Wedding on Lake Orta: intimate and romantic lake weddings

Lake Orta still preserves the real charm of a traditional Italian village. Orta San Giulio is a medieval town lying on the shores of the lake, facing the tiny island of St. Julius. Together they create an idyllic backdrop for a relaxed yet very elegant Italian wedding.

The 3 must-see places on Lake Orta

To get a first feeling of the lake you can watch the short video below in English by Cosetta Dal Cin, art historian and licensed local tour guide. She introduces the three places you really should not miss, even if you only have a couple of hours:

• Sacro Monte di San Francesco – a UNESCO site since 2003, with chapels, art and peaceful woodland paths.
• The pedestrian village of Orta – a maze of cobbled streets that lead down to the main square on the water.
• The Island of San Giulio – the real jewel of Lake Orta, silent and contemplative, with its abbey and ancient villas.

For more information you can visit Cosetta’s website: www.ortaeoltre.it (English version available). We hope you will enjoy the video and that it will help you imagine your time on Lake Orta.

Why getting married on Lake Orta?

Getting married on Lake Orta means choosing one of the most intimate lakes in Italy.
The village is small, romantic and very easy to walk around.

A wedding on Lake Orta is perfect if you love cobbled streets, tiny squares and a relaxed Italian atmosphere. The lake is framed by soft hills and old stone houses. The view is always dominated by the beautiful island of San Giulio, right in front of the main square.

Because of its size, Lake Orta feels like a secret place. It is ideal for couples who prefer an elegant, cosy celebration instead of a huge party. At the same time, there are enough hotels, restaurants and activities to keep your guests happy for a long weekend in Italy.

Orta village and the Island of St. Julius

Orta San Giulio is a truly unique village. It is fully pedestrian and small enough to feel intimate, yet it can easily host all your guests thanks to its hotels, apartments and local facilities.

Once you arrive in the village, the cobbled streets gently lead you down to the beating heart of Orta: Piazza Motta. This is the main square, where you can find many restaurants, cafés and a few hotels,
all facing the water.

From here the view is simply beautiful. Just in front of the square, St. Julius Island rises from the lake, framing your wedding on Lake Orta with one of the most romantic panoramas in Northern Italy.

Piazza Motta can easily become the meeting point for your guests, the perfect spot for a welcome pizza party or even for after-dinner drinks the night of your wedding.

St. Julius Island

St. Julius Island lies right in the middle of Lake Orta. It is a tiny, fully pedestrian island, with private homes, a single restaurant and a quiet convent of nuns.
A cobbled path loops all around the island. Along this walk you will find many hidden corners, stone walls and lake views that are perfect as a backdrop for your wedding photos.

After the ceremony we often suggest a toast in Piazza Motta with family and friends. Then, while your guests move towards the reception venue, you can take a private boat to St. Julius Island.
You can spend about twenty minutes there, just the two of you, taking romantic couple portraits and enjoying a peaceful break together during your wedding on Lake Orta.

Now let’s look at the key features that make this corner of the Italian Lakes District so special.
They are also the reason why it is such a wonderful destination for your wedding in Italy with the support of the Italian Wedding Company team

Civil ceremony on Lake Orta

Villa Bossi

One of the most iconic options for a wedding on Lake Orta is a civil ceremony at Villa Bossi.
This 17th-century villa lies directly on the lake shore, surrounded by a small but very romantic garden.

The most unforgettable moment is the bride’s arrival. Very often she reaches the villa by rowing boat, while guests wait on the pier or in the garden. The ceremony then takes place under the pergola, with the lake and the village of Orta in the background. It is simple, elegant and incredibly scenic in every season.

Town hall in Orta San Giulio

Another possibility is the town hall of Orta San Giulio.
The building is located in the main square, just a few steps from the water.

Here you can have an indoor ceremony in a historic hall, decorated with frescoes and old wooden details. Afterwards, you can walk out into the square for photos, a toast and maybe a short boat tour with your guests. Everything is close by, so there is no need for cars or long transfers.

Medieval House of Pettenasco

If you are dreaming of an even more private ceremony, Medieval House of Pettenasco is a great choice. It is located about 5 km from Orta village, in the little town of Pettenasco.

