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This intimate elopement in Lake Como blends elegance with the simplicity of a meaningful celebration. Mari-Liis and Meelis traveled alone from Estonia to Italy to exchange vows in a deeply personal and emotional ceremony, surrounded by the serene beauty of the lake and Italian villas. The day was planned to allow them to slow down and savor every moment.
Why Did the Couple Choose Italy for Their Elopement?
Mari-Liis, the bride: I fell in love with Italy a year before I ever visited it — my whole life I had felt a deep love for food and warmer countries. When I finally visited Italy, I was overwhelmed by its culture and the warmth of its people. On my first trip to Italy, I also met my future wedding photographer and planner, an incredibly inspiring person who I can now call my friend — Silvia Salat (Silvia Sala Photography). All of this made the distant dream of having a wedding in Italy feel possible.
We chose to get married this way because we wanted to create an everlasting memory. We didn’t want to get married at home, where life would just continue in the same rhythm the very next day. We wanted to be in our own special bubble, to enjoy and create a very special place we could return to again and again.
We also chose to get married just the two of us (without any close ones present) — quite an untraditional way, but we decided we wanted to celebrate our love, not worry about whether all the guests were having a good time. We also wanted a wedding that was dynamic and full of movement, not stuck in one place. We wanted it to feel like something out of the most amazing movie — and that’s exactly what we got!
What Makes Villa Lucini Special for Elopements?
Mari-Liis: It probably could have hosted more people, but we loved the spaciousness and the cozy feeling it had. It was just so perfectly us!
Silvia, the photographer: I loved the elegance of Villa Lucini, their owners are so nice and friendly. Lake Como is simply amazing, surrounded by the mountains and beautiful villas.
Can You Get Legally Married in Italy?
You can legally get married in Italy. Mari-Liis and Meelis opted for a symbolic ceremony:
We decided to have only a symbolic wedding (which, of course, feels very real to us). We still consider the date of our “symbolic” wedding as our true wedding date. We officially registered our marriage back home, mainly to save on costs and to avoid extra stress.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Lake Como?
Mari-Liis: We had a very small and intimate wedding. There wasn’t much waste created — for example, during our boat trip we used plastic cups for champagne, but at the wedding itself we used real dishes. I also brought the wedding flowers back home with me, and some of them were left to bring joy to the hosts at our wedding venue.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Italy into Their Elopement?
Mari-Liis: Italian food — that was the number one thing I wanted at my wedding. Our wonderful and lovely private chef prepared a three-course dinner for us, and for the wedding cake, we chose tiramisu. There were also delicious lunch snacks made by the chef. Mmm… the best decision ever!
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Lake Como During September?
Mari-Liis: I would definitely recommend it. We were very lucky with the weather — it was wonderful. Of course, you can never be completely sure about the weather in any season — otherwise, there’s always a risk of being disappointed on your wedding day. We were prepared for anything, but we truly got very lucky. It wasn’t too hot or too cold. Plus, there were fewer tourists compared to the peak season.
Silvia: Spring and autumn offer the best weather at Lake Como, with mild temperatures and beautiful light. Summer can be very hot and crowded, while winter is much quieter but often too cold for outdoor celebrations.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Italy?
Mari-Liis: The best tip is to find an amazing wedding planner who doesn’t cut corners, doesn’t do things halfway, and is truly passionate about creating something magical. We were incredibly lucky with ours, and without our wedding planner, the day wouldn’t have been even half as wonderful!
Silvia: Trust local vendors who know the best spots, logistics, and hidden gems around Lake Como. If possible, opt for a weekday celebration to enjoy more privacy and easier access to popular locations.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Mari-Liis: I don’t think we really personalized our wedding that much. The wedding itself already reflected who we are and our personalities. Probably the most personalized thing was the robe my husband gave me on the morning of our wedding day — it had my initial on it.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Italy, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Mari-Liis: I tend to leave things to the last minute, and life also gets in the way — when the wedding is still months away, it’s easy to postpone making decisions. On top of that, I didn’t really know where to even start looking — often the vendors’ information was only available in Italian, and I had no idea what was a good price. When I tried to organize things myself, several places also turned me down because I was a foreigner. Silvia (our photographer) was my biggest support — she reminded me of important things when needed, helped with advice and action, and came up with so many great ideas!
What Advice Would the Couple Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Lake Como?
Mari-Liis: Do it — you won’t regret it. It might feel like an overwhelming thing to take on, but in the end, it will become the most beautiful memory for your future! All you really need is a good wedding planner!
Silvia: Work with a local photographer that knows how to get the permits for the villas and know the best spots.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Mari-Liis: It’s so hard to pick just one special moment, but if I had to, it wouldn’t be a single moment — it would be the people who surrounded us that day. My husband and I got married just the two of us (we live-streamed the ceremony). Honestly, it felt like I was getting married surrounded by my best friends — the makeup artist, the photographer/wedding planner, her sister who officiated the ceremony, the chef, the violinist, and of course, my husband. I would choose these people all over again for my wedding and would happily spend weeks with them! The day was filled with love, laughter, and amazing conversations! If I could, I would relive that day again and again and again — with exactly these people!
Why Is Italy One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Mari-Liis: For me, it was the perfect place to get married, especially because of the pace of life in Italy. The beauty of nature, the stunning architecture, the lovely people, the art, the history, the food… everything that I and my soul truly love!
