An Intimate Elopement on Lake Maggiore – Courtney & Herman
This Lake Maggiore elopement captures everything couples dream of for an intimate Italian celebration. When Courtney and Herman reached out to plan their destination wedding, they knew they wanted a northern Italian lake—and Monica introduced them to Lake Maggiore as a stunning alternative to Lake Como, offering equally dramatic alpine views, elegant lakeside towns, and the enchanting Borromean Islands.
The couple immediately connected with this vision. Their intimate elopement in Lake Maggiore perfectly showcases why this lake deserves consideration for couples seeking an authentic, refined Italian lake wedding with added island exploration. From their romantic lakeside ceremony to a private boat tour of Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori, Courtney and Herman’s celebration captures the timeless beauty and understated elegance of this remarkable destination.
Discovering a New Italian Horizon
Courtney and Herman, a couple from the United States, connected warmly with Monica from the very first video call. Their dream was to elope by a lake in northern Italy, but they were also open to exploring alternatives beyond the classic Lake Como. While their first instinct was Lake Como, they placed their trust in Monica’s guidance toward Lake Maggiore — and were rewarded with a landscape just as breathtaking, yet imbued with a gentler, more intimate elegance that they truly loved.
While perhaps less “posh” than its famous neighbor, Lake Maggiore reveals a different kind of beauty — wide open water, dramatic mountains, elegant gardens, and the possibility of visiting its iconic islands. For Courtney and Herman, this combination felt authentic, romantic, and perfectly aligned with their vision.
Why Lake Maggiore Was the Perfect Choice
Lake Maggiore is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and spectacular landscapes. Unlike other lakes, it offers the unique experience of island exploration, including the enchanting Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella, which add a cinematic dimension to any elopement.
For this reason, Lake Maggiore became not just an alternative, but a destination in its own right — intimate, refined, and deeply connected to nature.
A Boutique Five-Star Setting in Stresa
Courtney and Herman chose to stay at a beautiful five-star boutique hotel in Stresa, set directly on the water. The hotel’s elegant gardens overlooking the lake provided a serene and picturesque backdrop for their wedding day.
The couple prepared for the ceremony within this refined setting, surrounded by calm, natural light, and panoramic views of the water — a peaceful beginning to a meaningful day.
Getting Ready with a Trusted Team
Courtney’s getting ready took place in one of the hotel’s most beautiful rooms, where she was styled by one of Leoeventi’s long-standing hair and makeup collaborators. The result was effortlessly radiant — fresh, elegant, and perfectly suited to the lakeside atmosphere.
Both Courtney and Herman looked stunning, embodying the quiet sophistication that defined their celebration.
A Symbolic Ceremony in the Lakeside Gardens
The symbolic ceremony was held in the hotel’s gardens, directly overlooking Lake Maggiore. Surrounded by greenery, water, and soft September light, the setting felt intimate and deeply personal.
The ceremony was officiated by Monica, founder of Leoeventi and an experienced celebrant specializing in intimate destination weddings in Italy. The tone was heartfelt, relaxed, and emotional — a true reflection of the couple’s connection and their shared journey.
A Private Boat Tour to the Borromean Islands
After the ceremony, the day unfolded exactly as Courtney and Herman had envisioned: calm, joyful, and immersed in the lake. A private boat tour was organized, not only for scenic cruising but also for a carefully curated photo experience.
Under Monica’s coordination alongside their photographer, the couple made stops at both Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella. These iconic islands offered stunning backdrops — charming streets, historic architecture, lush gardens, and shimmering water — creating a truly unforgettable visual narrative of their elopement.
A Relaxed and Meaningful Celebration
The overall vibe of the day was peaceful, romantic, and unhurried. Courtney and Herman fully embraced the beauty of Lake Maggiore, enjoying every moment rather than rushing through it. Their September wedding captured the essence of late summer in northern Italy: soft light, warm air, and a sense of timeless tranquility.
Planning a Lake Maggiore Elopement
Lake Maggiore offers several charming towns perfect for intimate celebrations. Stresa, where Courtney and Herman chose to marry, is known for its elegant waterfront promenade, Belle Époque hotels, and direct access to the Borromean Islands. Other romantic options include Verbania, with its botanical gardens, and the quieter village of Cannero Riviera. For couples considering northern Italian lakes, Lake Maggiore presents a compelling alternative to Lake Como — equally stunning scenery, sophisticated venues, and the added dimension of island exploration, all with a slightly more relaxed, less touristy atmosphere.
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Italian Lake?
Whether you’re drawn to the iconic beauty of Lake Como, the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, or the island magic of Lake Maggiore, we’ll help you find the destination that feels authentically yours.
Let’s start planning your intimate Italian celebration.
Photography: Greta Luoise Photography
ABOUT LeoEventi
We design luxury elopements and intimate weddings in Italy for couples who wish to celebrate their love in a refined, private, and deeply personal way. From Lake Como to Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, each experience is thoughtfully curated with attention to every detail, combining creative vision, local expertise, and a discreet, hands-on approach. With years of experience planning destination weddings for international couples, we guide you through every step of the journey — from venue selection to logistics, styling, and coordination — ensuring a seamless and effortless celebration in Italy’s most iconic locations.