The ceremony can be held in the garden of the ancient palace. Access to the courtyard is reserved only to you and your guests, so the atmosphere feels intimate and exclusive. There is no direct lake view, but the historic stone walls create a very evocative backdrop for your wedding on Lake Orta.

Palazzo Sperati

Another charming alternative is Palazzo Sperati, an 18th-century palace in the heart of Miasino village, on the hills above Orta. The village is surrounded by greenery and has a very peaceful, authentic Italian feel.

A short transfer is needed for you and your guests, which we can easily organise with private vans or minibuses. Once there, you can enjoy elegant indoor spaces and a romantic garden, making Palazzo Sperati a lovely option for a refined, slightly off-the-beaten-path civil wedding on Lake Orta.

Catholic ceremony on Lake Orta

Lake Orta allows non resident Roman Catholic ceremonies.
There are three wonderful churches that can be ideal for your Catholic wedding on Lake Orta.
They are simply unique in Italy and each of them offers a different atmosphere and view over the lake.

Santa Maria Assunta Church in Orta

If you turn your back to the lake in Piazza Motta and walk up the cobbled Salita Motta, you reach the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
It is right in the heart of the medieval village and only a short walk from hotels and reception venues.

The church is much bigger than it looks from the outside.
Beautiful frescoes decorate the ceiling and the altar stands between two elegant balustrades that you can enrich with greenery or flowers.
It is a very romantic setting for an intimate Catholic wedding on Lake Orta.

Sacro Monte Church overlooking Orta

Sacro Monte Church is located on top of a hill overlooking Orta village and St. Julius Island.
It is very close to the village, but the road is steep, so walking there is not ideal for guests in formal clothes.

The main church faces a terrace with a breathtaking view over the lake.
The whole complex is dedicated to Saint Francis and includes several chapels set in a peaceful park.
It is also a perfect spot for romantic wedding photos after the ceremony.
A fun tourist train on wheels can take you and your guests from Orta village up to Sacro Monte and back.

Sacro Monte church: on top of a wonderful hill overlooking Orta

Eve-Marie and Roland’s wedding at Sacro Monte church of Orta

Madonna del Sasso Church on the rock

Madonna del Sasso Church is one of the most panoramic churches in Italy.
It stands on a big white rock high above Lake Orta, so a transfer by vans or cars is needed from Orta village.

Once you arrive, the view is simply spectacular: you can see the whole lake, the surrounding villages and St. Julius Island from above.
Inside, rich frescoes and a grand interior create an impressive setting for your Catholic ceremony.
The trip definitely rewards you with one of the most unforgettable panoramas for a wedding on Lake Orta.

Madonna del Sasso church, lake Orta

Franciele and Vicenzo’s wedding at Madonna del Sasso church, lake Orta

Simona and Bruno’s wedding at Madonna del Sasso church, lake Orta

A symbolic blessing by the shores

We can of course help you with all the paperwork for a legal civil or religious ceremony in Italy.
However, if you prefer to avoid documents and deadlines, a symbolic blessing on Lake Orta can be a wonderful alternative.

Villa Bossi does not host only legal civil ceremonies.
It also welcomes symbolic blessings in its romantic garden by the water, with St. Julius Island as a backdrop.
The atmosphere is intimate, relaxed and perfect if you want to personalise every part of your ceremony.

Another beautiful option is the peaceful garden of Villa Gippini, one of the two historic buildings of Hotel San Rocco.
Here you can plan a symbolic ceremony just a few steps from the lake, then move smoothly to your aperitif and reception.

In all cases, we can help you find an experienced celebrant who truly supports your vision.
Together we can create a symbolic ceremony tailored to your story, your values and the mood you imagine for your wedding on Lake Orta.

Wedding Reception on Lake Orta

After the ceremony, you can choose between several reception venues with different styles.

Some couples prefer to stay in Orta San Giulio, in one of the lakeside hotels with terraces directly on the water. Here you can plan an aperitif at sunset, followed by a dinner under the stars and late-night dancing indoors.

