If you’ve landed here, you’re probably somewhere in the “I want to get married in Lake Como” headspace. There are so many reasons to get married in Lake Como, but the ambiance and scenery are really at the top of the list.
Whether you want to go traditional with your ceremony or you’re looking for more modern nuptials, there are endless options for Lake Como wedding venues. Lake Como has mastered the art of creating the most majestic places and spaces for weddings of all styles and sizes. You could spend weeks, even months, going down the rabbit hole of research for the perfect wedding venue.
But we’ve done the research for you! And, as locals, we have an inside scoop of what these incredible Lake Como wedding venues can do for your day. Keep reading to discover what we recommend:
The Top Venues for a Lake Como Wedding That Will Be Raved About for Decades to Come
Naturally, you want your Lake Como wedding to be perfect, especially considering the amount of travel and extra expenses involved, unless of course you’re one of the lucky ones that lives near Lake Como. Still, it may feel like a far-off dream to get married here. But fear not– you don’t have to be a celebrity to get married in Lake Como. Many of the amazing couples we photograph once thought that choosing a wedding venue in Lake Como and inviting their family and friends to fly around the world was a pipe dream. But then they made it happen.
Let us take you on a journey through the beautiful villas of Lake Como– the wedding venues that will make you want to say “I do” in Italy!
1. Villa Pizzo
In 1435, a merchant named Giovanni Muggiasca acquired the land that would become Villa Pizzo, resplendent with vineyards and olive groves, a serene destination that would become the most beautiful and storied in all of Como. There’s a reason this place is among the most exclusive (and booked out) venues in Lake Como!
Nestled within the Alps district, Villa Pizzo features a lakeside terrace overlooking both the lake and the mountains. Imagine this: your guests, arriving by boat, greeted by the picturesque architecture of the main villa and enjoying uninterrupted views from the ceremony space.
The manicured, classic Italian gardens, greenhouse, and lakeside courtyard mean unforgettable outdoor spaces perfect for the ceremony and cocktail hour, while the original interior of the villa, which includes frescoes and marble floors, will be the perfect space for after-dinner dancing and, of course, photos. Plus, the fact that it’s in a quiet, isolated spot means that late night partying is more than fair game at this venue! In fact, it’s encouraged.
If you don’t believe us, check out this fashion-forward wedding we photographed at Villa Pizzo. And if that still doesn’t have you convinced, take a look at this incredible, vivacious wedding at the same Lake Como wedding venue!
2. Villa Balbiano
Located on a wooded promontory on Lake Como, Villa Balbiano is an 18th century mansion that has hosted writers, scholars, and travelers (not to mention hundreds of festivals, banquets, and dances) before it became one of the legendary Lake Como wedding venues it is today.
Thanks to careful restoration, Villa Balbiano is a well-maintained, beautiful estate that is the largest private residence on the lake with a garden so distinguished it has won awards from the British Society of Garden Designers.
Inside, the frescoes, objets d’art, and furniture sourced from Sotheby’s and Christie’s are the finest money can buy. With six luxurious suites, you can even stay in the villa overnight. How is that for literal perfection?
Ready to imagine what your special day could be like at Villa Balbiano? Take a look at this haute couture moment we photographed at this lovely elopement.
3. Villa Serbelloni
Located in Bellagio (aka, “the pearl of Lake Como”), Villa Serbelloni was founded in 1854, originally constructed as a holiday villa and later (quite famously) became the Grand Hotel Bellagio which became known for its iconic Neoclassical Italian style. Everyone, from Winston Churchill to JFK to Clark Gable stayed at this storied hotel.
One of the many perks of selecting Villa Serbelloni for your venue is that it’s full of amenities– from rooms for your guests to their restaurants (not to mention an in-house Michelin star chef), spa, and more. Plus, the reception room, lit by bronze and crystal chandeliers, can host up to 220 people and be fitted with a dance floor and a live band. You’ll also love the veranda that looks out over the lake, the perfect place to say “I do.”
4. Villa La Cassinella
Secluded, private, and personal are words that come to mind to describe the picturesque Villa La Cassinella. Surrounded by manicured gardens, the villa is situated on the western shores of Lake Como, the ultimate location for couples hosting a more intimate celebration.
With first-class amenities and on-site staff, furnished high-quality Italian antiques, one of Villa La Cassinella’s most striking features is its infinity edge swimming pool covered in authentic gold tiles!
5. Villa Regina Teodolinda
Villa Regina Teodolinda is the ultimate location for a fairytale wedding, which boasts more than 428 wedding celebrations since its inception. In the sixth century, Queen Teodolinda called this villa home.
Located in Laglio, a small Italian village, the villa is located at the narrowest point of the lake where the opposite shore is closer than it is at any other point in Lake Como. Meanwhile, the villa exudes charm and features a courtyard perfect for buffets, accommodation for up to 12 people, and even a small, quaint backyard pool for those who stay the night.
Your guests can arrive by private boat and experience the magic that is Villa Regina Teodolinda as soon as they step off the dock.
