Top Villas to Rent for a Destination Wedding at Lake Como
When we think of a dreamlike place that has everything to offer luxury destination weddings, we think of Lake Como in Italy. Lake Como (or Lago di Como as the Italian say) is the 3rd largest lake in Italy; with its beautiful luxurious wedding venues, its delicious cuisine, and breathtaking views and landscapes, Lake Como is one of the world's top luxury wedding destinations.
Read: 8 Reasons to Get Married at Lake Como
Check out these beautiful Italian destination wedding decor and theme ideas for your wedding!
When visiting Lake Como you will be amazed by its fantastic hillsides and shorelines, not to mention the mesmerizing wedding venues - from historical villas to amazing restaurants, Lake Como has it all. No wonder that many Hollywood movies were filmed at Lake Como such as "007 Casino Royale", "Ocean’s Twelve", "Murder Mystery" and even "Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones".
Many celebrities have also chosen Lake Como as their wedding destination, Chrissy Teigen and John Legen got married at Villa Pizzo, while Laura Smith and James Farmer got married at Villa Del Balbianello on Lake Como. Other celebrities, such as George and Amal Clooney, have properties on Lake Como and often spend their summer days in this charming place.
Lake Como is absolutely the spot with the most legendary Italian villas that are now open for hosting spectacular weddings and special events. Below is a list of charming Lake Como wedding venues which could be rented out for destination weddings.
Villa Balbianello
Villa Balbianello is without a doubt one of the most luxurious and prestigious wedding venues in Lake Como. The setting is flawless and delightful to the eyes: Manicured trees and shrubs cascading towards the blue waters of Lago di Como, terraces, flowerbeds, a splendid staircase, an old church and loggias.
Villa del Balbianello is situated in the comune of Lenno, Italy, overlooking Lake Como. It is located on the tip of the small wooded peninsula of Dosso d'Avedo on the western shore of the south-west branch of Lake Como, not far from the Isola Comacina and is famous for its elaborate terraced gardens.
The 18th century mansion consists of a structure of 2 splendid buildings, surrounded by fantastic gardens. The villa was the set of many famous films, including "A month to the Lake" and "James Bond: Casino Royale". George Lucas decided to set "Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones" there too.
Villa Balbiano
Situated on the western shore of Lake Como, Villa Balbiano is an awe-inspiring Italian jewel, an exceptional historical palazzo that once belonged to the famous Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who built it at the end of 16th century and used it as his main residence.
Nowadays, Villa Balbiano is the largest private residence on the lake, occupying over 2 hectars, with extensive sumptuous garden, which was distinguished by the British Society of Garden Designers, outdoor swimming pool, a private pier, and a boathouse.
Listed among the most prestigious venues on Lake Como by Harpers Bazaar and Vogue US, Villa Balbiano is a perfect choice for any event: from a destination wedding to a glamorous party, from a private photo session to an intimate elopement. With its charming views across Lake Como to the distant mountains, its immense Italian garden, and a private pier, the Villa is a perfect backdrop for a fairytale wedding or celebration.
Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo
Villa Carlotta is located on the shores of the elegant and romantic Lake Como, in the enchanting town of Tremezzo. It is a marvelous venue where it is possible to organize outdoor civil weddings followed by a toast for all guests while the Bride and Groom have a romantic photo session in the spectacular gardens on levels degrading towards the waters of the lake.
Villa Carlotta on Lake Como in Italy is a beautiful villa from the 17th century gently immersed in a well-tended park of 8 hectares (20 acres) enriched by exotic plants, fountains, statues, and romantic paths.
The elegant aspect of Villa Carlotta dates to the 19th century, when its owner, Giorgio Sommariva, an important banker and politician, added balconies to admire the lake views and a large clock on the façade. He enriched the Villa with works from the best sculptors and painters of the era, like Antonio Canova, Bertel Thorwaldsen, and Francesco Hayez. He also transformed part of the park into a romantic English garden. Another part of the garden hosts rhododendrons and 150 different varieties of azalea, which in spring transform the area into a kaleidoscope of pink and white hues.
Villa d'Este
Villa d'Este is an opulent hotel overlooking Lake Como. Lushly landscaped gardens (25 acres), breathtaking views, award-winning cuisine, best in class service and luxurious rooms make Villa d’Este the premier setting for the most memorable day of your life.
Villa d’Este is considered one of the most beautiful architectural works of the 16th century. It is surrounded by a private park with centennial plants where you can admire the Nympheum by Pellegrino Pellegrini, the Hercules Fountain and the Telemachus Statue. In its halls you can admire fascinating works of art including some from the French school, others from the Canova school and decorations by Andrea Appiani.
