Choosing to elope in Lake Como means embracing a world of timeless elegance, dramatic landscapes, and unparalleled luxury. It’s where majestic alpine scenery meets the serene beauty of one of Italy’s most iconic lakes.
As seasoned planners and photographers in Italy, we have extensive experience creating flawless elopements in this unique region. We designed this guide to provide you with clear, practical advice for planning your unforgettable day on Lake Como.
Why Choose Lake Como for Your Elopement?
Couples are drawn to Lake Como for its sophisticated glamour and breathtaking scenery. It offers a very different atmosphere from the rustic charm of Tuscany or the sun-drenched coast of Amalfi.
- Dramatic, Elegant Scenery: The visual experience is defined by the deep blue waters of the lake set against the backdrop of the soaring Alps. This combination of water and mountains creates a sense of grandeur and romance that is unique to this region.
- World-Class Luxury & Exclusivity: Lake Como is home to some of the world’s most famous and luxurious villas and 5-star hotels. It is the destination for couples seeking a high-end, exclusive, and impeccably serviced elopement experience.
- The Iconic Riva Boat Experience: A quintessential part of any Lake Como wedding is a tour on a classic wooden Riva boat. It’s not just transportation; it’s a glamorous and unforgettable experience that provides stunning photo opportunities from the water. A boat ride is imperative to capture the true essence of the lake. For the full lifestyle experience, a Riva is a must. There are only a few providers, and they get booked very quickly, which is something we handle early in the planning process.
- A Touch of Glamour (and Tourists): Lake Como is a world-renowned destination. While this adds to the vibrant and glamorous atmosphere, it’s important to know that you will likely share the general area with other visitors. It’s perfect for couples who enjoy a lively, sophisticated ambiance but less so for those seeking total seclusion.
Best Places to Elope in Lake Como
Lake Como’s venues are legendary. We help you select a location that delivers the luxurious and scenic experience the lake is famous for.
- The Grand Historic Villas: Lake Como is defined by its opulent lakeside villas. Venues like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero are not just wedding locations; they are iconic landmarks offering breathtaking gardens, intricate architecture, and exclusive access to the lake.
- You can see an example of this in our Villa del Balbianello elopement package.
- Luxury 5-Star Hotels: For a seamless experience combining stunning views with world-class hospitality, a luxury hotel is an excellent choice. Properties like Passalacqua or Grand Hotel Tremezzo offer impeccable service, gourmet dining, and private terraces overlooking the water.
- Explore the experience of a luxury hotel elopement package.
- Charming Lakeside Towns: For a more intimate feel, a ceremony in a picturesque town like Varenna or Bellagio can be beautiful. This often involves a ceremony in a municipal villa followed by a boat tour and dinner at a high-end local restaurant.
- Capturing the unique charm of these towns is a key part of our work as a Lake Como elopement photographer.
The Best Time of Year to Elope in Lake Como
The season dramatically affects the atmosphere and accessibility of Lake Como.
- Spring (Late April-May): This is a beautiful time, as the famous azaleas and rhododendrons in the villa gardens are in full bloom. The weather is pleasant, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived.
- Summer (June-August): The most popular season, offering warm weather perfect for boat tours and lakeside dining. Be prepared for it to be very busy with tourists.
- Autumn (September-October): Similar to spring, this season offers beautiful scenery, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds than the summer peak. The autumn light can be particularly soft and beautiful on the lake.
- Winter (November-March): Many villas and hotels close during the winter season. While a winter elopement is possible, options are limited, and the weather can be cold and foggy.
Insider Tips for a Flawless Lake Como Elopement
As experts in this region, we know the small details that make a big difference.
- Stay Near Your Venue: Most of the famous elopement venues are located on the western shores of the lake, so this is often the side you will choose for your accommodation. We strongly recommend staying close to your ceremony location to keep transfers short and stress-free. After having your hair and makeup freshly done, a 15-minute gentle cruise to your venue is perfect for photos and ensures you arrive looking flawless.
- Understanding the Weather & Light: The weather on the lake can be unpredictable in any month and can change very quickly due to the surrounding mountains. It’s wise to have a backup plan for rain. Furthermore, there are very few locations on the lake where you can see a true sunset, as the sun often dips behind the hills earlier in the day. We know the specific locations on the eastern shore or the southern end of the lake that catch the beautiful golden hour light later in the day, and we plan your timeline accordingly to make the most of it.
- Book Everything in Advance: Lake Como is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Key venues, Riva boats, and the best accommodations are often booked more than a year in advance. Early planning is essential.
- Arranging Private Dinners: Securing a truly private and romantic dinner on the lake can be challenging due venue restrictions. We have cultivated relationships with exclusive venues and their restaurants to create some solutions for you.
Getting to Lake Como & A Sample Itinerary
Lake Como is located in Northern Italy, making it easily accessible from Milan.
Most of our international clients fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP). From the airport, it’s about a 1-1.5 hour drive to the central lake area. We highly recommend arranging for a private driver, as navigating the narrow lakeside roads can be challenging.
Here is a sample itinerary for your arrival and elopement:
- Day 1: Arrival in Como. Arrive at your hotel, check in, and enjoy a welcome aperitivo overlooking the lake as you settle in.
- Day 2: Your Elopement Day. After a relaxed morning, we begin with preparations for your afternoon ceremony. This is followed by your iconic Riva boat tour for photos and a private dinner at your hotel or a lakeside restaurant.
- Day 3: Explore or Depart. Wake up as a married couple and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. You can choose to spend a few more days exploring the charming towns around the lake or continue your honeymoon to other destinations like Venice or the Swiss Alps.
A Sample Lake Como Elopement Timeline
This sample timeline is structured to capture the best light and the quintessential Lake Como experience.
- 2:00 PM: We begin by photographing the location, lake views, and architectural details.
- 2:45 PM: We capture your personal details: the dress, rings, etc.
- 3:30 PM: Groom’s getting-ready session and portraits.
- 4:15 PM: Bride’s getting-ready session and portraits.
- 5:30 PM: Your ceremony begins.
- 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM: Celebratory toast followed by your private Riva boat tour for your couple’s portrait session on the water during the golden hour.
- 7:30 PM: We photograph your romantic dinner setup before leaving you to enjoy your private evening.
This is a flexible starting point. We build a custom timeline for every couple as part of our simple planning process.
Logistics & Legalities
We manage the planning and coordination to ensure your day is seamless.
- Ceremony Type: You can choose between a symbolic ceremony or a legally binding civil ceremony, which can be held in several stunning town halls or licensed villas.
- For a complete overview, please read our guide on how to get married in Italy legally.
- Our All-Inclusive Approach: Our service is designed to handle all vendor coordination, timelines, and logistics, giving you peace of mind.
- You can see what’s included in our all-inclusive packages to learn more.
Ready to create your own elegant love story on the shores of Lake Como? Let’s connect on a free video call to discuss your vision.
