Lake Como Elopement at Villa del Balbianello

Planning a destination elopement at Lake Como, Italy? As experienced elopement planners and photographers, we’ve had the privilege of capturing intimate moments at iconic locations like Villa del Balbianello, and we’re here to help you plan an unforgettable experience.. Oh, and let us share with you this incredible real elopement day— a Lake Como Elopement at Villa del Balbianello.

Planning Destination Elopement at Lake Como

If you’re searching around Italy for the perfect place to elope, then you’ve come to the right spot! I’ll tell you (and show you) exactly what it’s like eloping at Lake Como and also why you should. I’ll start by showing you a full day from a real destination elopement that me and my husband photographed this year, then I’ll give you some handy tips that will be super helpful for you in making your decision. At the same time, I’m glad you’re here and that you stumbled upon our photography website. Moreover, all these photos were taken by us and we hope you love them enough to bring us back here to photograph your Lake Como Destination Elopement!

Lake Como Elopement Venue— Villa del Balbianello

Lake Como offers a magical combination of natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious venues that you just can’t find anywhere else in the world. The shimmery lake, the Alps—ahh— it all sets the perfect backdrop for the perfect elopement experience. Beyond the aesthetics, the local’s warm hospitality (it’s true, they are the kindest people!), delicious cuisine, and romantic Italian charm make it an unbeatable elopement destination.

If you want to do what this couple did, start your day in style at the luxurious Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio. This 5-star hotel is the epitome of elegance, offering stunning lake views, beautifully designed suites, and impeccable service. As you prepare for your big day, the natural light streaming through the suite windows provides the perfect ambiance for candid getting-ready photos. Don’t forget to savor a cappuccino and some freshly baked pastries – a quintessential Italian start to your morning.

Photographer’s Tip: Plan extra time in your elopement timeline to allow for wiggle room and spontaneity.

Why Grand Hotel Victoria is the Perfect Getting Ready Location

1. Secluded Luxury: In regards to luxurious services, this hotel is the best in Menaggio.
2. Versatile Spaces: Use your hotel room, the lobby and bar area, the epic spa spaces, and the courtyard for getting ready photos.
3. Private Driver: The hotel will offer a private driver to take you from one place to the next, which is super helpful on your elopement day.

I’ll let the wedding day speak for itself in the photos, as shown below. If you want your wedding photos to look like these, then contact us and let’s start the planning.

Tips for Eloping at Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como

If you’re planning to elope in Lake Como, hurray! There are some things to consider when it comes to your photos at Lake Como and especially Villa del Balbianello, and these are some tips we’ve noticed brings us success:

1. Don’t forget to book your photoshoot with the villa. Many couples think they can show up at the villa with a photographer and buy tickets there the day of, but if you do it like that, even in the low season, you will be turned away. You are required to make a reservation for a specific day and time and pay a photoshoot fee (600€ EUR) on top on the normal entrance fee (14€ EUR). We recommend doing this 6 months in advance to make sure your date is available.
2. Have your photoshoot later in the day, around golden hour. If you want the best lighting and weather for your photoshoot time, aim for later in the day. Midday is usually (depending on the season) the worst time because the sun is high and will cast ugly shadows on your faces! If you aim for anytime past 4pm, then you’ll be getting much nicer lighting for some beautiful ceremony photos!
3. Remember to bring another pair of shoes and snacks if you get hungry. Villa del Balbianello is only accessible via boat, so there’s no way of stopping by a restaurant if you get hungry. Bring snacks! As, walking around the property might be difficult in high heels as there’s a lot of cobblestoned patches and uneven sidewalks. Bringing another pair of comfy shoes will definitely help!

Videography by Jake + Genessa Photography. Check out more elopement videos here!

Say “I do” at Civic Park Teresio Olivelli

Located in Tremezzo, Civic Park Teresio Olivelli is a hidden gem for an intimate vow exchange. This peaceful park features manicured gardens, a small fountain, and unobstructed views of the lake. The serene atmosphere creates a romantic and private setting for you to share your heartfelt promises.

