Before the crowds, in one of the most beautiful places in Italy, many couples choose to say "I do" at Villa Balbianello. Set on a peaceful spot overlooking Lake Como, with tall cypress trees, calm blue water, and the Alps in the background, it's the perfect setting for a romantic elopement.
Because Villa Balbianello can only be privately rented for a two-hour window (for elopements), timing is everything. Below, we walk you through the ideal elopement schedule we plan for our couples — from your first glimpse of each other to your final glass of wine overlooking the lake.
Where to Stay Before the Big Day
Your elopement really begins the night before, so where you rest matters. We love recommending two options, both a scenic boat ride from Villa Balbianello:
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo — a legendary 5-star property with sweeping panoramic views across Lake Como, floating pools, and old-world Italian glamour.
- Bellagio, the colourful little town often called the "Pearl of Lake Como," where you can choose between the boutique charm of Hotel Belvedere Bellagio (4-star) or the storied elegance of Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (5-star).
On the morning of your elopement, your photographer will document your getting-ready moments right at the hotel — the quiet, candid details of the morning are often some of the most treasured images from the day. Meanwhile, your florist will deliver the bridal bouquet and groom's boutonnière directly to your hotel room, so everything is ready before you even step outside.
The Boat Ride: Your First "Wow" Moment
No Lake Como elopement is complete without arriving by a classic wooden boat. The ride from your hotel to Villa Balbianello takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your starting point — and it's an experience in itself. Wind in your hair, the lake villages sliding past, and the villa slowly coming into view from the water. Many couples say this boat ride is where the day truly starts to feel real.
The Elopement Timeline
Here's how a typical two-hour elopement at Villa Balbianello comes together:
4:20 PM — Groom's Arrival: The groom arrives first by boat, giving him a few quiet minutes to take in the villa's gardens and settle in before the bride arrives.
4:40 PM — Bride's Arrival & First Look: Twenty minutes later, the bride arrives by boat with the photography team. If you'd like, this is the perfect moment for a first look at the bottom of the venue — an intimate, emotional exchange captured just for the two of you before the ceremony begins.
Ceremony at Loggia Durini: From there, you'll make your way up to the Loggia Durini, the villa's iconic ceremony spot with the lake stretching out behind you. A live musician — violin is a beautiful choice — can accompany your walk and the ceremony itself, while your celebrant awaits. The ceremony, including your vows, typically lasts 30 minutes. Some couples also choose to share a first dance here, turning the loggia into an even more intimate, cinematic moment.
Portraits Around the Venue: With the ceremony complete, you'll have around an hour to explore the grounds of Villa Balbianello with your photographer — no guests, no distractions, just the two of you against one of the most photographed backdrops in the world.
Departure by Boat to Dinner: As your two hours draw to a close, you'll board the wooden boat once again, this time heading to celebrate over dinner. We love sending couples to the restaurant at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, where the food is as memorable as the view.
Let Ivylane Take Care of Everything
From securing your private time at Villa Balbianello, to arranging the wooden boat transfers, the live musician, your florist, and the perfect dinner reservation — Ivylane is here to design and coordinate every detail of your Lake Como elopement. All you need to bring is each other; we'll handle the rest, so your day unfolds exactly as beautifully as you imagined it.
Ready to start planning your elopement at Villa Balbianello? Get in touch with the Ivylane team today.
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