This Villa del Balbianello elopement is a super romantic Lake Como elopement in northern Italy. Their Lake Como wedding begins with a view of the pristine lake spread out before them, shimmering in the clear morning sun through the windows of their villa that lies in the hills behind Como town.

As Linzi is getting her hair and makeup done she gazes out over the shore of Lake Como. Meanwhile, in the neighboring room, Baxter gets ready, with the help of his brother and best man Spencer. He fixes Baxter’s bow-tie and cufflinks in front of a bookcase featuring many worn works. A fitting a backdrop for a groom who considers words and stories so sacred. Once ready, Baxter and Spencer leave and then Linzi dresses with help from her sister, mother and grandmother.

Villa del Balbianello elopement – Intimate Wedding Ceremony

On arrival at Villa del Balbianello (one of the finest wedding venues on Lake Como for a destination wedding), Baxter and Spencer admire its overpowering majesty, perfect gardens, and heavenly setting. Linzi’s boat approaches, carrying the bride-to-be and her doting father, Gary, with her. Linzi carries a handkerchief, a gift from her sister and maid of honor, Jenny, it is made from their mother’s wedding gown.

The moment Baxter sees Linzi come into view, his heart rate soars, his breath escapes him, she looks incredible in her wedding dress.

Adrienne Gatti, Linzi’s grandmother, and angelic flower girl, carries down the aisle a Quartz Cluster, a “Master Healer”, a crystal that carries the blessings of many family and friends who couldn’t be with them in Italy to share their Lake Como elopement at Villa del Balbianello. She places the crystal on the table before their loving celebrants, Giuseppe and Diane, this way the crystal’s energy is at the center of the ceremony.

The ceremony is magical and so much more emotional than a civil ceremony. Their blessing ceremony includes many Native American traditions too in respect of Baxter’s heritage that he proudly represents. There are also lovely readings and emotional vows.

After they exchange rings the celebrants declare them husband and wife and they happily share their first kiss and then hold their first dance while the harpist plays “Playing Love” from La Leggenda del Pianista Sull’Oceano by Ennio Morricone.

Villa del Balbianello elopement photographer

They explore the gorgeous Villa del Balbianello grounds. Then we go to the little town of Bellagio. They wander down cobblestone streets and narrow alleys and enjoy the unique architecture and atmosphere.

At one point, they pass by the kitchen of a local restaurant and are greeted by applause. It is a common act of celebration that they appreciate throughout Bellagio, receiving many wishes of congratulations and ear-to-ear smiles.

The whirlwind day carries them to Lido di Lenno. Here, after a scenic boat ride across the lake, they join family members for dinner beside Lake Como. The bride’s father delivers a heartfelt toast, welcoming Baxter into their family.

The end to a perfect Lake Como elopement

As the sun falls behind the mountains and the night carries on lightning begins to flash in bursts. The bride hopes for a sprinkle of rain at some point during the wedding day, a symbol of good luck; and as they leave the restaurant, the skies open and begin pouring to bless their Lake Como elopement.

The day has given way to the next, their car climbs the narrow roads that weave skyward toward the villa. Peering out the bedroom window to the lake below, they see it set alight by steady streaks of lightning.

It is as if the heavens are celebrating Linzi and Baxter’s wedding; they decided to elope to Italy for an intimate stress-free memorable wedding and with a little help they created a magical Lake Como elopement. A Lake Como elopement is a great idea but if a wedding by the water is your dream you may also want to consider an seaside elopement.