(Updated for 2024) This is the dummy-proof breakdown of wedding photography sessions at Villa del Balbianello!

After multiple seasons photographing around Lake Como, I’ve learned the hard way it can be difficult to get straight and fast answers. It’s hard to track down who, what and when for many of these villas. Villa del Balbianello is no exception, but it’s not personal. These villas are historical sites, museums, and world famous wedding venues all in one. The staff is very busy and your inquiry sometimes just goes unanswered.

Therefore, it’s best to know what the pricing and conditions are before reaching out. You want to be ready to secure your photography permit or ceremony session asap.

This guide is specific to wedding photography sessions at Villa del Balbianello and I made it as dummy-proof as possible 🙂

Cost of wedding photography sessions at Villa del Balbianello: permits depend on attire and time of day

There are three types of photo session bookings for Villa del Balbianello. This guide only covers the photography session types, NOT private wedding ceremonies or receptions.

Keep in mind that on Mondays and Wednesdays the villa closes to the public for those private events and ceremonies. This is why Mondays and Wednesdays have different hours and pricing for only photoshoots (covered in this blog) and full ceremonies.

All the permits below allow a maximum shoot time of 2 hours. They are only available upon reservation up to 90 days in advance. You can have up to 10 people with you. For more people, inquire with your specific count for an exact quote.

Permit type 1: €1,800

✅ Available any day of the week, including Monday and Wednesday, after 6pm

✅ Can be in wedding attire or any other style of dress

✅ Private; meaning outside of opening hours and no tourists/visitors in the gardens

Permit type 2: €600

✅ Available Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 6pm

✅ Can be in wedding attire or any other style of dress

❌ Not private; meaning during opening hours with other tourists/visitors in the gardens

Permit type 3: €400

✅ Available Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 6pm

❌ No wedding attire allowed; only normal wear or other formal wear**

❌ Not private; meaning during opening hours with other tourists/visitors in the gardens

**As a note on what they mean by “wedding attire” they really mean a traditional white wedding dress. I know, I agree; it is an odd restriction, and I have no idea how they enforce it. I don’t know if any white dress is then off limits (summer whites?? hello??) or if they also mean to exclude traditional wedding attire from other cultures like qipaos and lehengas. It’s a very weird rule.

FAQ for wedding photography sessions at Villa del Balbianello

There are lots of restrictions and limitations to be aware of when photographing at Villa del Balbianello. I’ve listed some of the most common things to note, as well as other FAQs.

Is the photographer included in the photography session price?

No. You must bring your own photographer. Please consider one familiar with and local to the area!

Where are photos allowed during wedding photography sessions at Villa del Balbianello?

You are allowed to take photos outside in the garden of the villa. You are not allowed to take photos inside. Moreover, you are not allowed to walk on the grass, throw confetti or rice, or disturb other visitors. Remember it is a shared space; kindness and patience goes a long way!

How can we arrive to Villa del Balbianello for our shoot?

Water taxi is the best way to arrive at the villa. Alternatively, you can arrive by foot and a short walk (1km) up the hill from the road.

Is our photographer allowed to record drone footage or photos?

No. While on the grounds, photographers are not allowed to launch drones. However, if you arrive with a boat taxi, photographers may launch from the boat and record from the water with the villa in the background.

How far in advance can we book wedding photography sessions at Villa del Balbianello?

90 days. Please keep in mind these slots fill FAST — so mark your calendar and reach out immediately. Follow up if you don’t hear back within a few days.

What is the cancellation policy for wedding photography sessions at Villa del Balbianello?

You may cancel your session up to 48 hours before your booking.

➡ For the most recent official information, visit their official events brochure here.

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