Eloping to Lake Como, the ultimate guide
Elope to Lake Como if you’re dreaming of a glamorous Italian escape! This breathtaking destination offers a stunning blend of majestic mountains, serene forests, and crystal-clear waters, all framed by enchanting villas and charming cobblestone villages. Imagine saying “I do” while gazing out at what many consider the most spectacular landscape in Northern Italy!
As passionate elopement planners and photographers in Italy, we’ve been busy crafting guides to help couples plan their dream elopement. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking locations or thoughtful tips, our blog is brimming with resources just for you. Dive in and start planning your unforgettable day in this magical corner of the world!
Lake Como, one of the top 5 destinations for an elopement in Italy
Its proximity to Malpensa International Airport and the Swiss border makes Lake Como a very easy and strategic destination for anyone wanting to explore Italy and Europe. The atmosphere the lake can create in every season of the year, cannot be found anywhere else in Italy.
Lake Como is one of the trendiest Italian destinations and we can totally see why and so can anyone that visits this stunning location for the first time.
Table of Contents:
What is an Elopement?
If you’re familiar with us, feel free to dive right into our comprehensive guide on planning an elopement in the stunning Lake Como. But for those of you new to the concept of “elopement”, let’s chat a little.
The meaning of eloping has evolved significantly in recent years. It’s no longer just a secret getaway for couples eager to tie the knot. Today, elopements embody a rich tapestry of experiences—from exploring breathtaking destinations to crafting a unique and unforgettable celebration of love. So, let’s embark on this adventure together!
How Do You Elope in Lake Como?
Just like for any other destination in Italy, if you wish to elope in Lake Como you do not need to be an Italian resident. Even though having a legally binding ceremony is absolutely doable, it is also true that if you choose to have one, you will be constrained by a few rules. For example, you will need to wait for a specific time to get married (depending on the venue time schedule), you will need to find two witnesses and present all the paperwork requested. It sounds worse than it actually is, but nevertheless, we always advise our couples to take care of all the paperwork at home and opt for a symbolic ceremony instead! In this way, you will be more free and flexible to exchange your vows whenever and wherever it feels the most YOU, plus you will save a good chunk of money!
Read more on our GUIDE TO ELOPE TO ITALY
Symbolic Ceremony for your Lake Como elopement
When it comes to choosing the location for symbolic ceremony, in Lake Como you are really spoiled for choices.
Since the lake is surrounded by mountains, you could get completely out of the glamorous vibe and opt for a more ‘wild mountain’ one, rent an accommodation with far reaching views of the lake and exchange your vows surrounded by nature.
Or you could look for a luxury room in one of the prestigious Lake Como Villas and hotels and have your intimate ceremony in your private terrace overlooking the lake.
Finally, you could also book a time slot in one of the many luxury Villas botanical gardens and have lavish architecture, lush green and still lake waters as a backdrop for your vows exchange ceremony.
And these are just a few options. If you are not sure what would be best for you, just contact us and we would be more than happy to help you plan the perfect elopement ceremony in Lake Como!
When is the Best Period for a Lake Como Elopement?
When you choose to elope in Lake Como, you should always keep in mind that not only are you eloping in Northern Italy (where the weather is usually colder), but you are also eloping in a mountain location, where the weather can get very unpredictable. For this reason, you should be weary of the period you choose to elope in Lake Como.
Elope to Lake Como in Spring
As for most of the other Italian regions, Spring is one of the best periods you can choose. When it comes to Lake Como, it is safer to opt for the end of Spring, when the days are a little longer and warmer.
Elope to Lake Como in Summer
Summer is also a very good time of the year to elope in Lake Como. Beginning of Summer and the end of Summer are best, as July and August not only can get very hot, but they’re also the most crowded months of the year (no matter where you go in Italy).
Elope to Lake Como in Autumn & Winter
Autumns and Winters are a bit of a gamble: Autumns can get very rainy and so can Winters. Plus, being Lake Como in Northern Italy and surrounded by mountains, it can get very cold. It is also true though, that if you get a crisp and clear day on the lake, it will be an absolutely priceless experience.
What is the Typical Time Line for a Lake Como Elopement?
6am Getting ready at the hotel
8am – 8.45am First look and symbolic ceremony in the hotel gardens
9am -11am Couple pictures in villa gardens and around lake village
11.30am – 15.30pm Quick Italian lunch, stroll around a typical borgo and gelato stop
16pm -18pm Champagne glass and boat trip around villas with warm light pictures
18pm – 19pm Italian Aperitivo
19pm Last stop at your restaurant for your first dinner as a married couple
Top 10 Lake Como Villas for Your Elopement
When it comes to luxury hotels and exclusive villas, Lake Como is unrivaled. Think of stunning architecture, elegant marbles, lush vegetation and sumptuous gardens, then add to the mix breathtaking views of the lake surrounded by almost ethereal mountains: you will have the perfect backdrop for incredibly beautiful pictures.
