In the world of weddings, Lake Como has become something of a mecca. The third-largest lake in Italy, Como’s shores are lined with some of the most spectacular hotels and villas in the world. One such location, Villa Balbiano, has become one of the most frequented wedding venues in all of Italy. And for good reason — Villa Balbiano perfectly exemplifies Lake Como’s distinctive history, opulence, and glamor.
I am always shocked, though, to discover that many other Lake Como venues are overlooked in favor of Villa Balbiano’s notoriety. For this reason, I have compiled a list of “hidden gem” venues for the couple who want to explore the full breadth of what Lake Como has to offer. If that sounds like you and your partner, read on!
We begin our journey along the lake’s northern coast at Villa Regina Teodolinda. Named for Queen Teodolinda of the Lombards (a Germanic tribe who conquered the Italian peninsula during the sixth and seventh centuries), the villa is located in the small lakeside village of Laglio. Under their current ownership, 179 happy couples have tied the knot on the villa’s grounds. Boasting six suites, a lush garden courtyard, and a private pier, Villa Regina Teodolinda might be just the place to host the Lake Como wedding of your wildest dreams.
Moving down the lake’s eastern shore, we find ourselves at Villa Monastero. Built at the end of the 12th century as a women’s monastery, Monastero is considered one of the region’s primary historical and environmental sites. The villa is renowned for its stunning botanical garden, home to some of the world’s rarest plant species. With accommodations for up to 20 guests, a variety of one-of-a-kind reception spaces, and a cozy café, Villa Monastero perfectly captures Lake Como’s charm.
Villa Monastero has also been highlighted by the Intimate Weddings team as a prime location for one of their “smaller, more meaningful events”. A brand founded with the mission to cultivate authenticity rather than extravagance, Intimate Weddings founder Veronica and her team are the perfect planners to ensure that your Villa Monastero wedding day goes off without a hitch.
Our next venue, Villa Elisabetta, sits nestled in the coastal Calozzo province. With six bedrooms and six bathrooms, this venue can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests (including the bride and groom). And if that wasn’t enough, Villa Elisabetta also offers a heated swimming pool, a commercial-grade kitchen, a large terrace, and a private lake access point.
Plus, if you and your partner are looking to completely immerse yourselves in the local culture, Villa Elisabetta has you covered — a small nearby village filled with charming restaurants and shops is just a five-minute walk from the villa’s front door!
4) Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Next up is the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, located in the village of Bellagio. With a variety of uniquely decorated suites, a spa, and an enchanting flower garden that slopes right down to the lake’s edge, it’s no wonder the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni has recently celebrated its 150th year of business. The Serbelloni staff are committed to only hosting one wedding per day in order to ensure that each couple gets the team’s undivided attention. Talk about commitment!
The real highlight, though, may be in-house Chef Ettore Bocchia’s Italian cuisine. Whether you decide to be bold and try out Chef Bocchia’s signature liquid nitrogen ice cream or indulge in the lobster linguine (cooked tableside!), you’re sure to be satisfied.
A villa separate from but owned by the illustrious Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Villa Sola Cabiati sits along Lake Como’s western shore. Built during the 16th century, the villa’s distinctively Neoclassical architecture style gives it that quintessential Lake Como feel. The venue’s six suites, which can accommodate up to 12 guests, are waited on by a full staff of housekeepers, butlers, and a private chef. And, if you and your guests are interested in exploring the region’s history, you can take a gorgeous woodland hike up through the mountains to the medieval church of San Martino.
A bit further south, tucked into one of the lake’s small inlets, sits Villa Plinana. Recently renovated and now able to comfortably host 200 guests, Villa Plinana is the perfect spot for a larger Lake Como wedding. Between the villa’s massive ballrooms and breathtaking gardens, there are no shortage of options for your ceremony location. And if you’ve spent years dreaming of your big wedding day entrance, look no further. With Villa Plinana’s helicopter landing pad and private boat dock, you’re sure to arrive in style!
7) Villa Gastel
Villa Gastel, a spectacular private space that sits on Villa Erba’s Cernebbio estate but can be rented separately, is perhaps the most exclusive venue on this list. In fact, they only host a few select events per year! While the villa can only sleep 22 guests, it can host up to 300. In addition to having ample space to accommodate your full guest list, Villa Gastel’s property boasts a private park, a massive courtyard, and an original outdoor swimming pool.
Further, Villa Gastel comes highly recommended by one of the region’s premier wedding planners. Rachel Birthistle — the owner and CEO of The Lake Como Wedding Planner brand — and her team are known for their extensive network of local vendors and tremendous dedication to embodying their clients’ personalities through design. With their collaboration, your Villa Gastel wedding will be everything you imagined and more!
The final venue on this list, Castello di Rossino, is the only castle on Lake Como that opens its doors for private events. Leveraging an exclusive partnership with the Lisa Elle Weddings team of planners and designers, Castello di Rossino provides the option to host both symbolic and religious ceremonies on its grounds.
The castle also offers an exclusive Tower Suite for the bride and groom to spend their first night as a married couple! So, if you’ve always dreamt of feeling like royalty on your wedding day, Castello di Rossino might be the perfect place for you.
It is important to keep in mind, though, that every venue on this list is subject to local noise level regulations. Lake Como is a region characterized by its tranquility, and for this reason all outdoor music must be turned off (or turned down significantly) by midnight. This is especially true during the summer months and on the most highly-populated stretches of the lake’s shoreline. Luckily, nearly every venue on this list includes an indoor reception space option where you and your guests can party until dawn without disturbing your neighbors!
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Crafting Heartfelt Words Into Unforgettable Memories
Serving in Destinations Around the World
Crafting Heartfelt Words
Into Unforgettable Memories
Serving in Destinations Around the World