Let me be honest: if Lake Garda were in Tuscany or near the Amalfi Coast, it would probably have been overcrowded for years. And yet, somehow, it remains the best-kept secret of Northern Italy.

A place that has it all and more: the natural beauty of a landscape that changes at every turn, the light dancing on the water, Mediterranean vegetation and the charm of well-kept villages. But also the rigour of flawless organisation that truly works.

One of the major perks? It’s incredibly easy to reach. Sirmione, Salò, Gardone Riviera, Lazise, Bardolino, Torri del Benaco, Peschiera. And then Verona, just around the corner. Milan and Venice, both less than an hour and a half away. Florence, Rome, the Dolomites: all easily reached by high-speed train or motorway. Lake Garda lies along the A4, one of the best-maintained and smoothest motorways in the country.

Plus, with three international airports nearby (Verona, Bergamo, Milan), logistics are one of the strong points for anyone planning a wedding with guests coming from all over the world.

But it’s not just about convenience. Lake Garda is a place that surprises you with its elegance and variety. It’s true that lakefront venues are few and highly sought after, but the quality of the offering is outstanding. Villa Bettoni and Villa San Vigilio are two timeless, iconic venues that can host weddings with a cinematic allure. Isola del Garda is a one-of-a-kind in the entire country. And then there are historic estates surrounded by greenery, charming countryside retreats, lemon groves suspended over the lake, boutique hotels with hidden gardens.

I love recommending this area because it lends itself to experiences that go beyond the wedding day. A dinner in the vineyards, a private boat ride, a walk through olive groves or in villages like Desenzano, Malcesine and Gargnano. Or perhaps a visit to the historic Vittoriale degli Italiani, a dip in the thermal waters of Sirmione, an aperitivo by the lake as the sun sets behind the cypress trees of Punta San Vigilio.

If you want to offer your guests something extra, there’s a lesser-known gem that’s worth a detour. I’m talking about Franciacorta, a land of gentle hills and neatly lined vineyards just a few kilometres from the Brescia side of Lake Garda. Here you’ll find elegant wines and beautiful wineries, excellent restaurants and a few private estates that open their doors to special events. Franciacorta hides a small secret: Lake Iseo. Quiet, intimate, still untouched by mass tourism, and home to some truly special wedding spots. A destination for true connoisseurs.

And then there’s Verona. The city of Romeo and Juliet, perfect for a pre-wedding dinner or as a base for your guests. With its Arena, noble palaces, historic osterie and the nearby Valpolicella hills, it adds a touch of culture and lifestyle to every experience.

I’ve lived and worked here on the Garda for years. I know the pace, the right places, the suppliers who make the difference. And I know that couples who choose to get married here are looking for exactly this: balance, beauty, authenticity. A version of Italy that doesn’t need special effects, because it’s already perfect as it is.

Is Lake Garda right for you?

Yes, if you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends style, quality and authenticity. If you’re looking for a place that can host even the most important events and offer your guests an experience where everything flows effortlessly. A truly Italian atmosphere, made of breathtaking landscapes, excellent food and flawless organisation.

If you love the idea of being in a well-connected, comfortable area that still manages to surprise you with hidden corners and honest charm.

If you long for an Italy with no clichés, here you may truly feel at home.