Lake Como, picturesquely positioned at the foot of the Alps in Northern Italy, is brimming both with natural beauty and architectural sophistication. This aesthetically stunning site has a reputation for elegance, attracting Italians and foreigners alike who crave a dose of its breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and brilliant accommodations. For couples attracted to its spectacular banks and to the elegance of northern Italy, and looking for the best places to get married in lake Como, there is no shortage of venues in which to hold your nuptial celebration. These sites are legendary, adding a touch of timeless elegance to your italian destination wedding. If you are looking to know more about the Best Wedding Venues in Lake Como then probably this guide will assist you through your planning process.
With a wide range of villas and hotels, offering various levels of accommodation and facilities, you will certainly find a unique and beautiful place to serve as the exclusive backdrop for your Lake Como wedding video. Are you still undecided about where to get married in Italy? You may also check my other guides about the best places to get married in Tuscany or in Amalfi Coast.
Top 10 Best Wedding Venues on Lake Como that are perfect for your destination wedding
The number of visually stunning and unique villas and hotels in the region guarantees that you will find the perfect wedding venue on lake Como for your destination wedding or elopement. With flowers blooming throughout the lake’s famous gardens and with ornately detailed architecture with a style to match each couple’s unique preferences, you will certainly find a venue to serve as the perfect setting in which to say “I do.”
While the below list is not exhaustive, it offers an excellent look at some of the best venues to hold a wedding ceremony in Lake Como. If you want to suggest more places to add to this list in the comments I will gladly to consider them to update this guide. We all know that a short paragraph online will never be able to truly convey the real character of a venue. Thankfully, as an experienced Wedding Videographer in Italy I am quite familiar with the region and I am ready to give you my impartial opinion and thoughts about each one of these venues.
Please enjoy my list of the Top 10 Best Wedding Venues on Lake Como that are Perfect for Your Destination Wedding in northern Italy. This list is updated regularly and actually contains more than 10 venues!
Best Wedding Venues in Tremezzina
Tremezzina, is composed by the union of several villages on the western shore of lake Como, in front of Bellaggio and isola Comacina. At approximately 20 kilometres from the city of Como, the region exhibits a multitude of beautiful churches and chapels and connects to the valley that leads to Lugano in Switzerland. With some of the most spectacular views on lake Como, and of the most picturesque gardens, the luxurious villas of Tremezzina are definitely among the best wedding venues in lake Como.
Villa del Balbianello (Tremezzo)
What was once a Franciscan Monastery has evolved to become one of the most bespoke Lake Como wedding venues. Located along the tree-lined shores of the lake’s Dosso d’Avedo peninsula, the Villa Balbianello’s incredible gardens and large complex of visually stunning buildings has made it a famous film site as well as a popular wedding venue. With an onsite church, two residential buildings, and a portico on which guests can gaze at the charming dock and still waters below. With its expansive lake views, Villa del Balnianello is one of the most sought after destination wedding venues in Italy.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Villa Sola Cabiati (Tremezzo)
Two distinct options in one for your dream lake Como wedding Venue is the Grand Hotel Tremezzo or the Villa Sola Cabiati. Situated along the western shores of Lake Como, the Grand’s art nouveau setting boasts views of both the lake and the looming Bellagio and Grigne mountains. Here, there is no shortage of hospitality or amenities, with warm service and access to luxurious pools and a private beach. Immerse yourself in their “Water-on-Water” pool, which appears to float on the lake; or the Flower Pool, which allows you to bathe surrounded by the scents of the surrounding blooms. The grounds feature 20km of beautifully manicured plants and petals, making for a particularly stunning setting in which to hold your wedding or reception.
Only a few miles from the Grand Hotel Tremezzo (a five-minute ride by boat or car), the Villa Sola Cabiati sits in all its elegance. With details reminiscent of the Belle Époque, elaborate stuccoes and frescoes by some of the most famous artists of the era, and a stunning collection of fine ceramics, paintings, and tapestries, the venue fills guests with nothing short of splendor. Intimately available for twelve, guests have access to spacious and unique suites. Definitely one of the best places to get married in lake Como.
Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)
The Villa Carlotta boasts a royal history where elegance and natural wonder meet. The Marquises Clerici of Milan built the villa in the 17th century, and it has gradually accumulated an outstanding collection of brilliant works of art spanning its three centuries of existence. As a result, the location pays homage to its stories past while allowing for enjoyment and splendor in the present. Its botanical gardens draw visitors from all over the world and the villa itself sits upon a terraced garden and offers excellent views of Bellagio and the lake’s surrounding mountains.
The villa’s seventeen acres of unparalleled natural beauty perfectly complement the architecture and artistic history of the site. There are few settings more elegant in which to hold your wedding. While Villa Carlotta can be used as a wedding venue only for your ceremony in Lake Como, it’s easy to navigate to others for your reception.
