How to plan your Lake Como wedding photo shoot
Engagement, Wedding & After-Wedding Photo Sessions
A photo shoot on Lake Como is not just about pictures — it’s about creating timeless memories in one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Whether you’re planning an engagement session, an after-wedding shoot, or capturing your wedding day itself, Lake Como offers a cinematic backdrop unlike anywhere else.
As a photographer working across Lake Como, I’ve had the joy of capturing love stories in iconic villas, hidden gardens, and aboard classic Riva boats. My approach blends elegant, editorial storytelling with a timeless old money aesthetic — photos that feel as if they’ve come straight from the pages of a magazine or a classic Italian film.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about planning your Lake Como photo shoot: logistics, where to stay, the best photo locations, my personal villa recommendations, and a few insider tips from my experience.
Iconic Locations for your Lake Como Photo Shoot
Villa del Balbianello
Perhaps the most famous villa on Lake Como — and for good reason. With its terraced gardens, cinematic loggia, and panoramic lake views, it has starred in films like James Bond and Star Wars. What most couples don’t realize is that you can actually book Balbianello after closing hours (from 6 pm to 8 pm) for a completely private photo session. No tourists, just you and the villa — full privacy for unforgettable portraits.
Villa Balbiano
Known as one of the grandest estates on Lake Como, Villa Balbiano is the definition of old money elegance. On select dates, the villa allows short rentals, which means you can have both the interiors and gardens exclusively to yourself. It’s rare and absolutely worth it if you dream of cinematic, editorial-style portraits.
Other Villas Worth Considering
Villa Monastero (Varenna), Villa Melzi (Bellagio), and Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) also offer the option to book 1–2 hours for a photo shoot. These are beautiful historic gardens and villas — but keep in mind they remain open to the public, so there will likely be other visitors around. If privacy is important to you, you can always reach out to them directly to ask about dates or times when the gardens are quieter and, in some cases, arrange for more private access.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
A true Lake Como icon, Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers elegant interiors, incredible lakeside gardens, and postcard-worthy views across the water. It’s perfect if you want a mix of historic luxury and vibrant Italian charm in your photos. Photo shoot permission is usually granted only if you are a guest of the hotel. And since Lake Como is known for sudden showers, Tremezzo also offers stunning indoor spaces with an old-money feel, making it a reliable Plan B in case of rain.
Passalacqua
Passalacqua is a boutique luxury villa with exquisite gardens and intimate charm. It feels private and personal, making it an ideal location for couples who want a sophisticated, old-money aesthetic paired with a more relaxed atmosphere. Keep in mind that photography is only permitted for guests staying at the villa.
Hotel Villa Serbelloni & Villa d’Este
Both Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio and Villa d’Este in Cernobbio are exceptional choices for timeless, elegant portraits. They do, however, have restrictions — for example, Villa d’Este only grants photography permission 14 days in advance. As with the other hotels, these options are only available to guests of the property.
By the Water: Choosing the Right Boat for Your Lake Como Photo Shoot
A Lake Como photo session isn’t complete without time on the water. The lake itself is one of the most iconic backdrops, and arriving or gliding across in a boat adds that timeless, cinematic touch.
For photography, classic wooden Riva boats are the most suitable choice. Their polished wood, vintage design, and open layout perfectly match the old money, Dolce Vita aesthetic. It’s important to choose a boat that is long enough and spacious, so there’s room to move, pose and capture different angles without feeling crowded.
Another key detail: select a boat with no roof or coverage. Open boats let in the best natural light and allow for sweeping drone and wide-angle shots of you with the mountains and villas in the background.
Here are a few recommended options:
Recommended Boats for a Lake Como Photo Shoot:
- ZOCA de l’Oli – Boat Services Spacious, stylish, and perfect for photo shoots around Villa Balbiano, Villa del Balbianello, and Tremezzo.
- What Else – Lake Como Boat A great option when shooting near Varenna and Villa Monastero.
- Angelina Luxury & Aquadulsa Luxury – Lake Como Boat Classic open boats with polished finishes and plenty of space — ideal for editorial, old-money-style portraits on the lake.
Of course, many other boat companies operate on Lake Como. These are simply options I have personal experience with and can confidently recommend.
FAQ: Planning Your Lake Como Wedding or Engagement Photo Shoot
1. Do I need permission for a photo shoot at Lake Como villas?
Yes — most villas, such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa Balbiano, and Villa Carlotta, require permits or reservations for photo sessions. Each property has its own rules, fees, and availability.
2. Can I book a villa for private use?
Some villas, like Villa del Balbianello, offer exclusive after-hours sessions (6–8 pm), while Villa Balbiano occasionally allows short-term rentals for private access. Always confirm availability directly with the venue.
3. What happens if it rains on the day of our shoot?
Lake Como’s alpine location means showers are common. That’s why I recommend planning a Plan B indoors — luxury hotels such as Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Passalacqua, or Villa d’Este provide elegant interiors that look timeless and chic even in bad weather.
4. Do we need to be guests at the hotels to take photos?
Yes — most hotels, including Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Passalacqua, Villa Serbelloni, and Villa d’Este, allow photo sessions only for staying guests. This makes them wonderful options if you want both accommodations and a stylish shoot location.
5. What kind of boat should we book for photos?
The best choice is a classic Riva boat or other open mahogany boats. They’re spacious, elegant, and roof-free — ideal for natural light, movement, and drone shots.
6. How long should we book a boat for a photo shoot?
Most couples book 1–2 hours, depending on locations. A 2-hour booking allows for stops near villas like Balbiano, Balbianello, or Tremezzo and plenty of variety in your gallery.
7. When is the best time for a Lake Como photo shoot?
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal for mild weather and beautiful light. For daily timing, sunrise and golden hour provide the most cinematic atmosphere.
8. How much does a Lake Como photo shoot cost?
The total investment for a Lake Como photo shoot depends on three main factors: photography, locations, and boats.
- Photography: Most couples invest between €1,500 and €5,000, depending on coverage, hours, and whether it’s an engagement, wedding, or after-wedding session.
- Locations & Permits: Villas and historic gardens usually require booking fees, which range from €400 to €4000, depending on exclusivity and privacy (for example, after-hours sessions at Balbianello or Balbiano are at the higher end).
- Boats: Renting a classic Riva or vintage mahogany boat for your session costs around €400 to €800, depending on the type of boat and duration.
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