Aerial view of bride and groom on a Riva Boat on Lake Como
POV: You're Getting Married on Lake Como and Have No Idea How to Get Those Insane Drone Photos
The boat, the villa, the cinematic views. Here's what actually goes into getting those iconic Lake Como wedding photos.
You've booked your dream wedding venue on Lake Como. You've saved approximately 300 photos of beautiful wooden boats on Pinterest. You've seen those incredible drone shots where the couple looks like they're starring in a movie.
And now you're wondering: how do we actually get photos like that?
Do we need two boats? Does our photographer need a drone? Can we just ask the boat driver to stop somewhere pretty? And how do we get those shots without spending half our wedding day posing?
Good questions. And surprisingly, not many couples know the answers.
As wedding photographers who love mixing documentary moments with cinematic editorial images, here's our guide to getting the most out of Lake Como wedding drone photography. Including a few things we think could be done better.
First Things First: Lake Como Was Basically Made for Drone Photography
Let's be serious. It's hard to find a more photogenic place.
The mountains, the iconic Italian villas, the turquoise water, the elegant wooden boats. Everything looks like a movie set, even before you put a camera in the air. A drone can do some pretty amazing things at your wedding venue, too.
One of our favorite uses is photographing the dinner setup from above. Imagine those beautifully styled tables, flowers, candles, and perfect symmetry, surrounded by the gardens of a historic Italian villa.
It's the kind of image that makes your wedding planner very happy. But we know why you're really here.
You want THAT boat photo.
The Famous Bird's-Eye Boat Shot. We Have Thoughts.
A beautiful wooden boat floating in the middle of Lake Como, photographed from directly above. Two newlyweds lying together on the deck, looking effortlessly glamorous.
It's the holy grail of Lake Como wedding photography.
And yes, it looks amazing.
But to make that photo work, you pretty much have to lie down.
Why? Because if you're standing, the drone sees mostly the tops of your heads. Not exactly the editorial portrait you imagined.
So everyone lies down. Same boat. Same pose. Same angle, and suddenly, every couple has almost exactly the same photograph.
Don't get us wrong. It's a beautiful shot, and we're happy to take it. But is it really the best photo you can get? We don't think so.
Our Favorite Shot? Think James Bond, Not Pinterest.
Here's what we love instead.
Imagine you're standing on the back of a beautiful wooden boat. Your dress looks incredible, the wind is doing its thing, and behind you there's one of those ridiculously beautiful Lake Como villas.
Now imagine the drone photographing you from a slightly elevated angle rather than directly above.
In one frame, you've got everything.
You. The boat. The lake. The villa.
And here's the best part: you actually look like yourselves.
You can see your faces, your outfits, the way you're standing together. You look elegant, relaxed, and like you belong in that scene.
It's giving Italian Riviera. It's giving vintage movie poster. It's giving luxury without trying too hard.
And unlike the classic overhead shot, this composition allows your photographer to play with the background, the architecture, the light, and your personalities.
For us, that's where the magic happens.
Bride and groom on a Riva Boat on Lake Como
Wait. Do We Need to Rent Two Boats?
This is where things get interesting.
If you've been planning a Lake Como wedding, your planner may have suggested renting two boats for the photoshoot.
One for you, one for your photographer.
The idea makes perfect sense: your photographer needs to be outside your boat to capture those gorgeous wide shots with the entire boat, the lake, and the villas in the background.
And yes, two boats can work beautifully.
But here's our take.
If your photographer is really good with a drone, you might not need that second boat at all.
A drone can give you those spectacular exterior perspectives without renting another vessel just to carry a photographer.
That means less coordination, potentially less expense, and more flexibility.
Of course, there are situations where two boats make more sense, particularly when drone flights aren't permitted or when you want a larger variety of photographs from water level.
But don't assume two boats are automatically necessary.
Ask your photographer what they can achieve with a drone first.
Aerial view of the ceremony at Villa Aura del Lago on Lake Como
Quick Reality Check: Drones, Helicopters and Safety
We know. Not the sexiest topic.
But definitely one you should care about.
Lake Como has plenty of helicopter activity. Private transfers are a thing here, and helicopters can fly surprisingly low.
That means your photographer needs to know exactly what they're doing.
We're not talking about someone who bought a drone last week and watched three YouTube tutorials.
We're talking about a properly qualified and insured drone operator who understands aviation rules, airspace restrictions, and how to fly safely around people and boats.
Before booking, ask your photographer about their drone qualifications, insurance, and whether the flight is actually permitted at your venue.
It's not just paperwork. Unsafe or unauthorized operations can create serious problems, and depending on the circumstances, the consequences may extend beyond the pilot.
Beautiful photos are great. An aviation incident at your wedding? Not so much.
How Many Drone Photos Do You Actually Need?
Here's our potentially unpopular opinion.
Three or four.
Seriously.
You don't need 50 drone photographs of your boat from slightly different angles.
You need three or four absolutely incredible ones.
One wide cinematic shot with the villa in the background.
One beautiful composition where you can actually see the two of you.
Maybe one classic bird's-eye view, because why not?
And one creative perspective that captures the atmosphere of Lake Como.
That's it.
The goal isn't to collect drone photographs like Pokémon cards.
It's to create a handful of images that make you stop scrolling every time you see them.
And remember, these shots take time to arrange. The boat needs to be in the right position, the light needs to work, and your photographer needs to operate the drone safely.
Which brings us to something even more important.