Villa il Balbiano (Ossuccio)
The brilliant antique furnishings are one of the best reasons to choose this stunning 16th century palazzo as your lake Como wedding venue. From stunning crystal chandeliers to seating upholstered in the finest materials, Villa il Balbiano brings sophistication to all of its fine sitting rooms, dining areas, and its library. You and your guests can feel free to dine, relax, and revel amongst the luxury. Despite the brilliance of the interior, there is an outdoor terrace overlooking the lake. Sit by the fireplace and marvel at the sheer beauty of your surroundings. If you opt to organize your wedding reception at Villa il Balbiano, you have all areas of the grounds to choose from. You can hold your celebrations amongst the ornate frescoes, or outside in the natural gardens, running along the lakeside.
Villa la Cassinella (Lenno)
If luxury and exclusivity is what you want from your wedding venue on Lake Como, the Villa la Cassinella is one of the best options for your destination wedding. Everything is made to be a celebratory event, with guests arriving only via private boat. The natural setting of your surroundings are idyllic, and the interior modern and chic. Contemporary touches create comfort in this classic Italian setting, with I-pod docks and plasma television sets. Despite such touches, however, the setting never compromises on retaining its antique style. The villa features brilliant fine art and furnishings from all across Europe. The concierge service at the villa is never less than five stars, and the intimacy of the setting cannot be beat. Sleeping only 17 people, this venue is designed for small gatherings brimming with taste.
Best Wedding Venues in Cernobbio
Situated close to Como and to the Swiss frontier, Cernobbio is a municipality in the northern part of lake Como. It has a picturesque landscape, built at the feet of mount Bisbino, which exhibits a 1,325 meters peak at its’ highest point. It is also the starting point of a long hill trail called La Via dei Monti Lariani. Cernobbio is a famous touristic destination, not only because of its’ vicinity to the city of Como, but also thanks to some of the most spectacular and luxurious villas in the region. These villas are definitely among the top wedding venues of the whole lake Como.
Villa Erba
Before even setting foot on Villa Erba, you may recognize it. The famous site served as the film location for Ocean’s Twelve, and Gwen Stefani used it as the backdrop for her 2005 music video for “Cool.” With its stunning frescoes, ornate touches, and incredibly luxurious interiors, there are few better settings for an elegant destination wedding as this. There are also few sites as exclusive. In addition to lavish weddings and ceremonies, events of an international caliber are regularly held here. But if you manage to book the villa as your wedding site, you will not be disappointed. Its expansive grounds are home to an intimate and romantic lakeside Cupola where you can exchange wedding vows with the sound of pristine water stirring in the background. Dining outdoors or inside are both appetizing options, with brilliant gardens and grand salons alike.
Villa d’Este
The Villa d’ Este has some of the most incredible views along the lake, and for good reason. Before it was turned into a five-star resort, the villa was reserved only for aristocracy. It was the lodging of choice for tsars, marquises, princes and princesses, sultans, and queens and kings. You can take inspiration from its royal history and celebrate your nuptials in one of the most enchanting locations in the world. With 152 rooms, you can organize a wedding of any size and scope, all while celebrating the location’s unique renaissance style and exclusivity. For more intimate weddings, the property features private villas as well. The absolute wedding venue in lake Como!
Villa Pizzo
Complete with picturesque vineyards and olive groves, the Villa Pizzo, another spectacular Lake Como wedding venue, has a long and celebrated history. Stretching all the way back to the 1400s, the villa evolved throughout the next hundreds of years, adopting a fine neoclassical style and pink and peach facade. Adding to its beauty are the lush hills and lakeside gardens upon which guests can gaze. Hold your nuptial ceremony on the villa’s enchanting dock, which overlooks the lake and provides an excellent setting in which to say “I do.”
Best Places to get married on the rest of Lake Como
Villa Pliniana and Hotel Sereno (Torno)
On the eastern shore of Lake Como, the Hotel Sereno features elegant suites and pristine shorelines. A private beach and access to the hotel’s docks gives guests the opportunity to lounge comfortably. For those who want to take a dip into a pool without sacrificing the natural beauty of the lake, they can slip into the hotel’s infinity pool, which sits suspended over Lake Como.
The Sereno Hotel boasts the Villa Pliniana, an Italian Palazzo from the 16th century sitting along the waterfront. There is no shortage of amenities, with options to arrive via private boat or even a helicopter. The villa has served as inspiration to famous writers, musicians, royalty, and even scientists. If you would like to immerse yourself in this brilliant history, then the Villa Pliniana is the perfect venue in which to hold your intimate ceremony or reception.
Villa Regina Teodolinda (Laglio)
The Villa Regina Teodolinda is situated in the small, endlessly charming town of Laglio. Despite its size, there is no shortage of celebrity appeal in town. In fact, George Clooney himself tried, and failed, to buy the Villa Regina Teodolinda. Its lush gardens, brilliant banquet halls, and luxurious rooms made it too precious to sell. Fortunately, you can use the space for your destination wedding ceremony and reception.
