Luxury Lake Como Elopement: A Palace, Ballgown, & Unforgettable Moments!

Bride and groom in a blue dress pose near a lake in Italy

When most people hear the word elope, images of city hall and little white dresses come to mind. This is most certainly not that. This elopement shoot went big, like huge palace on Lake Como and gigantic blue tulle ballgown big! We love that couples are still investing in their elopements like they would a traditional wedding and choosing to splurge on themselves. Your wedding is a celebration of your relationship, why not go all out? It'll be a moment that you'll hold onto for a lifetime...not to mention the pictures!

Vimeo Video

These incredible photos by Bottega53 look too good to be true! Iles Events planned this inspiration shoot to showcase the stunning Villa Balbiano and show couples how extravagant an elopement can be. With a venue and a gown this extra, Anna Gayduk had their work cut out for them when they were asked to design the florals, and they brought it big time! This team couldn't resist filming this epic shoot at this historic location and asked Merak Studio to do the honors. Check out the full gallery for even more of this luscious inspiration shoot and read on to hear more from Irina of Villa Balbiano about this venue's glamourous past.

Wedding invitation details with rings and earrings, elegant styling

Elegant bride in a flowing gown by a sparkling pool

Blonde woman in white dress with cup enjoys lake view

Elegant bride in a blue dress reflected in a decorative mirror

Woman in blue dress at luxurious mansion with lake view

Smiling woman in blue tulle dress posing for photo

Woman in blue dress posing in elegant room with flowers

Woman in blue dress walks in a garden path near a villa

Elegant man in tuxedo posing by a classic vintage car in sunny garden

Man in tuxedo poses in front of a beautiful Italian villa

A BOLD COLOR PALETTE

Scenic view of Lake Como with vibrant flowers and mountains

Fashion-inspired elopement shoot set at one of the most prominent Lake Como venues, Villa Balbiano, with a lakeside ceremony, seated dinner for two in the garden, and a white vintage car. The bride donned a custom-made blue wedding gown by Bencivenga Alta Sartoria perfectly harmonizing with the color palette of the floral decor and surroundings. If you haven't heard of it, you've definitely seen this property. The amazing venue has gone viral on Instagram and has been the host of many socialite and celebrity weddings, and even a big filming location for the just-released House of Gucci featuring Adam Driver and Lady Gaga.

Floral wedding arches with lake backdrop, nature scenery

Elegant woman in blue gown in garden setting for photoshoot

Bride in blue gown on a lawn overlooking a scenic lake view

Wedding ceremony with bride in blue dress and groom holding hands

Romantic wedding kiss with blue floral details and mountains in the background

Elegant couple sharing a moment on their wedding day in a blue dress

THE GEM OF THE LAKE

Elegant garden table setting with flowers for a special event

Situated on the western shore of Lake Como, Villa Balbiano is an awe-inspiring Italian jewel, an exceptional historical palazzo that once belonged to the famous Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who built it at the end of the 16th century and used it as his main residence. A century later, it was enlarged and embellished by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini who used the Villa to host a gallant and frivolous society where festivals, banquets, and dances followed one another relentlessly. Since then each successive owner only added to the splendor of the villa. Nowadays, Villa Balbiano is the largest private residence on the lake, occupying over 2ha, with an extensive sumptuous garden, which was distinguished by the British Society of Garden Designers, an outdoor swimming pool, a private pier, and a boathouse. Inside, its historic interiors have been filled with finest objets d’art and furniture of past centuries, sourced from Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Spectacular 17th-century frescoes painted by the Recchi brothers and Agostino Silva still decorate the walls, untouched by time. With its illustrious past, an unparalleled mix of man-made and natural beauty, Villa Balbiano is one of the most glamorous locations on Lake Como.

Elegant wedding table setting with flowers and crystal glasses