The Best Wedding Venues on Lake Maggiore

Villas Directly On The Water

• Villa Garini Bianchetti:

Villa Garini & Cà Bianchetti is a centuries-old estate nestled in a park overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Maggiore, in the Gulf of Polidora, near the charming village of Ceresolo in the municipality of Laveno. At its heart stands a precious Romanesque church, ideal for celebrating a romantic ceremony steeped in history and intimacy.

One of the estate’s highlights is the "Barchessa della Regina," an elegant pavilion surrounded by lush greenery and offering breathtaking lake views; a perfect setting for a wedding lunch or dinner. The venue also features hidden corners, gazebos, and scenic spots with unforgettable views of the water, providing a unique opportunity to arrive by boat and host a symbolic ceremony in the garden. As the sun sets over the lake, it creates a magical atmosphere that leads into a night of joyful celebration.

• Villa Rusconi Clerici:

Villa Rusconi-Clerici is a beautifully preserved late 19th-century residence located in Verbania, on the Piedmont shore of Lake Maggiore. Surrounded by an English-style garden, the villa boasts a breathtaking view of the Borromean Gulf and its famous islands.

Renowned for its elegance and charm, the villa offers full-service organization for weddings, receptions, conventions, and special events. At the heart of the garden stands a graceful wrought iron pavilion, inspired by the grand greenhouses of the 19th century. This structure can accommodate between 50 and 200 seated guests, making it an ideal setting for wedding receptions.

For those seeking a more atmospheric experience, receptions can also be held in the villa’s historic cellars. Featuring terracotta vaults, antique statues, granite pillars, and rocaille walls, the space exudes old-world charm. As the evening progresses, guests may transition to the old kitchen, where pizza and other specialties are baked in the villa’s antique bread oven.

• Villa Porta:

Overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore and nestled within a centuries-old park, Villa Porta upholds a longstanding tradition of hospitality dating back to the early 1800s, when Leopoldo Casnedi transformed the villa into an inn.

Within the estate, the Limonaia Ballroom provides an elegant and versatile space for weddings, private events, and corporate celebrations. The experienced staff are dedicated to welcoming guests and helping bring their event visions to life in this beautiful lakeside setting. 

Villas Overlooking The Lake (Not On Water)

• Rocca di Angera:

Rocca di Angera is a place of timeless beauty, perched between the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore and the sky. Its distinctive swallow-tailed battlements and panoramic position atop a rocky cliff make it visible from afar. Rocca di Angera stands out as an exceptional venue for refined ceremonies and unforgettable weddings.

The castle offers a fairytale setting, where historic halls adorned with original frescoes reflect the grandeur of its medieval past. Its majestic courtyards provide an elegant backdrop for romantic receptions, while the belvedere and medieval garden offer stunning views, perfect for toasting the start of a life together as the sun sets over the lake.

• Villa Dal Pozzo:

Villa Claudia Dal Pozzo, a distinguished Historical Residence, offers an exclusive and prestigious setting for a dream wedding in one of Italy’s most enchanting locations. Nestled within a beautifully landscaped park, the villa provides an idyllic backdrop for elegant wedding receptions.

The expansive garden, complete with a swimming pool, sets the scene for a charming outdoor aperitif before the banquet. Inside, the villa’s refined and tastefully decorated rooms — still owned by the noble Dal Pozzo family — open onto a stunning terrace that overlooks Lake Maggiore.

The ground floor halls, which also offer direct access to the panoramic terrace, are ideal for hosting weddings, gala dinners, and various special events. These elegant indoor spaces can accommodate up to 160 seated guests, while the terrace can welcome up to 250 guests, making it a versatile and romantic venue for unforgettable celebrations.

• Villa Aminta:

Like a precious gem set along the shores of Lake Maggiore, Villa & Palazzo Aminta is a luxury resort that invites guests to rejuvenate body and mind while experiencing unforgettable emotions in one of the world’s most elegant and exclusive settings. Often described as a jewelry box filled with sumptuous treasures, Villa & Palazzo Aminta is the ideal place to make dreams come true.

The resort provides an exquisite stage where guests can bring their most inspiring visions to life. With its breathtaking location, meticulous and attentive service, and unwavering commitment to refined quality, Villa & Palazzo Aminta and its dedicated staff ensure every exclusive experience is crafted to perfection.

• Grand Hotel et des Ilses Borromèes:

Nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Stresa, the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA offers a small corner of paradise just a short distance from Milan and Northern Italy’s major international airports. It is an ideal destination for couples, families, and business gatherings alike.