Definitely the best way to enjoy the view of all the exclusive Lake Como Villas is by private boat tour.
All the Villas have their own access to the lake, so if you are having your ceremony or your couple pictures taken in one of the Villas, you can easily start your boat tour from their characteristic piers and jetties.
But beware! You cannot dock your boat on another Villa unless you are prepared to pre-book and pay (quite a lot) for a time slot in their private grounds.
Some of the Villas gardens are so beautiful and rich that they are famous in their own right: i Giardini di Villa Melzi, Botanical Garden of Villa Carlotta and Villa Monastero’s Botanical Garden are just a few examples.
LIST OF OUR 10 FAVOURITE LUXURY LAKE COMO VILLAS
4. Villa Lario
6. Villa Melzi (Bellagio)
9. Villa Pizzo
10. Villa Erba
What Are the Costs of a Lake Como Elopement?
A typical Lake Como elopement will cost around €12.000 – €15.000.
Here’s a rough estimate of potential costs for an elopement in Lake Como:
Dedicated Elopement Planner & Photographer starting at €6000
Make-up and hair stylist €600
Bouquet and buttonhole from €500
Celebrant from €500
Boat rides from €400
Couple Pictures in Villa Gardens from €750 (per Villa)
Tasting menu for two from €200 pp
What is the Best Outfit for a Lake Como Elopement?
Always opt for a light and agile gown
Wear layers: mornings and evenings can get quite chilly, so opting to take with you a jacket or shovel will turn out to be the best choice!
Take a pair of comfy shoes for easily strolling around the typical Lake Como villages
Take sunglasses with you! The sun can get quite strong, especially on boat rides. Although the water reflection is absolutely beautiful and makes this destination even more special, it can get a bit annoying.
PLUS, they will make for some great, funny pics!
Places to Visit in Lake Como
Both the Como branch and the Lecco branch of the lake offer a plethora of charming and vibrant villages that you can visit by car or, even better, by ferry or private boat. You will be taken by the stillness of the lake atmosphere and by the warm colours of the picturesque buildings. You will probably lose yourself among the intricate, narrow alleyways and the steep stoney steps. Or maybe you will simply take your time and relax with an aperitivo or a gelato, sitting at one of the lovely restaurant tables by the lake shore. Below a few of the many locations and villages that are worth a visit:
Bellagio
Bellagio is one of the most famous and glamorous villages of the lake, located on a protruding land separating the branches of Como and Lecco. Because of its particular beauty, it is also known as the ‘Pearl of Lake Como‘. Easily reachable by ferry, Bellagio is also the perfect stop for a private boat tour. Once docked in its characteristic harbour, you can walk all the way up the stairs of Salita Serbelloni and enjoy the lake views from Via Garibaldi. The village is full of lovely shops, restaurants and… gelaterias! Our TIP: Since Bellagio is so popular it can get very crowded and busy, so our advice is to visit the village either early in the morning or in the low season.
Close to Bellagio is Villa Melzi, with its famous gardens that are definitely worth a visit.
Varenna
Varenna is a picturesque and peaceful town situated on the Lecco branch of Lake Como. You will find, nested in its colourful buildings, plenty of boutiques and little restaurants. By walking through the village and along the lake shore you will still be able to sense an authentic atmosphere from the past.
Verenna is home of Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero, with their beautiful botanical gardens, and of Hotel Royal Victoria.
Orrido di Nesso
Nesso is a small village on the Como branch of the Lake famous for its Orrido, a rocky gorge where two different streams merge in a 200mt drop waterfall. The orrido divides the village of Nesso in two parts, connected by an iconographic bridge.
Easily accessible by boat, especially from Villa Lario, the Orrido di Nesso makes for the perfect picture background.
Lenno
Lenno is a less famous, therefore less crowded, lake village on the western shore of Lake Como, but its promenade offers stunning views and its gelateria in the little square overlooking the lake is unrivaled. The town counts several exclusive Villas, such as Villa Cassinella di Mantegazza and the incomparable Villa del Balbianello with its splendid terraced gardens, picturesque structure and incredible views of Isola Comacina.
Argegno
Argegno is another lake village that might be less glamorous than others, but that retains all the authentic Italian atmosphere. We recommend walking through its warmley painted buildings and exploring the narrow cobbled alleyways leading off of the central square, Piazza Roma. Hotels and restaurants offer outdoor tables, perfect for an Aperol Spritz while enjoying the lake view.
Book Your Lake Como Elopement Package
If you are ready to elope with us to Lake Como, then feel free to GET IN TOUCH and book a FREE CONSULTATION. We would love to talk you through your different options and help you on your first steps to plan your stunning day in Italy!
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by Benni Carol Photography
Elopement Planners & Photographers covering elopements all over Italy