Gabriella is a WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER providing WEDDING PHOTOS SERVICES IN VILLA BALBIANELLO

Lovebirds’ Nest in Lake Como: Wedding Planning in Villa del Balbianello

If you want to take a trip into Italian fairyland, there’s no better place than Lake Como, Italy’s most glamorous lake. Beautifully set against the Alps, and famous for its dramatic scenery and elegant resorts, the lake boasts a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for all lovebirds out there. It is so romantic, in fact, that it’s a lot of women’s dream to have a Lake Como wedding.

One particular wedding spot is the highly popular Villa del Balbianello in Tremezzina, Lake Como. Built-in the late 18th century on the site of an ancient Franciscan monastery, this villa comprises of two residential buildings, a church and a portico overlooking a little dock. Formerly owned by the famous Italian explorer Guido Monzini, the villa houses a collection of pictures, flags, and honours, as well as one of the eight sleighs he used to reach the North Pole.

However, what really makes Villa del Balbianello such a lovebirds’ nest is its rich collection of ethnic sculptures and artefacts, sophisticated terraced gardens, impressive architecture, and a magnificent view of Isola Comacina and the western shore of Lake Como – all of which add up to a perfect wedding location. The villa is so beautiful that even the Star Wars franchise, similar to movies A Month by the Lake and Casino Royale, deemed it the perfect setting for one of its most romantic scenes. For more Italy wedding venues make sure to read my latest article about “The best venues and locations in Italy”.

Of course, for Lake Como wedding, or a Villa Balbianello wedding, in particular, Like in every wedding planning, you have to consider several factors to ultimately experience that perfect day you’re dreaming of.

What to consider before planning your wedding in Villa Balbianello

Date, Transportation and ceremony location

1. Transportation

First of all, there’s the transportation matter. In order to reach Villa del Balbianello, you have two options. One choice is to walk a 1-km footpath from Via Degli Artigiani, which I don’t imagine you would like yourself and your guests to do right on your wedding day. The other more reasonable option is by taxi-boat from the Lenno beach with a roundtrip fare of around €7.5.

1. Date

Villa del Balbianello opens to the public from 10 am to 6 pm on all days of the week, except for Mondays and Wednesdays. If you want a very private wedding, then you can book your reservation on either of these two days, but at a higher cost. You can also acquire exclusive use of the villa on the other days of the week, but only after 6 pm (again, at a higher price). Of course, you can also opt to have a ceremony in one area while other tourists are prowling the rest of the property. It’s cheaper and I’m sure those lovely visitors won’t bother you!

1. Number of Guests
   If the guest list includes a maximum of 50 people including the bride and groom, you can have your ceremony while the villa is open to the public. However, if you want to have everyone invited and your wedding party consists of more than 50 guests including the bride and groom, then your ceremony is only allowed for when the villa is rented for exclusive use. The chairs are also part of the expenses, with €10 + VAT 22% each. Take note that those cute little children are also part of the headcount!
2. Accommodations

The villa offers rooms for the bride and the groom to prepare in. However, the villa does not offer rooms for you and your guests to sleep in. But not to worry! There are many neighbouring accommodations where you can catch your beauty sleep.

1. Specific Area for the Ceremony

And this is it! Your actual Lake Como wedding ceremony! You can say your romantic vows right at the Loggia Durini (Arched Loggia), or at Loggia Segré (in case of poor weather or if it’s really your preference).

1. Specific Area for Aperitif or Cocktails

Aperitif and cocktails can be set up in the garden and terrace near Loggia Durini, the garden and terrace near Loggia Segré, or in Loggia Segré itself.

1. Specific Area for Wedding Breakfasts or Dinners

If the villa is closed to public visitors, you’re also welcome to host a wedding breakfast or dinner. This can be set up in Loggia Segré, the garden and terrace near Loggia Segré, or in the Oak Terrace by the lake.

Villa Balbianello Pricing Guide

1. Prices

The cost of a wedding in Villa del Balbianello depends on several factors such as guests number, day of the event, and your wedding choices. For reference, please see the estimated price range below:

For a Loggia Durini ceremony (with a maximum of 2 Hours)

• Up to 10 people: 2,100€ – 4,500€

• Up to 20 people: 2,500€ – 6,000€

• Up to 50 people: 4,200€ – 6,000€ / Over 50 people: 6,700€

For a Loggia Durini ceremony + Loggia Segre Aperitif (with a maximum of 3 hours)

• Up to 10 people: 2,600€ – 5,200€
• Up to 20 people: 2,800€ – 6,200€
• Up to 50 people: 5,000€ – 6,300€
• Up to 100 people: 9,000€
• Over 100 people: 90€ per person

For Dinner (with a maximum of 6 Hours)

• Loggia Durini / Loggia Segre Up to 10 people: 6,000€
• Loggia Durini / Loggia Segre Up to 20 people: 6,200€
• Loggia Durini / Loggia Segre Up to 40 people: 9,000€
• Loggia Durini / Loggia Segre Up to 60 people: 10,500€
• Loggia Durini / Loggia Segre Up to 75 people: 11,700€
• Loggia Segre Up to 100 people : 14,800€
• Loggia Segre From 100 – 150 people : 150€ per person
• Lake Terrace Up to 80 people : 25,000€
• Lake Terrace From 80 – 100 people : 31,000€
• Lake Terrace From 100 – 150 people : 310€ per person

About the photographer – Gabriella Vanstern

Gabriella is a wedding, portrait and editorial photographer based on the French Riviera serving Stylish Brides & Grooms in France and Italy. She specialises in South of France and Italy Weddings. She uses both film and digital, for an intense, bright and soft editorial Fine-art style. 
Beyond simple photographs, Gabriella offered a real experience, with a personal approach. It combines documentaries and editorial style by capturing honest & timeless images to reveal connexion between her subjects.
Gabriella finds most of her inspiration from travel, interior design, fashion, architecture and beauty around her.