Lake Como Elopement Guide for Australian Couples
Why couples choose Lake Como for a wedding
Lake Como is one of the most popular places in Italy to get married, which means two things: it's beautiful, and costs can add up quickly if you don't plan ahead.
Villas and gardens right on the water.
Mountains on every side, so almost every angle is a backdrop.
Easy boat trips between towns, so one day can take in several places.
Close to Milan, which has good international flight connections.
Is September a good time to elope on Lake Como?
Yes, for most couples.
Day temperature: around 20 to 22°C.
Night temperature: around 12°C.
Rain: roughly 10 wet days, often short showers.
Crowds: busy in early September, easing later in the month.
Light: softer and lower than summer, which suits photos.
Plan for rain. A covered terrace, a villa loggia or a boat with a canopy makes a good backup. We'll plan one with you.
Where to say your vows on Lake Como
These are popular areas to start with, not a fixed list. We'll help you choose.
Varenna. A small, colourful town on the eastern shore with a lakeside walkway and gardens. Villa Monastero, with its long lakeside gardens, is known for hosting weddings.
Bellagio. Sits on the point where the lake's three arms meet. Stone lanes, steps and water views in several directions.
Lenno. Home to Villa del Balbianello, one of the most photographed villas on the lake, known from films. It's run by FAI, Italy's national trust, and is a popular and expensive wedding venue.
Tremezzo and Menaggio. On the western shore, with grand hotels and gardens facing Bellagio.
On the water. Plenty of couples hire a private wooden boat for photos or even the ceremony. Searches for "lake como boat tour" in Australia are up 350%. (Google Trends)
A tip from us: popular spots get busy with visitors from mid-morning. Sunrise and late afternoon are quieter, and the light is better.
Before you plan around a famous garden
Lots of couples would love their photos in one of Lake Como's villa gardens. Just be mindful:
The gardens have timed entry and an entry fee. Wedding photos or a ceremony usually cost extra on top.
They're open to the public at the same time. Most can't guarantee other visitors won't be in your photos.
Exclusive use is possible at some villas, but it costs a lot more.
The best thing to do is contact the villa directly for their current prices for wedding photos and ceremonies.
As a guide, photographers report photo permits at Villa del Balbianello of around €600 to €800 for two hours during public opening times, and exclusive use from around €2,000. More in How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Europe from Australia?
You don't have to do this alone. We've been in touch with vendors on Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, and helping you plan this is part of our service.
How to get to Lake Como from Australia
Fly to Milan Malpensa. There are no direct flights from Australia. From Sydney, expect one stop, often via Singapore or Abu Dhabi, and around 23 to 28 hours all up.
Get to the lake. Trains run from Milan to Como and to Varenna. A private transfer is easier with luggage.
Get around the lake. Public ferries connect the main towns. Private boats and water taxis are faster and more flexible.
Allow at least two nights before your ceremony to get over jet lag.
What does a Lake Como elopement cost?
For two people from Australia, the main costs are flights, accommodation, your photographer and celebrant, and extras like a boat, hair and makeup, dinner and any garden fees. Our indicative total for Lake Como is around $18,000 to $27,000, based on research in September 2026.
For the full budget, read How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Europe from Australia?
Lake Como or Sicily?
Feel. Lake Como: villas, gardens, mountains and calm water. Sicily: coastline, baroque towns, a volcano and the sea.
September day temperature. Lake Como: around 20 to 22°C. Sicily: around 27°C.
Wedding crowds. Lake Como: busy. Sicily: much quieter.
Getting there. Lake Como: fly to Milan. Sicily: fly to Catania or Palermo.
Read the Sicily elopement guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you elope on Lake Como?
Yes. Most Australian couples marry legally at home, before or after the trip, and have a symbolic ceremony on Lake Como. You can also marry legally at an Italian town hall with the right paperwork.
What's the best month to elope on Lake Como?
May, June and September are popular. September is warm but quieter than July and August.
What's the closest airport to Lake Como?
Milan Malpensa is the main international airport. Milan Linate and Bergamo are also nearby.
Can we have guests at a Lake Como elopement?
Yes. Lovefool's Italy elopements go up to about 30 guests.
Can we get married on a boat on Lake Como?
A symbolic ceremony on a private boat can work. Talk to us and we'll help you plan it.
Can we have a private ceremony in a Lake Como villa garden?
Sometimes, for an extra fee. Most gardens are open to the public with timed entry, so other visitors may be around. Contact the villa directly for prices, or ask us to help.
Are there alternatives to Lake Como?
Yes. Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore are nearby lakes in northern Italy with a similar feel. We've been in touch with vendors on both.
About Lovefool
Emily is a wedding and elopement photographer who shoots on digital and 35mm film, and one half of Lovefool Elopements in Newcastle, NSW. From late August to early September 2027, Lovefool is photographing and running elopements on Lake Como for Australian and international couples, with Izzy as celebrant.