One Wedding on Lake Como It combines historic villas, Mediterranean gardens and views of water and mountains. Lake Como is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in Europe. It is suitable for intimate celebrations with 30 guests as well as for large destination weddings with 200 guests and more.
My name is Alica Maria Smyk, a certified wedding planner (IHK), and I plan luxury weddings in Italy. In this guide, I introduce you to 22 wedding locations on Lake Como information on the number of guests, overnight stays, boat moorings and closing time, as well as a budget you should keep in mind and what is important when getting married and booking.
Why get married on Lake Como?
On Lake Como, historic villas are located right on the water, luxury hotels with sea terraces and private estates with their own access to the lake. Hardly any region offers so many exceptional wedding locations in such a small area.
The special thing is that the lake will become part of your wedding. You travel by boat to the wedding ceremony, enjoy the aperitivo on the water, or give your guests a private boat tour.
As Wedding planner for Italy I accompany couples from the first location search to the final dance.
Wedding Weekend on Lake Como
Most couples don't just celebrate a day on Lake Como; they spend an entire weekend there.
- Friday: Arrival and welcome dinner or private boat tour
- Saturday: Getting-ready, getting married, aperitivo, dinner and party
- Sunday: Brunch, private boat tour for goodbyes or pool party
This works particularly well in villas and hotels where your guests stay directly. You can find more about this on my page on Destination Wedding.
Wedding Weekend on Lake Como
Many international couples deliberately choose a multi-day destination wedding. Instead of the celebration ending after a few hours, family and friends spend a weekend together at Lake Como.
A possible itinerary begins on Friday with arrival and a welcome dinner. On Saturday, getting ready, the ceremony, aperitivo, dinner and party follow. On Sunday, guests can wind down their stay at Lake Como with a joint brunch or a private boat tour.
This concept is particularly well suited to exclusive villas and hotels. If part or even all of the wedding party can stay on-site, it makes for short distances and significantly more time spent together.
The 22 most beautiful wedding locations on Lake Como
Which wedding location on Lake Como is the right one depends not only on the appearance; what is crucial are the number of guests, privacy, accommodation, catering, music regulations, boat access, and whether you can use the location exclusively.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is among the most renowned luxury hotels on Lake Como and is a particularly elegant choice for a wedding weekend.
This is how I would plan your day here: The getting-ready takes place in one of the large upper suites. The free wedding ceremony celebrates it in the Tea Garden with a view of the lake; afterwards there is an aperitivo at the bar. A highlight is a private boat tour, with live music on board if desired. The dinner takes place in Function Room Instead, for an intimate atmosphere with a maximum of 44 guests.
Good to know: The hotel is not exclusively rented out; there are other guests in the house as well. Your guests, however, will be staying directly on site.
Particularly suitable for: Elegant weddings with 40 to 44 guests.
2. Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como
The Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como In Blevio, it is one of the most luxurious resorts on the lake. Historical villas, gardens and terraces provide the backdrop for free weddings with lake views.
- 80 to 150 guests
- Private boat dock, spa and infinity pool
- Usually ends at midnight, but other regulations may apply for indoor events.
With catering, design and entertainment, the total budget can reach a high six-figure amount.
Particularly suitable for: Luxurious destination weddings with full-service.
3. Villa Aura del Lago
The Villa Aura del Lago is a romantic waterfront villa and is particularly suited for intimate to medium-sized weddings.
The garden with direct lake views offers a wonderful backdrop for the humanist wedding ceremony. Afterwards, aperitifs and dinner can take place on the terrace or in the garden.
The villa is suitable for about 50 to 100 guests.
For a wedding including catering, decoration and further services, the total budget should be calculated according to the number of guests and the desired scope.
Particularly suitable for: romantic weddings with lake views and a bespoke destination wedding concept.
4. Villa Balbiano
The Villa Balbiano is among the most exclusive wedding venues on Lake Como.
