Getting married on Lake Como means celebrating your wedding in one of the most romantic and glamorous areas in Italy. In this guide you’ll find everything you need to know about this iconic Italian lake: the best areas, ceremony options, reception venues, seasons, logistics and how our team can help you plan your Lake Como wedding step by step.
Getting married is one of the milestones of our lives. It is the moment when you celebrate your love with family and friends and create memories that will stay with you forever. A magical setting helps you turn those moments into something truly special. That is exactly what Lake Como can offer.
For a general overview you can also visit our page Lake Como Weddings
The lake has a very particular upside-down “Y” shape, created by ancient glaciers and the Adda river. This shape gives Lake Como three long branches and many different shores, towns and villages to discover. When you plan a wedding here, it is important to consider distances and logistics between ceremony, reception and guests’ accommodation.
Why getting married on Lake Como?
Getting married on Lake Como means choosing one of the most beautiful areas in the world for your destination wedding.
Reason #1 – One of the most beautiful areas in the world
- Lake Como offers an incredible combination of natural beauty and refined atmosphere. Steep green hills plunge into the deep blue water, small villages with pastel-coloured houses line the shore and historic villas hide behind ancient gates and manicured gardens.
Your guests will talk about your wedding for a long time.
Reason #2 – Sophisticated and exclusive atmosphere
- Lake Como has been a luxury retreat since Roman times. Aristocrats and wealthy families chose it as the perfect place to build their summer villas on the water.
Some of the most iconic properties are:
- Villa del Balbianello
- Villa Regina Teodolinda
- Villa dei Cipressi
- Villa Lario
- Villa Erba
- Villa Flori
- MUSA Hotel
- Villa d’Este – once nominated by Forbes Traveler as the best hotel in the world
It is not surprising that many international VIPs own a villa on Lake Como. You probably know at least one of them: George Clooney!
Reason #3 – Breathtaking wedding venues
- Because of this long history, the real challenge on Lake Como is not finding a beautiful venue, but choosing which beautiful venue to book.
There are:
- private villas with lakeside gardens
- luxury hotels with panoramic ballrooms
- historic palaces and museums
- elegant restaurants and beach clubs on the shore
Weather is usually best from March to October–November, which is why most couples plan their destination wedding in this period.
Reason #4 – Wonderful food and wine
- Lake Como is not only beautiful, it is also delicious. Traditional cuisine comes from both the lake and the surrounding mountains. If you want your guests to enjoy a true local experience, you should not miss:/li>
- Perch from the lake – dried, fried or in a creamy risotto
- Braised meat – slowly cooked with vegetables, wine and herbs
- Polenta – the queen of local food, especially in the rich “polenta uncia” version
- Valtellina wines – produced on the terraced vineyards above the lake
- Local honey and olive oil – small productions with a very special flavour
There are plenty of restaurants where you can taste these dishes, including some Michelin-starred ones. Chefs such as Luciano Parolari (Villa d’Este, Cernobbio) and Ettore Bocchia (Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio) have contributed to Lake Como’s culinary reputation.
Reason #5 – You will feel like in a movie
- Lake Como is often used as a movie set. Many directors chose it as the perfect backdrop for their stories. When you walk through some villas and gardens you may recognise familiar scenes.
A few examples:
- “Murder Mystery” (Netflix, with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler) was filmed at Villa Erba.
- “Ocean’s Twelve” used Villa Erba in Cernobbio and Villa Oleandra in Laglio (George Clooney’s villa).
- “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” showed the romantic wedding of Anakin and Padmé at Villa del Balbianello.
- “Casino Royale” (007) also used Villa del Balbianello for some scenes.
- Singer Gwen Stefani chose Villa Erba for the music video of “Cool”.
Your wedding day can have the same cinematic atmosphere.
Reason #6 – Your guests will love it
- Destination weddings sometimes require long and complicated trips for guests. This is not the case with Lake Como.
The lake is close to three main airports:
- Milan Malpensa
- Milan Linate
- Bergamo Orio al Serio
In particular, Cernobbio is only about 40 minutes away from all these airports. Trains and motorways also make it easy to reach other towns around the lake.
In addition, Lake Como is a great base for day trips. Your guests can visit:
- Milan, Bergamo, Verona, Venice
- the Swiss border area, only about 20 minutes from Cernobbio
So they can turn your wedding into a short Italian holiday.
Catholic churches available for foreign couples
For couples getting married on Lake Como with a Catholic ceremony, there are a few beautiful churches open also to non-resident brides and grooms. On Lake Como there are only a few churches that can host non-resident couples, but they are all very charming and rich in history. In each of them, it is possible to celebrate a legally binding Catholic wedding, following the usual paperwork.
The Church of San Giorgio in Varenna
San Giorgio is the main church of Varenna. You can easily recognise it thanks to its tall bell tower dominating the village square.