This park is completely open to the public without any fees or tickets needed to enter, which is super convenient in a place like Lake Como. (If you’ve done any research around the villas and parks around Lake Como, you’ll know that you’ll easily be paying a bunch of fees to enter into parks and private villas. On top of that, if you decide to have a professional photographer take your photos, you’ll almost always need to pay a photography fee, which isn’t cheap).

If you’re worried about photography fees at certain villas, we include those fees in our photography packages so you don’t have to worry about it!

Cultural Highlights to Enrich Your Lake Como Elopement

Private Boat Tour

After getting ready, embark on a private boat tour around Lake Como. This is not just a mode of transportation – it’s an unforgettable experience. Cruising along the lake’s sparkling waters, you’ll pass picturesque villages, charming villas, and verdant hillsides. The boat ride also provides ample opportunities for stunning photos with Lake Como’s iconic beauty as your backdrop. This couple booked their boat tour with Cadenazzi Boats! it helps to coordinate your boat departure time to coincide with the golden hour for the most flattering lighting in your photos.

Pro Tip: Ask for a classic wooden Riva boat for a touch of vintage Italian glamour.

Helpful Local Tips:

1. Embrace Italian Traditions: Incorporate local customs into your day, such as enjoying an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) or cutting into a traditional Italian wedding cake like millefoglie.
2. Seasonal Planning: The best months for a Lake Como elopement are April to June or September to October, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. This couple eloped on October 12th and the weather was perfect.
3. Transportation Tips: Lake Como’s towns are well-connected by ferries but have long routes and specific schedules, so hiring a private driver or boat can make your day more seamless.
4. Dining Recommendations: Celebrate with a post-ceremony dinner at a lakeside restaurant like La Darsena in Tremezzo, where you can savor local dishes like risotto con pesce persico (risotto with perch). In Menaggio, try this restaurant with views of the lake and mountains.
5. Extend Your Stay: Turn your elopement into a honeymoon! Our favorite little towns apart from the ones featured in this blog in the Lake Como area are Bellagio, Varenna, and Lenno.

The couple hired a private boat to tour them around the lake, and eventually drop them off at Villa del Balbianello.

Ring Exchange and Wedding Portraits at Villa del Balbianello

No Lake Como elopement is complete without a visit to Villa del Balbianello. Perched on a wooded promontory, this historic villa offers sweeping views of the lake and beautifully manicured gardens. Known for its cinematic charm, Villa del Balbianello has been featured in films like Star Wars and Casino Royale. It’s kind of the iconic location in Lake Como for capturing portraits.

This couple did a ring exchange under the beautiful villa arches, and the backlit sun made for some stunning pictures! This photoshoot was around 4pm in October, so it wasn’t very crowded and the lighting was gorgeous.

Top Lake Como Elopement Photographers

One name: Jake + Genessa Photography! With over 5 years of photographing destination elopements all over the Mediterrannean, we’re you’re dream team and offer wedding videography services as well! With a deep understanding of Italy’s beauty and a passion for storytelling, our photography services are designed to preserve every smile, every glance, and every unforgettable moment.

So, I hope this has been helpful for you as you plan your elopement at Lake Como, Italy! If you’ve got any questions, drop us a message on Instagram or fill out our contact form. Are you planning a Lake Como Elopement at Villa del Balbianello? Still looking for your wedding photographer? Pick us! We would love to hang out and get to know you better, and you’ll get amazing photos like in this blog! Contact us here.

Wedding portraits and gelato in Menaggio, Lake Como

Italy Elopement Photo + Video Packages

Elopement photography is about so much more than just photography. Our goal is to make it an experience you’ll never forget. We’ve been working together on destinations weddings for years and we know how to take care of you and make sure you get the absolute best photographs! We’ll guide you through the whole process of planning your wedding or elopement in Italy, tips for getting the best photos and planning your timeline.

Our Lake Como Elopement photography packages range from 2.900€ to 5.600€ and include all travel expenses.

All photos in this blog were taken by us, Jake and Genessa Photography.