Italy is one of the best countries to elope in and we aren’t just saying that. We’ve been there and done that with a couple already! In addition to it being one of the easier countries to legally elope in, it also has many beautiful locations for your ceremony and two day adventure. In fact, 28 celebrities have made Italy their place of nuptials. You know they aren’t the sort of people to go there and leave quickly. They spend time there before and after, soaking in the culture. Which is what we will do when we build out your dream elopement! To help with your planning, we put together a general guide on Eloping in Italy – American’s Guide. This will be your resource for logistics, European conversion for money and electronics, and different hikes for our adventurous couples. Now we are deep diving into your Lake Como elopement guide.

You will find a lot of information online about Lake Como. This is one of the most popular places we are profiling, and for good reason. Huffington Post names Lake Como in The World’s 20 Most Beautiful Lakes. Calling it, “A place where you can stroll amid palm trees and blooming rhododendrons while admiring snow-capped mountains has got to be magical, right? Blessed with a superb microclimate, Lake Como in Northern Italy is the kind of place that leaves you searching for fancy words to capture its exquisiteness.” Yes, yes, yes.

What are the rules for eloping in Italy?

We are happy to share in our American’s Guide to eloping in Italy that you can elope in Italy as an American! For the full outline, see the U.S. Embassy. A great resource for forms and marriage office contact information is Lux Elope. It’s a reputable site that can show you how Americans can marry in Italy. 

What are the best months to get married in Lake Como?

According to Bucketlist Burns, May through September is the high season. Prices for lodging are high, but this is the warmest time of the year, and the most pleasant time to visit. Oddly enough, May and June also get the most rainfall. There’s a lower chance of rain in July, August or September, but Lake Como will be busier at this time. If you want to see the purple wisteria around Lake Como, visit in April when the flowering plant is in full bloom.

Vendor Recs.

When we get started on your elopement, we will provide a custom vendor list based on your needs/wants/loves/cantlivewithouts. For our Lake Como elopement guide we are sharing some general vendor information to get your planning kick started.

Wedding Planner

We are going to plug wedding planner and designer Lynn, at LuxWeddings. She is absolutely INCREDIBLE. We had the opportunity to work with her on our Paris Elopement Inspiration styled shoot and she knows her shiiiiiit. For elopements, you don’t always need a planner, but if it’s something you’re interested in, LuxWeddings specializes in destination wedding planning, and serves all of Luxembourg, Venice, Greece, Italy, South of France and beyond. 

Hair and Makeup

If you are looking for a professional touch to your style, we have you covered on our Lake Como elopement guide. Marinella and her team at Studio Makeup Artist have rave reviews and have a reputation for emphasizing natural beauty, while capturing each client’s individual style. Look and feel your best on your wedding day!

Officiant

Fabio specializes in creating personalized wedding ceremonies for happy couples in Lake Como. Also, how could you not want to be married by someone named Fabio?? Since 2008, he has been a wedding officiant and has dedicated himself to ensure that each ceremony he performs is tailored to the specific needs and desires of the couple. Check Fabio out at Como Lake Celebrant. You also have the option to get married locally in the states and have a symbolic ceremony. If Travis and Kourtney can get married at the courthouse AND in Italy, why not you? 

The Tale of Two Lakes

A popular question we get is, is Lake Como or Lake Garda better? The boring answer – they are both great in their own ways. We have a couple, Sarah and Angelo that shared a Lake Garda Elopement with Vespas. It was so much fun!! Lake Garda is the bigger of the lakes and has a lot more options for accommodations, restaurants and things to do. Where Lake Como really shines is for couples who are interested in luxury and tranquility. By now you know that adventure is my middle name and wherever you want to go on your elopement, we will find you some badass adventures to be had there.

Activities in Lake Como

Speaking of adventures, we already have some cool activities scouted out to get you started. If you haven’t thought about it yet, start considering Two Day Elopement Photography. 

Private Tour in Wooden Boat

The Navicella del Lario is a traditional Venetian taxi, entirely renovated in 2021. It is moored on Lake Como at your complete disposal for private tours of the entire lake. With an elegant line and wood and leather interior, the Navicella del Lario is suitable for groups of up to 11. For those who want to indulge in a unique and unforgettable experience, their captain is ready to accommodate. Weather be damned! They have awnings and cover in case of bad weather. On the lake you’ll discover magical and unique places, breathtaking valleys and exclusive hotels. 

Kitesurfing / Windsurfing / What’s SUP?

At Boarderline Surf School you’ll find kitesurfing and windsurfing courses for all levels. Take your elopement up a notch with an adrenaline-pumping water sport! They also have Stand Up Paddleboarding if that’s your thing. I will be paddling right behind you, in front of you, to the left of you, getting all your sweet couple photos and that GORGEOUS lake view.

Bellagio Cook With a View + Villa Melzi

Have a Wine Tasting

Wine, for most Italians, is considered the elixir of life. Just say the word “Vino” and it conjures up images from a celebratory bottle of prosecco popping its top to the rolling, vine-covered hills of Tuscany, from a vintage Barolo with its unmistakable aroma to Nonno’s homemade Chianti in a basket of straw. Now that’s an image!