Vilaa del Grumello, Como
Villa del Grumello, in the province of Como, is a beautiful location that stands on the western shore of the first basin of Lake Como, an enchanting and romantic place that will make your wedding even more unique and unforgettable.
The structure has different spaces where you can set your event: inside, elegant and refined rooms will be the perfect setting for an exclusive and high-class wedding reception, while outside, beautiful gardens surrounded by a huge park, will be perfect for a welcome drink or for the cutting of the cake, but also as a setting for your photoshoot.
The experienced staff in the organization of major events will provide a highly professional service, taking care of every detail of the preparation of spaces and customizing them according to your organizational needs, in order to make you live, on your wedding day, an unforgettable experience.
Villa Erba
An exclusive property with immense botanical gardens located in the chic neighborhood of Cernobbio in Lake Como. Villa Erba has hosted some of the most exclusive events in the world (Hollywood movie Ocean’s Twelve was shot there) and up-scale weddings from around the world.
The heart of the Villa is a cathedral hall, surrounded by dramatic stone balconies. With its ancient frescoes, its ornate ceilings and lavish interior, it certainly provides the perfect set for a luxury wedding. If you are looking for a great location, customizable in terms of style, capacity and creativity, you will find a variety of spaces at Villa Erba: the Convention Centre Le Serre, the Villa itself, the centuries-old Park and the Galoppatoio (horse track).
Villa Gastel, Cernobbio
The immense villa was a Benedictine convent, dating back to the 12th century before it became the property of one of northern Italy’s most important families, the Visconti di Modrone. “It has historically been a house of great art and elegance, but also of parents and children—the country life of a big family,” says the present chatelaine, Anna Gastel, who is the niece of the director. "Uncle Luchino grew up here and always adored the place. He enjoyed the huge dinner tables of us nieces and nephews, and sometimes put private family jokes into his movies, just to make us laugh."
Villa Gastel has remained rigorously private and makes an exquisite venue for private receptions and welcome cocktail parties. In addition to the graceful yellow stucco main building, there are staff quarters, stables, two guesthouses, a rustic amphitheater, and a 66-foot swimming pool.
The ground-floor enfilade of formal salons is decorated with neoclassical trompe l’oeil frescoes, ancestral portraits and statues, tapestries, and antiques. Still more fascinating are the huge vaulted kitchen and laundry rooms, nearly unchanged since the days of the convent, where walls of cupboards hold exquisitely arranged bed and table linens, as well as dozens of colorful breakfast services kept under protective cloths.
During the second part of the 20th century, the legendary director Luchino Visconti hosted Maria Callas, Helmut Berger, and Coco Chanel, among many others, at Villa Gastel.
Villa Giuseppina, Menaggio
Among the most exquisite private villas, Villa Giuseppina sits on the edge of Lake Como, in Menaggio, just across the wonderful town of Bellagio.
Menaggio near Como is one of the most visited villages on the Lake. In the spring months, its promenade along the lakeside is in full bloom and the main square with its cafes is bustling with life. Menaggio in northern Italy is also the ideal base for reaching the nearby towns and villages on Lake Como.
Villa Giuseppina is now available for private events and all couples will fall in love with its vast park of two hectares made of flowered gardens, manicured lawns, and precious trees and plants. There is also an infinity swimming pool and a helipad other than its private dock for Riva boats. Villa Giuseppina was featured in many magazines such as Vogue, GQ, Architectural Digest, Lux, and many more for its elegant architecture and design.
Villa Geno
Villa Geno was built in 1790 and was renovated in 1850 in a neoclassical form. The Villa is alongside the famous Como fountain, with a jet of water 30 meters high.
This Villa is located in the heart of Como, on the most romantic lakeside promenade. It has a very important history, in our gallery you can find a collection of historical photographs of the glorious past of Villa Geno.
Take a look at this Lebanese wedding for Andrea and Chant that was held at Villa Gino.
Here's also an earlier Lebanese wedding that was held at Villa Gino.
Villa Lario Resort
The exclusive use of Villa Lario Resort will make it possible to make your wedding the most unique. You and your guests will be able to enjoy all the venue’s internal and external areas.
The reception room and the veranda are able to accommodate 115 people. At the same time, it will also be possible to increase the capacity of up to 180 people by using the tent.
The “Gran Buffet” aperitif on the terrace overlooking the lake will give you a chance to enjoy Lake Como’s stunning view. The wide private park offers many other areas for your event: From Grand Gala marquee to the swimming pool and the natural caves on many levels.
