Why Villa Monastero?
Villa Monastero sits on the eastern shore of Lake Como, in Varenna, and offers something that very few venues on the lake can match — an uninterrupted, sweeping view of the water framed by botanical gardens that stretch all the way down to the shoreline.
What makes it truly special is the possibility of renting the Loggia or the Glorietta terrace exclusively for one hour. For that hour, the view is entirely yours. No other visitors, no interruptions — just you, your partner, and one of the most extraordinary balconies on Lake Como. It is the detail that transforms a beautiful photoshoot into something genuinely intimate.
We have worked at Villa Monastero many times and know exactly how to use that hour to its full potential.
You can reach Villa Monastero by boat, so the best combo is a photoshot with 1 hour at the Villa and 1 hour on the boat.
Everything you need to know before booking
Villa Monastero requires a photography permit for professional shoots. The permit is arranged directly by the couple — we will guide you through exactly what to request and how, so the process is straightforward.
Villa Monastero is ideal for proposals, elopements and micro-weddings.
Private hire — Loggia by the lake and Glorietta terrace
For one hour you can rent the Loggia by the lake or the Glorietta terrace exclusively. This is our favourite option for proposals and elopements — the elevated terrace gives you a panoramic view over the lake that feels almost impossibly cinematic, and the privacy allows you to slow down, breathe, and be fully present in the moment.
This is the option we recommend to every couple who asks us about Villa Monastero. That private hour changes everything.
Take a look at the proposal of Roland and Maryam and at the proposal of Jay and Jaylin.
Or read the story of the elopement of April to see what this experience looks like in practice.
Shooting during opening hours
If a private hire is not what you have in mind, Villa Monastero is also a wonderful setting for an engagement session or a honeymoon shoot during regular opening hours. The botanical gardens offer a variety of backdrops — lakeside paths, terraces at different heights, centuries-old trees.
Read the story of Anna and David’s honeymoon session and the engagement of Austin and Lynslee to explore what a session here can look like.
How to reach Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero is in Varenna, one of the most charming villages on the eastern shore of Lake Como. There are two ways to arrive:
On foot from Varenna — if you are already staying in the village or arriving by train, the villa is a short walk from the centre. Varenna has a train station with direct connections from Milan, which makes it an easy choice for couples flying in.
By boat taxi — arriving by water is always our first recommendation. The boat drops you directly at the lakeside entrance, and the approach by water with the gardens rising above you is an experience in itself. As with all our venues, we are happy to suggest our favorite boat taxi for you.
What Our Couples say:
Raymond writes this about his proposal at Villa Monastero with us:
“Matt and Grace did an absolutely phenomenal job capturing my engagement proposal! From the moment we connected, they were professional, kind, and truly invested in making sure every special moment was beautifully documented. They blended seamlessly into the moment, allowing for natural and candid shots that perfectly reflected the emotions of the day.
The photos turned out beyond stunning—every detail, every reaction, and every bit of joy was captured with such artistry. Their eye for composition and lighting is incredible. We couldn’t have asked for better.
If you’re looking for photographers who genuinely care about their clients and deliver breathtaking results, Matt and Grace are the ones to choose. We’re so grateful for their talent and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for exceptional photography!”
FAQ
Can you rent Villa Monastero exclusively for a shoot?
You can rent the Loggia by the lake or the Glorietta terrace privately for one hour. This is the option we recommend for proposals and elopements — it gives you complete privacy on one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the lake. The rest of the gardens remain open to visitors during this time.
Who arranges the photography permit?
The permit is arranged directly by the couple. We will walk you through exactly what to request and help you with every step — it is simpler than it sounds.
Is Villa Monastero good for micro-weddings?
Yes. The combination of the private terrace, the botanical gardens and the lake view makes is a beautiful setting for an intimate ceremony. Get in touch and we can talk through what is possible for your date.
Can you arrive by train?
Yes — Varenna has a direct train connection from Milan, which makes it one of the most accessible venues on the lake for couples flying in internationally. From the station it is a short walk to the villa.
Plan your Villa Monastero proposal or elopement
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 with availability and next steps.
Other Lake Como venues
Villa Monastero is one of our favourite venues on the eastern shore, but Lake Como has much more to offer. If you are still exploring options:
- Villa del Balbianello — the most iconic proposal venue on the lake
- Villa Melzi — neoclassical gardens with ancient magnolias and a direct view over the lake
- Bellagio — the village itself offers stunning lakeside backdrops without a permit requirement