Villa Monastero // Lake Como
Hanni and Michi chose a Villa Monastero elopement on the shore of Lake Como. Villa Monastero is a historic villa in Varenna. The villa began life as a Cistercian nunnery in the 12th century, before becoming a private residence and, later, a botanical garden open to the public. Its lakeside terraces and centuries-old gardens make it one of the most beautiful elopement settings I have ever photographed. Here is how their day unfolded.
Arriving at Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero sits right on the water in Varenna, with a grand staircase leading down to the lake itself. Hanni and Michi arrived early, before the gardens opened to visitors for the day. So we had the terraces almost entirely to ourselves. The morning light on the water set the tone for everything that followed.
A Ceremony Beneath the Archways
The couple exchanged their vows beneath one of the villa’s stone archways, with Lake Como framed perfectly behind them. Even the officiant seemed moved by the setting. As a result, the ceremony felt intimate despite the grandeur all around them. It is a moment I will not forget photographing.
Portraits Through the Gardens
Villa Monastero’s gardens stretch for almost two kilometres along the lakefront. Every corner offered a different backdrop, from twisted stone columns to sweeping stone balustrades. We wandered slowly between them, chasing the best light. Meanwhile, the lake itself never left the frame for long.
Golden Hour on the Water
As the afternoon wore on, the light over Lake Como turned soft and golden. Hanni and Michi returned to the lakeside terrace for one final set of portraits. In fact, this was my favourite part of the whole day. The mountains across the water caught the last of the sun, and neither of them wanted the moment to end.
A Perfect Villa Monastero Elopement
Hanni and Michi’s day at Villa Monastero was quiet, personal and full of genuine emotion. Eloping meant they could slow down and simply enjoy being together, without a long guest list to manage. If their day has inspired you to consider Villa Monastero for your own elopement, take a look at my Villa Monastero venue guide for more information. You can also browse my portfolio for further examples of my work, or get in touch to check my availability for your date.
