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LAKE COMO

Lake Como: An Honest Guide to the Most Extravagant Wedding in Italy

Let's cut through the prosecco-fueled romance for a moment. You’ve seen the photos, you’ve dreamt of a cinematic moment gliding across the water in a Riva boat, and you’ve heard the whispers of celebrity nuptials. Lake Como is, without question, one of the most stunning places on earth. It's also where your wedding budget goes to get a dramatic, and very expensive, makeover.

After having the pleasure—and logistical challenge—of planning numerous weddings here, from intimate parties of 40 to lavish three-day extravaganzas, I can tell you this much: Como is not for the faint of heart, or for the couple looking for a deal. It’s for the couple who wants the absolute best, and is ready to write the cheque to prove it. This is a place where "premium" is a starting point, not an upsell- because, well, it’s Como!

The venues are, in a word, spectacular. But with that beauty comes a price tag that reflects their exclusivity. A wedding at an iconic historic lakeside Villa Balbiano can easily begin at €100,000 and climb into the stratosphere from there. Some of my favourites include Villa Erba, Villa del Grumello and Villa Carminati Resta for a smaller group- all with that undeniable Italian charm and detail. This is a far cry from other beautiful Italian regions. For my couples with tighter budgets, I often recommend the rolling hills of Tuscany, the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, or the rustic charm of Puglia, where you can find just as much romance for a fraction of the cost.

Another reality of Como is the ironclad grip many venues have on their own suppliers. It’s a bit like a members-only club, and if you're not in, you're not getting in. This can limit your flexibility, particularly if you’re looking to bring in a photographer or caterer with a different price point or style. You're buying into a complete, albeit luxurious, package with stunning results and a chance to have your wedding featured in some of the most coveted publications.

But for those who have the budget, the rewards are immense. This is a land of unapologetic glamour. You can say "I do" in the very gardens where Chrissy Teigen and John Legend tied the knot at the magnificent Villa Pizzo, or channel the opulent romance of Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh at the iconic Villa del Balbianello. The allure isn't just about the scenery; it's about the feeling of being part of an exclusive club, a world inhabited by Hollywood A-listers and global tastemakers. After all, the very same lake is home to George Clooney, who made the destination a symbol of understated luxury.

So, if you’re ready to embrace the grandeur and accept that your bank balance might need a small holiday of its own afterward, then Lake Como is your perfect, extravagant stage. For everyone else, there are plenty of other breathtaking places in Italy with a little more heart and family focused—but for a wedding that truly feels like a movie, there is only one Como.

Key facts & random info:

  • Hollywood's Italian Backlot: Lake Como is a favorite among filmmakers for a reason. Its stunning villas have served as the backdrop for blockbuster movies. The iconic Villa del Balbianello, for instance, was used for the romantic scenes in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and was also the hospital where James Bond recovers in Casino Royale. It's a place where you can quite literally walk in the footsteps of Hollywood legends.

  • Flight Time from the UK: A direct flight from London to Milan, the nearest major hub, takes around 2 hours. From there, a scenic drive or train journey to Lake Como takes roughly 1.5 hours.

  • Population: The population of the towns surrounding the lake is surprisingly small. The main city of Como has a metro area population of around 493,000, but the famous lakeside villages like Bellagio and Varenna are home to only a few thousand residents, which helps maintain their exclusive and intimate feel.

  • Unique Geography: The lake is shaped like an upside-down 'Y' and is the third-largest lake in Italy. It's also one of the deepest in Europe, with a maximum depth of over 400 meters.

  • Weddings per Year: While an exact number is difficult to pinpoint, thousands of couples from around the world choose Lake Como for their wedding each year, with a significant number of these being high-end, multi-day affairs.

  • Interesting Fact: The Lake Como region is the capital of Italy's silk production. Since the 15th century, the area has been known for its prestigious silk industry, which still produces some of the world’s most luxurious fabrics.

  • Random Fact: According to local folklore, a "lake monster" named Lario, a creature with a resemblance to a prehistoric reptile, is said to inhabit the deep waters of Lake Como. First "sighted" in 1946, the legend adds a touch of mystery to its already dramatic landscape.