Lake Como Wedding Photographer

Timeless, editorial wedding photography across Lake Como’s most iconic villas and lakeside towns.

I’m Janis Ratnieks—an award-winning Lake Como wedding photographer creating elegant, natural images that blend fine-art and documentary style. Browse my guide to the Top Lake Como wedding venues and learn more about my wedding photographer in Italy services to plan your celebration on the lake.


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Lake Como wedding photographer capturing a couple at a stunning villa

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Couple exchanging vows at a luxury Lake Como wedding venue

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Meet Janis — Your Lake Como Wedding Photographer

I’m Janis Ratnieks, a luxury destination wedding photographer with over 20 years of experience capturing celebrations in 37 countries. From intimate Lake Como elopements to glamorous weddings across Italy and France, I create photography that blends editorial artistry with natural storytelling.

My work has appeared in Nikon Pro and Tatler, and I’ve been named by the Huffington Post among the Top 20 Wedding Photographers in the world. Planning a celebration on the lake? Start with my guide to the Top Lake Como wedding venues and learn about my wedding photographer in Italy services.

“Janis photographed our wedding at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and the results were beyond anything we imagined. He truly understands the elegance of a luxury wedding in Lake Como and made us feel completely at ease.” — Elena & Marco, Grand Hotel Tremezzo Wedding

Janis Ratnieks, Lake Como wedding photographer — black and white portrait in suit and sunglasses
Janis Ratnieks — editorial meets documentary, film and digital.
best wedding photography 2025

Top Lake Como Wedding Venues For Stunning Photography

Lake Como is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking wedding venues, from historic villas to glamorous five-star hotels. I’ve photographed many of its most iconic locations—including Villa del Balbianello, Villa Erba, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta, Villa Giuseppina, Villa Flori, and Villa Monastero. As a dedicated Lake Como wedding photographer, I know how to capture the timeless romance of each setting, from luxury celebrations to intimate elopements.

Villa del Balbianello Wedding Photographer

Villa del Balbianello is one of Lake Como’s most famous venues. Panoramic terraces, cinematic gardens and timeless architecture make it a dream location for editorial-style portraits.

As a Balbianello wedding photographer, I love framing couples against those dramatic lake views and sculptural cypress trees.

Villa Erba Wedding Photographer

Grand staircases, sprawling gardens and elegant interiors make Villa Erba perfect for glamorous celebrations. Every corner offers a cinematic backdrop for refined wedding photography.

Planning a celebration here? See how it fits within the region’s Lake Como wedding venues landscape.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo Wedding Photographer

Known for its floating pool, Michelin-star dining and sweeping lakefront, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is the epitome of Italian luxury. It’s ideal for couples who want a sophisticated, modern celebration.

As a Lake Como wedding photographer, I find Tremezzo perfect for stylish receptions and golden-hour portraits.

Other Stunning Venues

Beyond the famous names, I’ve photographed at Villa Carlotta, Villa Pizzo, CastaDiva Resort (Mandarin Oriental), and private villas in Bellagio and Varenna. Each offers its own charm—botanical gardens, grand salons or secluded terraces.

For the full list and practical notes, explore my complete guide to Lake Como wedding venues.


Best destination wedding photographer in Como

My Approach To Lake Como Wedding Photography

Your wedding in Lake Como deserves more than nice pictures — it deserves photography that feels timeless, artistic, and uniquely yours. I blend editorial elegance with authentic storytelling so you get images that show how it looked and how it felt. With 20+ years’ experience as a luxury destination wedding photographer, I guide couples naturally — even the camera-shy.

Signature Coverage

Full Wedding Day

From getting ready at your Como villa to the last dance by the lake, every chapter is covered with clean, elegant storytelling.

Fireworks over a Lake Como wedding reception with cake cutting at night

Before The Day

Engagement & Pre-Wedding

Perfect for invitations or a romantic session in Como. See ideas in my elopement & engagement guide.

Bride and groom during a pre-wedding session surrounded by flowers on Lake Como

Intimate Moments

Elopements In Lake Como

Private vows on a Riva boat or in a villa garden — small weddings with cinematic style and room to breathe.

Couple kissing on a classic Riva boat with Lake Como mountains in the background

Global Craft

Destination Expertise

Weddings photographed in 37 countries. Calm direction, fast problem-solving, beautiful light anywhere.

Elegant lakeside villa and terrace at sunset on Lake Como
Luxury Lake Como wedding photographer at Villa Erba, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Giuseppina

What My Lake Como Wedding Clients Say About My Work

Here’s a little love note from one of my couples, Catherine and Christophe, whose wedding I photographed on Lake Como:

Janis Ratnieks is the KING of wedding photography. We are extremely pleased with the pictures he took at our wedding; they exceeded all our hopes and expectations…

— Catherine & Christophe · Lake Como

These kind words keep me pushing for that extra frame, the cleaner light, and the calm guidance every couple deserves.

Bride and groom with stunning Lake Como backdrop, captured by a wedding photographer
Bride and groom laughing on a Riva boat in Lake Como, captured by a wedding photographer

Why me

Why Choose Me As Your Lake Como Wedding Photographer?

I know there are a lot of photographers out there, so why me?

I bring 20+ years of experience photographing luxury weddings worldwide.

My style blends candid storytelling with editorial artistry for timeless images.

I don’t just take pictures — I capture the moments you didn’t even know you wanted.

como wedding photography

More Italy Wedding Destinations

Planning beyond Lake Como? Explore my work across Italy — from Florence and the Tuscan hills to Amalfi’s terraces, Venice’s palazzi, Rome, Portofino, Sicily, and the Dolomites.

como wedding photographer on the riva boat in the middle of lake

Lake Como Wedding Photographer — FAQs

Clear answers to the questions couples ask most about Lake Como and my photography services.

How much does a wedding photographer in Lake Como cost?

Full-day coverage in Lake Como typically ranges from €2,000 to €8,000 depending on experience, hours, assistants, travel and deliverables. My proposals are tailored to your plans — get in touch for a custom quote.

When should we book our Lake Como wedding photographer?

Most couples book 12–18 months in advance, especially for May–June and September. The earlier you check my availability, the better the chance I can hold your date.

Do you also photograph Lake Como elopements?

Yes — I love intimate celebrations. See ideas and real sessions on my Lake Como elopement photography page.

Can you recommend wedding venues and trusted vendors in Lake Como?

Absolutely. I’ve photographed at Villa del Balbianello, Villa Erba, Grand Hotel Tremezzo and more. Start with my guide to the Top Lake Como wedding venues and I’ll share a vetted vendor list once we chat.

How long will it take to receive our photos?

You’ll receive a preview gallery within one week, and your full wedding gallery within about four weeks (season-dependent).

Do you work across Italy beyond Lake Como?

Yes — I regularly photograph weddings across Italy, including Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Rome and Portofino, with full destination coverage.

Best Destination Wedding photographer

Ready To Book? Let’s Make Magic Happen

Your Lake Como wedding deserves photography that feels timeless and effortless. Tell me about your plans and I’ll send availability and a tailored proposal.

Check availability

Prefer WhatsApp or WeChat? Mention it in your message and I’ll reply there.

I photograph a limited number of weddings each season to keep the experience personal. Weekends in May–June and September go quickest around the lake — reach out early if you can.