At Passalacqua, they pride themselves on a wine cellar of over 300 cleverly curated labels with all of the Italian superstars and French vintages you might expect. Also with some surprises! From kosher wines to Italy’s answer to Champagne, Franciacorta. Their sommelier loves hosting custom tastings. Join on a Lake Como wine tour and discover some of their favorite sipping spots: Domaso, Valtellina, Vineria Vitani, CavaTuracciolo, and Cantina & Bottega. We recommend for all wine tastings to get a bottle (or a few!) to ship back home. It is so much fun to open that bottle on a special occasion for you and your boo.

Lake Como Elopement Guide with Hiking

If there’s a hike, we’re going to find it! We are also partial to a hiking ceremony location and the adventure along the way. Here are a couple Lake Como options, but we are always down to adventure further out to find the right spot for you! When I prepare your custom location matchmaking, I will add options that are a little father out so you can choose an option that fits your vision. 

Greenway of Lake Como

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 6.2 miles 

The Greenway of Lake Como is a long trail that runs the western shore of Lake Como, from Colonno to Cadenabbia. The trail passes through beautiful villages, gardens, and villas, and offers stunning views of the lake. The Greenway leads to the picturesque town of Bellagio, often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Here, you can explore its cobbled streets, artisan shops, and waterfront promenade.

Monta Colmegnone

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 8.8 mi

A hike that starts not far from Como with spectacular views of Lake Como and the Italian and Swiss Alps, is Monte Colmegnone. This hike is also known as Poncione di Laglio. The altitude gain of the hike is about 1000 meters. You can reach it from either the towns of Laglio, Carate Urio, Moltrasio, or Cernobbio near Como. You can also reach it from Schignano in the Val d’Intelvi above Argegno by following the “Via dei Monti Lariani”.

According to All Trails, it takes about 3 hours to reach Monte Colmegnone. Once you’re at the top you’ll get fucking amazinggggg views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains of Monte Legnone, the Grigne, Monte Generoso, Bisbino and Sasso Gordona. In the distance you will see the Italian Alps including Monte Rosa and the Swiss Alps including the Matterhorn in the far distance. For those bad at geography, the Swiss Alps are about two hours from Lake Como, WHAT A FREAKING SIGHT!!!

2 Day Elopement Package

Accommodations 

Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or an Air BnB experience, there are plenty of options for your accommodations on the Lake Como elopement guide.

GIO’ – The lakefront penthouse

The GIO’ lakefront penthouse has fantastic views of the lake and is directly in front of Villa Pliniana. The apartment is part of an old villa and has been completely renovated. This is a good option for our couples who want to relax and listen to the sound of the lake waves. It is located in the center of Carate Urio, with nearby restaurants, a pharmacy, two grocery stores and the bus stop for easy access to adventures!

Casa Tilde 2

The 750 sq. feet newly built apartment, Casa Tilde 2, is in a detached house with private parking. Here you’ll find both magnificent lake and mountain views. Enjoy the large terrace overlooking Lake Como and set into the garden with Jacuzzi to heat up your honeymoon. It is in the immediate vicinity of tourist sites and directly on the Wayfarer’s Trail for easy exploring.

Hotel Excelsior Splendide

Star Rating: 3

Set in an early 19th-century palace, Hotel Excelsior Splendide overlooks Lake Como and is 2.4 miles from the Villa Carlotta garden and a minute’s walk from the ferry terminal. Enjoy the Italian charm of relaxed rooms with colorful furnishings. Room options vary to include lake views and some balconies.  

There’s a laid-back restaurant with a lakeside terrace, a bar with regular live music, and an ice cream parlor. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, and a garden with palm trees.

Belvedere Bellagio

Star Rating: 4 

Near the Alps, Belvedere Bellagio is in an 1880s building and is a 10 minute walk from the shore of Lake Como. It is also 1.2 miles to Giardini di Villa Melzi, an early 19th-century botanical garden. Stay in chic, airy rooms, some with lake views. Upgraded rooms and suites include sitting areas, patios or balconies, and/or whirlpool tubs. Breakfast and parking are complimentary. There’s a posh restaurant with a terrace and lake views, plus a bar and a spa. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Star Rating: 5 

Overlooking Lake Como, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a palatial art nouveau hotel. It is located conveniently around the corner from the Villa Carlotta museum and botanical garden. Rooms offer park or lake views; some have balconies or sitting areas. Suites include whirlpool tubs, and some have private gardens. Rooftop suites add butlers, and terraces with hot tubs. 

Breakfast is served in an elegant restaurant with a terrace; there’s also a casual trattoria, a posh bar, a beachfront bistro and a poolside pizzeria. Other amenities include 3 pools, a private beach and a marina, plus a spa, a fitness room and a tennis court.

Lake Como elopement guide – time to plan your best days ever

If you are obsessed with Lake Como like we are, let’s make your dream a reality! Contact us to share your love story, your vision, and your wildest dreams. We are here to make sure your elopement is fun, stress free (as much as possible!), and that you and your true love have an experience you’ll cherish forever.