Italy's 'most romantic village' with hardly any locals but flooded by hundreds of weddings

With a population of less than a 1000 people this gorgeous lakeside village has more brides than residents! The picture-perfect setting makes it a hugely popular venue for loved up couples from all over the world especially British brides.

Stunning views, charming architecture, and a variety of venues for both civil and religious ceremonies, it is no wonder this village is known as the wedding capital of Italy. Varenna on the edge of is the setting for many nuptials and its residents are well used to the sound of wedding bells ringing out as couples say "I do."

The village's charming character, with its flower-filled balconies and old houses, creates a warm and welcoming environment for wedding guests. As of 2023 the population of this tiny town stood at just 693 but it is visited by around 80,000 tourists, couples and wedding guests every year. A regular visitor and part-time resident is George Clooney who owns Villa Oleandra in nearby Laglio, which like Varenna is on the western side of Lake Como and a short ferry or car ride apart.

The village itself boasts cafes, restaurants, artisan shops, and gelaterias await but brides might want to slip on a pair of flats! Comfortable shoes are a must for the stepped alleys.

Varenna boasts a variety of wedding venues, including romantic villas, historic churches, and beautiful parks, catering to different wedding styles and sizes.

At the heart of the village lies Piazza San Giorgio square, hosting the Church of San Giorgio. Built in the 14th century, the church showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles and is home to a collection of paintings from the late 15th and 16th centuries. Inside of the church you will also find a striking pavement crafted from traditional local black marble, a testament to the region's heritage.

Varenna's two churches, belonging to the Diocese of Milan, offer a more flexible approach to religious weddings for couples who may not be residents of the area according to Italian Lakes Wedding.

Civil weddings in Varenna can be performed at the Town Hall, inside the Sala Civica, if you have few guests, in the simple and small yellow Town Hall building located in the centRE of the village. Civil weddings in Varenna can also be celebrated in the breath-taking Villa Cipressi wedding hall.

Varenna dates back to Roman times, which only adds to its allure and sense of timeless romance. San Giorgio square is the heart and highest point of the town with the many charming alleys radiating out in all directions taking you down to the lakeshore.

A few steps from Varenna's ferry terminal is the Passeggiata degli Innamorati,(Lovers' Walk) a romantic lakeside path offering views of the lake and the town's narrow cobblestone streets winding upward.

The Passeggiata degli Innamorati leads to the stunning Riva Grande, a bay among Lake Como's most photographed corners, a perfect backdrop from those wedding photos.

Varenna is relatively close to Milan Airport, making it easily accessible for international travelers, and its excellent transport connections to other cities and towns further enhance its appeal according to Wedding Italy.

The closest Milan airport to Como is Milan Malpensa (MXP) It's about 28 miles (45 kilometers) away, and the fastest trips take around 35 minutes by coach. You can also get there by train in about 1 hour 15 minutes, using the Malpensa Express train to Saronno and changing to Como.

Varenna can be reached by train. The station is called Varenna-Esino. Flights to Milan from the UK. Budget airlines easyJet, Ryanair and Wizzair all offers flights from the UK to Milan from as little as £30 or the Italian government owned airline ITA Airways.