Location Guides

Lake Como Elopement Guide

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Amanda Morales

Amanda Morales

updated May 4, 2024

Amanda is Wandering Weddings’ executive editor and first joined Wandering Weddings in 2019.

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Planning a Lake Como elopement is like stepping into a fairytale. This stunning region in Italy offers a romantic backdrop of shimmering waters, charming villages, and majestic mountains, making it the perfect setting for your intimate wedding. Lake Como is one of the largest lakes in Europe, located in the northern region of Italy. It’s also one of the most popular places to elope, so how do you beat all the tourists?!

In this guide, we’ll explore the best times to elope to Lake Como, highlight picturesque locations for your ceremony, delve into the costs involved, and recommend talented photographers who can capture every magical moment of your special day. Whether you’re dreaming of a lakeside affair or a lavish villa celebration, Lake Como promises a truly unforgettable experience for your elopement.

lake como private boat ride during your elopement

Photo by The Ferros

How to Get to Lake Como?

The closest city is Milan, and you can get to Como, Italy by car and it’ll take 45 minutes. Another option is booking a train from Milan Airport to Como, which would take about 120 minutes. Renting a car may be faster to get there, but consider parking in Como, which can be difficult in high season (July and August). Discuss with your elopement vendor what is the best option.

Can Foreigners Get Married in Lake Como?

Yup! All you will need is to follow the marriage license requirements for Italy wedding ceremonies. 

You will need your passport, birth certificate, an Nulla Osta, and two witnesses and then you’ll also need to submit a declaration of intent to marry.

We go into detail about it here. If you are stressed about this step, then you can plan a symbolic wedding ceremony. 

How Far in Advance Should I Plan My Lake Como Elopement?

Lake Como is one of the most, if not the most, popular wedding destinations in Italy. With that being said, plan ahead! We suggest at least 6 months before your wedding date to secure all the necessary wedding paperwork you need and reservations for any Villa you may want to visit or stay at, and your boat ride!

When to Elope in Lake Como

Fall elopement at Lake Como with a couple visiting a villa

Photo by The Ferros

We think the best time to plan an elopement in Lake Como is during April – September. These months provide longer daylight hours for more activities and time to explore and less rain. Keep in mind that the summer months, July-August is the most crowded time to visit Como, Italy. August, specifically, is “summer break” for Italians. 

When it comes down to it the best time to visit Lake Como in Italy depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of each season:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a lovely time to visit Lake Como, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The weather is mild, and the surrounding nature begins to bloom, creating a picturesque setting.

Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the lake’s activities and exploring the charming towns.

Fall (September to November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Lake Como, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The foliage starts to change, which we love for portraits and ceremony backdrops.

Winter (December to February): Winter is the quietest time at Lake Como, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). While some attractions may be closed, the snow-covered mountains create a stunning backdrop.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Lake Como depends on your preferences. If you prefer warm weather and bustling streets, summer is ideal (your photographer may know the perfect solution to beat the crowds of tourists). Spring and fall are excellent choices if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

A WORD FROM OUR WW PHOTOGRAPHER:

"If you drive there can be a ton of traffic on Lake Como with its really small streets. You can also take ferries and buses, but this makes travel from place to place a little clunky. Obviously, in the off season it is less busy, but the weather can be quite unpredictable...Some villas you can stay overnight, which was the case with the villa we worked with. It was cheaper since it was not on the water, so if you considered a villa not on the water, it could save you some money if budget was a concern."

Danielle Robidoux
Danielle Robidoux
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Photographer at Moon Rising Photography

Where to Elope in Lake Como

Nestled in the breathtaking Lombardy region of Italy, Lake Como waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, make it a dream setting for an intimate elopement or small wedding. Picture-perfect villages like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio offer charming cobblestone streets and stunning lakefront views, ideal for a romantic ceremony. For those seeking historic grandeur, venues like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta have lush gardens and stunning interiors, providing a truly luxurious experience.

Whether you prefer a rustic lakeside celebration or a lavish villa affair, Lake Como’s diverse landscapes and elegant venues promise an unforgettable wedding experience. There are multiple nooks and crannies and special activities you can include (gelato, anyone?!) to plan your special day at Lake Como. You can decide to plan your ceremony at a Villa facing Lake Como, a private boat ride, or on a mountain overlooking the lake itself (the most remote option).

A Villa

Villas in Lake Como are probably some of the best and most unique “wedding venues” you can opt for. All of these villas are unique and some have transformed into hotels where you can stay or museums. Make sure to double-check what amenities you’re looking for during your special day. 

