Elopement in Varenna
A Quiet Celebration on the Shores of Lake Como
Elopement in Varenna
Some weddings feel like poetry — and Murphy and Jake’s elopement in Varenna was exactly that.
Tucked between mountains and the still blue waters of Lake Como, Varenna is one of those places that feels untouched by time. It’s quieter than Bellagio, more intimate than the grand villas of Cernobbio, and full of that soft Italian light photographers dream about. For couples looking to escape the stress of big weddings and celebrate something deeply personal, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting.
This elopement in Varenna unfolded gently and beautifully — with morning light spilling through the windows at Villa Cipressi, a boat ride across the lake, and vows exchanged at the iconic Villa del Balbianello. The whole day felt effortless, thoughtful, and completely theirs.
If you’re dreaming of an elopement in Como Lake, this story might be just the inspiration you need
How It All Came Together
Murphy and Jake first reached out to me in February. They had a date in mind and asked if I was available to photograph their elopement in Varenna. I wasn’t — but something told me to ask if their date was set in stone. And to my surprise (and luck), it wasn’t.
From that moment on, we started planning the day together — slowly shaping their elopement around what felt right for them. No pressure, no expectations, just thoughtful choices that reflected who they are.
I helped them find trusted local vendors and put together a timeline that would give them space to breathe, take it all in, and enjoy the moment. The boat ride across Lake Como was planned with the help of @auralagoluxuryservices. They helped make the logistics seamless and the experience unforgettable.
Elopement in Varenna
Elopement in Varenna
Murphy had a clear vision for her bouquet — soft, romantic, full of movement — and after looking through a few options together, @dellabellafiori created something truly magical. It looked like it had been picked straight from a lakeside garden.
And because boat rides and wind don’t always play nice with bridal beauty, we brought in @weddingbyjoy — who made sure hair and makeup stayed flawless from start to finish (even with a little speedboat breeze involved).
Bit by bit, it all came together. And what unfolded was more than just a beautiful elopement in Varenna — it was a day built around presence, connection, and joy.
The Elopement Day in Varenna
The day began quietly at Villa Cipressi, where Murphy got ready with a view over the still, blue waters of Lake Como. There’s something about that morning light in Varenna — soft, golden, and unhurried — that sets the tone for everything that follows.
Jake was just a short walk away, getting ready separately. When the time came for their first look in the villa’s garden, it was just the two of them — and the moment was full of emotion. You could feel the nerves melt away the second they saw each other. It was all joy from there.
We headed down to the dock where a wooden boat was waiting. Gliding across Lake Como felt cinematic — the wind in her veil, the sound of water slapping gently against the hull, champagne glasses clinking. The boat ride gave them time to breathe, laugh, and take it all in — that this was their wedding day.
At Villa del Balbianello, there was no official ceremony — just a private, intimate exchange of vows between them. No guests, no script. Just two people, standing in one of the most beautiful places in Italy, promising their lives to one another.
It was quiet and emotional, the kind of moment that doesn’t need an audience to feel big. The sun started dipping behind the hills, and we walked through the villa’s gardens as light lingered on the water. A soft, golden close to a day that was truly theirs.
Elopement in Varenna
Planning an Elopement in Varenna
If you’re dreaming of an elopement in Como Lake and aren’t sure where to start — don’t worry. You don’t need to do it all on your own. I’m happy to help with recommendations, timelines, and language support (because let’s be honest — emailing Italian vendors in English doesn’t always go smoothly).
From location scouting to finding the right people to bring your vision to life, I’m here for it all. And most importantly: I’ll help you create space to actually enjoy the day — not just plan it.
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Nina & Axel
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“Anna took photos at the wedding and we are very pleased with the result.
She was very easy to deal with throughout the planning process, and was also super good on the wedding day itself.
We received many comments from the guests that the photographer had been so nice, and would highly recommend Anna to other brides and grooms.”
Testimonials
Åse-marie & mats
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“Anna has managed to recreate the mood of our big day in the pictures. We are very grateful that we chose her as our wedding photographer. She is skilled and extremely pleasant.
A passionate photographer, with a big heart for love..”
Testimonials
Lotte & Marcus
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“Anna was the photographer at our wedding, and we are very satisfied with the planning before, the communication along the way and the photos we got afterwards. She delivered beautiful photos and faster than expected.
In addition to being a skilled photographer, she is a very nice and warm person. Several of our guests have subsequently mentioned her and said she was very sweet. A big plus!
All in all, a very good experience and can strongly recommend her further.”
Testimonials
J & J
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“Anna was very good from start to finish. Reassurance that she had an overview and a plan for the day. She was in all the right places throughout the wedding day. Without taking up too much space. Pleasant person to be around. The quality was very good! She captured the important moments very well. Everything was covered and more. The communication and response throughout the process was also very good. I would recommend her!”
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Ida & Robert
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“We had the pleasure of having Anna as a wedding photographer at our wedding. Anna is not only a person with an incredibly pleasant appearance, but also an incredibly talented photographer. Her ability to capture the small, special moments and emotions throughout the day is very impressive. The images are stunning and truly reflect the essence of our big day and we couldn’t be happier with her work.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants a photographer who really knows how to capture the magic of love!”
Omtaler
Nina & Axel
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“Vi er kjempefornøyd med bildene Anna tok i bryllupet vårt.
Hun var veldig enkel å forholde seg til gjennom hele planleggingsprosessen, og var også superflink på selve bryllupsdagen.
Vi fikk mange kommentarer fra gjestene om at bryllupsfotografen hadde vært så hyggelig, og vil varmt anbefale Anna til andre brudepar.”
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Åse-marie & mats
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“Anna har klart å gjenskape stemningen på den store dagen vår, i bildene. Vi er veldig takknemlig for at vi valgte henne som fotograf. Hun er dyktig og ekstremt behagelig.
En lidenskapelig fotograf, med stort hjerte for kjærligheten.”
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Lotte & Marcus
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“Anna var bryllupsfotograf vår, og vi er veldig fornøyde med planleggingen før, kommunikasjonen underveis og bildene vi fikk etterpå. Hun leverte nydelige bilder og det raskere enn forventet.
I tillegg til å være en dyktig fotograf er hun en veldig hyggelig og varm person. Flere av gjestene våre har i ettertid nevnt henne og sagt at hun var veldig søt. Et stort pluss!
Alt i alt en veldig god opplevelse og kan anbefale henne sterkt videre.”
Omtaler
J & J
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“Anna var Veldig bra fra start til slutt. Trygghet om at hun hadde oversikt og en plan for dagen. Hun var på alle de rette plassene under hele bryllupsdagen. Uten å ta for mye plass. Behagelig person å være rundt. Kvaliteten var meget bra!
Hun fanget veldig bra de viktige øyeblikkene. Alt var dekket og mer til. Kommunikasjonen og responsen gjennom hele prosessen var også veldig bra.
Jeg ville anbefalt henne!”
Omtaler
Ida & Robert
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“Vi hadde gleden av å ha Anna som fotograf i vårt bryllup. Anna er ikke bare person med en utrolig hyggelig utstråling, men også en utrolig talentfull fotograf. Hennes evne til å fange de små, spesielle øyeblikkene og følelsene gjennom hele dagen er meget imponerende. Bildene fantastiske og reflekterer virkelig essensen av vår store dag, og vi kunne ikke vært mer fornøyde med hennes arbeid.
Sterkt anbefalt for alle som ønsker en fotograf som virkelig forstår å fange kjærlighetens magi!”