Lake Braies (Lago di Braies), with its iconic turquoise water and wooden boathouse La Palafitta, is one of the most sought-after wedding and elopement locations in the Dolomites — and for good reason. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement, a symbolic ceremony at sunrise, or a small wedding surrounded by nature, Lake Braies offers a truly unforgettable setting.

One of the most common questions we receive is: How do you actually book the Boathouse at Lake Braies for a wedding?

This guide explains exactly how it works — and what to consider when planning a wedding at Lake Braies.

Lake Braies is ideal for:

• Elopements and intimate weddings

• Symbolic ceremonies

• Vow renewals

• Proposals

• Photography-focused celebrations

Due to its protected natural status and high visitor numbers, Lake Braies is not suitable for large weddings. Most ceremonies are short, intimate, and carefully coordinated — which is exactly what makes them so special.

The wooden boathouse at Lake Braies (La Palafitta) is the most iconic and requested ceremony spot. However, it is not a public wedding venue and cannot be booked freely.

Key things to know:

• The Boathouse is managed by the local authority / lake management

• Access for weddings is limited, regulated and time-restricted

• Reservations open once per year, for the 2026 season they open February 2nd at 10:00am CET

• Availability is extremely limited and sells out quickly

• Only short, symbolic ceremonies are allowed

• Professional coordination is strongly recommended

Because of these restrictions, many couples mistakenly believe the Boathouse can be booked like a normal venue — which is not the case.

Booking the Boathouse (La Palafitta) for a wedding or elopement follows a strict and regulated process. It’s not complicated — but it does require precision and timing.

Step 1: Choose your preferred date and time

Decide in advance which date you want and whether you’re aiming for sunrise, which is the most requested and exclusive time slot.

Step 2: Be ready when reservations open

All Boathouse reservations open on February 2nd at 10:00 am (CET).

Availability is extremely limited and slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Step 3: Submit the official booking request

Reservations must be made through the official system and follow specific rules.

A non-refundable payment is required to confirm the slot.

Step 4: Respect the time slot and regulations

Each booking comes with:

• a fixed time window

• strict access rules

• limitations on group size and setup

Only short, symbolic ceremonies or private shootings are permitted.

Step 5: Coordinate logistics carefully

Once the slot is confirmed, timing becomes essential. This includes:

• photographer access

• ceremony flow

• guest arrival and movement

  Everything must fit precisely within the reserved timeframe.

Step 6: Always plan a solid Plan B

Lake Braies is a natural alpine environment. Weather conditions can change quickly, so having an alternative plan is essential.

Because of the strict rules, limited availability and high demand, many couples choose to work with a local Lake Braies wedding planner like us who knows the system, the timing and the alternatives — helping avoid mistakes and ensuring the experience stays stress-free.