If you wish to set your wedding in a place full of charm and magic surrounded by breathtaking views,
Lake Como is the perfect fit.
You will be able to choose from countless spectacular and exclusive venues of great visual, historical and cultural impact, including Villa del Balbianello.
Villa del Balbianello is an elegant 18th century villa perched on the wooded promontory of Lavedo, on the western branch of Lake Como. Thanks to an enchanted view and its magnificent garden, it is deemed one of the most spectacular and romantic estates in the area.
This architectural complex was commissioned by Cardinal Durini, a scholar and patron of the arts, who turned this peaceful oasis into an exclusive corner for literary retreats. Over the years in fact the estate has hosted several writers and intellectuals, including Alessandro Manzoni and Count Guido Monzino, the last owner of the Villa.
In modern times, the Count had the merit to bring the estate back to its original splendor and chose the venue as place where to preserve the memories of his adventures. He was a collector, a passionate traveler and also the first Italian to climb Mount Everest, and with his exquisite taste he furnished the whole villa. Maps, travel tools, books, as well as precious and peculiar collections of art objects, everything is still today arranged according to his will.
Since 1988 Villa del Balbianello is safeguarded by the FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano, a non-profit foundation that preserves the historical buildings and the artistic, natural heritage of the Italian territory. The estate is open for tourists from all over the world and it can also be reserved for exclusive events.
The wonders of Villa del Balbianello led prominent Hollywood directors to choose it as the filming location for their movies, such as Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, James Bond 007 – Casino Royale. Every year the estate also attracts several bridal couples who choose it as the venue of their special and unforgettable destination wedding.
The villa offers various areas where to hold the different moments of the day, all very scenic and with a breathtaking view of the lake. The complex includes several buildings surrounded by a charming garden, arranged on different levels to take advantage of the features of the promontory. In the garden you will find trees pruned into unusual shapes, romantic views, avenues lined with statues, panoramic terraces and abundant blooms.
Your civil or symbolic ceremony can be held by the square of the antique church or in the famous Loggia Durini. The beautiful building is located in a splendid panoramic position and is made of two rooms, the Library and the Hall of Cartographers.
The real highlight of the building is however its central, romantic porch with lush ivy and flowers, as well as breathtaking views that will leave all your guests speechless.
After the ceremony, you can take some time to have a sunset photo shooting in the many picturesque spots of the venue. Meanwhile, your guests will walk to the nearby Terrazzo Canfora for a tasty aperitif in the shade of the wonderful Canfora Tree.
The wedding reception will be served inside the refined Loggia Segrè, located at the top of the promontory, or at the Terrazza a Lago a beautiful green area overlooking the lake.
An additional detail that will make your big day even more exclusive is that you can arrive at the venue exclusively on a boat. This way you will enjoy a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Como and then amaze everyone with a truly unique entrance.
Thanks to the stunning natural and architectural scenery and the evocative settings, Villa del Balbianello is a perfect venue for a real fairytale wedding.
