Some couples come to Lake Como with a difficult choice: which iconic villa will be the backdrop for their story? Tannaz and David answered that question with a beautiful sense of adventure. They chose not one, but two of the lake’s most celebrated locations for a day that felt like a grand, romantic tour of everything Como has to offer. Their day was a testament to the idea that an elopement can be both an intimate ceremony and an incredible adventure.
It began with the quiet anticipation at Hotel Musa, the sound of water lapping against the shore just outside. From there, their story unfolded across the lake, moving from the dramatic architecture of Villa del Balbianello to the lush, botanical pathways of Villa Monastero, all connected by a private Riva boat that cut across the water.
An Experience Across Two Villas
Villa del Balbianello is a place of grandeur. Accessible only by boat or a private path, its famous loggia with its wisteria-draped columns offers a feeling of complete seclusion from the world. It requires precision to plan a ceremony here, coordinating boat arrivals and entry to ensure privacy. The light plays off the stone arches in a way that creates deep, editorial shadows, perfect for dramatic, heirloom portraits. It’s a location that commands attention.
Villa Monastero, by contrast, offers a different kind of romance. Its long, terraced botanical garden stretches along the waterfront in Varenna, filled with color and the scent of blooming azaleas.
The experience here is about wandering together down hidden paths and finding quiet moments among the cypress trees and classical statues. It provides a softer, more playful counterpoint to Balbianello’s powerful presence, giving a final gallery an incredible range of emotion and scenery.
Our Favorite Moment
For us, the most satisfying part of the day was the transition between the two villas. Watching the Riva boat arrive at the Balbianello dock, perfectly on schedule, to whisk Tannaz and David across the lake to Varenna is where our work feels most rewarding.
Managing the logistics of a multi-location elopement, from the boat captain to the villa permits, creates an enjoyably simple experience for the couple. They simply step off one private dock and onto another. They are free to be present with each other, soaking in the view of the dramatic Alps from the water, while we handle every detail in the background.
The day ended back at Hotel Musa, with an intimate dinner by the lake for their closest family. It was the perfect, quiet end to a grand day, a reminder that even the most adventurous elopement is, at its heart, about two people and the beginning of their personal story.
Create Your Own Italian Elopement Story
Your elopement should be a true reflection of you. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony in one perfect spot or a grand adventure across the lake, we are here to create a day that is personal, relaxed, and truly yours.