The church has medieval origins and was probably built between 1250 and 1300, then consecrated in 1313. Inside, marble, frescoes and a beautiful Baroque confessional create a solemn yet romantic atmosphere. The local priest, Don Aldo, is very welcoming and can celebrate Mass in English and Spanish.
The Parish Church of Sant’Abbondio in Mezzegra
San Martino Church is in Perledo, on the hill above Varenna. It is the heart of this small village and offers wonderful lake views from the square in front of it – perfect for photos.
The church has a unique oval interior and a Romanesque bell tower from the 11th century, while the Baroque façade was added in the 1600s. Father Sinoj can celebrate weddings in English, which is very helpful for international couples.
The parish church of Sant’Abbondio is located in Mezzegra, near Tremezzina. It stands alone on the hillside, with its façade facing the lake.
Probably founded in the 12th century and later rebuilt in 1702, it was consecrated in 1724. Inside, a single nave and rich frescoes make the church particularly impressive. Don Luigi, the priest, is happy to welcome foreign couples and celebrate their wedding Mass.
Useful info about catholic weddings on Lake Como
Civil legally binding ceremonies on Lake Como
If you are getting married on Lake Como with a civil, legally binding ceremony, you can choose between charming town halls and a few stunning villas licensed for outdoor weddings.
In general, Italian civil ceremonies must be celebrated inside the town hall. However, Lake Como is lucky enough to have some special venues where civil weddings are allowed outdoors thanks to specific licences.
Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is probably the most famous wedding venue on Lake Como and one of the most desired in Italy. This majestic yet intimate villa stands on a small promontory in Lenno and can only be reached by boat, which already makes the arrival very special.
The property is managed by FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano, the Italian National Trust that protects important historic buildings and gardens. Thanks to a special agreement, it is possible to organise private events here.
Your legal or symbolic ceremony can take place in the gardens or under the iconic Loggia, followed – for the luckiest couples – by an elegant reception and party.
EXPERT INSIGHT - bad weather option
Villa Cipressi
If you dream of a fairytale atmosphere, you will love Villa Cipressi in Varenna. The name comes from the ancient cypress trees in its terraced gardens that descend to the lake.
Today the property is a small hotel with 32 rooms and a restaurant. Civil ceremonies can be held in the gardens, followed by a lunch or dinner prepared by the in-house team.
Spectacular views, reasonable prices and the possibility of hosting both the wedding and the guests in the same place make Villa Cipressi a very attractive option.
Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is famous all over the world for its museum and its 70,000 square metres of botanical gardens overlooking the lake.
A private terrace in the villa can be reserved for wedding ceremonies. After the service, you can organise a rich standing cocktail. Full lunch or dinner receptions are not allowed here, so couples usually move to another venue afterwards – for example the nearby Grand Hotel Tremezzo or another villa reached by boat.
This offers the perfect occasion for a scenic boat ride with your guests, perhaps with a glass of Prosecco in hand.
Town Hall of Ossuccio
Ossuccio is a medieval village on the shore of Lake Como, not far from Lenno. It is known for its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sacro Monte, and for its quiet, authentic atmosphere.
The town hall sits right on the lakefront, facing Comacina Island. It is an intimate venue, ideal for weddings of up to about 30 guests. Couples can enjoy an official ceremony under the old portico, followed by a short walk to the nearby dock for a post-ceremony cruise.
Comacina Island
Comacina Island has a long and fascinating history, from Roman times to the Middle Ages. It was once a fortified village with houses, churches and high walls, and later became an important religious centre.
Since 1919 the island has been under the protection of the Brera Academy, which looks after its archaeological and scenic heritage. Only a few weddings per year are allowed here, and the island can be entirely reserved for one event.
If you decide to marry on Comacina Island, you can enjoy a legal ceremony followed by a stylish reception, party and fireworks. It is a truly exclusive option and requires a higher budget, but the atmosphere is unforgettable.
Choosing the perfect location is a hard job. Especially here, where every location is a good location. But don’t worry, I will be pleased to guide you through this wonderful journey.
- Federica Ceriani, Lake Como wedding planner
Symbolic weddings and blessings on Lake Como
Many couples getting married on Lake Como decide to handle the legal paperwork at home and enjoy a symbolic blessing on the lake with their family and friends.
A symbolic wedding ceremony is a non-religious, non-legal ceremony performed by a celebrant. It allows you to fully express your personality as a couple, your tastes and your values.
Because it has no legal value, a symbolic ceremony is extremely flexible and often the easiest choice for foreign couples. Many of our clients complete the legal part at home and then celebrate a symbolic wedding on Lake Como, with personal vows in front of family and friends. This avoids all the complications of international paperwork.
Another big advantage is that a symbolic ceremony can be held at any private villa or hotel on Lake Como. You can spend the whole day in one venue, from getting ready to late-night party, without moving your guests around.
Villa Erba
One of the favourite venues for symbolic weddings is Villa Erba, a 19th-century villa used for high-profile exhibitions and luxury events.