6. Villa Pliniana
Constructed in 1573 around the spring that later became its namesake, Villa Pliniana was visited by some of the most noted historical figures, including scientists like Leonardo Da Vinci, poets among the likes of Lord Byron, and many royals from countries across Europe.
Today, it is a resplendent hotel along the shores of Lake Como, the perfect place to get married. Known for its lush gardens, stunning ballrooms, courtyards, and jaw-dropping views of the water make this one of the most luxurious places to get married in Italy.
7. Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Villa Sola Cabiati
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, along with the beautiful Villa Sola Cabiati which faces the infamous Bellagio, is a Belle Époque masterpiece. Known for its opulence, you’ll fall in love with its tapestries and paintings, stuccos and frescoes alike. Part of what makes this villa unique is the placement near the water, with a classic Italian stone walkway leading right into the lake. This is the perfect location for the most memorable wedding photos, or even Insta-snaps for post-wedding activities.
You’ll love what the hotel has to offer by way of accommodation, but also for its Italian gardens with a view of the lake, decadent celebration spaces, al fresco dining patio, and The Winter Garden, you’ll find everything you need to make your celebration all your own here.
8. Villa Erba
Surrounded by an English garden with centuries-old plants and facing the lake, Villa Erba is an 18th-century villa, not to mention the filming location for Ocean’s Twelve. Iconic already, right?
Located on the shores of Cernobbio, Villa Erba is a Mannerist palace decorated in a fine Italian style, perfect for a timeless, classic event steeped in history. Offering event logistics and set up, you can be sure that the staff at Villa Erba have you covered when it comes to creating an unforgettable event.
9. Villa Cipressi
Hotel Villa Cipressi is a beautiful location for a wedding. Located in the village of Varenna, here you’ll discover a biodiverse botanical garden, three outdoor terraces, and even luxury accommodation for both you and your guests.
We love this romantic, cliffside hotel for its charming atmosphere. While it is all-inclusive, you won’t find anyone cutting corners here. This 32 room hotel is the very definition of boutique
10. Villa Balbianello
Located in Lenno, Villa Balbianello was built in the late 16th century and is the site of what was once a Franciscan monastery which was converted into the villa you now see. This venue is very traditional in aesthetic, with grand archways and columns surrounding the structures, with lots of creeping greens, building contrast for the most spectacular wedding photos. There are also several spaces within the villa, so the venue can accommodate up to 150 guests.
One of the best features Villa Balbianello has to offer is the fact that there are zero neighbors. That means wedding parties are free to celebrate as late as they want!
Another bonus here is that the property is owned and operated by the Italian National Trust. While many venues require a certain amount of time to be booked out for weddings, this one is available for anywhere from a couple of hours, to an all day event.
11. Villa Monastero
Like many Lake Como wedding venues on this list, Villa Monastero is known for its lush botanical gardens. Once the site of a 12th-century Cistercian convent, the estate was later rebuilt in the 17th century in the eclectic style.
While it’s known primarily for being a museum, Villa Monastero is the perfect place to host a wedding for its beautiful outdoor areas that overlook the lake and its timeless Italian architecture.
12. Villa Gastel
Originally a Benedictine convent (are you sensing a theme?), Villa Gastel was once in the hands of the famous family the Visconti di Modrone. More recently, this villa played host to the likes of Coco Chanel. Today it is a beautiful venue complete with guesthouses, an amphitheater, and even a 66-foot swimming pool.
Inlaid with frescoes and decorated with ancestral portraits, statues, and tapestries, the villa is a timeless artifact of Italian culture that includes accommodation for up to 20 guests and Michelin-starred catering alongside its gorgeous lakeside setting.
For a more detailed look inside, take a look at this feature in W Magazine.
13. Villa Bonomi
Facing the west coast of Lake Como, Villa Bonomi is a short drive from the Como city center and the town of Cernobbio. With resplendent gardens, gorgeous terraces, and a swimming pool, Villa Bonomi also has limited guest accommodation alongside its panoramic views, forest path, and sophisticated interiors.
To imagine the possibilities, take a look at the villa’s Instagram account which includes a look at ceremonies, receptions, and dinner parties on this beautiful, nature-filled estate.
14. Villa Torno
Villa Torno is among the most modern of villas you’ll see in Italy. Its interiors are monochromatic, with exposed concrete floors, while the exteriors are in a more classic Italian style.
With accommodations for around 35 guests, an 18-acre garden with an area that accommodates 400 guests, and a stunning terrace that can accommodate 120 people, Villa Torno is the ultimate mix of modern luxury and old world style.
15. Villa Lario
Villa Lario is decidedly more modern than the other villas on this list. Built on the east coast of Lake Como only 130 years ago by the Lombardi family, the interiors, while timeless, are also noticeably more neutral and less opulent than other villas in the area. Still, you’ll find that the amenities here are more than up to the standards you can expect along Lake Como.
To keep things local, Villa Lario only employs locals who know the ins and outs of Lake Como so you can be sure that the service you receive here will be highly personalized.
If you’re planning a wedding in Lake Como, we’d be honored to be considered as you search for the right photographer for you! Discover the experience here to see what it’s like to be one of our couples, and reach out if you think we’d be the perfect fit. Ciao!