Planning a wedding abroad isn’t for the faint of heart. But with the help of a planner, the experience can go from hectic and stressful to worry-free and fun! If you’re envisioning a destination wedding in Italy, we can’t recommend Lake Como enough. This world-renowned escape nestles at the foot of the Alps and features dramatic mountain vistas, Old World architecture, and of course, the sparkling blue lake! We can’t imagine a more beautiful place to tie the knot.
You’ll want to book your venue first for your Lake Como wedding. This way, your date will be set in stone, and you can move on to hiring a planner (like us!). But if you’re traveling from the States or elsewhere in Europe, you may not know the first thing about wedding venues in Lake Como. We’re here to help! We’ve gathered five of our favorites that are perfect for a destination wedding. You’ll be saying “I do” amid the dazzling scenery of North Italy in no time!
Villa del Balbianello
From its vantage point on the tip of the Lavedo headland, this villa provides a stunning view of Isola Comacina (Lake Como’s only island!) and the lake’s western shore. The complex consists of two residential buildings, a church, and a portico overlooking a small dock. Say “yes” to the love of your life in the spectacular gardens, then head indoors for a private dining experience with up to 150 guests!
This venue is iconic and has been featured in numerous films, including Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. You’ll feel like a Hollywood star as you walk down the aisle amid scenery worthy of the silver screen!
It’s important to note that the villa is inaccessible by car or bus. To reach this secluded oasis, you’ll need to travel by taxi boat.
Villa Erba
Villa Erba is one of the most sought-after venues on Lake Como due to its appearance in Ocean’s Twelve! Located in the stylish village of Cernobbio, it also boasts accessibility. Your guests can lodge in one of the villa’s impeccably decorated suites and spend their free time shopping and dining in the town or hiking in the surrounding mountains.
At this lakefront venue, you have indoor and outdoor ceremony locations to choose from—but our favorite is the ancient boat house! Up to 200 guests may join you for a ceremony in this location, while the dining room can accommodate up to 300 guests for your reception. Dine on delicious Northern Italian cuisine by candlelight, then head to the cathedral hall to dance the night away surrounded by centuries-old stone architecture!
Villa D’Este
This venue boasts ample accommodations split between two historic mansions, so all your guests can stay on-site! One dates back to the 16th century and was the residence of royalty until the 19th century, when the villa was converted into the 5-star resort it is today. The other is named for the Queen of England, and each room is uniquely themed and decorated!
A 25-acre park in the style of an English garden is the crowning jewel of this venue. Stroll the secluded paths with your partner and photographer for jaw-droppingly gorgeous portraits. You can even host your ceremony here!
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
This luxurious 5-star hotel venue is in the thriving community of Tremezzina. There, your guests will have access to world-class bars and restaurants. They’ll also have the option to board the ferry and tour all the surrounding villages on the lake!
The hotel’s interior evokes timeless elegance and is perfect for a glamorous cocktail reception or sit-down dinner. Alternatively, dine al fresco in the courtyard and enjoy unmatched views of the Alps and cliffside villages illuminated by soft candlelight.
Villa Orlando
Couples can rent Villa Orlando for up to a week, making it the only venue of its kind! If you want to make a vacation out of your destination wedding on Lake Como, look no further than this lakeside escape.
With ten bedrooms and spectacular amenities, it’s perfect for an intimate getaway with all your closest friends and family members. Stroll in the botanical garden by day, then dine al fresco overlooking the lake by night. But, the most exciting aspect of this venue is the private beach! It’s only accessible by boat for those not staying at the villa, so you and your guests will have this slice of paradise all to yourselves. Lakeside elopement, anyone?
Why choose Lake Como for your special day?
With unmatched lake and mountain views, there’s nowhere else in the world quite like Lake Como. There’s a reason this region appears so often in Hollywood films! Depending on what type of experience you’re seeking, a combination of the above venues may be perfect. For example, you may opt to lodge with your guests at Villa Orlando, then tie the knot at Villa Erba! In a destination this breathtaking, it’s impossible to go wrong.
There’s also plenty for your guests to do while in Northern Italy. Milan is a stunning and culturally rich destination for a day trip. And a variety of outdoor activities are available just steps from the above venues, including boating, hiking, and exploring one of the many nearby vineyards.
Each venue has its own set of advantages, whether that’s a garden overlooking the lake, curated interiors, or direct access by boat. It’s all about finding the right fit for you! No matter where you choose to stay, you can expect food and wine that is among the best in Europe.
When to Host Your Destination Wedding in Lake Como
When planning, it’s important to keep in mind that the towns surrounding Lake Como are on holiday in the winter, usually until March or April. This means all the stores and restaurants will be closed, so it’s not the best time to host your wedding. We suggest booking a date in the window of May-August. Early May-June is the best time since venues will have more availability!
We can’t wait to tour these venues with you as soon as you get engaged. Contact us to start planning your destination wedding in Lake Como today!
