How Much Does a Villa Balbianello Wedding Cost in Lake Como?
Villa Balbianello is one of Lake Como’s most iconic and romantic wedding venues and having planned countless weddings around the world, this one is a personal favorite. Known for its lush gardens, serene lake views, and unmatched Italian charm, it's the perfect choice for couples dreaming of an intimate garden celebration. Nestled on a secluded peninsula, Villa Balbianello offers panoramic views of Lake Como, with the Alps in the distance and historic architecture all around. This wedding venue is nothing short of breathtaking and a Villa Balbianello wedding guarantees unforgettable photos and timeless elegance.
A Villa Balbianello wedding is all about intimate luxury in a setting that feels like a movie set—because it has been one! While planning a celebration here does come with premium pricing, it’s all part of creating an unforgettable wedding experience in one of Italy’s most iconic settings. From transportation to catering and decor, every detail at Villa Balbianello is a chance to elevate your dream wedding day.
We’ve put together a helpful budget overview based on a 50-guest wedding to give you a realistic starting point. Keep reading below for all the details on Villa Balbianello wedding costs and what to expect when planning a Lake Como wedding.
Venue:
€16,000
Renting the venue exclusively costs around €16,000, and it's open to the public unless booked in full. If you’re planning a smaller wedding or Italian elopement and don’t mind tourists, you can use the space during the day without a full buyout. However, for a private event the full rental is essential.
Keep in mind: Villa Balbianello has a required vendor list, including catering, which streamlines the planning. For larger celebrations, consider hosting your ceremony here and holding your reception elsewhere. The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a nearby luxury venue that pairs beautifully with the villa.
Florals: €12,000
A floral design budget of €12,000 will cover the essentials such as ceremony arrangements, reception centerpieces and bridal bouquets.
This is a great base for a cohesive and elevated look, but if you’re aiming for over-the-top florals or floral installations, expect to budget more.
Stationery: €5,000
This budget is for a semi-custom invitation suite and printed materials (like menus and signage). This allows you to keep your paper goods elevated and aligned with your overall destination wedding aesthetic.
Planner: €20,000
Hiring a wedding planner is highly recommended for this venue, especially since Villa Balbianello is secluded and only accessible by boat or foot. A wedding planner will coordinate the complex logistics, manage vendor deliveries, and ensure everything runs smoothly on your wedding day.
Catering: €20,000
Catering packages start at this price which averages to €400 per guest. This includes food, alcohol, staffing, and basic rentals. If you'd like to upgrade any of the included rentals (such as flatware, linens, or furniture), expect to spend an additional €2,500.
Lighting & AV: €10,000
This includes ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception music, along with lighting and audiovisual equipment. This ensures seamless transitions, ambient lighting, and professional sound throughout your wedding celebration.
Photo: €6,000
These rates reflect experienced professionals who specialize in destination weddings and will know how to capture the villa’s unique beauty and provide beautiful wedding portraits and more.
Video: €6,000
These rates reflect experienced professionals who specialize in destination weddings and will know how to capture the villa’s unique beauty.
Transportation: €5,000
Villa Balbianello is only accessible by boat or a long walk, so transportation is essential.
Arrival experience: €2,500 – A stylish, scenic boat arrival is a perfect Italian touch to wow your guests.
Departure shuttles: €2,500 – Ensures safe and easy travel from the villa to your guests’ accommodations after the celebration.
Accommodation:
No on-site accommodation is available at Villa Balbianello. However, Lake Como has many nearby luxury hotels and villas that offer group bookings and wedding block options.
Hair & Makeup: €4,000
Hair and makeup services for the bride and up to four additional people will be around €4,000, which includes both trial sessions and wedding day styling.
Optional Add-On Marquee: €12,000
If you’re planning for an outdoor reception and want to prepare for unpredictable weather, a marquee or tented setup (which the venue recommends) would be an additional €12,000.
Total Estimated Budget: €118,500
This comprehensive estimate is based on a 50-person guest list and includes all core elements of a Villa Balbianello wedding. While this is a starting point, your final Lake Como wedding cost may vary depending on upgrades, guest count, and overall vision.
For a full wedding venue tour, check out our latest TikTok for your Lake Como destination wedding!
Destination Wedding Planner | Brittney Bartling | BLB Events
Planning a luxury wedding in Lake Como requires more than just vision—it demands expertise and flawless execution. That’s where we come in. As a full-service wedding planning team, we specialize in curating elevated, multi-day wedding experiences that reflect your style while keeping everything on track and within reach. We'll help you define your vision, determine a realistic budget, and assess if your dream weekend aligns with the logistics and costs of a high-end celebration in this region. If you're serious about hosting a wedding here - let’s connect!
Venue - Villa Balbianello | Photographers - Lily Red, Cartalia, Derek Preciado, The Tailors, Victoria & Joseph, Julian Kanz, Freire Wedding Photo, Emilian Russo, Renezadori, Carlos Pintau, Gabrielle Vanstern