Lake Como in Italy is one of the most romantic and therefore popular places in the world for proposals. And it’s an excellent choice! Let’s start with the exact location…
Villa del Balbianello
WEBSITE https://fondoambiente.it/villa-del-balbianello-eng
BOOKING VIA EMAIL booking.balbianello@fondoambiente.it
ADDRESS Via Guido Monzino, 1, 22 016 Tremezzina (CO), Italy
📅 How far in advance to book
- For a professional photoshoot permit (standard session during opening hours), you can start contacting the villa exactly 90 days before your desired date — this is the official window when booking becomes available, and the calendar opens. Requests made earlier usually can’t be accepted
- Many couples find that slots fill very quickly, especially in spring and summer, so it’s smart to email the villa at the start of the 90-day window and follow up promptly if you don’t hear back
• If you want exclusive use of gardens or after-hours time (e.g., a private session after closing), these are even more limited — some planners suggest contacting as early as 2 — 3 months in advance and being flexible with dates
Villa Monastero
WEBSITE https://www.villamonastero.eu/en/home_en/
BOOKING VIA WEBSITE OR EMAIL villa.monastero@provincia.lecco.it
ADDRESS Viale Giovanni Polvani, 4, 23 829 Varenna (LC), Italy
📅 How far in advance to book
You must send your photoshoot request by email in advance, specifying your desired date and time window — the villa confirms availability and then payment secures the reservation
For private shoots (even without exclusivity), they recommend sending requests at least 14 days before your planned session, and for exclusive use of special areas, the villa has higher fees and early booking is strongly advised
Villa Melzi
WEBSITE https://www.giardinidivillamelzi.it/en/home2/
BOOKING VIA EMAIL mailto: visite@giardinidivillamelzi.it
ADDRESS Lungo Lario Manzoni, 22 021 Bellagio (CO), Italy
📅 How far in advance to book
Because professional shoots (especially if you want to plan a specific time slot) involve a fee and prior arrangement, it’s best to email at least 2–3 weeks before your planned shoot date — and even earlier (e.g., 4–6 weeks) during peak season (spring/summer) to increase the chances of getting your preferred slot
For regular visitor entry or a spontaneous visit with photos (without a formal permit), booking in advance isn’t usually required, but professional sessions that include a permit should be arranged well ahead by email so the villa staff can process the form and payment
Villa Carlotta
WEBSITE https://www.villacarlotta.it/en/
BOOKING VIA EMAIL eventi@villacarlotta.it
ADDRESS Via Regina, 2, 22 019 Tremezzina (CO), Italy
📅 How far in advance to book
Since openings and staffing vary with season, contact the villa at least 3–6 weeks in advance of your desired date to inquire about photography permissions and any fees. This gives time for confirmation and any necessary arrangements. (General tourism guidance; no strict published window found, so earlier contact is safer.)
Hotel Villa Cipressi
WEBSITE https://www.hotelvillacipressi.it/
BOOKING VIA EMAIL info@hotelvillacipressi.it
PHONE NUMBER +39 0341 830 113
ADDRESS Via IV Novembre, 22, 23 829 Varenna (LC), Italy
📅 How far in advance to book
Because this is also a hotel and public garden, it’s best to write at least 3–6 weeks before your planned date to request a slot or permission for professional photography, especially in spring and summer when availability can fill up (General guidance — there’s no published fixed window, so earlier is safer)
Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli
Free public park, stunning front lake view. No permission or booking required
ADDRESS Via Statale, 47, 22 019 Tremezzo CO, Italy
Boats at Lake Como
https://www.instagram.com/cadenazzi_boats
https://www.instagram.com/comolakeexperience
https://www.instagram.com/varennarentaboat
https://www.instagram.com/comoclassicboats
https://www.instagram.com/lakecomoprivateboat
To book, get all the info about rates and conditions, please contact each one boat company. I recommend choosing an elegant wooden boat with white or cream seats and no rooftop
Price and conditions
The price for a 1-hour photoshoot at Lake Como is €450. You get 20 colour-edited and photoshopped photos from each hour and all the originals within 10 days since the photoshoot. The price for each next hour is the same as the previous hour under the same conditions.
To book the date and time, it’s necessary to deposit €100 via IBAN number or €115 via PayPal, considering the platform fee. I cannot refund the deposit if the client cancels less than 90 days before the shoot, but we can reschedule once. The rest must be paid in cash on the day of the photoshoot.
Please note that to avoid any misunderstandings, your session will be confirmed and reserved only once the deposit is received. Until then, the date and time remain available for other clients.
Each half an hour (30 mins) of late arrival is also paid €150.
This price does not include any other service other than photography. Assistance with organising flowers and/or other decorations, a bouquet, a bottle of champagne, transportation bookings, etc. is available for an additional fee of €300.
Drone shots and professional videography can be added to the standard pack for an additional fee.
All my services provided within Italy are fully legal and subject to applicable taxes. All prices mentioned above include taxes and don’t have any hidden or additional fares.
Once you’ve sent me the deposit and secured the date of your special event, you take care of the details. Here are some tips from a highly experienced specialist:
- Dress smartly and comfortably: Think dress shirt + chinos or tailored pants; a blazer is optional. Avoid overly casual items like hoodies, T-shirts, sneakers or sportswear
- Neutral & classic colours: Navy, grey, beige, white, or soft pastels photograph well and won’t clash with the scenery or your partner’s outfit
- Coordinate, don’t match: Make sure your outfit complements your partner’s without being identical
- Shoes do matter: Clean, polished shoes that fit the location (e.g., boat-friendly, villa terraces). Please NO sneakers, even if they are your favourite
Remember, these pictures will be your forever memory. Your grandchildren should be proud of the way their grandparents looked!
- Stay flexible: Weather, tourists, or small delays may happen — stay adaptable
Now make sure the photographer is near and ready
It’s VERY important to prepare a small speech for your girlfriend (partner) before. It would be perfect if you don’t read it from a cellphone but say it from the bottom of your heart. Make her (him) feel the moment, hug and look her (him) in the eye, take your time and enjoy together! Don’t worry, your photographer will catch the moment and the feelings!
She said “YES”, my congratulations! Now let’s continue with the happy celebration pics!
And see you at the wedding!