Others choose elegant villas and restaurants on the surrounding hills. From there you can enjoy wide views over the lake and the Alps, together with quiet gardens for an outdoor dinner. This option works very well for slightly larger weddings or for couples who want more privacy.

In many cases, ceremony and reception can take place in the same venue. This makes the logistics very easy and lets your guests relax from the first to the last moment.

Hotel San Rocco

For your wedding reception on Lake Orta we usually suggest a venue on the shore.
This is the best way to enjoy the beauty of this romantic Italian lake.
If you want to stay directly in the village, Hotel San Rocco is the classic choice.
You can dine outdoors overlooking St. Julius Island and the lights on the water.
We generally recommend it for bigger groups, from about 80 guests and up, because the terrace is wide and very versatile.

Ustaria Ca’ dal Rat

If you are planning something more intimate, with about 60 guests or fewer, Ustaria Ca’dal Rat is a lovely option.
It is located just outside Orta village and it is easily reachable by boat after the ceremony.
You can also consider a cosy restaurant on the island itself, or even a fun beach club reached by boat during a lake tour.
All of these ideas work very well for relaxed receptions with good food, good wine and a friendly atmosphere.

Villa Crespi

There are also some hotels outside the village, in a more modern style, that can be considered for your wedding on Lake Orta.
For a true luxury experience we often suggest Villa Crespi.
This Moorish style villa is home to Michelin starred chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo.
It is part of the Relais & Châteaux collection and offers both a fine dining restaurant and elegant rooms.
Villa Crespi can be rented in exclusive use only, including all rooms, common areas and the restaurant, for private wedding parties.

Palazzo Penotti Ubertini

If you prefer a historical villa, Palazzo Penotti Ubertini could be the right choice.
It is located in the village, just beside the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
There is no direct lake view, but the atmosphere is unique.
Ancient walls, decorated ceilings and frescoed rooms create a very special backdrop for a refined wedding reception on Lake Orta.

Lake Orta and nearby Lake Maggiore

Let’s not forget how close Lake Orta is to the larger and more famous Lake Maggiore.
You can plan a wedding between the two lakes, or simply organise a visit the day before or the day after your celebrations.
A boat trip to the Borromean Islands and a stroll in Stresa, Baveno or Pallanza are always worth it.
It is another beautiful chapter of your Italian lakes experience – but that is another story.

A wedding weekend on Lake Orta

A wedding on Lake Orta often becomes a full Italian experience, not just one day.
During their stay your guests can wander through the narrow streets of Orta San Giulio, enjoy a coffee in Piazza Motta and take a boat to the island.
They can also walk up to Sacro Monte, a UNESCO site with chapels and panoramic paths in the woods.

From Lake Orta you can easily reach other beautiful areas in Northern Italy.
With a short transfer you can visit Lake Maggiore, the vineyards of Piemonte or even cities such as Milan and Turin.
This makes Lake Orta a perfect base for a wedding weekend or for a romantic mini-moon after the big day.

Practical tips for your wedding on Lake Orta

Lake Orta is about one hour’s drive from Milan Malpensa airport, so it is quite easy to reach for international guests.
Local transfers can be arranged with private minibuses or taxis, while boats are perfect for moving between the village, the island and lakeside venues.

The best months for a wedding on Lake Orta usually go from May to October.
Spring and early summer offer fresh greenery and mild temperatures.
Late summer and early autumn bring warm colours and beautiful light for photos.
Winter weddings are also possible if you love a cosy, intimate atmosphere with fireplaces and candlelight dinners.

In terms of numbers, Lake Orta is ideal for elopements, micro-weddings and medium-size events.
Very large groups often choose bigger lakes, but for couples who love intimacy this is one of the most romantic options in Northern Italy.

Plan your wedding on Lake Orta

If you are dreaming of a wedding on Lake Orta, our local planners will be happy to guide you.
We can help you choose the best ceremony option, suggest venues that match your style and coordinate all the details for you and your guests.

Tell us more about your story and what you imagine for your Italian lake wedding.
Together we will design an intimate, romantic celebration on Lake Orta, tailored around you.