Lake Maggiore Weddings

Get married on the Borromean Islands

Weddings in Borromean Islands are just unique. Their incredible panorama, fragrant flowers, brilliant blue water and romantic walks make it a perfect location for your wedding in Italy.

The Borromeo Islands are a group of three small islands and two islets in the Italian part of Lake Maggiore, located in the western arm of the lake, between Verbania and Baveno to the north and Stresa to the south. Stresa is Lake's Maggiore's main resort since 19th century, with many luxury hotels, villas and easy access to the Borromeo Islands.

These three marshy specks have stirred the imaginations of everyone from Napoleon to Stendhal, Dickens, Flaubert, Toscanini, and even Mussolini. Isola Bella is undoubtedly the most famous of the Borromean Islands and when you see it today you can hardly imagine it as the tiny fishing village it once was. In 1632, Count Vitaliano Borromeo began its transformation with the construction of the palace and the ornamental gardens. Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean Islands and boasts a tranquil and enchanted atmosphere. It's gardens are a pleasure to explore: filled with azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, ancient wisteria they are truly beautiful. In contrast to the other Islands, Isola Pescatori has retained it's original charm. The Island has remained a quaint, picturesque fishing village with the traditional fishing boats anchored along the shore.

All fell under the spell of the Italian Lake District's spectacular beauty. Deep blue water reflecting the snow-capped mountains of Swiss and Italian Alps. The warm Mediterranean climate and the ever-blooming tropical flora of palm trees, magnolias, roses and camellias. The islands are filled with lemon groves, palm trees and other subtropical plants that climb around the collection of luxurious villas. Because of the incomparable, stately landscape and the prestigious history, Borromeo Islands offer a grand choice for a chic, original and truly Italian wedding. The name Borromeo Islands derives from the Borromeo family, which acquired them in the fourteenth century and still owns some of them today. The Borromeo family is one of the richest families in Italy and has controlled land and Lake Maggiore for hundreds of years.

Two small islets complete the archipelago. Isolino di San Giovanni is located just off Pallanza (today part of Verbania) to the north. The tiny strip of land between Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori is known as Malghera island, but it is called Island of Love. The legend says that in ancient times the Borromeo Islands were dedicated to the worship of Venus and because they were located in the middle of the lake were suitable place for orgiastic ceremonies.

The Italian Lakes Wedding Team strongly recommend a wedding in the Borromeo Islands if you wish make your wedding in Italy truly unforgettable. Wonderful settings are available for catholic, civil, protestant and symbolic weddings. For more information, please contact us.