Tips to plane your Elopement in Lake Como
This post provides suggestions for planning your elopement on Lake Como on 2025 and 2026.
The recommendations are based on my experience as local photographer.
For further information or events with more guests, I suggest you contact me for a list of local wedding planners who can best direct you.
Choosing the Right Location
Lake Como is stunning in its entirety, but the most well-known areas start from the city of Como, which is easily accessible by train from Milan.
The region is home to many well-preserved historic villas, offering a timeless and elegant setting—perfect for romantic couples looking for a unique experience. However, due to the popularity of the lake, many of the most famous villas, such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa Monastero, and Villa Carlotta, have introduced high fees for photoshoots. For example:
- An hourly photoshoot fee can be quite expensive from 300€\h.
- For an exclusive use of certain areas (such as loggias for vow exchanges), prices start from 1,000€ per hour.
If your budget allows, I recommend booking in advance using the following links:
Alternative Options
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly or intimate alternatives, here are some options to consider:
- A Boat Tour: If the weather is favourable, a boat tour is a magical way to admire the villas from the water.
- Customizable Venues: Depending on your budget and available time, you can create a unique experience.
Alternative Options
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly or intimate alternatives, here are some options to consider:
- A Boat Tour: If the weather is favorable, a boat tour is a magical way to admire the villas from the water.
- Customizable Venues: Depending on your budget and available time, you can create a unique experience.
An Exclusive Venue Option
I recently spoke with an hotel in Como lake, (only for my clients) and they confirmed that their garden and wharf can be booked for elopements. The space can also be decorated with floral arrangements to enhance the ambiance.
If you wish to include a boat stop at a villa (such as Villa Monastero or Villa Melzi), the estimated cost is:
- €300 per hour for access to the villa.
- A minimum of 3 hours for the boat tour, at a cost from €700.
Hotels with Beautiful Lake Views
Another excellent option is Hotel Belvedere in Bellagio, which boasts a beautiful lake-view garden. This is also a great alternative in case of bad weather since Villa Melzi is nearby, offering picturesque spots for photos. Additionally, Bellagio itself is a charming lakeside village worth exploring.
Other Recommended Hotels:
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo – A popular luxury choice.
- Villa Monti – Elegant and intimate.
- Villa Liberty – A refined historic setting.
- Florissa by MyHomeInComo – A charming stay.
A final recommendation is Hotel Villa Cipressi in Varenna, a stunning and elegant venue. However, I’ve been informed that they are fully booked for small events like elopements in 2025, though it may still be worth inquiring.
I have written some tips for planning an Elopement on Lake Como, I hope they were useful to give you an idea.
Would you like additional suggestions or help with bookings?
