions, elopements, first looks, or intimate ceremonies of couples from all the world.

What is La Palafitta?

La Palafitta is the traditional boathouse on Lago di Braies where guests can rent wooden rowing boats or reserve exclusive access for photos or special moments (it’s a private owner).

It’s open seasonally (typically May through October), and reservations for sunrise or private shoots are released annually.

If you already know the date you want to book your session, it's important to book as soon as possible, as dates sell out quickly. This year, the rules are have changed comparing to last years. The price has been raised, as a 1.5-hour morning slot now costs €600.

But the good news is that there are two 1.5-hour slots available to book before the Palafitta starts accepting the queue of tourists and letting them on the water.

This is the moment when the intimacy ends, the opportunity to take photos of the empty lake, just the two of you, against the backdrop of the majestic Dolomites. Then the lake is flooded with boats, and the line of people waiting to board the boats stretches all day long.

How to Reserve La Palafitta for a Photoshoot or intimate elopement?

1. Book Early

Bookings for shoots and exclusive access typically open on

February 2nd at 10:00 CET each year.

You can make your booking and see all the official rules in this link

There are usually a few types of reservations available:

Private Shooting (Exclusive Access) and this is what I highly recommend to you and how I work most often with my couples – €600 for 1.5 hours early in the morning before the public opening. You get the boathouse and two wooden boats entirely to yourselves. While we're there, no one else will be allowed in, except the Palafitta staff. No one but you and me will be able to hear you. The tourists on the shore of the lake will be too far away to disturb you or disrupt your sense of intimacy. Like that you can organize your first look, a ceremony for just the two of you, or with your closest people this way. Of course, the pier doesn't accommodate many people, so this is only a good idea for really small weddings, for a few people, certainly not for a larger group of guests.
VIP Shooting Zone – a shorter session (around 60 minutes) for €120, during normal opening times. I don't recommend this as a solution for your elopement ceremony, because it's an area and time where you'll constantly have hundreds of people staring at you. You'll have them a few meters apart, and it'll be very awkward; there'll be no privacy left. I never take photos like that, although if you can't rent an exclusive slot, it's a way to skip the boat line and take photos on the boats, sail away, and possibly have your photos taken somewhere far away from the crowds, but also far from the cottage at the other end of the lake.

Important: A photographer is not included in the reservation price, so you must bring your own professional to capture the moment.

Tips for Planning a First Look, Engagement or Elopement

Choose the Sunrise Slot

For the most magical, quiet photos, the early morning session is ideal. You’ll have soft light, serene water, and minimal crowds.

Organise Your Photographer

Since La Palafitta booking does not include a photographer, make sure to arrange your photographer well in advance.

Choose a photographer with extensive experience in this location. It's one of the most logistically complex locations for couples photography in all of Italy. Believe me! There are so many things that can go wrong when planning a session or event here that if you choose someone who doesn't know the specifics of this location, you might find yourself unable to enter the lake at all, because, for example, the police won't let you in. From the February release of Palafitta bookings to the summer parking rules, knowing how to navigate the logistics ensures a smooth and magical experience.

Alternative Options if La Palafitta Exclusive Access is Unavailable

If you are unable to secure an exclusive access slot at La Palafitta, don’t worry — reach out to me, and I can help you find other magical solutions. I know several locations around Lake Braies that remain intimate and secluded, away from the wooden house, perfect for photos without crowds.

For couples who love adventure, we can also organize a full-day elopement on the mountain above the lake — Croda del Becco (Seekofel in German 2810 meters). This is an experience only for experienced hikers: the round trip to the summit and back takes about 8 hours, not including the time for your ceremony. I’ve already photographed an elopement here, and it was truly unforgettable. Since only advanced hikers take this trail, you won’t encounter any crowds, making it a completely private and magical experience. The panoramic view from the summit is simply breathtaking.

For those who want an extended adventure, a two-day elopement experience is also possible: starting at Lake Braies for a pre-ceremony session and then ascending to Croda del Becco summit for the ceremony, spending the night in a nearby mountain hut. This option is only available during the season when the huts are open, from June to September, and creates a truly unique, immersive celebration combining the lake, mountains, and nature.

With my guidance, we can craft an experience that feels private, adventurous, and cinematic, ensuring your images are not only beautiful but also full of emotion, rich in adventures, outdoor activities and the magic of 360-degree views of the Dolomites.