Villa Molli, Sala Comacina
The newly built Luxury Rental Villa, located in the heart of Lake Como, with an exceptional 180-degree lake view over the only Island of the Lake – Comacina Island. The breathtaking view is even more enjoyable from our 18-meter long infinity pool or the heated jacuzzi.
Villa Molli is located on a slope in the upper hillside of the charismatic village of Sala Comacina. The luxurious Villa represents the perfect combination of modern design with respect to nature, providing you with the best lake view in this area. From every angle of the house, you get a mesmerizing view over the most popular points of interest around Lake Como, such as Comacina island, Villa Balbianello, Bellagio, and the spectacular mountain range that embraces the lake.
Villa Olmo
Villa Olmo is a neoclassical villa located in the city of Como, northern Italy. The villa was commissioned by marquis Innocenzo Odescalchi from Swiss architect Simone Cantoni in 1797. As it was designed to be a summer retreat for the aristocracy, it was built alongside the lake. Villa Olmo botanic garden faces the lake, and it all seems designed with meticulous attention to details. The interiors have been kept brilliantly, with the neoclassic sophistication that makes Villa Olmo one of the most elegant choices for the Como area.
This majestic building offers the opportunity to live the real experience of the Lake Como wedding, helped by the beauty and art within.
Villa Pizzo
Villa Pizzo, was built between the charming villages of Cernobbio and Moltrasio. On July 9, 1435, Giovanni Muggiasca, a merchant of Como, acquired a vast land that was rich in vineyards and olive groves, not far from town, stretching from the shore of the lake till the peak of the hills, crossing Via Regina, the main road serving the entire Lake Como.
Its pink and sun-bleached peach facade make it one of the prettiest villas in the area. This is why Hollywood's couple, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, chose Villa Pizzo for their dream wedding.
Villa Pliniana
A stunning 16th century Italian Palazzo set on 18 waterfront acres on Lake Como. The private estate features 18 bedrooms, a private boat dock, helicopter landing pad, a spa, vast gardens and Sereno Hotels services.
The team at Villa Pliniana caters for your entire stay, from setup to clean up. Professionally trained waiters, chefs and support staff ensure your Lake Como wedding passes with effortless bliss. The Villa is comprised of individual buildings, each boasting breathtaking, classical architecture, sure to provide you with the most unforgettable setting for a wedding ceremony, aperitivo and reception dining experience.
Villa Regina Teodolinda
The unique and elegant charm of this luxury lakeside Villa makes it a perfect choice for a wedding celebration, private party or business event.
On Lake Como Queen Teolinda got married twice, maybe, for this reason, the Villa is frequently chosen to celebrate intimate and exclusive weddings and to live unforgettable honeymoons.
This secret position and the lush gardens are the best backdrops for lakeside cocktails, wedding banquets, and private dinners. Not to mention the stunning dining room and lounge spaces within the historic Villa.
Villa Rubini Redaelli, Dongo
Villa Rubini Redaelli in Dongo is an example of lake architecture of the early twentieth century on the superb scenery of Lake Como in Dongo, is graceful in its picturesque lines lively animated in the contours of the veranda and turret.
In a fair and harmonious distribution, the main villa overlooks Lake Como, in a scenic setting enriched by a beautiful park, the oval swimming pool, the dock, covered and uncovered, for private use with shelter for the boat, a large panoramic terrace overlooking the lake. The secondary appurtenances are represented by a stone house with a roof in “pioda” immersed in a large garden of 10,000 square meters, accessible by a private underpass.
The location is granted in exclusive, for weddings, private events, receptions where in addition to the reception it is also possible to make an open-air religious celebration.
In a complex plant, but beautifully designed, there are large and characteristic rooms. The decorations and furnishings embellish the halls, the dining room and a bow window overlooking the lake make the view spectacular.
The Villa and the annexes lend themselves to accommodate and host dream receptions in a rare and precious setting. The great versatility of outdoor spaces, in the gardens and terraces on the lakeshore, allow guests different solutions to set up.
Villa Sola Cabiati
Villa Sola Cabiati is all about art and architecture. Experience the magic of the Lake in the opulent style that has enchanted the most illustrious global travelers for over 3 centuries. The spirit of indulgence extends to the flowering Italian garden with direct views over the waters, the park bursting with scented trees, and the beautiful outdoor pool, making Villa Sola Cabiati the ideal place for reliving the decadent history of the Lake. It is famous for being one of the most stunning villas in Lake Como.
