A wedding in Lake Garda is a destination wedding dream come true! Located in the north of Italy, Lake Garda is not only the country’s biggest lake, but it offers idyllic views, tons of history, and stunning vistas that you and your guests will fall in love with. Plus, it’s easy to access from Rome, Florence, or Venice.

Garda is at its best in spring, summer, and autumn, as you can enjoy activities on the lake and all of the vibrant gardens will be in full bloom. Once you see the inviting blue waters, you might already be ready to hop on a plane, but if you’re still not convinced, here are some of the best reasons to consider a destination wedding in Lago di Garda. 

1. There Are So Many Charming Lake Garda Villages, Ideal For An Italian Destination Wedding

What is special about Lake Garda? Beyond the beauty of the lake itself, tourists are drawn to the region for the gorgeous, historic towns that are dotted along the lake. 

Many of these beautiful towns have gorgeous architecture dating back hundreds of years, plus resorts and villas that cater well to a large or small wedding in Lake Garda. Check out the villages of Sirmione, Bardolino, Limone sul Garda, or Garda itself, as they’re all beautiful bases for a destination wedding. 

Even better, there are ferries that regularly connect each village, so no matter where you’re staying, it’s easy to explore the other towns via the lake. 

Related: The 12 Best Places to Get Married in Italy

2. The Local Cuisine & Wine Elevate Any Lake Garda Wedding

One of the top reasons to get married in Lake Garda has to be the food! Amazing food and wine is such an important consideration when planning any wedding, ensuring your guests are looked after, but this definitely won’t be an issue for your Lake Garda elopement or wedding! 

Northern Italian cuisine is incredible, including (of course), plenty of amazing fish and seafood dishes, pasta, risotto (my fave), plenty of cheese and olive oil, and a dessert you’ll love called cassata Gardesana. Made from honey, fruit, and ricotta, you’ll definitely want to try this one out!

There are also many wineries near Lake Garda, with Bardolino, a refreshing red, being a stand-out. 

3. Lake Garda Offers Many Activities That Your Guests Will Love 

While there are plenty of wedding venues in Lake Garda, a destination wedding needs to offer more than just a gorgeous hotel. If your guests are travelling from near and far, you’ll want to be sure they have fun on their trip, which is easy to do in this region!

It’s a great idea to plan a welcome event for all of your guests after they’ve arrived, such as chartering a yacht and visiting a nearby village for a long lunch, planning a day trip to the nearby Dolomites, or exploring some of the Roman ruins, churches, or galleries. 

Or, for a slower pace, Lake Garda is well known for its thermal spas, the ideal way to relax the day before your wedding! 

Related: The Ultimate Amalfi Coast Elopement Guide

4. There Are So Many Gorgeous Villas To Host An Intimate Destination Wedding In Lake Garda

Can you get married in Lake Garda? Absolutely! And one of the best ways to do it is by hiring a private home or villa. By renting out a Lake Garda wedding villa for private use, you can host both your ceremony and reception in one place, plus have a few days to fully immerse yourself in the destination and have quality time with your friends and family. 

A few villas that are ideal for an intimate wedding in Lake Garda include:

• Villa Carati: This gorgeous villa is right on the lake! With an indoor and outdoor pool and even a cinema room, you may never want to leave.
  
• The Lemon House: Set in Gargnano, this nine-bedroom villa is truly spectacular, with a stunning terraced garden and beautiful patios and outdoor spaces.
  
• Venetian Villa: Sleeping up to 12 people, this restored historic villa dates back to the 16th century and is only minutes from the beautiful town of Verona (the setting for Romeo and Juliet!)
  
• Olive Grove Villa: Say your vows surrounded by ancient olive trees! This villa, in Gargnano, consists of a series of six apartments, ideal for offering your guests serenity and privacy.
  
• Villa Mila: This grand, stately home can sleep up to 23 guests and is located in the historic village of Villa Bartolomea. 

• Isola del Garda: This gorgeous castle on a private island is only accessible by boat, which means you get to enjoy a scenic ride across Lake Garda. With sprawling castle views, manicured Italian gardens, and gorgeous scenery, it’s a beautiful spot to host your destination wedding or intimate elopement.

As your destination wedding photographer in Lake Garda, I can’t wait to help you create special memories of your time in Italy. Reach out to get started!