The architecture follows the Italian neo-Renaissance style, with grand staircases, elegant rooms and direct access to the lake. The large park and the refined interiors offer a perfect setting for a romantic ceremony and an unforgettable reception.
Reception venues: villas, hotels and beach clubs
When you are getting married on Lake Como, choosing the right reception venue is one of the most important decisions you will make. Lake Como is the third-largest Italian lake, so it offers a wide variety of reception venues in different areas and styles. Every couple can find something that fits their dreams and budget.
You can choose between:
- Private villas with gardens and sometimes accommodation on site
- Luxury hotels such as Villa d’Este or Villa Serbelloni
- Elegant relais and boutique hotels
- Restaurants and beach clubs right on the water
Because of the size of the lake and the traffic during high season, it is essential to consider distances between ceremony, reception and hotels. Whenever possible, it is better to keep locations close to each other or well connected by boat.
Beautiful private villas on Lake Como
Private villas with accommodation are available in many towns: Como, Moltrasio, Laglio, Cadenabbia, Menaggio and Bellagio, just to name a few. Most of them can host between 6 and 14 guests on site, with some larger and more exclusive exceptions.
Other villas do not offer accommodation but are perfect for receptions. They can be found in Como, Lenno, Cernobbio and in the countryside around the lake.
We can help you design the best possible reception with delicious Italian or international food, excellent wines, music and even fireworks if the location allows it.
If you prefer something more intimate, Lake Como also offers many elegant small hotels and relais, where you and your guests can feel at home with all the comfort of a hotel.
Beach clubs for a chic lakeside party
For couples who like a more relaxed but still stylish atmosphere, Lake Como offers some beautiful beach clubs. Here are two favourites.
Lido di Lenno
Lido di Lenno is considered one of the most elegant beach clubs on the lake. The combination of sandy beach, tasteful restaurant and sophisticated décor creates a magical setting for a wedding or pre-/post-wedding party.
A private taxi boat service can be arranged to take you and your guests to nearby locations, such as Villa del Balbianello or the village of Lenno itself.
Lido di Bellagio
Lido di Bellagio has more than a hundred years of history and even appeared in films such as “A Month by the Lake”.
Just a short walk from Bellagio’s centre and about one hour from Milan, it can be reached by car, private boat or water taxi. With its 8 large gazebos, wide sandy beach and beautiful view, it is perfect for a lively wedding reception or an after-party.
Accommodation for your wedding night on Lake Como
Many couples getting married on Lake Como decide to spend their wedding night in a luxury lakeside hotel or suite. Lake Como offers many luxury hotels where newlyweds can spend their first night as a married couple. If your budget allows, booking a special suite adds an extra touch of magic to your experience.
Here are some of the most iconic hotels:
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Run by the same family for more than 40 years, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a magnificent palace hotel surrounded by botanical gardens. It features Canova sculptures, historic details and contemporary touches.
One practical advantage for couples is its proximity to Villa Carlotta, which makes logistics between ceremony and reception very simple.
Villa d’Este
Opened as a hotel in 1873, Villa d’Este is one of Italy’s “grand dame” hotels. Forbes Traveler once named it the best hotel in the world.
For centuries, this palace has attracted celebrities and royalty. Today it is still known for its elegance, its legendary service and its spectacular gardens on the lake.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Originally a summer residence, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni became a luxury hotel in 1873. It is one of the most prestigious properties in Bellagio.
The hotel features impressive staircases, frescoed ceilings and the grand “Salone Reale” ballroom with magnificent Murano glass chandeliers. It is a perfect choice for couples who want to stay in one of the loveliest spots on Lake Como.
Celebrity weddings and famous love stories
Because of its glamour and privacy, Lake Como has hosted many celebrity weddings. Here are just a few well-known examples:
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen
They chose Villa Pizzo for their romantic wedding, with a reception that lasted late into the night.
Daniel Ek and Sofia Levander
The Spotify founder and his bride celebrated in two locations: the ceremony at Villa Pliniana and the party at the 5-star hotel “Il Sereno”, with Bruno Mars performing and Mark Zuckerberg among the guests.
Martine McCutcheon and Jack McManus
The two British singer-songwriters married at Villa del Balbianello.
Emily Blunt and John Kransinski
They celebrated their wedding at Villa d’Este, surrounded by a star-studded guest list including Meryl Streep, George Clooney and Matt Damon.
Laura Smith and James Farmer
The British couple tied the knot at Villa del Balbianello, with guests such as Lily James and Matt Smith.
Your wedding planner on Lake Como
Planning a destination wedding on Lake Como is exciting, but it can also feel complex when you live abroad. This is where an experienced local planner makes all the difference.
I have been working on Lake Como for many years and I know the area and its venues very well. I would be pleased to help you find the perfect wedding spot and to share my knowledge to plan your dream wedding.
- Federica Ceriani, Lake Como wedding planner
If you are thinking about getting married on Lake Como and need help choosing venues, suppliers and timing, our local planners will be happy to guide you step by step.
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