Lake Como is a sight to behold. Resting at the bottom of the Alps, Italy’s third-largest lake covers 146 square kilometers of sun-drenched mountainous terrain. It is surrounded by exquisite natural beauty and the pinnacle of human architecture. It’s clear why generations of the affluent and wealthy have been drawn to this destination, from aristocrats to modern-day celebrities, including Madonna and George Clooney.

Most people spend a few days here as tourists, passing by, and dreaming of the good life. However, if you’re one of the lucky couples able to make this in-demand hotspot the background to your most cherished memories by having a Lake Como destination wedding, you’ve come to the right place. As a wedding photographer here, I’ve worked with many couples who chose this Italian masterpiece as their destination.

From the practicalities to insider tips and a selection of stand-out venues, this Lake Como wedding guide contains all you need to know. The day will be a celebration amplified by the venue's breathtaking beauty — and your wedding photos will capture it all with editorial flare. Ready to start planning your ceremony of luxury? Read on.

How To Plan A Destination Wedding In Lake Como

All along the perimeter of Lake Como are villages and towns — including Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzina, and Lecco — each containing an abundance of options. There are luxury villas, beaches, hiking trails, and plenty of activities to enjoy on the water. Depending on where you’re traveling from, you’ll want to make the most of your time in the region, and you won’t feel a second is wasted.

Lake Como is situated in Lombardy, in Northwest Italy. It’s accessible by trains, buses, and ferries that regularly make the scenic journey across the lake. There are shuttle services to Lake Como from Milan’s airports, making it highly accessible. Depending on group size, you shouldn’t have any issues booking accommodation, either within your chosen location or elsewhere.

When it comes to what you need to know before planning your Lake Como destination wedding, all the usual plans have to be taken care of. You’ll need to check the availability of your chosen location, find places matching your budget (expect anything between 30,000-100,000 Euros or more), consider the number of guests, and arrange wedding planning from photographs to outfits. If you’re planning a Lake Como destination wedding and arriving from further afield, there are a few extra steps to be aware of.

What Do Foreigners Need To Get Married In Lake Como?

You’ll need evidence that you’re legally free to marry, either a Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment) or a statutory declaration sworn before a consular office. You and your partner will need birth certificates and passports. All the required documentation can be submitted in your home country, via your nearest Italian Consulate, and it's advisable to have a translator if you don’t speak Italian. 

If you can’t obtain a Certificate of No Impediment, you may have to take a sworn declaration before the Italian consulate, known as a Dichiarazione Giurata. You’ll also need an Atto Notorio, a declaration made before two witnesses saying you’re free to many, which you can get in Italy or at the Italian consulate. And you’ll need a Declaration of Intention to Marry, submitted to the civil register.

A civil marriage is non-religious, performed by the city mayor or a civil officer, and is carried out in Italian. Religious marriages, most prominently Catholic, take place in the Church and are conducted by a Catholic Priest — they require you or your partner to be Catholic. Since 2016, Italy has offered civil unions between same-sex couples. Unlike other areas in Italy, the Diocese of Como (the religious jurisdiction) only provides traditional Catholic weddings to residents.

If you’re considering a Lake Como destination wedding and your heart is set on a Catholic celebration, you will have to look at different options. For example, the nearby Diocese of Milan allows foreigners to marry in churches. There is an option for a Protestant wedding at the Church of the Ascension in Cadenabbia located between Tremezzo and Menaggio. Or, you could choose a nearby church, followed by a dinner or reception at Lake Como.

Best Time To Get Married In Lake Como

There’s a balancing act with the timing when choosing when and how to get married in Lake Como. Some couples fall in love with a location and allow the availability of the space to dictate the timing. 

However, as a general overview, the summer is peak tourism time, and the winter sees a decrease in tourists but also feels less alive, as many businesses close. Spring or autumn are the sweet spots, as the weather is pleasant and things are a little quieter.

Best Lake Como Wedding Locations

Now the practical side is out of the way, the guide to planning your wedding in Lake Como is only complete with a breakdown of your choice of location. 

The list of venues below provide an overview of a sample of group sizes, budgets, and locations along the stretch of Lake Como. It’s inspired by time spent with couples and a personal touch of appreciating the artistic and aesthetic value of various locations.

Villa Sola

Beginning with something extra special, Villa Sola is a prime example of Lake Como’s rich historical heritage. 

With original fresco artwork, terrazzo floors maintained from the 16th century, and even a bed French revolutionary Napoleon slept in when he visited Italy, this space evokes a sense of prestige. The exclusive venue has six suits for 12 guests, with a full staff on hand including a butler, chambermaid, and chef.

Located in Tremezzina, the baroque villa is an extension of the Grand Hotel and can host around 70 guests in the garden, for symbolic and civil ceremonies. Picture an outside daytime ceremony with views of the nearby mountains, only to move into the night with celebrations suitable for royalty.

