Lake Como is a gorgeous glacial lake in Lombardy, Italy, surrounded by villas, beaches, and gardens. It’s an incredibly romantic place to get married, whether you’re looking for a luxurious, relaxing destination or an adventurous experience (or a little bit of both)! This guide will tell you everything you need to know to plan an intimate wedding in Lake Como, from the best venues to local marriage laws.
I’ve also written a blog on eloping in Italy! You can click HERE to read more about other locations to get married at in Italy.
Set a Date for Your Wedding in Lake Como
One of the first things you’ll need to do for your intimate wedding in Lake Como is set a date! The lake is a pretty popular destination, so along with the weather, it can be helpful to consider when peak season is.
Weather in Lake Como
You can definitely have your wedding at Lake Como any time of year! But, each season is a little bit different, so here’s what you need to know.
Winters get pretty cold, but during the day, temperatures are usually in the 40s, so if you layer up, it’s still plenty comfortable for exploring outdoors! The lake also looks extra blue during this time of year, and because there are fewer tourists around, prices for accommodation drop quite a bit.
Spring is one of the best times for a wedding in Lake Como - the temperatures are mild, and azaleas, camellias, and wisterias bloom around the lake, surrounding the blue water with gorgeous pastel colors! Late spring can get pretty rainy, so be prepared with an umbrella.
In the summer, you’ll see a lot of other people around - because of the warm weather and sunshine, people flock to Lake Como from all over the world. This is a great time for a wedding, and for hitting the beach, but it’s busy!
Fall is another great time for a wedding, with mild weather and gorgeous fall foliage. The villages surrounding the lake start to shut down in October, so while you can enjoy fewer crowds, there may be fewer options for restaurants and things to do!
Avoiding Crowds When You Get Married in Lake Como
If you book a venue for your wedding, you’ll (most likely) have the place to yourself! But, if you want to have an intimate wedding in Lake Como and combine it with your honeymoon, or you’re walking around taking wedding photos outdoors, it’s definitely nice to not have a ton of people around as you celebrate saying “I do.”
There are a few ways to avoid crowds while you’re here - first, tie the knot during shoulder season! Peak season is summer, so shoulder season is right before and right after that - spring and fall.
Another tip is to plan a weekday wedding. If you and your guests are flexible with your wedding day, this can be an amazing way to have some more privacy. I also recommend planning adventures for sunrise and sunset, as these times (especially sunrise) are always much less busy.
The Best Wedding Venues in Lake Como
From five star hotels to cozy villas, Lake Como has somewhere for every couple to say “I do.” Here are just a few ideas for the best wedding venues in Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello
The Villa Del Balbianello is a luxurious wedding venue located at the tip of a forested peninsula. It’s far away from everything, accessible only by boat, which adds to the adventure for you and your guests! You’ll have incredible panoramic lake views, lush gardens, and stunning vistas.
Villa Bonomi
Villa Bonomi is one of the best wedding venues in Lake Como for intimate weddings, situated on a mountain that overlooks the lake. It’s a short drive from Como city center, close to tons of adventures! The gardens have terraces and paths to wander through, as well as a swimming pool.
Outdoor Wedding Locations
Depending on the size of your intimate wedding, you might also choose to get married outdoors, somewhere on the banks of Lake Como (or even rent a boat and get married on the water)! This is a possibility for smaller weddings and elopements, so get a rough guest list together before you start your search. I can help you find a location that’s perfect for you!
How to Get Legally Married in Lake Como
Getting legally married in Italy as a foreigner can be pretty complicated. You can do a Catholic church ceremony if one of you is baptized, but otherwise it needs to be a civil ceremony officiated by the mayor.
You’ll need your passport and birth certificates, and a “Dichiarazione Giurata,” which certifies that there is no legal impediment to you getting married. After this you’ll need to swear in front of the Italian Consul that there is no impediment.
In Italy, you’ll need to present all of these documents to the Marriage Office in the city where you’ll be getting married, and make a “Declaration of Intention to Marry.” Once this is done, you can set a date!
Because this process is pretty difficult, many couples decide to do the paperwork at home, then have their wedding ceremony in Lake Como.
It’s also important to note that Italy recognized same-sex marriages! If you are a LGBTQ+ looking to plan a destination wedding, click on THIS BLOG or ten other locations in countries around the world that queer couples can legally get married.
Wedding Locations Similar to Lake Como
If you like the vibe of Lake Como, but aren’t quite sure if it’s perfect for you, here are a few places that are similar!
Lake Maggiore, Italy
Lake Maggiore is another lake in Italy, and along with Lake Como and Lake Garda, it’s one of the three biggest lakes in the country. But unlike the other two lakes, which are very developed, Lake Maggiore remains peaceful, wild, and natural. There are fewer shops and restaurants, and therefore fewer people, so if you want gorgeous views without a crowd, this is an incredible place for an intimate wedding!
Lake Placid, New York
Though it’s pretty far from Italy, Lake Placid in Upstate New York offers a similar feeling as Lake Como does. A gorgeous lake bordered by mountains and surrounded by villages and quaint towns, it’s the perfect place for an intimate wedding!
Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken is a town in Switzerland, situated between two lakes. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz sit at the base of three stunning mountain peaks, surrounded by hiking trails, ski slopes, and so much to explore.
Lake Como Wedding Packages
Your wedding should allow you to focus on what matters - each other. So if an intimate wedding with the people you love most, in a beautiful place, sounds like your jam, I’m ready to help you plan it! My job as a photographer is to be your guide through it all - so to start dreaming up your intimate wedding in Lake Como, contact me!
