Best Lake Como Photo Locations for an Elopement in 2027 (and When to Go)

My favourite places for elopement photos on Lake Como — from Bellagio and Varenna to quiet villages most couples never hear about — with tips on timing, crowds and permits.

Lake Como is one of the most photographed places in Italy, and for good reason. But the most beautiful elopement photos rarely come from the exact spot everyone else is standing in. After years of photographing weddings and elopements here, I’ve learned where to go, when to go and which places are worth the effort.

Here are my favourite Lake Como locations for elopement photos in 2027, from the famous classics to quiet corners that most couples never hear about.

Best Lake Como Elopement Photo Locations 2027 | Photographer Guide

1. Bellagio: old lanes, stairs and the tip of the peninsula

Bellagio is called the pearl of Lake Como, and it really is magical. The narrow stone staircases, the flowers on the balconies, the old shutters — everything feels like a film set. Walk to the very tip of the peninsula at Punta Spartivento and you’ll see three branches of the lake at once.

Best time: early morning. By late morning Bellagio is full of visitors, especially in summer. At 8 am it’s quiet, soft and almost private.

2. Varenna: colourful houses and the lakeside walk

Varenna is small, colourful and very romantic. The lakeside walkway is one of the prettiest spots on the lake, and the colourful houses stacked above the water make a perfect backdrop. If you’re up for a short climb, Castello di Vezio above the village gives you a wide view over the lake.

Best time: late afternoon and evening. Varenna is on the eastern shore, so it keeps the warm evening light longer than villages on the other side.

3. Villa del Balbianello: the icon

Villa del Balbianello in Lenno is probably the most famous villa on the lake, with its terraced gardens and loggia sitting on a small peninsula. It’s breathtaking, and it’s easy to see why so many couples dream of it.

Good to know: professional photography and ceremonies at the villa require permission and booking in advance, and the gardens can be busy during opening hours. I always check the current rules and arrange access before the day. Arriving by boat is the most beautiful way to get there — and the view of the villa from the water is a photo on its own.

4. Villa gardens: Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero and more

If you love greenery, staircases and statues, the historic villa gardens around the lake are perfect. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is famous for its spring azaleas and rhododendrons. Villa Monastero in Varenna has a long lakeside garden with palms and citrus trees.

Good to know: most villa gardens have their own rules for professional shoots, sometimes with a fee or a permit. Plan this in advance, and choose spring if you want the gardens in full bloom.

5. A private boat on the water

Not a location exactly, but one of the most beautiful places to be photographed on Lake Como. A classic wooden boat, the mountains around you, your veil in the wind and the golden light on the water. A boat also lets us reach spots you simply can’t get to by road: private docks, empty shorelines and views of villas from the water.

Best time: the hour before sunset.

6. Nesso: the hidden gorge and the old bridge

Nesso is one of my favourite secret spots. The village is built around a dramatic gorge with a waterfall, and a small old stone bridge crosses it right where it meets the lake. It feels wild and romantic, completely different from the polished villa look.

Good to know: getting down to the bridge involves a lot of stairs, so comfortable shoes are a must. Worth every step.

7. Quiet villages: Torno, Laglio, Brienno and Argegno

Some of the most beautiful elopement photos I’ve taken were in villages most visitors drive straight past. Torno has a peaceful little harbour and lakefront church. Laglio and Brienno have narrow lanes and houses that seem to grow out of the water. Argegno sits at the mouth of a valley with mountains rising behind it.

These places give you the Lake Como atmosphere without the crowds, and that makes a huge difference in your photos and in how relaxed you feel.

8. Isola Comacina: the only island on the lake

Lake Como’s only island is small, green and full of history, with the ruins of old churches among the trees. It’s reachable by boat from Sala Comacina or Ossuccio and has a very different, almost mysterious mood. Perfect for couples who want something less obvious.

9. Mountain views above the lake

If you want a wide, cinematic view, go up. The roads and viewpoints above the lake give you the whole landscape at once: the water, the mountains and the villages far below. These are my favourite locations for sunset portraits and for couples who love a more dramatic, editorial look.

How I choose locations for each couple

I never take couples to every spot on this list. On an elopement day, too many locations means too much driving and too little time to actually enjoy each other. Usually we choose two or three places:

One for the ceremony - a villa terrace or garden.
One on the water - a private boat ride.
One for golden hour - a village, a viewpoint or a quiet lakeside spot.

I plan the route around the light, the crowds and the ferry and road times, so the day feels effortless.

FAQ

Where is the best place to elope on Lake Como?

It depends on the feeling you want. Bellagio and Varenna are classic and romantic, villas like Balbianello are iconic, and quiet villages like Torno, Laglio or Nesso give you privacy and a more natural atmosphere.

Do I need a permit for photos on Lake Como?

For public streets and lakefronts you usually don’t. Most villas and their gardens do have rules for professional photography, sometimes with a fee. I check and arrange this before your day.

How can I avoid crowds in my elopement photos?

Choose early morning for popular villages like Bellagio and Varenna, elope on a weekday, and include quieter villages and a private boat ride in your plan.

How many locations can we visit in one day?

Two or three is ideal. It gives you variety in your photos without spending your elopement in the car.

Dreaming of a Lake Como elopement in 2027? I’ll help you choose the places that fit your story, the season and the light. Write to me through the contact page and let’s plan your day.