Tremezzo: Grand Hotel

Very close to Villa Sola is the Grand Hotel, which is an alternative option for your wedding ceremony. No less elegant, with rooms bursting with history and artistic genius, the five-star hotel was built in 1910 and is an ideal choice for couples looking for the traditional Italian style. 

The view of Lake Como from their terrace is up there with the best on offer, which makes for the ideal backdrop for the welcoming aperitif. Symbolic ceremonies take place outside of the hotel, and cater for between 50-70 guests.

Lake Como Villa Pliniana

Located in the province of Torno, Villa Pliniana was built in 1573, directly overlooking Lake Como and a natural spring of the same name. Not many wedding venues are so stunning they are immortalized. 

Not only did Leonardo di Vinci stay here, the poet Shelley described the “scene from the colonnade is the most extraordinary, at once and the most lovely that eye ever beheld.”

The Italian Palazzo is equipped to handle extravagant celebrations, with ballrooms and dining halls offering space for up to 200 guests, along with specialist staff to support you every step of the way. 

Its 18 suites have space for around 40 guests, and due to its exclusive location, is a particularly secluded and private setting, with boat access underneath the property, and a helipad for those who prefer to access via the sky.

Villa Balbianello

Another venue located in Tremezzina, Villa Balbianello is as exclusive as it gets and one of the most elegant Lake Como wedding venues. 

Movie fans can thrive celebrating in the same location where Casino Royale and Star Wars were filmed, which adds extra spark to accompanying wedding photos (and fun trivia!). The 18th-century mansion is a huge tourist attraction that opens the space for private events, including weddings. 

Civil or symbolic ceremonies can take place here, for up to 150 guests, and arrival by boat only makes this an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to be involved. If you don’t host your ceremony here, it’s still possible to rent the space for a few hours exclusively for photos

Villa Monastero

Villa Monastero’s botanical garden stretches over two kilometers from Varenna to Fiumelatte. Bursting with spectacular colors and contrasted with the refined architecture and the aura of the nearby lake, this is a venue designed to be captured on film. 

There are a number of areas that double as ceremonial spaces — the Botanical Garden allows you to say “I do” immediately near the water and there are inside options at the Museum House.

Relais Villa Vittoria

The boutique 19th-century hotel in Laglio has a charming and romantic feel, with its own infinity pool, wellness area, and all the top-quality service you’d expect from a four-star hotel. 

There are plenty of options for indoor or outdoor celebrations (including a lakeside view) for up to 68 guests. Any party size over 30 by default requires booking the entire villa for the duration of your stay, which is highly recommended for an intimate and personal feel. 

Villa Erba

On the Western side of Lake Comos on the shores of Cernobbio, Villa Erba is another typically striking venue, adding a touch of heritage to any modern Lake Como wedding. Built in the 18th century, the surrounding English garden is perfect for strolling hand-in-hand in the Italian sun, capturing rays and capturing photos. 

Originally a monastery, it was rebuilt in 1903 before famous architect Mario Bellini added a touch of innovation in the 1980s. There’s scope to go all-out, with a capacity of up to 300, drinking in the lavish setting which is part of Ocean's Twelve.

Villa d’Este

An option for food lovers, although all the options on this list have outstanding cuisine, capturing the authentic Italian style, Villa d’Este’s experience is next level. 

There are a number of options from fine dining to Mediterranean grilled fish and meat dishes. The five-star hotel, located near Cernobbio on the Italian and Swiss border, celebrated its 150 year anniversary in 2022, and its rooms are a reminder of the venue's rich history. 

The world-respected hotel suits group sizes from around 80, all the way to around 200. With 25 acres of parkland to explore on-site, there are also a number of ceremonial spaces. Symbolic ceremonies take place in the Mosaic Garden, framed by a Nymphaeum, an ancient Greek monument that provides an eye-catching backdrop to your wedding photos. Small or medium-sized groups also have the option of using the Terrace Mantero. 

Villa Torno

A slight change in style, Villa Torno rounds up this guide with something more modern, but no less classy. 

It’s a particularly tranquil venue, compacted into an ancient quarry that was used to build churches, palaces, and homes in years gone by. The old stone house has been renovated with minimal, high-level design, including on-site accommodation, a bio sauna, and private pool. 

This is an ideal space for smaller, intimate symbolic ceremonies in peaceful surroundings.

Looking For A Lake Como Wedding Photographer?

I see wedding photography as an artistic practice, and Lake Como is a classy environment that cultivates a high-quality, editorial feel to your photos. I’m based in Italy and specialize in wedding photography in Lake Como. 

My style is modern and elegant, with an emphasis on architecture and composition, which Lake Como is ideal for. I make sure couples I work with are relaxed, photos are unposed, and the final product is modern and refined. So if you want support in planning your special day, reach out.