The historic 16th-century villa is located right on Lake Como, combining magnificent interiors, extensive gardens and classical Italian architecture.
The villa became internationally known, among other things, as the filming location for the movie House of Gucci.
Wedding at Villa Balbiano
Celebratory ceremonies, aperitivos, dinners and parties can be hosted in different areas of the estate. A dinner in the garden overlooking Lake Como is particularly impressive.
For exclusive use, corresponding venue hire costs will apply. In addition, catering, beverages, floral arrangements, decoration, AV equipment, music and further services should be included in the budget planning.
Particularly suitable for: Couples looking to combine an exclusive villa, historical architecture and a high-end luxury event concept.
5. Villa Carlotta
The Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is best known for its exceptional botanical garden.
Rhododendrons, azaleas, Mediterranean vegetation and historic gardens create a special backdrop for a romantic garden wedding on Lake Como.
The 17th-century villa combines art, history and nature. Inside, there are important works of art by Antonio Canova, among others.
Villa Carlotta key facts
The villa can accommodate up to 70 guests. Overnight stays are not possible directly on site. A private boat mooring is not available. The music must stop by 10 pm and the event ends at 11 pm at the latest.
The villa is particularly suitable for couples looking for a romantic garden wedding at Lake Como with a historic character plan.
6. Villa Carminati Resta
The Villa Carminati Resta is a special wedding venue on Lake Como for couples who want to combine historical architecture, modern design and the unique atmosphere of Lago di Como. A major advantage of the villa is that many parts of the wedding day's programme can be held directly on the estate.
The humanist wedding ceremony at Lake Como can take place in the romantic lake garden before moving on to an Italian aperitivo, a stylish dinner and subsequently the wedding reception. This allows the individual moments of the wedding day to be harmoniously linked together without the guests having to move between different venues.
Particularly appealing is the combination of the historic areas of the villa and the modern loft with its own bar. This creates an elegant mix of classic Italian charm and contemporary event design, which is ideal for a stylish Luxury Wedding on Lake Como is suitable.
The villa also offers special opportunities for the getting ready. The bridal couple can stay overnight directly on the estate and start their wedding day in a relaxed manner. The Tower Suite with its 360-degree views over Lake Como creates an extraordinary setting for the getting ready and the first wedding photos.
Another advantage is the potential Arrival by boat. Especially with a destination wedding, the boat ride across Lake Como thus becomes a very special moment of the wedding day.
Villa Carminati Resta is therefore particularly suitable for couples who their Wedding on Lake Como want to celebrate in an exclusive location with a lake view, overnight accommodation, a historic ambience and modern event areas.
Particularly suitable for: Couples planning a stylish luxury wedding on Lake Como who want to combine historic architecture, modern design, overnight accommodation and a special location right on the lake.
7. Villa Cipressi
The Villa Cipressi in Varenna is one of the special wedding venues on Lake Como.
The historic building complex dates back to the 14th century. Particularly characteristic are the terraced botanical gardens with Mediterranean vegetation, ancient walls and cypress trees.
Who is Villa Cipressi suitable for?
The villa is particularly suited for weddings with around 35 to 100 guests.
A major advantage of a destination wedding is the opportunity to accommodate guests directly on site. A total of 29 rooms and suites are available, including lake-view rooms, junior suites and a bridal suite.
Wedding at Villa Cipressi
Both civil ceremonies and humanist/independent wedding ceremonies are possible.
For the various programme items, the pergola with fountain area, the Cipressi terrace, the front lake terrace, the garden and historic interior spaces are available, among other things.
Particularly impressive is the Front Lake Terrace with a view of Lake Como.
Villa Cipressi wedding and costs
The actual costs depend on the season, number of guests, event areas, catering and further services. For a destination wedding with about 50 to 100 guests, a correspondingly generous overall budget should be planned.
An exclusive booking of the villa is possible for a minimum of two nights. The duration of use and potential extensions of the music hours should also be clarified directly with the venue in advance.
