Lago Di Braies, Dolomites Elopement Photographer

A Wedding Photographer’s Guide to the perfect elopement in the dolomites, featuring Lago di Braies and Cadini di Misurina Mountain range

Dreaming of a romantic, intimate adventure for your special day? An elopement in the Dolomites might just be the perfect choice. Nestled in northern Italy, this breathtaking region is renowned for its incredible mountainous landscapes and serene, crystal-clear lakes. As a destination wedding and elopement photographer, it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve had the privilege of photographing and I’m here to share why the Dolomites should be at the top of your elopement wish list!

WHY ELOPE TO THE DOLOMITES?

Choosing between eloping vs planning a traditional wedding can be a tough choice. There’s always going to be pro’s and con’s, but here are a few reasons why an elopement in the Dolomites could be the perfect choice for you..

1. Stunning Natural Beauty: The Dolomites boasts some of the most dramatic and breathtaking landscapes in the world. Your wedding photos will be truly unique!

2. Seclusion and Intimacy: Focus entirely on each other without worrying about anyone else. You can still opt to have a beautiful ceremony, write personal vows and exchange rings, just away from the distractions and expectations of a traditional wedding.

3. Adventure and Spontaneity: The region provides endless opportunities for adventurous couples. If you’re craving more than just the vows, the Dolomites is the perfect place to combine your wedding celebrations with a love for hiking, exploration and the great outdoors.

4. Affordability: Eloping is much more affordable than a traditional wedding and the Dolomites is surprisingly affordable!

5. Stress-Free Planning: Eloping means less time spent on logistics, letting you relax and enjoy each moment. Craft your trip exactly how you want it and you can start your honeymoon straight after!

Sound appealing? Below I share two incredibly beautiful & affordable locations to consider.

Lago Di Braies

Lago di Braies - An intimate ceremony & romantic boat ride

Lago di Braies is one of the Dolomites’ most stunning and sought-after destinations. This picturesque alpine lake is famous for its emerald-green waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and charming wooden rowing boats. Incredibly, it’s available for private hire at sunrise and, believe me, it’s well worth it to have this breathtaking location all to yourself. It’s perfect for an intimate ceremony, with just the two of your or a small number of guests too. Afterwards enjoy a romantic boat ride in one of the beautiful wooden rowing boats for postcard-perfect portraits.

Lago di Braies - Cost & Logistics

Lago di Braies is very easily accessible and just a short walk from a large car park. For this reason, it attracts thousands of visitors daily and I would not advise a photoshoot at the peak of the day. Private hire at sunrise is definitely your best option. It is also incredibly reasonable and for just 450 Euros you get the whole place to yourself for 1.5 hours. It’s important to note that boats can only be rented from May to October, as the lake regularly freezes over winter.

Cadini di Misurina

Cadini di Misurina - A mountain hike for adventurous couples

If you’re an adventurous couple who loves the idea of hiking with your wedding attire in tow, a sunrise trek might be just the thing for you! My top recommendation for location has to be Cadini di Misurina in the Tre Cime National Park. Cadini di Misurina is a stunning mountain range, known for its jagged peaks and dramatic landscapes. With a little hiking, you are rewarded with the most stunning 360° panoramic views, where mountains surround you in every direction. It’s the most incredible location for wedding portraits,

Cadini di Misurina mountains - Cost & Logistics

To access the Cadini di Misurina trailhead, I recommend driving to Rifugio Auronzo, where a 30 Euro parking fee provides easy access to the National Park. The hike itself is very accessible, taking less than an hour to reach the most famous spot in the Cadini di Misurina range. As this is a popular tourist attraction, climbers often queue for photos during the day. To avoid the crowds and capture the best light, I strongly recommend hiking at sunrise. I also recommend keeping your wedding dress in a bag and doing a quick change once we get there. I promise it’ll be worth it for the photos!

Planning tips

Are you convinced? if so, here are my top tips for perfect photos, straight from a dolomites elopement photographer:

1. Time of Year: The best time to visit is from late May-June or September-October. This is ‘shoulder season’, avoiding the peak crowds of July and August, which are the busiest. Winter brings much colder temperatures, and the lakes often freeze over with boats being stored away.

2. Time of Day: Sunrise and sunset are always going to be the best part of the day for photography. This is when the light is most beautiful and conveniently, sunrise is when these popular locations will be quietest. Always avoid the peak of the day!

3. Flights, Transport & Hotels: For international travel, I recommend looking at flights into Bolzano, Innsbruck, Treviso or Venice Marco Polo Airport and hiring a car from there. There are plenty of local hotels to choose from. Since your photos will likely start early, it’s a good idea to avoid long drives on those days, as they could add unnecessary time to your itinerary.

4. Pack appropriately: If your going hiking, make sure you have sensible shoes (walking boots). The weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared for sudden changes with layers, rain gear, and sun protection. Also, keep your dress safe in a bag and plan a quick change after the initial hike.

5. Choose a Photographer Who Shares Your Excitement: Work with a photographer who is passionate about your vision and eager to be part of your journey. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time together, make sure they’ll enhance your experience and bring positive energy to the day.

If you’re looking for a Dolomites elopement photographer, I’d love to chat to you to see if I might be the right person for you…