Parking and Access Rules

Lake Braies is located within the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, and summer access is controlled:

July 10 – September 10: From 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, you need a parking reservation to enter by car. Book through the official parking site (pragsparking.com) to secure your spot.
Off-peak or outside restricted hours: Parking is free, but spaces can fill quickly. Early arrival is recommended.
Shuttle option: If you don’t have a reservation, park outside and take the shuttle to avoid stress.

How to Book Parking

Parking reservations can be made on the official site (pragsparking.com) if you are travelling in the restricted period
Reserved parking gives you a specific spot for the day, usually close to the lake.
Tickets are valid only for the vehicle type you selected — if you choose the wrong category, entry may be denied.

📍 During the busiest summer months, arriving very early in the morning (before the road closure times or peak crowds) greatly increases your chance of a calm, crowd‑free photoshoot.

Extra Tips for an Engagement or Elopement

Combine your Palafitta session with a walk along the lake shore for variety in your photos.
Consider a first look at the boathouse, followed by a lakeside vow reading or private moment ceremony.
Book a nearby hotel or lodge early, especially in peak season, as accommodation fills up fast ( I am very happy to recommend you the good accommodation spots).

Having photographed Lake Braies for over eight years, I can say that this is not just a backdrop, but a breathing part of your story. Each season, each hour of light, each weather condition adds a new layer to your images. When planned correctly, even a crowded tourist hotspot can feel secluded, ethereal, and timeless. With my guidance, your pre-wedding, intimate elopement will feel like a dream — a true apotheosis of nature and love.

FAQ – Lake Braies Elopement & Photoshoot

1. Do we need to know how to row in order to take photos on the boat?

Yes and no. Of course, it’s easier and more enjoyable if one of you already knows how to row. This allows you to go farther onto the lake without feeling tired and to truly experience the vastness and stillness of the place — often with no one else on the water but you. It’s an incredible feeling.

If you don’t know how to row, don’t worry. A staff member from the boathouse can give you quick instructions, and rowing is quite intuitive — even without prior experience, most couples pick it up very quickly. If you still feel uncertain, I recommend watching this short YouTube tutorial beforehand (link to a video like that)

2. Is there a hotel nearby?

Yes. For accommodation recommendations, feel free to contact me directly. I’ll suggest places that are not only convenient but also ideal for beautiful getting-ready photos. When we’re planning an elopement, I usually join you from the preparation stage, so where you stay the night before truly matters.

3. Do you help with finding a makeup artist or hairstylist?

Absolutely. I’m happy to recommend trusted local makeup artists and hairstylists who are willing to travel and work very early in the morning — even before sunrise. I also gladly recommend other vendors such as wedding planners or florists, especially if you’re planning a styled elopement or decorations.

4. Can we decorate the ceremony location with flowers?

Yes. If you book exclusive early-morning access, you can arrange floral installations or even decorate the boat itself through a local florist. I’m happy to advise you not only on trusted vendors, but also on the overall design and aesthetic to ensure everything feels harmonious and natural.

5. Can we also have video?

Yes, of course. I offer both photography and videography, so you can have your story captured in still images as well as in motion, in the same cohesive visual style.

6. Can we combine a Lake Braies elopement with a helicopter experience?

Absolutely. I can recommend reliable helicopter companies that can take us to remote, breathtaking locations. In this case, I usually suggest doing your first look and couple session at La Palafitta, followed by a helicopter flight and a ceremony in a secluded mountain location with no other tourists around. This gives you an incredible diversity of landscapes and adventures in one day.

7. What if the weather is bad?

I’ve photographed Lake Braies in many different weather conditions — and the results have always been spectacular. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and that’s simply part of the experience.

In winter (roughly from November to April), the lake is frozen and covered in snow. The boathouse is closed, there are no boats, and the turquoise water is not visible. Winter sessions have their own magical atmosphere, but they look completely different from summer or autumn.

In other seasons, you never know whether the day will be sunny or cloudy. Personally, I find Lake Braies incredibly beautiful even in dense fog, rain, or dramatic weather. Some of the most powerful sessions I’ve ever photographed happened in rain — as long as the couple stays open-minded and present in the moment.

Of course, I love this place in autumn during the foliage season. And here's a warning: don't expect foliage in the Dolomites in September. In fact, the true autumn colors start to show at the end of October.

No matter the conditions, I always give my absolute best to create beautiful, emotional images in every scenario.