Particularly suitable for: elegant destination weddings with 35 to 100 guests and couples who want to accommodate their guests on-site.
8. Villa d'Este
The Villa d’Este in Cernobbio belongs to the most legendary luxury hotels on Lake Como.
The historic estate features extensive parklands, elegant function rooms, 152 rooms and its own private jetty.
Wedding at Villa d’Este
For the ceremony, among other things, the Mosaic Garden with Nymphaeum available.
For dinner and reception, for example, the Empire Saloon or the Column Hall be used. For the subsequent party, the D’Este Club is an ideal choice.
A major advantage of a destination wedding is the possibility for your guests to stay directly at the hotel, eliminating the need for long transfers between accommodation and the celebration.
9. Villa del Balbianello
The Villa del Balbianello is among the most famous villas on Lake Como.
The villa, situated on a peninsula, is internationally known as a film set. Among other things, it was used for Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones used.
The historic architecture and the terraced gardens provide an exceptional backdrop for a wedding on Lake Como.
Travelling by boat makes the visit a special experience.
The villa can also be booked exclusively for the ceremony, while the dinner and party take place at another venue afterwards.
Particularly suitable for: Couples who want an iconic wedding ceremony on Lake Como and are planning the subsequent celebration at a different venue.
10. Villa Erba
The Villa Erba in Cernobbio combines historic architecture, spacious outdoor areas and a direct lakeside location.
The wedding ceremony can take place with a view of Lake Como. A private boat dock allows arrival via the water and private boat transfers during the wedding day.
The villa is particularly suitable for larger weddings and high-end destination weddings.
Separate getting-ready rooms are available for the bride and groom.
Cost of a wedding at Villa Erba
The venue costs start in a correspondingly high segment depending on the event and season. In addition, catering, decoration, technology, entertainment, staff, and logistics should be taken into account.
There is no accommodation available in the villa itself. For a wedding weekend, hotels in Cernobbio and the surrounding area can be used.
Read here my detailed Blog post about Villa Erba.
Particularly suitable for: larger destination weddings with a prestigious ambiance and direct lake access.
11. Villa Geno
The Villa Geno in Como is a neoclassical villa from 1790 located directly on Lake Como.
The spacious garden with a view of the lake is suitable for wedding ceremonies, aperitifs and receptions.
For weddings, up to 200 guests are possible. A modern glass pavilion with an opening roof extends the event spaces.
The villa also has a private boat mooring.
Particularly suitable for: larger weddings with lake views and versatile event spaces.
12. Villa La Cassinella
The Villa La Cassinella is one of the most exciting private wedding venues on Lake Como for couples seeking maximum privacy.
The property is situated on a private peninsula near Lenno and can be accessed exclusively by boat.
It is precisely this seclusion that makes the villa particularly interesting for intimate destination weddings and exclusive celebrations.
Wedding at Villa La Cassinella
The villa is suitable for up to 50 guests.
The sprawling garden, historic features and direct access to the lake create a very private atmosphere. The wedding ceremony, aperitif and reception can all be hosted on the estate.
Another benefit is the possibility of accommodating guests directly in the villa. This creates a true Wedding Weekend on Lake Como realise.
The villa has been open for weddings since 2026 and is therefore still relatively new on the wedding market.
The curfew is at midnight.
Particularly suitable for: VIP weddings, intimate destination weddings and couples who value maximum privacy.
13. Villa Lario Resort
The Villa Lario Resort in Mandello del Lario lies on the eastern shore of Lake Como and offers a quieter alternative to the well-known hotspots around Como, Bellagio and Tremezzo.
The resort combines direct access to the lake, a private boat mooring, an outdoor pool and modern suites with mountain views.
At Amandus Ristorante, sophisticated cuisine is the main focus.
For couples looking for a more exclusive and quieter setting, Mandello del Lario can be an interesting alternative to the busier spots on the lake.
