Lake Como Elopement: Abi & Mike (2026 Update)

Originally Published: [Jan 13, 2024] | Last Updated: Jan 25, 2026

A Lake Como elopement is the ultimate expression of quiet luxury. Away from the scale of a traditional wedding, an elopement allows the environment, the shifting light, the rising Alps, and the stillness of the water, to become a central character in your story.

For Abi and Mike, the vision was a romantic escape that blended the tranquility of the lake with a high-end, editorial spirit. As an editorial wedding photographer with a background in the national press, I focus on documenting these intimate celebrations with a blend of fashion-led intentionality and authentic, unscripted moments.

The Art of the Lakeside Adventure

One of the most iconic elements of an elopement on the lake is the freedom it provides. We began the day on a private speed boat, which serves as a sleek vantage point for viewing architectural wonders like Villa del Balbianello. We specifically focused on the coastline between Varenna and Bellagio, where the late morning light hits the water at the perfect angle for 35mm film photography.

To capture the “soul” of Abi and Mike’s journey, I utilised a hybrid approach, mixing digital precision with the nostalgic grain of film. This medium is particularly suited to the lake; it softens the harsh midday sun and adds a timeless, cinematic texture to portraits on the boat that digital simply cannot replicate.

Intimacy Over Grandeur

While a large destination wedding is a grand production, a Lake Como elopement is about the connection between two people in an extraordinary location. We spent time wandering through the narrow, winding streets of the lakeside villages, capturing candid moments against the backdrop of sun-bleached terracotta and vibrant bougainvillea.

As an experienced destination wedding photographer, I often advise my couples that elopements require a different rhythm. Without a 200-person guest list to manage, we can chase the light more effectively, moving from the open water to the shaded stone courtyards as the sun dips behind the mountains—a common occurrence in Lake Como where the peaks cut the “golden hour” shorter than in other regions of Italy.

If you are planning your own intimate escape, my Lake Como wedding photographer guide offers further insight into the logistics, light, and hidden gems of the lake.