Check out these Lake Como wedding venues for your elopement:

  • Villa Balbiano – Ultimate luxury for elopements (~50k to rent for an elopement) with exclusive suites and gardens.
  • Villa Regina Teodolinda – Has accommodation and boat access (a more intimate villa) in the small village of Laglio.
  • Villa Pizzo – No accommodation, but does come with boat access in the town of Cernobbio.
  • Villa Sola – Has accommodations and boat access
  • Villa Monastero– Has accommodations, boat access, and a botanic garden near the city of Varenna.
  • Villa Balbianello – Located in Lenno, Italy. No accommodations but has boat access. This one has been the backdrop for James Bond and Star Wars (whaaatt?!). 
  • Villa Melzi – Botanical garden with boat access. 
  • Villa D’Este – Luxury accommodations with Italian Renaissance gardens and fountains situated in the town of Cernobbio. Has boat access. 
  • Villa Serbelloni – 5-star luxury hotel in Bellagio (one of the most popular villages in Como), gardens, and boat access. 

Please note each villa has its own permit and rental fee information, including specific locations where portraits and ceremonies can happen. Double-check with each location before to see if it fits the vibe you’re trying to go after OR ask your photographer if they have experience at the given villa you’re interested in.

Private Boat 

Boats are popular in Lake Como because not only are they romantic, but they are the easiest way to reach different parts of Lake Como! There are different styles of boats to choose from ranging from wooden boats to bigger boats with inner cabins you can shield yourself from the wind. Different villas may have partnerships with specific boat companies, so call the villa you’re planning to stay at or visit and see if they recommend one in particular. OR even better, ask your photographer for their insider scoop. 

Mountain Top

Mountains encircling the lake are Monte Grona Resegone, Corni di Canzo, Grigna, Legnone, and the Grignetta. There’s also Monte San Giorgio, Monte San Martino, Monte Cornizzolo, Monte Barro, Resinelli, Resegone and so many more which make up the Alpi Orobie. With that being said, there are a ton of options if you want to go on a hike with Lake Como as your backdrop!

If mountains are your thing, but you’re not feeling like hiking, then chat with your photographer if they recommend a particular private helicopter tour. 

Explore The Towns Along the Lake

Varenna and Bellagio are the most known towns located in the central part of Lake Como. If you’re traveling here, you can take an hour-long ferry ride from Milan. You can even rent an old Vespa or a vintage car to explore the villages nearby. 

A Word From Our WW Photographer:

"Lake Como is filled with villas, gardens, and beautiful locations perfect for an elopement backdrop. Each location will have different requirements for permits, so every couple (and hopefully their photographer) should make sure to reach out to the respective locations to figure out what's required. You certainly don't want to show up the day of without having done your homework only to be turned away or find out there's a significant cost to be able to shoot at that location. You also want to account for a difference in expected response times and paperwork requirements from various locations. You'll want an expert team that knows how to put it all together, as well as how to navigate Italian culture where service is treated differently than in America."

Adam Amit
Adam Amit
-
Photographer at Adventure Amore

How Much Does a Lake Como Elopement Cost?

If you’re wanting to elope near the iconic Lake Como, then you need to plan on about $10,000- $15,000 for your elopement adventure. Keep in mind this is an estimate, and depending on the villa, activities, guests, and elopement photographer will determine your final elopement cost. 

A Lake Como elopement can include:

  • Marriage fee
  • Flights for 2
  • Location Permit
  • Elopement photography coverage
  • Wedding Attire
  • Accommodation
  • Boat rental
  • Villa booking
  • Dinner
  • Officiant

Take Maegan and Jonathan’s Lake Como elopement adventure as an example. Here’s how much they spent:

$6,000 for the photographer, who also helped with planning
$1,600 for flights
$450 for hotel (2 nights)
$860 for hair and makeup
$3,100 for wedding dress, alterations and accessories
a couple hundred for a private car hire
Jonathan’s suit was a gift
$60 for silk flowers
$300 for a photography permit
$1,000 for boat rental
$40 for food

Total ~ 13,410

“We also spent a few nights in other parts of Italy (Parma, Bologna, and Milan), combining our wedding and honeymoon, and saved money!” [The couple]

With that being said, make sure to start with your elopement budget and then work your way from there. Once you have a budget, you can know where you can splurge and where you should DIY or leave out.

Lake Como Elopement Photographers

romantic villa elopement at lake como

Photo by The Ferros

If you’re struggling to navigate planning your elopement at Lake Como, stress no more! We have the perfect team to help you explore quaint villages and extravagant villas. The following photographers specialize in elopements and small weddings in Italy, many have shot wedding adventures in the Como area. Feel free to connect with one of them below to chat about your romantic Italian elopement vision.

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