Lake Como Elopement | How to elope in Lake Como

ELOPING TO LAKE COMO, THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Elope to Lake Como if you are after one of the most glamorous Italian destinations and want to combine mountains, forests, clear waters with stunning villas and typical Italian cobblestone villages on your elopement day in Italy! You’ll be spending one of the most important days of your life overlooking what most people refer to as “the most spectacular landscape of Northern Italy”. 

As elopement photographers in Italy, over the last few months we’ve been busy putting together different guides to help couples plan the Italian elopement of their dreams. Please, help yourselves with all the resources we have on our blog: 

Elope in Tuscany

Elope in the Italian Alps

Elope in the Amalfi Coast

Elope in Italy - A comprehensive guide

Lake Como is definitely among our 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 “hottest” Italian destinations and we can totally see why and so can anyone that visits this stunning location for the first time.

Table of Contents:

1. What is an Elopement?
   
2. How do you elope in Lake Como?
3. When is the best period to elope in Lake Como?
4. What is a typical timeline for a Lake Como elopement?
5. 10 TOP Lake Como Villas for your elopement
6. What are the costs of a Lake Como elopement?
7. What’s the best outfit for a Lake Como elopement?
8. Places to visit in Lake Como
9. Book your Lake Como elopement package
10. Useful Links for your Italian Elopement

WHAT IS AN ELOPEMENT?

If you are not new to our blog, then you can skip this bit and jump straight into our guide to plan an elopement in Lake Como. If instead this is the first time you stumble into the term “elopement”, you shall need to know that the meaning of the word has changed dramatically over the last years. From being a secret escape of a couple wanting to quickly get married, Eloping nowadays entails so much more, from adventuring around foreign countries, to tailoring an unforgettable experience on one of your most important days!

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 ELOPING TO ITALY GUIDE

When it comes to choosing the location for your vows exchange 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.

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.

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).

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

1. Villa del Balbianello

2. Villa Monastero

3. Villa Cipressi

4. Villa Lario

5. Hotel Royal Victoria

6. Villa Melzi (Bellagio)

7. Villa Carlotta

8. Villa Regina Teodolinda

9. Villa Pizzo

10. Villa Erba

WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF A LAKE COMO ELOPEMENT?

A typical Lake Como elopement will cost around €7.000 - €10.000.

The cost very much depends on the kind of services you’d like to add.

This is a rough estimate of potential costs for an elopement in Lake Como:

Dedicated Elopement Photography and planning team starting at €3700

Makeup and hair stylist €500

Bouquet and buttonhole from €500

Celebrant from €450

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!

- Consider taking 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 on Lake Como, then feel free to get in touch at info@bennicarolphotography.com 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. And if you think we are not a good match, no worries at all, you will just have had a lovely chat with two Italian ladies ;)

USEFUL LINKS FOR YOUR ITALIAN ELOPEMENT

Eloping in Italy, a comprehensive guide

Visit Val d’Orcia

How to elope in Tuscany

How to elope in the Amalfi Coast

How to elope in the Italian Alps

by Benni Carol Photography

Elopement photographers covering elopements all over Italy