Lake Como Wedding – An Intimate Ceremony & Golden Hour Boat ride
15.09.2025
Lake Como Wedding Photographer - Bayley & Benjamin’s Beautifully Intimate Lake Como Elopement
There’s something truly magical about Lake Como – the shimmering water, elegant villas and that soft golden light that makes every photo glisten. As a destination and Lake Como wedding photographer, it’s a joy to capture celebrations of any size in this breathtaking setting.
In September 2025, I had the privilege of photographing Bayley and Benjamin’s intimate elopement. They had travelled all the way from the US to get married in Italy, just the two of them, and it meant so much that they chose me to capture it for them. Their beautiful day unfolded across some of Como’s most iconic locations, from quiet villa gardens to bustling cobbled streets, ending with a golden hour boat ride – here’s a little glimpse into their beautiful day.
Getting Ready & A Tearful First Look at Villa Flori
PERSONAL VOWS AND RING EXCHANGE AMONGST THE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS OF VILLA MELZI
We headed to Villa Melzi in Bellagio, a breathtaking lakeside villa surrounded by peaceful gardens, classical sculptures, and beautiful historic architecture. They held their ceremony just the two of them, under the beautiful dome structure in the gardens. It was incredibly personal and authentic — they exchanged rings and read the heartfelt vows they had written for each other, with just the celebrant and myself there to witness. Their words were full of emotion, and I felt so honoured to be part of such a beautifully intimate moment.
lake como wedding photographer - Exploring Bellagio
After their ceremony, we wandered around the grounds of Villa Melzi for some portraits, then walked into Bellagio itself. The contrast was incredible – from the calm, manicured gardens to the bustling, cobbled streets just moments later. We strolled up the hilly lanes and stopped for gelato, a wonderfully normal moment… except for the wedding dress and suit, of course! Tourists couldn’t help but notice them, both applauding, passing on congratulations and taking their own photos too!
lake como elopement photographer - Golden Hour Boat Ride
You can’t plan an intimate elopement in Lake Como, without a private boat ride. This part was hands down my favourite. The light was perfect: soft, golden and glowy as we cruised around the lake. We stopped by Villa del Balbianello for some photos, and then took our time soaking it all in as the sun set behind the mountains. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day – just the two of them, wrapped up in each other and the beauty of Lake Como.
Lake como on 35mm film
I couldn’t resist bringing along my 35mm film camera for this elopement, purely for the joy of it. Lake Como’s soft light and slower pace felt perfect for film, and it was a lovely way to capture the atmosphere a little differently. The images below were all shot on 35mm—an unpolished, nostalgic counterpoint to the digital photographs in the rest of the gallery.
Thinking of Eloping in Lake Como?
If you’re planning an intimate elopement or big wedding event and looking for a Lake Como Wedding Photographer, I would love to be part of your celebrations.
Supplier Credits
Photographer @lucydarbyphotography
HMUA @noemi.bridalbeauty
Preparations: Villa Flori @lariohotels
Ceremony: Villa Melzi @giardinidivillamelzideril
Officiant @ritaannunziatabellagio
Boat @taxiboatvarenna
Dress @essenseofaustralia
