Lake Como
Our Elopement, a Beautiful Lake & Endless Romance
Lake Como will always have a special place in our hearts - it’s where we eloped and had the wildest, most unforgettable day. From my dress breaking to crazy winds almost canceling our boat ride, nothing went as planned, but somehow it was perfect. We laughed through the chaos, soaked in the magic, and started our greatest adventure yet.
A Spontaneous Decision That Changed Everything
Earlier this year, we went out for drinks and had one of those why not? moments. We were already planning to go to Italy for a wedding, so we thought - why not make the most of it and do our own damn thing? Just like that, we decided to elope in Lake Como. It became our little secret, something only the two of us knew. For months, we planned, dreamed, and got excited for our big day, knowing we were about to pull off something unforgettable.
Why Lake Como?
From the moment we arrived in Lake Como, we just knew - this place was something special. The dreamy villas, the shimmering water, the kind of romance you can actually feel in the air - it was perfect. We wanted something intimate, breathtaking, and a little bit wild, and Como gave us exactly that. It felt like the kind of place where anything was possible, and for us, that meant saying I do in the most unforgettable way.
Mishaps, Magic, and Memories
The day of our elopement was nothing short of an adventure. My dress broke before we even walked out the door, and with no backup plan, we had to make it work on the fly. Then came the wind - not just a gentle breeze, but the kind that made the lake rough enough to question whether our boat ride, something we had dreamed about for months, would even happen. We went back and forth on whether to risk it, but in true us fashion, we just said, screw it, let’s go.
Next thing we knew, we were gripping onto the boat for dear life as it rocked over the waves, laughing at how absurd it all was. My veil was flying in every direction, my hair had completely given up, but somehow, none of it mattered. It wasn’t the perfectly curated moment we had imagined - it was better. Just the two of us, caught in the chaos, making the best memories of our lives.
A Photoshoot to Remember
Thankfully, we had an incredible photographer who captured every moment of our wild, beautiful day. We took stunning elopement photos all around Lake Como, hopping from one breathtaking location to the next. One of the highlights? Driving around in our getaway car, with Zak behind the wheel, attempting to master stick shift, which was a sight to see.
We also wandered through the gorgeous Villa Carlotta, a historic museum filled with art, lush gardens, and sweeping lake views. It felt like stepping into another era, and amidst all the chaos of the day, we had these peaceful, magical moments just soaking it all in.
Why We’ll Always Come Back
Lake Como isn’t just another destination for us - it’s the place where we started our greatest adventure. No matter how many times we return, it will always bring us back to this day, this feeling, and this love.
The Best Decision We Ever Made
Eloping in Lake Como was everything we could have hoped for - romantic, thrilling, and completely ours. Sometimes the best decisions are the ones made over a couple of drinks, with no overthinking, just a gut feeling that it’s right. And this? This was definitely right.
Now that you've heard my Lake Como story, keep reading for my top tips and recommendations!
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June): Fewer crowds, blooming flowers, and comfortable temperatures.
Summer (July–August): Peak season with the best weather, but higher prices and lots of tourists.
Fall (September–October): Still warm, fewer crowds, and beautiful autumn colors.
Winter (November–March): Quiet and peaceful, but some hotels and restaurants may be closed.
Getting There: Fly into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and taking a train or rental car to Como or Varenna.
Renting a car is the easiest and fastest if you plan to explore beyond the main towns, but be prepared for narrow, winding roads and limited parking!
Location: Lake Como has several towns to choose from, each with its own vibe, from lively streets, quiet romance, or to easy access to everything!
Bellagio - This is where we stayed! It’s the most famous town, known for its charm, shops, and waterfront views.
Varenna - Quieter and more romantic, with stunning scenery and easy ferry connections.
Menaggio - A great mix of local life and tourist-friendly spots, plus a relaxed vibe.
Tremezzo - Home to luxury hotels and the famous Villa Carlotta, perfect for a more upscale stay.
Book Restaurants in Advance: Many of the best spots require reservations. Book at least a few days ahead.
Take the Scenic Route: A private boat tour is worth it. Seeing the villas and mountains from the water is an experience!
Visit a Villa (or Two): Lake Como is famous for its historic villas!
Packing Essentials: Comfortable shoes are a must - cobblestone streets and hills will test your feet. Also, bring layers! Mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in warmer months.
Accommodations
Hotel Florence - located in Bellagio, and it was the perfect home base. This is a charming, family-run hotel and sits right on the lake. Our room had stunning waterfront views and an unbeatable location in the heart of town. The rooms have a classic, old-world feel and waking up to the sight of the lake each morning was an experience in itself!
Villa La Ruga - For our elopement we rented through Airbnb - a beautiful, private villa right on the water. This was where we exchanged our vows, with the lake as our backdrop. The villa’s peaceful setting, spacious terrace, and incredible views made it an unforgettable place to start our next chapter!
Top Things to Do in Lake Como
Take a Boat Ride on the Lake - There’s no better way to experience Lake Como than from the water. Rent a private boat, hop on a ferry, or take a guided tour to see the famous villas and charming towns from a whole new perspective.
Wander and Shop Through Bellagio - Walk along cobblestone streets, browse boutique shops, and grab a coffee or spritz with a stunning lake view.
Dine at a Lakeside Restaurant - Nothing beats enjoying fresh pasta and wine with the lake as your backdrop.
Take a Scenic Drive or Bike Ride - The roads are winding and narrow, but if you’re up for an adventure, driving or biking along the lake offers jaw-dropping views.
Slow Down and Soak It All In - Some of the best moments in Lake Como aren’t planned - grabbing an espresso by the water, watching boats drift by, or just getting lost in the beauty of it all! This was our favorite part, don’t over-plan - leave time to just be and enjoy every second.
Must-Visit Villas & Hidden Gems
Villa del Balbianello - One of the most famous villas on the lake, known for its terraced gardens and Star Wars and James Bond film locations.
Villa Carlotta - Where we took our beautiful elopement photos! A gorgeous villa in Tremezzo with botanical gardens, an impressive art collection, and stunning lake views.
Villa Monastero - Located in Varenna, this peaceful lakeside villa features beautiful architecture and lush gardens.
Explore Varenna’s Charming Streets - Varenna is a quieter, more romantic alternative to Bellagio. Walk along the Lover’s Walk (Passeggiata degli Innamorati), visit its small harbor, and stop by Villa Monastero for breathtaking views.
Discover Orrido di Bellano - A natural gorge and waterfall near Varenna, perfect for a quick and unique adventure.
Como’s Historic Center - Visit the Duomo di Como (Como Cathedral), walk through Piazza Cavour, and check out the charming local shops and cafes.
Restaurants & Food Picks
We mostly ate in Bellagio since this was the part of town we stayed in, and it did not disappoint. From cozy trattorias to lakeside dining, every meal felt like an experience. Here are a few highlights:
La Punta - A stunning lakeside spot right at the tip of Bellagio. Their risotto with perch was a standout, and the views made it even better.
Antichi Sapori - A casual, authentic spot serving up simple but flavorful Italian dishes. The carbonara was chef’s kiss.
Bellagio Hotel Florence Restaurant - A restaurant part of Hotel Florence. Their homemade pasta and fresh fish were some of our favorites.
Trattoria San Giacomo - A small, family-run spot with amazing homemade pasta and fresh lake fish.
Aperitivo Et Al - Our go-to for a glass of wine and small bites before dinner. Their selection of local wines was incredible.
Gelateria del Borgo - We couldn’t leave Bellagio without stopping for gelato here. The flavors were fresh, and it was the perfect way to cool down after a day of exploring.
