Top Lake Como Wedding Venues & Vendors For Your Italy Destination Wedding + Planning Tips
Guide To Planning Your Lake Como Destination Wedding, From a Destination Wedding Photographer
Lake Como has become a top choice for destination weddings in Italy. The views in Lake Como are INCREDIBLE. If you are planning a destination wedding and looking for the perfect venue in Lake Como, I encourage you to read this blog post highlighting venues, planning tips, and top wedding vendors in Lake Como - curated by a Lake Como & destination wedding photographer!
With Lake Como’s views, historic landmarks, and luxury villas, it's not a suprise that Lake Como has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe. There are some seriously incredible Lake Como wedding venues that will leave you feeling like you are in a DREAM on your wedding day. As a Lake Como destination wedding photographer, I love to research stunning wedding venues and share my tips with you! I’ve put together some of the most beautiful venues I could find from - a photographer’s point of view, accompanied by my top tips for planning your destination wedding! And of course - when you are looking for a documentary-style wedding photographer to capture those fleeting & intimate moments in a nostalgic way, you can view more of my work and contact me!
Old Westbury Gardens
The History and Breathtaking Views of Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como, located in the Lombardy region of Italy, is a destination that has captivated travelers for centuries. The history of this stunning lake stretches back thousands of years, and its breathtaking views continue to draw in 1.4 million visitors per year, to this day. Beyond its rich history and architectural beauty, Lake Como is celebrated for its insanely gorgeous scenery.
Best Month To Plan A Destination Italy Wedding
May and September are the most popular months to have your Lake Como wedding. June, July and August are also a great choice as they guarantee more sunshine and less chance of rain. If you don't mind the higher temperatures, then these are perfect options. May is a good month with moderate temperatures (highs of 66 fahrenheit and lows of 54 fahrenheit) and cheaper flights (average $700 round trip per person).
June, July and August have flights averaging $900-1,000 round trip per person and temperature highs of up to 79 degrees fahrenheit.
June temperature highs/lows: 73°/60°
July temperature highs/lows: 79°/65°
August temperature highs/lows: 77°/64°
Temperatures and flight prices do drop a bit in September, back down to an average of $700 round trip per person, with highs of 70 degrees and low of 59 degrees fahrenheit.
pictured left & right: Italian-inspired shoot and elopements
Travel Planning For Your Lake Como Wedding
The best airport to fly into for Lake Como is the Milano-Malpensa Airport. The top-rated airlines to fly to Italy include Delta, Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France! My personal favorite is always Delta, no matter the destination - I always choose them when possible! Never once have I had a bad experience with Delta.
The Importance Of A Similar Photo & Video Team
When wedding planning, it is so important to hire a photographer and videographer whose style compliments each other. That’s why I offer recommendations for incredible videographers to all of my clients that I can vouch for. We work perfectly together, and all of our wedding days run smooth. The final delivery of your gallery and films reflect your true, candid, authentic self.
One of my top recommendations is MC Visuals!
Finding The Perfect Planner
If you are having a destination wedding in Lake Como, a planner is pretty much a MUST have! With so many moving parts, it’s important to have someone on your side who has experience planning a destination wedding. My personal recommendation is Events by Kate! She has experience planning destination weddings, and she also had her own destination wedding in Greece!
Hiring a wedding planner for your destination wedding can be a game-changer! Firstly, a professional planner with expertise in destination weddings will alleviate the burden of organizing and coordinating every vendor. They have a network of vendors, allowing them to curate exceptional services catered specifically to your needs. A planner can also guide you through the legal requirements and paperwork unique to your chosen location, ensuring a smooth process. They work with you to create a customized timeline and budget, taking into account your vision, and the things you value most. With their experience and knowledge, a wedding planner can handle any unexpected challenges that may come up, allowing you to enjoy your wedding day to the fullest.
If you are feeling the overwhelm in planning your Lake Como wedding - I wrote a guide on how to plan a destination wedding which you may find helpful!
Documentary & Editorial Style Wedding Photography
If you are having a destination wedding in Lake Como, I highly recommend choosing a documentary style wedding photographer who offers a mix of editorial & natural posing. When the night is over, your wedding photos are the only tangible piece of your wedding memories that you will have left. Hire someone who will provide you with photographs that invoke a feeling of nostalgia.
Documentary style photographers excel at weaving a visual narrative that tells the story of the wedding - from the tender exchanges between the couple to the candid interactions with family and friends. By observing and capturing real emotions and unscripted moments, documentary photographers bring a sense of realism and depth to their work. The resulting images are not only stunning but also serve as timeless reminders of the joy, laughter, and love that transpired on the wedding day.
My personal approach as a destination wedding photographer is documentary-style & intentional.
I absolutely guide, pose and prompt you through portraits with an editorial touch, but I allow intimate moments to happen naturally and organically, without interference - capturing your wedding day in an honest way. My signature editing style is bold, romantic, and true to color, with consistent luxurious tones. A little bit of grain, and a whole lot of detail.
If you are finding this blog helpful and feel connected to my photography - feel free to browse some more and inquire for your Lake Como wedding here! Read on to discover some dream destination wedding venues Lake Como, Italy.
Top Lake Como Destination Wedding Venues
photo provided by google
VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO
Villa del Balbianello is a stunning villa located in the quaint Italian town of Lake Como. Built-in 1568 by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, this villa has been a popular destination for those seeking a luxurious and romantic wedding venue. It boasts breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding mountains.
