lakes, castles and grand vistas

Castello Di Lonato, Lake Garda, Italy

Dream Lake Garda Castle Wedding Venue

Castello di Lonato in Italy was originally built a millennia ago to protect against invasion from the Barbarians, and its impressive ramparts still stand high above the plains of Lombardy at the southernmost tip of Lake Garda. It no longer has to protect Lombardy against invasion, instead playing a more genteel role as a stunning destination wedding venue where I have had the privilege to work as a photographer.

CASTELLO DI LONATO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Known locally known as the “La Rocca”, the Castle welcomes the bride and groom and guests via its door and drawbridge on its Southern side. Few will miss the spectacular view of the Lombardy plains laid out before them as they arrive at the Castle, but it may be easy to miss a relic of ‘La Serenissima’; the Lion of San Marco, symbol of Venetian dominance for centuries. Look to the right and it’s in a niche overhead as you enter through the ancient doors.

You need a head for heights as you reach the ramparts; The sparkling blue lake laid out before you and a sheer drop from its walls should you choose to look downward! You can marry in the shadow of what was once home to the holder of the castle in ancient times or for a more spectacular setting (if a little hot in the heat of the summer) you can marry where once were the living quarters of troops stationed at the castle, complete with remains of a look out and artillery post. The walk up the ramparts to the ceremony area provides a natural aisle that I love for photographs of the bride arriving and for amazing confetti shots matched against a brilliant blue Italian sky…………

The outdoor space and its location make this ram-parted beauty a fairy tale venue. Working as a destination wedding photographer I always look for something different and ‘La Rocca’ has so much to offer; the sparkling lights over Lake Garda at night, the solid ramparts providing a natural backdrop for photographs and space and light in abundance in which to enjoy the day as bride, as groom, as guest or humble photographer. This is what dreams can be made of…………..Enjoy.

bride arrives at castle on lake garda with her father

confetti throwing at castle lonato lake garda

smiling bride groom walking hand in hand waiter in background

watching bride and grooms first dance

lonato castle wedding lake garda at night

5 Things to Know about Organising a Wedding in the Italian Lakes

  • Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and lies between Venice and Milan. There are other lakes in the region such as Orta, Maggiore, Como all very beautiful and popular for weddings.
  • The Lakes region often has a fresher climate than the hotter more Southern areas of Italy but it can still be incredibly hot – something to bear in mind if you are thinking about an outdoor ceremony by the lake.
  • Many guests arrive a day or two before a destination wedding and stay on for a couple of days after. In my experience the best celebrations include before and after events for guests or options for them to enjoy the area. In the Lakes area there are beautiful towns to visit such as Sirmione and a little further away, Verona.
  • Think about transport to your venue. If its a lakeside venue you may need to consider transport by boat and if your venue is high above the lake make sure that if you are using something like a bus to transport guests that it can actually get there. The roads can be quite tight!
  • Think about how you are going to transport things such as your dress to your destination. If you really want to be different why not look at the Bridal Ateliers in Italy. There are some amazing gowns available.

Looking for a photographer for your Italian Lakes wedding?

If you’re planning your wedding at one of the amazing Italian Lakes and would love to have me there to capture your day, get in touch by giving me a call on 0370 626 5200, e-mail me at hello@scott-wood.uk or complete the Contact Form to request my latest brochure, check my availability or just talk through the plans that you have for your own amazing celebration.

Weddings In Italy


Alessio and Laura-Jane
Castel di Poggio, Florence, Italy

Adam & Nichola
Castello di Vincigliata, Florence

Maya & Gary
Castello di Lonato