Couple laughing in the speedboat with the island behind them (from my wedding at Isola del Garda)

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Wedding photographer at Villa del Balbianello

Lake Como's most iconic villa, on its own wooded point, reachable by boat for weddings.

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Photo: my wedding at Isola del Garda

Villa · Lavedo point, Lake Como

About Villa del Balbianello

Type: Historic villa, owned by FAI
Where: Lenno, Lake Como
Ceremony: Civil weddings in the Loggia Durini
Arrival: By private boat

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Villa del Balbianello sits on the tip of a wooded peninsula near Lenno and is probably the most photographed villa on Lake Como. Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini built it at the end of the 18th century on the site of a Franciscan monastery, and the explorer Guido Monzino later left it to FAI, the Italian National Trust.

It is licensed for civil weddings, with ceremonies in the Loggia Durini looking out over both arms of the lake. Guests arrive by private boat, which makes the day feel even more special. Fans may recognise it from Casino Royale and Star Wars.

Photographing your wedding here

Balbianello is a dream to photograph: terraced gardens, the loggia, climbing plants and water on three sides. I plan the timeline around the light on the lake and make sure we have time for the boat ride, which gives some of the most romantic photos of the day.

Villa del Balbianello is a villa wedding venue in Lenno, Lombardy, Italy (Lavedo point, Lake Como). AlbumWeddings is a destination wedding photographer based in Slovenia who photographs weddings across Italy, including Tuscany, Lake Garda and Lake Como, Puglia and the Amalfi Coast. This guide describes the venue, its best photo locations and practical tips for couples planning a wedding there.

Yes, the villa is licensed for civil ceremonies, usually held in the Loggia Durini with a town hall officiant.

For weddings and private events, guests arrive and leave by private boat.

Around 80 seated guests. Larger receptions can use the lakeside terrace.

Venue details are a short guide and can change. Please confirm capacities, ceremony options and dates directly with the venue.

From my weddings