Wedding photographer at Villa Monastero

Villa Monastero is one of the best-known villas in Varenna, on the eastern shore of Lake Como. As the name says, it began life as a monastery and later became a noble residence. Today it belongs to the Province of Lecco and is a house museum, visited by around 80,000 people a year.

Its botanic garden stretches for about two kilometres along the lake, from Varenna towards Fiumelatte, with terraces, statues and exotic plants. Couples hold ceremonies under the lakeside loggia, and the ceremony and reception can both be planned at the villa; the Hotel Royal Victoria in Varenna is a short walk away for dinner and guests.

Photographing your wedding here

The long garden on the water is made for a slow walk after the ceremony. I photograph the loggia with the lake behind you, then follow the paths between palms and cypresses, and finish with the ferries and colourful houses of Varenna in the evening light.

Villa Monastero is a villa wedding venue in Varenna, Lombardy, Italy (Varenna, on the eastern shore of 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.

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