Particularly suitable for: Couples who want to combine luxury, tranquillity, lakeside locations and modern hotel design.
14. Passalacqua
Passalacqua in Moltrasio is one of the most exclusive hotels on Lake Como.
The historic 18th-century villa has been painstakingly restored and combines classical architecture with modern luxury.
The gardens with olive trees, cypresses and fountains provide an elegant setting for weddings and receptions.
For weddings, up to 120 guests are possible.
The property has eight suites and a boat dock. An underground access ensures additional discretion and privacy. You can also read my detailed review here. Blog post about Passalacqua.
Particularly suitable for: classic luxury weddings with a historic character, high privacy and exclusive service.
15. Villa Pizzo
The Villa Pizzo in Cernobbio is one of the best-known wedding venues on Lake Como.
The 15th-century historic residence features extensive private gardens, historic walls, terraces, and direct access to the lake.
The venue is suitable for weddings with up to 200 guests.
The wedding ceremony, aperitif, dinner and party can take place in different areas of the estate.
Overnight accommodation directly in the villa is not possible. Hotels are available for guests in Cernobbio and the surrounding area.
Read here my detailed Blog post about Villa Pizzo.
Particularly suitable for: large destination weddings with a historic setting, garden and direct lake access.
16. Villa Pliniana
The Villa Pliniana is an exceptional private residence right on Lake Como and is particularly suitable for exclusive destination weddings.
Historic architecture, private gardens, terraces and the estate's characteristic waterfall create a setting that is distinctly different from traditional luxury hotels.
Wedding at Villa Pliniana
Events with up to 500 guests are permitted outdoors, and up to 100 guests indoors.
For overnight stays, 17 suites are available for up to 40 guests.
The villa features a private boat jetty, a helicopter landing pad, historic interiors, as well as extensive gardens and terraces.
The closing time for both indoor and outdoor areas is 2 am.
Villa Pliniana wedding and budget
A luxury destination wedding at Villa Pliniana should be costed as a bespoke, end-to-end project.
Depending on the number of guests, design and scale, the budget can be 200,000 euros or more. In the case of a VIP destination wedding, the total expense can be significantly higher.
The special strength of the villa lies in being able to organise a complete and highly individual wedding weekend.
Particularly suitable for: VIP weddings, private family celebrations and couples with high expectations regarding privacy and individual event design.
17. Villa Regina Teodolinda
The Villa Regina Teodolinda in Laglio is situated directly on Lake Como and offers an intimate atmosphere.
The private garden with lake view is suitable for wedding ceremonies, aperitifs and receptions. The villa also has accommodation options and a private boat mooring.
18. Villa Sola Cabiati
Up to 80 guests can attend a wedding. The villa can accommodate a maximum of 22 people overnight.
Particularly suitable for: intimate weddings and private wedding weekends on Lake Como.
The Villa Sola Cabiati in Tremezzo is a magnificent 18th-century historic villa.
Frescoes, historic furniture, ornate interiors and the elegant garden create an aristocratic atmosphere.
The villa is particularly suitable for couples looking for a classic Italian luxury wedding on Lake Como looking for one with a historic character.
19. Relais Villa Vittoria
The Villa Vittoria Hotel in Laglio combines historical charm with a direct location on Lake Como.
The garden, terrace and pergola offer spaces for the wedding ceremony, aperitivo and dinner.
Up to 70 guests can attend a wedding. Up to 36 guests can stay overnight directly on-site.
A boat landing stage allows access across the lake.
Particularly suitable for: Couples planning a smaller wedding with overnight accommodation, lake views and a private atmosphere.
20. Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio is located directly on Lake Como and is a historic luxury hotel in the Belle Époque style.
Bellagio itself is a special advantage. Your guests can combine the wedding weekend with strolls through the old town, restaurants, boutiques and private boat trips.
Wedding at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
The hotel offers various areas for weddings with up to 220 guests. For ceremonies and receptions, both indoor and outdoor spaces with views of Lake Como are available.