With its unique decor (each of the six suites is designed to be completely different) and sense of sophistication, the aesthetic appeal of this romantic villa is endless. Everything on the property is designed to be beautiful, and your wedding is no exception. The perfect one-of-a-kind Lake Como Wedding Venue!
Villa Monastero (Varenna)
Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, Villa Monastero stands as a jewel of timeless elegance and historical significance. This stunning villa, located in the charming town of Varenna, offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a destination wedding that combines history, nature, and romance. It is more than just a wedding venue; it’s a historical treasure.
Villa Monastero is strategically situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como, in the heart of Varenna. The villa boasts a backdrop of lush botanical gardens, serene lake views, and the majestic Grigne mountains. It’s an enchanting location that provides a perfect canvas for your wedding celebrations and an exceptional opportunity for your wedding videographer to capture the magic.
The villa’s striking architecture, art-filled rooms, and terraced gardens offer a unique blend of beauty and culture. It can accommodate intimate weddings or grand affairs, making it a versatile choice for couples with varying guest lists. When you choose Villa Monastero as your wedding venue, you and your guests can enjoy the following features and amenities:
- Historic Charm: Exchange your vows in the villa’s historic halls, surrounded by frescoes, ancient manuscripts, and stunning architectural details.
- Botanical Gardens: Villa Monastero is renowned for its expansive botanical gardens, home to a diverse collection of plant species from around the world. These gardens create a lush, vibrant setting for your wedding and offer endless opportunities for outdoor celebrations.
- Lakefront Terrace: The villa’s terraced gardens extend to the lakefront, providing a spectacular backdrop for your ceremony or reception. Your guests can revel in the natural beauty and serene ambiance of Lake Como.
- Photography Opportunities: The villa and its surroundings offer a multitude of photo and video opportunities that capture the essence of your special day. Your wedding videographer will find plenty of inspiration here.
- Cultural Enrichment: For history and culture enthusiasts, Villa Monastero also houses a Scientific Museum and an educational center, providing a unique dimension to your wedding experience.
Choosing Villa Monastero in Varenna as your wedding venue ensures that your special day will be steeped in beauty, history, and the romance of Lake Como. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, this remarkable villa has something to offer everyone.
Planning Your Destination Wedding on Lake Como
When travelling to Lake Como, consider the time of year you plan on going and how you will get there.
The Best Time of the year to Get Married on Lake Como
Because of the geographical position of the region, the weather in northern Italy is quite variable and changes quickly. While summer is certainly one of the most beautiful times to visit — the shores of the lake are covered in a variety of colorful blooms — it’s also the busiest time of year to travel, meaning you and your guests will need to plan ahead for your venue and accommodations. In July and August, the weather is hot and humid and sometimes there are a few showers in the afternoon. Humidity, combined with high temperatures, might create challenging conditions for you and your guests if you decide to get married in summertime.
If you’re planning on a spring or a fall wedding instead, you will avoid the crowds. Hence, it might be better to choose April, May, June, September and early October for your destination wedding on Lake Como.
How to travel to Lake Como for your wedding
The airport of Milan Malpensa is connected to the most important international destinations so you can possibly get a direct flight to Milan. However, the airport of Bergamo is also very well connected to most of the European capitals through RyanAir flights. Both have buses and trains to Milan city center.
The easiest way to reach Lake Como is from the city of Milan, where you can easily catch one of the trains. Many people are commuting daily to Milan from Como so trains travel frequently to the lake. You and your guests can book your train tickets online and in advance. Of course, renting a car at the airport is also an option, especially if you want to combine your destination wedding in lake Como with an italian sightseeing tour.
Your Lake Como Destination Wedding Video
If you’re thinking of getting married in one of the wonderful wedding venues along lake Como, consider choosing me to be your wedding videographer for your Italian destination wedding. My name is Kostas Petsas, and I’m a filmmaker specializing in destination wedding films and elopements. In my approach I always focus on storytelling and try to produce for you a film that doesn’t simply depict the story of your special day, but that rather tells your story as a couple through your special day.
I have shot countless wedding films in Europe and around the world, always focused on capturing the unique mood and personalities of the couples with whom I work.
Being fluent in Italian and having lived in Milan for several years, I can definitely say that it is my second home. With my personal experience of covering weddings in northern Italy and through my excellent professional network, I can help you work out any necessary details while organizing and planning your special day. Because of my familiarity with Italy and Lake Como, in particular, I can recommend you some of the best local wedding vendors for your wedding or elopement. Any questions you have, I am glad to help!
Please take a look at some of my recent wedding films in Lake Maggiore, in the heart of Umbria, in picturesque Puglia or in poetic Venice I’m excited to hear from you and start working towards your vision! And if you liked my guide of the best places to get married on lake Como, you can also check out the Best wedding venues in Tuscany and the Best Wedding Venues in Amalfi Coast.
Get in touch today
I cannot wait to hear more about you, your partner and your common plans. Let’s start creating your most beautiful memories today!
Your Story is Poetry.