The villa has a rich history, having been home to several notable families throughout the centuries.
Today, Villa del Balbianello is renowned as one of Lake Como’s most prestigious wedding venues. It offers stunning outdoor spaces, perfect for ceremonies and receptions, along with exquisitely decorated interiors and elegant halls for dinners and dances. The grounds are beautifully maintained and the staff is friendly and accommodating. If you’re looking for a truly magical venue for your destination wedding, Villa del Balbianello is a perfect choice.
For guests counts of 50 or under (including you and your spouse) your wedding can take place while the Villa is open to the public, which is less expensive than having exclusive use. For guest counts higher than 50 (including you and your spouse), ceremonies are only allowed when the Villa is closed to public.
photo provided by google
VILLA PIZZO
Villa Pizzo is a stunning 15th-century villa located in the picturesque Lake Como region of Italy. This historic venue is situated in the charming village of Rovenna. On July 9, 1435, Giovanni Muggiasca, a merchant of Como, acquired the vast land that was rich in vineyards and olive groves, not far from town, stretching from the shore of the lake till the peak of the hills, crossing Via Regina, the main road serving the entire Lake Como.
The villa is surrounded by lush greenery and impressive architecture that will be sure to impress your guests. The outdoor ceremony space is right along the water with stunning views of Lake Como. There is a stunning outdoor reception space among the greenery as well as an indoor gala room lined with 15th-century art.
photo provided by google
VILLA REGINA TEODOLINDA
Villa Regina Teodolinda is a stunning venue located in the charming town of Laglio, Italy - and it was once home to an actual Royal Wedding - that of Queen Teodolinda. It is situated on the shoreline of Lake Como, surrounded by picturesque Italian gardens and breathtaking views of the lake and nearby mountains. The villa dates back to the 17th century and was once owned by the noble families of Como. It has been carefully restored and now serves as a luxurious and unique wedding destination for couples seeking a beautiful Italian setting.
The estate includes lush gardens, as well as a dock and beach area where guests can take a dip in the lake or pool.
photo provided by google
VILLA BONOMI
Set on the lakefront of beautiful Lake Como, Italy, Villa Bonomi is a stunningly romantic wedding venue with a long and rich history. Dating back to the mid-1800s, this exquisite villa has been owned by some of the most influential families in Italian history.
Today, Villa Bonomi is a luxurious destination for couples planning their special day. With its sprawling gardens and magnificent views of the lake, it is an ideal spot for an outdoor wedding ceremony. There are also several indoor spaces to choose from.
photo provided by google
VILLA SOLA CABIATI
Villa Sola Cabiati is a breathtaking villa that sits on the banks of Lake Como, Italy. It is a luxurious and historic building that dates back to the late 17th century. The villa has been lovingly maintained over the centuries, and it offers an elegant and luxurious atmosphere for any special event.
The villa’s grounds are composed of lush lawns and gardens, offering beautiful views of the lake and mountains. Inside, there is a grand marble staircase, exquisite antiques, frescoes and artwork, and several beautifully appointed bedrooms.
pictured left: private estate wedding in NY - right: elopement at the Vanderbilt
Top Florist For a Lake Como Destination Wedding
Lada Fiori is a top-rated florist in Lake Como! Featured in Vogue, the craftsmanship of their floral pieces is truly incredible, and you can simply see the care they take into creating masterpieces for each of their wedding couples! With experience working at many of the wedding venues mentioned on this list, you can rest assured that Lada Fiori will deliver incredible work.
Makeup & Hairstylist for your Lake Como Wedding
Samantha Pretto is a top-rated hair stylist and makeup artist with 20 years of experience, servicing Lake Como, Italy! With 72 5-star google reviews, you know she is a vendor to be trusted. Her work is truly incredible and has been featured in Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, Green Wedding Shoes, Harpers Bazaar & Brides!
The Perfect Wedding Destination
Lake Como's history and breathtaking views have cemented its status as a timeless destination. Its allure has attracted artists, writers, and discerning travelers for centuries, and it continues to captivate all who visit today. Whether one is drawn to its historical sites, architectural wonders, or natural landscapes, Lake Como never fails to leave a lasting impression of beauty and tranquility.
Visitors to Lake Como can enjoy many outdoor activities. From leisurely boat rides to exhilarating water sports, the lake offers a playground for adventurers of all kinds. The surrounding hiking trails lead to panoramic viewpoints, granting visitors the opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking vistas from above.
The best part about planning a destination wedding to Lake Como, is that the options for honeymooning are endless. You can choose to stay in Lake Como, visit one of the many other stunning regions of Italy, including: Rome, Portofino, Milan - or even take a short flight to other European destinations!
The mountains surrounding Lake Como exude a majestic and serene beauty that captivates all who behold them. Their towering peaks, shrouded in mist at dawn, create a breathtaking backdrop to the sparkling waters below. As the day progresses, the ever-changing light plays tricks on the landscape, casting shadows and highlights that dance across the rugged terrain. The verdant slopes are adorned with charming villages and terraced vineyards, adding a touch of human influence to the untamed natural beauty. Whether blanketed in snow in the winter or bathed in golden hues in the summer, the mountainscapes of Lake Como never fail to inspire awe and wonder in all who gaze upon them.
If you are looking for a destination Lake Como wedding photographer who shoots in a documentary style way, capturing all of the in between moments and editorial portraits - you can view my work and then contact me here!
Let’s document those fleeting moments and memories in a nostalgic and story-telling way, together.
