Our specialty at Alejandra Poupel Events is in creating unforgettable destinations in some of Europe’s most romantic locations. As a result, I’ve visited and worked at some of the continent’s most luxurious properties, and have the inside track on all the best European wedding venues! I’ll be sharing this expertise in a series of destination guides, which you can find here. Today, we’re focusing on with one of my favorites, Lake Como in Italy. Stay tuned for a few of the best Lake Como wedding venues!

This gorgeous destination, the third largest lake in Italy, has long been a magnet for VIPs. From Hollywood celebrities to European aristocracy, visitors are drawn by the tranquillity, the exquisite landscapes, and the abundance of top class hotels and restaurants. Blessed with a temperate climate, it’s the perfect place to relax, taking in the picturesque cliffside villages, the deep blue waters, and also the historic villas and gardens. And just an hour away from Milan, it’s also a super convenient location for destination weddings in Italy.

Here are just a few of my favorite Lake Como wedding venues.

Villa Erba

The perfect setting for a lavish destination wedding in Lake Como! Villa Erba is a beautiful 19th century lakeside chateau in one of the most scenic and charming parts of the lake, Cernobbio. It features palatial interiors with elaborate gilded décor, ornate ceilings and ancient frescoes, as well as its own botanical gardens. One of my favorite features is that the bride or groom can arrive by boat for a truly grand entrance. For the late night crowd, the villa also offers the rare luxury of dancing until 5am, due to its seclusion. Find out more about this Lake Como wedding venue here.

Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello is one of the most exclusive wedding venues in Lake Como. Perched on its very own island, you may recognize it from films such as Casino Royale. It is known for its impressive gardens and breathtaking three-hundred-and-sixty-degree views of the lake, as well as its stunning interiors. These include a grand staircase and three ivy drenched loggia, that also make a memorable ceremony backdrop. Now a museum, you can also hire the villa as an exclusive event space when closed to the public. Find out more about the villa here.

Villa Olmo

This 18th century neoclassical villa was designed as a summer retreat for an aristocratic Italian family. It has hosted notable guests including Napoleon and Garibaldi. One of Villa Olmo’s finest features is its majestic gardens, and its colonnade decorated with tondos by Francesco Carabelli. Inside the villa, guests are treated to a rich collection of paintings, statues and gold stucco, as well as a series of frescoes depicting mythological creatures. Whether you are planning a smaller celebration or a cocktail dinner for up to 250 guests, this property will provide the quintessential Lake Como experience, with all its quiet elegance and refined beauty. Get my insider tips on booking this destination wedding venue here.

Villa Pizzo

Celebrity lovebirds John Legend and Chrissy Teigen chose Villa Pizzo for their wedding. And it’s no wonder, as this magnificent 17th century villa boasts gorgeous staircases, sculptures and frescoes. Not to mention a massive twelve hectares of gardens, and an incredible terrace overlooking the lake. It’s considered to be one of the prettiest and most romantic of Lake Como wedding venues. Couples and their entourage can arrive at the villa by boat, before enjoying a picturesque outdoor ceremony, and dinner and dancing under the stars. With the verdant mountains on one side and lake views on the other, this setting truly has to be seen to be believed! Learn more about Villa Pizzo here.

Villa Sola Cabiati

This former summer residence of dukes and nobles is now operated by the famed Grand Hotel Tremezzo. As such, guests can expect the same incredible service during their stay. One of the loveliest features is the symmetrical Italian gardens, which make a stunning backdrop for a ceremony, cocktail hour or al fresco dinner. All with marvellous lake views, of course! Find out more about why I love this venue here.

Want to know more? You can see the rest of my list of top Lake Como wedding venues (including the one I consider the area’s best kept secret) here.