The historic function rooms are suitable for wedding banquets and receptions. Ceremonies with lake views can also take place in the hotel's outdoor areas.
For gastronomic planning, the hotel's own restaurants and event service are available.
Overnight stay at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
The hotel has accommodation for up to 188 guests, meaning a large part of the wedding party can be accommodated directly in the hotel.
boat landing stage
The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni has its own private boat dock on Lake Como, making it accessible by boat as well.
For outdoor events, there is a curfew at 19:30. The general curfew is at midnight.
Particularly suitable for: Couples planning a wedding with hotel comfort and looking to experience Bellagio as part of their wedding weekend.
21. Hotel Villa Giulia
The Hotel Villa Giulia in Valmadrera is a charming alternative to the well-known luxury villas around Bellagio, Como and Tremezzo.
The 19th-century historic villa features a small hotel, the Ristorante Al Terrazzo, a garden and an exceptional panoramic veranda overlooking Lake Como and the mountains of Lecco.
The veranda features frescoes, crystal chandeliers and a mosaic floor. In summer it opens onto the lake, while in the cooler months it can be heated.
Wedding at the Hotel Villa Giulia
The venue is particularly suited for couples planning a personal wedding with overnight accommodation directly on-site.
Possible programme items include a symbolic wedding ceremony in the garden, a ceremony on the terrace, an aperitivo, dinner in the restaurant or on the panoramic veranda, as well as private boat arrival.
The hotel has 12 rooms and suites.
Villa Giulia wedding and costs
The actual costs depend on the season, the number of guests, the menu, overnight stays and additional services.
Particularly suitable for: Couples looking for a charming boutique wedding venue with a hotel, in-house catering and a personal atmosphere.
22. Villa Bonomi
Lake Como is one of those places you don't simply visit – you experience it. Amidst glistening water, historic villas, lush gardens and the timeless elegance of Northern Italy, a backdrop is created that is tailor-made for a destination wedding.
Jewel on Lake Como
One of my special recommendations for couples who want a wedding with plenty of privacy, style and an Italian way of life is Villa Bonomi in Como.
Villa Bonomi is located in Como, on the western shore of Lake Como. Its location alone makes the villa a special retreat: the proximity to the city combines the elegance of a private estate with the opportunity to explore Como and Lake Como during your stay.
The villa features eleven suites, which are spread across three floors and a separate outbuilding. The rooms vary in size and, depending on their location, offer views of the lake or the expansive park.
For a destination wedding, precisely this combination is particularly appealing: the wedding party can not only come together for a few hours, but can turn the entire stay into a shared experience.
FAQ: Wedding at Lake Como
When is the best time for a wedding on Lake Como?
The most popular months are June to September.
How many guests are possible on Lake Como?
It depends on the location: from up to 50 guests (Villa La Cassinella) to up to 500 guests in the outdoor area (Villa Pliniana).
Can you have a civil wedding on Lake Como?
Yes. The requirements depend on your nationality and the relevant municipality.
Is a humanist wedding ceremony possible at Lake Como?
Yes, in many villas, gardens, hotels and on terraces by the lake in Lake Como.
How much does a wedding at Lake Como cost?
Around 60,000 to 80,000 euros. Luxury weddings often cost 100,000 to 300,000 euros, VIP weddings even more.
How far in advance should one plan?
18 to 24 months, earlier for very sought-after villas.
Where can you celebrate the longest at Lake Como?
At Villa Pliniana until 2 a.m. Many other venues close at 12 a.m., Villa Carlotta already at 11 p.m.
Conclusion: Planning your wedding on Lake Como properly
What matters is not which villa looks most beautiful, but which one suits you. Are your guests going to spend several days at the lake? How private do you want it to be? Do you prefer hotel comfort or an exclusive villa?
You want to know which wedding location on Lake Como suits you? Agreed upon free consultation with me.
With Love – Alica
