10 Photography Tips for Capturing Your Lake Como Wedding

Especially for weddings, Lake Como is a photographer’s paradise.

At my first wedding here, I was blown away by the natural light, romantic backdrops and timeless spanning of the scenery.

It’s no wonder that set paired with someone saying “I do” makes for some gorgeous shots, and if you’re getting married in this awe-inspiring locale, you want your legendary day to be captured in equally legendary photos.

Use these tips to help your Lake Como wedding album be as magical as the day itself.

Whether you’re hiring an industry pro or enlisting an eager friend to capture your best candid moments, here’s what you need to know:

1. Plan for the Golden Hour

The gentle, warm light that comes during sunrise and sunset makes for the most incredible wedding photos.

Coordinate with your photographer to plan important elements, such as portraits or couple shots, around these times.

The sunsets are particularly beautiful in Lake Como, with the light reflecting off the lake and surrounding mountains.

2. Utilize the Lake as a Natural Reflection Surface

The water on Lake Como is extremely still and creates beautiful reflections to create a depth to your photos.

Take some shots where the lake reflects the couple or the surrounding scenery, especially in calm morning hours.

This imparts an ethereal and timeless quality to your images.

3. Highlight Iconic Villas

The historic villas of Lake Como, such as Villa del Balbianello or Villa Monastero, make for dreamy backdrops.

For photos, frame details like the building’s architecture, sweeping staircases, gardens full of greenery.

These settings have a touch of old-world charm and add a luxurious touch to your wedding album.

4. Capture the Journey by Boat

Not only is a boat ride on Lake Como romantic but because the scenery is so varied, it also presents a golden opportunity for unique shots.

Shoot the couple with the lake’s wide horizon or shot as they arrive via boat at their venue.

Make cinematic, unforgettable imagery using the surrounding water and mountains.

5. Embrace Candid Moments

Some of the most soul-stirring photographs are the unplanned ones — laughter during the toast, tears during the vows, children playing in the gardens.

Try to have your photographer be unobtrusive and capture these real moments.

These real-life photography snaps add emotion and narrative in your album.

6. Play with Shadows and Light

The views of Lake Como are marked by gentle sunlight, dappled shade under olive trees and strong contrasts at sunset.

Use these natural lighting effects to create moody, artistic compositions.

For instance, use the shade of a pergola as you photograph the bride with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

7. Incorporate Italian Details

Whether it’s the vibrant flowers, rustic wooden boats, gelato carts, even the cute Italian touches at Lake Como, it screams all things lovely.

Incorporate close-up photos of these details to enhance texture and the cultural elements to your photos.

These small details all help to tell the story of your wedding day.

8. Utilize High-Rise Views

Many villas and venues around Lake Como have terraces with sweeping views of the lake.

Take wide shots to capture the entire scene from these high-angle shots.

These breathtaking panoramas will take center stage in your album.

9. Emphasize the Couple’s Silhouettes

Beautiful are silhouette shots at sunset, with the couple silhouetted against the glowing sky and lake.

Team up with your photographer to play around with angles and distances to derive the ideal combination of light and shadow.

It gives your images a dreamy, artistic texture.

10. Don’t Forget the Night Shots

Lake Como has a magical quality at night, Villas aglow and stars on the water.

But bear in mind the stories within the stories, including moments like the first dance or fireworks with the aglow lake as a backdrop.

Photos taken at night provide a bold, otherworldly end to the wedding album.

Final Thoughts

Lake Como weddings are centre stage timeless elegance and your photos should be a true reflection of that.

With some good planning and a creative eye, you’ll have an album of memories as stunning as the lake itself.

Here’s to documenting every laugh, tear and kiss in one of the most romantic places in the world!