Lake Como Elopement | Photography & Planning for an Intimate Wedding

I met Mari-Liis and Meelis in December 2023 for a Christmas photoshoot in Venice and from the start, I enjoyed their company very much and we shared a great connection. After that session, we stayed in touch. Then, a few months later they later told me they were planning a Lake Como Elopement, and wanted me as their photographer, I was incredibly honored. They weren’t just looking for someone to take pictures; instead, they wanted someone who truly understood their vision and could bring it to life.

Scenic view of an Italian villa surrounded by tall cypress trees, perfect for an elegant elopement.

White floral arrangement with classical statue details, blending natural beauty and historic charm.

Classical statues overlooking the Italian countryside, adding timeless elegance to the outdoor elopement setting.

Designing a Dream Elopement for Two on Lake Como

Mari-Liis and Meelis knew exactly what they wanted: something personal, romantic, and free from the stress of a traditional wedding. They envisioned a day that focused on their connection, without rigid timelines or formalities. No guests were coming with them from Estonia, just the two of them on a romantic Italian getaway.

At first, they considered several destinations like Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. To help them visualize the different atmospheres Italy offers, I created mood boards showcasing the diverse landscapes and food traditions across the regions. Eventually, they realized that Lake Como was the perfect match for them. The blend of lush greenery, deep blue waters and timeless elegance had everything they were looking for.

Exterior of an Italian villa with ivy-covered walls, the perfect backdrop for an elegant elopement.

Bride smiling as her makeup artist applies the final touches, creating an intimate and relaxed pre-ceremony vibe.

Close-up of the bride’s hands resting on her lap, showing her engagement ring and feathered robe details.

Bride having her makeup done, with soft lighting highlighting her serene expression during the getting ready moments.

Bride relaxing in a cozy room with large windows, enjoying a quiet moment before the ceremony.

Detail shot of two wedding rings resting on baby’s breath flowers, with white roses in the background.

Groom’s blue suit jacket hanging on a door, framed by classic white architecture.

Groom’s shoes, bow tie, and boutonnière neatly arranged for the wedding

Groom fixing the sleeve of his shirt, highlighting the elegant preparation before the intimate elopement.

Groom adjusting his cufflinks, wearing a plaid vest and bow tie, getting ready for the ceremony.

Groom tying his brown leather shoes, seated on a vintage patterned rug during the elopement preparations.

Candid moment of the groom relaxing while waiting in a vintage-style living room.

A beautifully arranged flat lay of bridal accessories on a polished wooden table, featuring white braided-strap heels, a pearl necklace, a white quilted handbag, sunglasses, delicate earrings, a perfume bottle, and fresh white flowers. A refined and elegant detail shot for an intimate elopement

Wedding dress hanging elegantly in a room with vintage furniture

Bride holding her wedding dress, admiring it before getting dressed

Bride looking at her wedding dress hanging in a rustic room, preparing for her Italian elopement.

Close-up of hands carefully tying the ribbon on the back of the bride’s dress during the final touches.

Close-up of the bride putting on an earring while getting ready for the ceremony

Bride adjusting her elegant white heels, captured in a candid, intimate moment during the getting ready.

Bride sitting down and laughing while adjusting her shoes indoors

Close-up of the bride’s elegant bun hairstyle adorned with delicate pearl accessories.

Close-up of the bride having her makeup done, focusing on her eye makeup during the preparation.

Bride standing by a large window, looking out at the garden

Bride standing by a large window, holding her bouquet and gazing outside with a serene expression.

Bride looking thoughtfully out of the window, her white bouquet held gently in her hands.

Choosing the Perfect Venue: Villa Lucini

Finding the right venue wasn’t just about aesthetics; rather, it was about choosing a place that truly felt like them and made them feel welcome. After extensive research, Villa Lucini stood out as the ideal location. With its historic terrace, elegant statues, and intimate atmosphere, it felt like the perfect choice. The villa’s owner, Marco, was incredibly friendly and open to hosting such a unique ceremony, even though the property is usually rented out as a regular Airbnb. Once we had the location and the date confirmed, we started looking for vendors to bring their vision to life.

Aerial view of a tree-lined path leading to an Italian villa, with the bride and groom walking hand in hand.

Close-up of the floral setup for an outdoor elopement ceremony in Italy, with elegant statues in the background.

Bride walking confidently in her wedding dress, holding her bouquet outside an Italian villa

Bride walking down a gravel path toward the villa, framed by tall cypress trees and elegant gardens.

Bride walking down a stone pathway surrounded by lush gardens during her intimate elopement

Groom standing with the celebrant, both smiling in front of an elegant floral backdrop.

Violinist playing during the ceremony, creating an intimate and refined atmosphere

Bride walking gracefully along a stone path, holding her dress lightly with one hand.

Groom standing confidently, smiling softly with a backdrop of white flowers and greenery.

Bride and groom smiling at each other with the celebrant standing beside them during the ceremony.

A Meaningful Symbolic Ceremony in Italy

For me, photography is not just about taking pretty pictures, it’s about remembering the way you felt in those moments. Alongside telling their story through my photography, I also helped coordinate details that made their day truly special.

The day started with their preparations in different rooms of the villa. Mari-Liis had her makeup done by Oriana from WeddingbyJoy, who created a natural, elegant look that enhanced her beauty. Their ceremony was accompanied by the delicate sound of a violinist, Costanza, setting an intimate and emotional atmosphere. The space was beautifully adorned with floral arrangements created by Jenn of Mexichic, who designed stunning white flower compositions, just as the bride had requested. The elegant tones of the flowers perfectly complemented the setting, adding a beautiful touch to the ceremony.

The ceremony itself was officiated by Aurora, who played a meaningful role in guiding the moment with heartfelt words. She read a beautifully written text, emphasizing how Mari-Liis and Meelis had chosen to embark on this journey alone, traveling to Italy to celebrate their love in the most personal and authentic way.

It was an incredibly intimate and emotional ceremony. In fact, Meelis was already in tears even before reading his vows and exchanging rings, overwhelmed by the depth of the moment. You could feel the love in every glance, every word (even if they were exchanging vows in Estonian!), and every tear.

The couple exchanging vows in front of lush white floral decorations and statues.

Groom looking at the bride with a soft smile, with a scenic Italian landscape behind him.

Bride smiling softly while holding a white floral bouquet, with greenery in the background.

The couple standing together as the celebrant reads, framed by elegant floral arrangements.

The celebrant reading vows during the symbolic ceremony, surrounded by white flowers and statues.

Violinist playing with passion during the ceremony, adding a romantic touch to the intimate elopement.

Bride looking down at her with surprise while the groom takes out his vows

Groom laughing softly during the ceremony, surrounded by the greenery and elegant details of the venue.

The groom smiling tenderly, captured from behind the bride’s shoulder during an intimate moment.

Bride smiling joyfully, her bouquet in hand, with classical statues and white flowers in the background.

Groom wiping away a tear, visibly emotional during the heartfelt exchange of vows.

The couple facing each other as the celebrant officiates their outdoor symbolic ceremony.

Close-up of the groom taking the ring from the celebrant

Groom standing confidently with a soft smile, holding his boutonnière against a scenic Italian backdrop.

Bride smiling warmly while holding her bouquet, while the groom is putting on her ring

The bride smiling brightly and showing her ring, surrounded by beautiful white floral arrangements.

Detail shot of the bride holding her white bouquet with both hands, her wedding dress elegantly flowing.

The celebrant gives the ring to the bride

Close-up of handwritten vows held by the celebrant during the symbolic ceremony.

The celebrant says the couple is married as they smile and laugh

The bride runs to hug the groom with the celebrant on the background

Bride and groom kissing, immersed in the beauty of the Italian landscape.

Loving embrace between the smiling couple, surrounded by white floral decorations.

The couple holding hands smiling at each other after the symbolic ceremony.

Violinist in a black dress playing during the elopement in Italy

The couple dancing hand in hand, smiling after their intimate ceremony

Bride and groom dancing and laughing after their symbolic ceremony at Villa Lucini

Close-up of bride and groom dancing together outdoors

Spontaneous joyful moment: the bride laughs while the groom covers his face, overwhelmed with emotion

Romantic kiss between the bride and groom during their symbolic ceremony, with white flowers in the background

Intimate close-up of the groom gently kissing the bride's forehead during their Italian elopement

The couple standing in front of an elegant floral arrangement, holding hands and sharing a tender glance

Close-up of the couple looking into each other's eyes, the bride smiling as she touches the groom's shoulder

Bride and groom embracing on a terrace decorated with white flowers, surrounded by classical statues

Close-up of elegant white floral arrangements with delicate petals

Bride smiling while holding the groom’s hand during an outdoor photoshoot

Bride stepping out of a vintage white convertible, holding her wedding dress

Bride smiling while stepping out of a vintage car, with the groom standing nearby

Bride smiling while sitting in the driver’s seat of a vintage convertible

Bride and groom sharing a kiss in a vintage convertible parked outside an Italian villa

Elopement Activities on Lake Como: Vintage Car Drive and Boat Tour

After the ceremony, we left the villa in a vintage car, rented by Vintage Drive Como Lake. Our journey took us to Bellagio, where we boarded a private boat for a two-hour tour of Lake Como. During the cruise, we popped open a bottle of champagne and cruised past iconic landmarks like Villa del Balbianello and other famous lakeside villas, soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

We made a stop in Varenna, where we enjoyed a simple Italian pleasure, a delicious gelato from Gelateria Riva while strolling through its historic streets. Later, we returned to Bellagio by boat and made our way back to the villa in the vintage car, just as the sun dipped below the horizon.

As evening settled in, the garden transformed into a romantic setting with the soft glow of candlelight. Chef Laura prepared an exquisite dinner featuring traditional Lombard dishes, like osso buco with risotto alla Milanese (risotto flavored with saffron). The night was filled with warmth and laughter as they cut a small wedding cake, also prepared by Laura, and toasted once again to their love under the starry sky.

It was the perfect end to a day filled with emotion, beauty, and unforgettable memories.

Vintage white convertible parked in front of an elegant Italian villa

Bride and groom sitting in a vintage white convertible, smiling at each other

Scenic view of Lake Como framed by a car window, with mountains in the distance

Groom leading the bride through a narrow cobblestone alley in a charming Italian village

Bride and groom standing by a railing, looking at each other with Lake Como in the background

Bride and groom holding hands, sharing an intimate moment with a view of Lake Como

Bride gazing at the lake while holding her bouquet, with mountains in the background

Groom holding the bride’s hand as she steps onto the dock in her wedding dress

Close-up of a wooden vintage boat floating on the waters of Lake Como

Bride and groom enjoying a relaxed moment on the boat, holding champagne glasses

View of the boat’s wake as it moves across the waters of Lake Como

Close-up of hands opening a bottle of champagne, with bridal shoes on the deck

Bride and groom celebrating with champagne on their private boat in Lake Como

Sunset over Villa del Balbianello, with a boat on the calm waters of Lake Como

Bride and groom sharing a playful toast, laughing together on the boat

Bride and groom drinking champagne, smiling at each other during their boat ride

Bride sipping champagne while admiring the view of Villa del Balbianello from the boat

Boat passing in front of Villa del Balbianello, with mountains in the background

Scenic view of Villa del Balbianello surrounded by greenery on Lake Como

Boat cruising on Lake Como, passing by the historic Italian villa "Villa del Balbianello"

Bride’s shoes left on the wooden deck of a boat

Bride laughing joyfully while holding a champagne bottle on a boat in Lake Como

Bride relaxing on a boat, enjoying the breeze and holding a bouquet while sailing on Lake Como

Bride raising her bouquet and a champagne glass, celebrating on a boat in Lake Como

Luxurious villa with a manicured garden and private dock on Lake Como

Close-up of the groom’s hand holding a champagne glass, with a white boutonnière on his suit

Rear view of a classic wooden boat cruising on Lake Como, with mountains in the distance

Scenic view of mountains and colorful houses of Varenna along the shores of Lake Como

Colorful houses along the waterfront of the picturesque Italian town on Lake Como, Varenna

Groom embracing the bride while standing on a boat with the town of Varenna in the background

Colorful houses stacked along the hills of Varenna, Lake Como

Scenic view of a lakeside town with boats docked along the shore of Lake Como, taken from Varenna

Bride and groom walking hand in hand under a romantic archway covered in greenery

Picturesque canal with colorful buildings and boats in Varenna

Friendly gelato vendor smiling inside a local Italian shop

Bride smiling while posing with a local gelato vendor inside a shop

Bride and groom sharing an affectionate moment in a charming alleyway with stone walls

Bride resting her head on the groom’s shoulder in Varenna, smiling softly

Peaceful view of a boat floating on the calm waters of Lake Como at dusk

Bride and groom standing under an archway, framed by the mountains and waters of Lake Como

Silhouette of the bride and groom gazing at each other against the backdrop of Lake Como’s mountains.

Intimate silhouette of the bride and groom sharing a tender moment at sunset

Bride and groom walking hand in hand on a dock with the mountains of Lake Como in the background

View of a lakeside villa surrounded by greenery, reflected on the waters of Lake Como

Bride and groom smiling at each other while sitting on a boat, holding the bridal bouquet

Groom and bride enjoying a peaceful boat trip on Lake Como.

Close-up of the bride’s hand resting gently on the groom’s leg, showing her wedding ring

Groom looking lovingly at the bride during a tender moment on the boat

Bride and groom sitting on a boat, hugging while cruising on Lake Como

Groom standing on a boat, looking in the camera.

Bride putting on her shoes before getting off the boat

Bride and groom driving a vintage white convertible with scenic mountains in the background.

Why You Should Do an Intimate Elopement in Italy

With Mari-Liis and Meelis, it was about capturing a love story exactly as it was meant to be: personal, deep, and free from expectations. Their elopement reminded me why I love what I do: it’s not about perfection or grand gestures, but rather about authentic connections and meaningful moments.

Choosing an intimate elopement allowed them to focus entirely on each other, without the distractions or pressures that often come with traditional weddings. It was just the two of them, fully present, celebrating their love in the most genuine way. As a result, this simplicity created space for real emotions to shine through, unfiltered, raw, and beautiful.

As their photographer, my approach wasn’t just to document the day but also to be part of it in an authentic, natural way. I was lucky to connect with them so deeply that it felt like I was photographing two friends, witnessing their love story up close. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, not just between the couple but among everyone involved. We had an incredible team of talented women who worked seamlessly together, which added to the sense of connection and joy throughout the day.

Mari-Liis later told me how grateful she was for the heartfelt energy surrounding them, and she never once regretted the decision to elope without friends and family. Their day wasn’t defined by traditions; instead it was defined by them, their story, and the emotions we were able to capture in such an intimate, meaningful setting.

Cozy evening view of a warmly lit villa entrance surrounded by ivy.

Chef smiling while serving dishes during an outdoor candlelit dinner

Bride and groom enjoying a private candlelit dinner outside a villa

Close-up of wine being poured during a romantic candlelit dinner

Elegant table centerpiece with white flowers and candlelight

Bride and groom toasting with wine during an intimate outdoor dinner

Chef preparing traditional Italian dishes in a cozy kitchen

Close-up of a plated Italian dish, featuring osso buco with saffron risotto.

Chef serving traditional Italian dishes for the wedding dinner

Bride and groom enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner during their intimate Italian elopement.

Bride and groom sharing a joyful moment while the chef brings their cake outdoors

Elegant dessert table with candles, pastries, and champagne set for an intimate elopement dinner.

Bride and groom cutting a cake together during an outdoor evening celebration

Close-up of hands slicing a cake decorated with white flowers and candles

Planning Your Intimate Lake Como Elopement? Let’s Create Something Unforgettable.

If you’re considering an intimate elopement in Lake Como or anywhere else in Italy, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re looking for a photographer who can capture the essence of your story and understands how to create an experience that feels authentic, I’m here to help.

Get in touch with me, and let’s make your dream elopement a reality.

Vendors:

Venue: Villa Lucini
Photography: Silvia Sala Photography
Florist: Jenn – Mexichic
MUA: Oriana – WeddingbyJoy
Violinist: Costanza
Private Chef: Laura – Prêt à Manger
Vintage Car: Vintage Drive Como Lake