Aerial view of the dinner tables at Villa Aura del Lago
Please Don't Forget the Actual Photos of YOU
Bride and groom toasting together on a Riva Boat on Lake Como at sunset, part of an indian wedding at Villa Geno
We love drone photography.
But there's one thing a drone isn't particularly good at.
Showing your emotions.
When you're photographed from 30 meters away, you become a small part of a beautiful landscape.
That's fantastic for a cinematic image.
But what about your faces? Your laughter? That moment when the wind catches your dress and you both start laughing?
Those photographs need to be taken from the boat.
And honestly, they might end up being your favorites.
So make sure your photographer doesn't spend the entire boat ride looking at a drone controller.
You want a beautiful mix of wide aerial images and close, intimate portraits.
The drone shows where you were. The other photographs show how it felt to be there.
You need both.
And Please, Don't Spend an Hour Posing on a Boat
Let's talk about the reality of a Lake Como boat photoshoot.
On Instagram, everything looks effortlessly glamorous.
In real life?
There might be waves. It might be windy. Your hair might have other plans. And depending on the season, you might be absolutely freezing.
Standing on a moving boat in wedding clothes isn't always the most comfortable experience in the world.
That's why we suggest keeping the actual photoshoot to around 20–30 minutes, when conditions allow.
Enough time for a few incredible drone photographs and some beautiful portraits from the boat.
Not so long that you start questioning every life decision that brought you there.
Of course, your boat ride can last longer. Enjoy the scenery, have some Champagne, take in the moment.
But the photography shouldn't take over the entire experience.
You're getting married on Lake Como, not filming a Netflix production.
Our Take: Make It Look Like a Movie, But Make It Yours
We love beautiful things.
Beautiful light, beautiful architecture, beautiful boats, and those cinematic compositions that make you want to print a photograph two meters wide.
But after photographing weddings for more than two decades, we've learned something.
The best images aren't necessarily the most complicated ones.
And they're definitely not always the ones you've seen a hundred times on Pinterest.
Sometimes all you need is the right angle, the right light, and a photographer who knows when to stop directing and let you enjoy the moment.
At Rellini Art Studio, we combine documentary wedding photography with an editorial eye. We love creating those spectacular hero images, but we care just as much about everything happening around them.
The laughter. The little gestures. The completely unplanned moments.
And yes, when conditions and regulations allow, we love sending a drone into the sky to capture Lake Como in all its ridiculous beauty.
Because your wedding photos should look like a movie. Just not the exact same movie as everyone else's.
Getting Married at Villa del Balbianello? Read This.
Aerial view of the wedding couple at Villa del Balbianello by night
Villa del Balbianello is basically Lake Como wedding royalty.
The architecture. The terraces. The views. The boat arrival. But photographing it with a drone comes with a complication.
Under the venue rules we're familiar with, you can't simply take off with your drone from the villa grounds.
One possible solution is taking off from a boat, assuming the flight is legally authorized and safe.
Sounds easy? Not quite.
Operating a drone from a boat takes experience. And if your photographer is alone, who's photographing your arrival while they're busy flying?
This is one of the reasons we always work as two photographers.
One of us can handle the drone operation from the boat while the other photographs the arrival from the villa, capturing all those beautiful spontaneous moments.
No choosing between the cinematic aerial shot and the actual emotions of the day. Because both matter.
And one important detail: taking off from a boat doesn't automatically mean you're allowed to fly. The airspace restrictions and venue rules still need to be checked.
Lake Como Wedding Drone Photography: Your Questions Answered
Can we get drone wedding photos on Lake Como?
Absolutely, provided the flight is permitted and safe. Your photographer should check the applicable airspace restrictions, authorizations, and weather conditions before planning the shoot.
Do we need two boats for our Lake Como wedding photos?
Not necessarily. A skilled drone photographer can often create those beautiful exterior boat shots without renting a second boat. But if drones aren't allowed or you want specific water-level perspectives, a second boat can be a great option.
Can we get drone photos at Villa del Balbianello?
Potentially, but it requires additional planning. Takeoff from the villa grounds is restricted under the venue policy described here, and operating from a boat may be an option only when the flight is authorized and safe. Always verify the current rules.
What's the best drone angle for Lake Como wedding photos?
We love slightly elevated perspectives that show the couple standing on the boat, with the lake, mountains, and an iconic villa in the background. It's cinematic, elegant, and gives much more personality to the photograph than a purely overhead composition.
How long does a Lake Como boat wedding photoshoot take?
We usually recommend around 20–30 minutes for the dedicated photography session. This gives us time to capture a few iconic aerial images and a beautiful selection of portraits on the boat, assuming conditions are suitable.
Is drone photography worth it for a Lake Como elopement?
Definitely. Even for an intimate elopement, a few carefully planned aerial photographs can capture the scale and beauty of Lake Como in a way that traditional photography simply can't.
Getting Married on Lake Como? Let's Make Something Beautiful.
We're Maurizio and Serena, the photographers behind Rellini Art Studio.
We photograph weddings and elopements across Italy, mixing real moments, editorial portraits, and a little cinematic magic.
If you're dreaming of a Lake Como wedding that feels relaxed, personal, and ridiculously beautiful, we'd love to hear your plans.
Let's create photographs that look like a movie, but feel 100% like you.
We are Maurizio and Serena, founders of Rellini art studio and married since 2009. Together we shot more than 1000 weddings all over Italy and Europe
Let’s create something together:
