Lake Como is, without question, one of the most romantic places on earth. The light here is unlike anywhere else — golden in the morning, silk-soft in the late afternoon, dramatic at dusk. It’s no surprise that couples fly from every corner of the world to say I do on its shores.
But Lake Como is bigger than people expect, and not every location photographs the same way. Here’s a guide to the standout venues, from the iconic to the hidden.
Villa del Balbianello
The most photographed villa on the lake — and for good reason. Its terraced gardens hanging over the water, draped in centuries-old wisteria and ivy, create a backdrop that feels almost unreal. Reached only by boat, it gives your wedding an instant sense of occasion.
Best for: Couples who want timeless, editorial-style content. Sunrise sessions here are extraordinary.
Important to know: The villa is managed by FAI (Italian Environmental Fund) and has strict rules about ceremonies. Book well in advance.
Villa Carlotta
Sitting between Tremezzo and Cadenabbia, Villa Carlotta is renowned for its botanical gardens — 8 hectares of rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas that peak in spring. The interior is an art museum in itself.
Best for: Spring weddings. The flower content alone is worth the trip.
Bellagio
The “Pearl of Lake Como” sits at the exact point where the lake splits into two branches. The village’s cobbled alleyways, colourful facades, and panoramic terraces offer endless shooting locations beyond a formal venue.
Best for: Couples who want the wedding and the town to be part of the story. Walking shots through the streets of Bellagio are always magical.
Varenna
Quieter and less touristed than Bellagio, Varenna is where the lake gets soft and melancholy in the best possible way. The waterfront promenade (Passeggiata degli Innamorati — literally “the lovers’ walk”) is one of the most romantic stretches anywhere in Europe.
Best for: Intimate elopements and micro-weddings. The light here in golden hour is truly something else.
Villa Monastero, Varenna
A former monastery turned spectacular venue, with 2km of gardens running along the lakeshore. Each section of the garden feels like a different world — cypress trees, lemon houses, baroque fountains.
Best for: Larger weddings that need multiple distinct settings in one location.
Practical Tips for Lake Como Weddings
- Book at least 12–18 months in advance — the most sought-after venues fill up fast, especially for May–September dates.
- Consider a Sunday or weekday wedding — Saturdays in high season mean more boat traffic on the lake and more tourists in the villages.
- Plan for the ferry — if your guests need to reach your venue by water, factor this into the timeline.
- Golden hour starts early in September — some of the most beautiful light I’ve ever shot was at a September wedding in Varenna at around 6:30pm.
Thinking about Lake Como for your wedding? Let’s talk — I know these locations deeply and can help you find the right light for the story you want to tell.