Villa Melzi Photographers and Videographers
Why Villa Melzi?
Villa Melzi d’Eril sits at the southern edge of Bellagio, where the two branches of Lake Como meet. Its neoclassical gardens stretch along the waterfront for almost half a kilometre — camelias, ancient plane trees, Japanese maples, and the unmistakable silhouette of the Moorish temple reflected in the still water of the ornamental pond.
It is one of the most photographed spots on Lake Como, and for good reason. But photographing it well — with other visitors around, without a private reservation — requires experience.
We have worked at Villa Melzi many times and know exactly where to position you, which corners hold the light at different times of day, and how to make the gardens feel entirely yours even when they are not.
Everything you need to know before booking
Villa Melzi requires a photography permit for professional shoots, arranged directly by the couple. We will guide you through exactly what to request — it is a straightforward process.
Unlike Villa del Balbianello or the private terrace at Villa Monastero, Villa Melzi cannot be reserved exclusively. You will share the gardens with other visitors, which is why choosing a team that knows the space intimately makes all the difference.
Villa Melzi is ideal for proposals, engagement sessions and micro-weddings.
Proposals and Engagement sessions
For proposals and couple sessions, the elevated areas of the garden are where we spend most of our time. The higher vantage points give you the lake view, the best light, and enough space to work without the crowds that gather near the waterfront path.
The James Bond-inspired proposal in the gardens, is the experience of Hitesh, who dreamed to have a photoshoot with editorial vibes. Take a look at his proposal between the columns of Villa Melzi.
Hitesh told this about his experience:
“Matt and Grace were unbelievable to work with! From the very beginning, they helped me with planning the perfect location for a proposal, helped with logistics on the day of the shoot and helped with hotel/food recommendations! During the shoot, I could not have asked for a better experience! Matt and Grace are so passionate, pleasant and easy to work with, which lead to the perfect proposal photoshoot and pictures. They are so experienced with the Lake como area and they are very educated on photography. They understood our vision of wanting editorial style pictures and executed to perfection! Would love to work with them again and can’t recommend them enough!!!”
The surprise proposal of Nico at Villa Melzi is an iconic moment at the moorish temple, with a breathtaking reaction from Elizabeth!
The wedding proposal of Kennedy to Ifunaya at Villa Melzi has totally different vibes, intimate and stilish.
You can browse them to get a sense of how versatile this venue can be in the right hands.
A surprise proposal in the Moorish Temple — Edward & Nina at Villa Melzi. The Moorish Temple, the lake view toward Tremezzo, and a ring that left Nina speechless. Take a look at Edward’s surprise proposal at Villa Melzi.
The Moorish temple — for micro-weddings and elopements
Villa Melzi’s Moorish temple is one of the most extraordinary and least-known settings on Lake Como. Reflected in the ornamental pond, framed by Japanese maples, it is the kind of backdrop that stops people in their tracks.
Access to the temple for ceremonies is strictly reserved for a small number of trusted vendors selected by the villa. We are among them. If you are planning a micro-wedding or an elopement with a celebrant and want to use the temple, you need a team that is already on that list — and we are.
The temple is available for 15 to 20 minutes for the ceremony itself. It is a short window, but in the right hands it is more than enough.
Get in touch to discuss whether this option is right for your date and your plans.
How to reach Villa Melzi
Villa Melzi is at the southern edge of Bellagio, which means it is exceptionally easy to reach.
On foot from Bellagio — if you are staying in the village, the garden entrance is a pleasant 10-minute walk from the centre along the lakeside promenade. It is one of the few venues on Lake Como where you genuinely do not need a boat or a car.
By boat taxi — if you are coming from elsewhere on the lake, a boat taxi drops you directly outside the Villa, a short walk from the entrance. We are happy to suggest you the best options for you.
What Our Couples Say:
Alexandria writes this about her experience at Villa Melzi with us:
“My fiancé and I decided to take our engagement pictures during our trip in Bellagio and I am forever thankful we found Grace & Matt to do the job. From the second we met with them, they were nothing but loving, professional and such a wonderful team.
They truly made us feel comfortable with their guidance on different poses/background selections which tells a beautiful story through our photos. Their energy & kind spirits also made it super easy to have a good time during the shoot. We highly recommend booking Grace & Matt for your next photo shoot – they are now the reason we have photographs we will cherish forever.”
FAQ
Can you reserve Villa Melzi exclusively for a shoot?
No — the gardens remain open to visitors throughout the day.
Who arranges the photography permit?
The permit is arranged directly by the couple. We will walk you through the process step by step.
How do you manage other visitors during the shoot?
Experience. We know which areas of the garden to use at which times, where the light falls, and how to frame every shot so the surroundings work for you rather than against you. It is one of the reasons couples who have researched Villa Melzi specifically seek us out.
Is Villa Melzi good for micro-weddings?
Yes, particularly if you want access to the Moorish temple. For intimate ceremonies in an extraordinary setting, with a celebrant and a small group, it is one of the most special options on the lake. Get in touch to talk through what is possible.
Plan your Villa Melzi proposal or session
Ready to start planning? Tell us your date, the kind of session you have in mind, and whether you need photo, video, or both. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
Other Lake Como venues
- Villa del Balbianello — the most iconic proposal venue on the lake
- Villa Monastero — private hire of the Loggia by the lake and Glorietta terrace for one hour, sweeping eastern shore views
- Bellagio — the village itself, no permit required