With its refined and romantic atmosphere, the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA provides the perfect setting for unforgettable moments that will become cherished memories for the bride, groom, and their guests. Experienced consultants assist in personalizing every detail, from selecting the ideal setup to crafting exceptional dining experiences, ensuring a flawless and luxurious five-star celebration.

• Hotel Regina Palace:

Since its inauguration in 1908, Hotel Regina Palace has hosted a succession of remarkable events and celebrations. Its elegant Belle Époque interiors provide a stunning setting for unforgettable ceremonies and soirées. The hotel’s grand halls can accommodate sophisticated ceremonies and banquets, while the majestic Hall — featuring a famous staircase where the first Miss Italia once paraded — offers a beautiful space for aperitifs and receptions. The lakeside garden and imposing Art Nouveau façade add to the refined and luxurious atmosphere, with the park above providing a charming venue for more intimate and informal gatherings.

Villas in The Area With No Panoramic View

• Villa Muggia:

Villa Muggia is an elegant 19th-century residence surrounded by a vast centuries-old park. Under the care of its current owners, the Toso Tardito family, the historic residence was transformed into a magnificent venue for exclusive events. Villa Muggia provides a spectacular setting for weddings — from a welcome cocktail in the park to the cake-cutting and celebrations on the lakefront terrace and in the elegant indoor spaces, every moment unfolds in an atmosphere of timeless beauty and sophistication.

• Villa Frua:

Villa Frua is a historic residence in Stresa that dates back to 1912. It was built by the family of Ernesto De Angeli and Giuseppe Frua, founders of one of Europe’s most important textile industries at the end of the 19th century. A highlight of the garden is the elegant "limonaia" — a crystal greenhouse that can accommodate up to 180 guests. The spacious park and flexible design allow for multiple setups within the same event, both indoors and outdoors.

The villa’s structure, built on a square plan, includes a basement, two main floors, and an attic. The 400-square-meter mezzanine floor features six connected rooms with period fireplaces and large windows overlooking the park. These rooms can host up to 160 guests for a seated gala dinner and approximately 200 for cocktail-style events. The same floor includes two bathrooms, a cloakroom, and two catering support rooms.

• Villa della Porta Bozzolo:

Just a stone’s throw from Lake Maggiore, Villa Della Porta Bozzolo is a romantic and historic residence that offers a stunning backdrop for a variety of events and celebrations.

The villa is an exceptional venue for private events, with its grand staircase and formal gardens providing an elegant setting for wedding receptions, exclusive lunches and dinners, fashion shows, concerts, book launches, and product presentations.

• Ville Ponti:

Located just minutes from Malpensa International Airport, Milan, and the Swiss border, Ville Ponti Centro Congressi is a versatile event venue composed of three villas from different eras and architectural styles. Ville Ponti offers a curated selection of elegant and flexible spaces and services, designed to reflect each couple’s unique vision. With its blend of history, nature, and functionality, the venue brings unmistakable style and character to every celebration.

• Villa Esengrini Montalbano:

Villa Esengrini Montalbano is a captivating example of neoclassical-liberty architecture and an ideal location for those seeking to host memorable, high-level events. Set atop Montalbano Hill, the villa is approached via a long avenue through a 45,000-square-meter park filled with centuries-old trees framing breathtaking views.

The property consists of two distinct buildings: the historic villa itself and the adjacent, recently renovated former stables. The villa features three frescoed halls that can comfortably host up to 150 guests, while the stables include a large central courtyard covered by an iron and glass roof and three spacious halls with elegant marble floors, also accommodating up to 150 guests. The centuries-old park, designed by Alemagna, is recognized as one of Italy’s most important gardens, housing exotic plants from across the globe.

• Villa Borghi:

Hotel Villa Borghi is a unique venue featuring 20 rooms in its historic building and 46 rooms in a modern wing, including Suites, Junior Suites, and Deluxe rooms. Originally the residence of the Borghi family, the hotel is located in the charming town of Varano Borghi (Varese) on the western shore of Lake Comabbio. Ideal for weddings, Hotel Villa Borghi offers an enchanting setting for intimate celebrations. The villa’s splendid rooms can be reserved exclusively for wedding banquets, providing a perfect location for couples to celebrate with family and friends in a historic and picturesque environment.

The article was supported by input from Angelo Garini, a globally celebrated wedding planner and visionary event designer, renowned for crafting exquisite celebrations across Italy, who also shares his unparalleled expertise as an accomplished author, trainer and inspiring podcaster.