MEET YOUR Lake Como proposal PHOTOGRAPHER


I’m Sydney Duncan, a Milan-based photographer specializing in romantic couple sessions, fashion photography, and editorial-style branding photography across Italy. I work with international clients who value imagery that feels intentional, effortless, and emotionally grounded. My goal is to create photographs that don’t just document the moment — they hold it.


Couple's romantic proposal by a fountain with stunning Lake Como and mountain backdrop in Italy.

What to know when organizing your proposal at villa Melzi gardens


So if you're here, you're clearly considering being the most romantic boyfriend/girlfriend on the planet. Bravo.

But such an admirable goal doesn't come without its fair share of struggle. It's one thing to conjure up this dream proposal... putting it into action is another thing entirely. Fret not though, I, your resident Lake Como proposal photographer, am here to help!


Read along for answers to some of my most commonly received questions when it comes to proposing at this famous Lake Como villa, questions like:


  • How to book your photography permit and what it costs
  • How much does a photographer cost on Lake Como
  • Best time of day to take photos in Bellagio
  • How to book your proposal photographer


Together, we'll take your fantasy proposal and create a solid plan of action!



Man proposes to woman on one knee by Lake Como with stunning mountain backdrop and ornate stone balustrade.
Couple in elegant attire standing on a lakeside terrace with mountain backdrop and serene water views.
Couple embracing on elegant lakeside terrace with stunning mountain backdrop at Lake Como, Italy.
Bride in lace gown clapping joyfully with groom by Lake Como fountain, mountains backdrop.

Villa Melzi Gardens Photography Permit Cost


Something that a lot of people don't realize when planning their Lake Como proposal or engagement photoshoot is that, unfortunately, not every location on the lake is free game! If you want to have professional photos taken at one of Lake Como's famous villas, Villa Melzi Gardens included, it is imperative that you first book your photography permit, a cost that comes separate from the actual cost of the photography session.


Permit costs vary from villa to villa, but at Villa Melzi Gardens in particular, as of the time I'm writing this post (October 2026), the cost for a photography permit is 427 EUR. This cost includes the photographer's entry, though you and your partner will still have to pay admission for yourselves (weird, I know)... don't stress though, this is just an extra 10 EUR per person at the door.



The best Perk Of the Villa Melzi Gardens Photo Permit


While the other villas I shoot at tend to charge per hour (or in a two hour package), one of the coolest perks of Villa Melzi Gardens is that their permit cost is a flat rate that covers the entire day! Sure it's unlikely that you'd actually need the entire day to shoot in a single location, but the flexibility alone that this provides can be a total game changer when it comes to unforeseen delays or surprises with the weather.


Couple sitting together by a fountain with Lake Como and mountain backdrop in Italy.
A couple sits by a lily pond with mountain views, the woman in lace dress leaning on a man in a blue shirt.
Couple walking hand in hand on a lakeside promenade with mountain views, Lake Como, Italy.
Couple embracing between elegant white columns on a terrace with mountain backdrop and cloudy sky.

Best times of day for photos in Bellagio


An always crucial point of conversation when planning that perfect proposal shot, getting that sun timed just right! 9 out of 10 times, this means shooting just near sunrise or sunset. For Bellagio in particular, I recommend getting as close to sunset as possible!


A lot of clients fight me on this... they get it in their head that they want to shoot smack dab in the middle of the day, and there is no changing their minds. Listen. If you want to shoot midday, we can shoot midday, but your photographer is the resident lighting professional, and if they suggest an early evening shoot it's only for your benefit!


Shooting near sunrise or sunset means soft, flattering lighting! It means you're much less likely to encounter those mega harsh midday shadows from a hot sun directly overhead. It also means that those gorgeous landscape details won't be blown out!

Close-up of a woman wearing a diamond engagement ring and lace sleeve embracing a man tenderly.
A couple shares a romantic kiss with scenic mountain lake backdrop, bride in lace dress tenderly holds groom's face.
Romantic couple sharing a tender kiss outdoors, woman wearing lace sleeve and ring, mountains in background.

How much does a lake como proposal photographer cost?


Costs for photographers in Lake Como vary widely. I did a lot of competitor research when pricing my own packages, but in my experience photographers and other service providers in Italy tend to keep their prices hidden pretty close to the vest.


Speaking for myself only, my Lake Como engagement and proposal photograph sessions cost 450 EUR for the first hour + 250 EUR for each additional hour.

A bride and groom sit together on elegant stone steps of a classic European building, sharing a romantic moment.
A young couple sits on stone steps of a classical building, wearing elegant casual attire, engaged in intimate conversation.

Is proposing at a lake como villa worth it?


I get it, costs and logistics add up. You might be asking yourself, is a villa proposal really worth all of the hype? But when it comes to Villa Melzi Gardens in particular... I'd actually argue that it's underrated.


So many of my clients get it stuck in their head that Villa Balbianello (that famous villa from the Star Wars movie) is the one and only way to go for their proposal... but honestly, it's not my fav. Getting a permit to shoot at Balianello can be a massive pain, with their limited time slots filling up very quickly. It's also more challenging to reach than Melzi Gardens, and, if I dare say it, the grounds aren't nearly as photogenic in my opinion.


Villa Melzi Gardens on the other hand is picture perfect... just check out that spacious courtyard with wide sweeping views! It's also got the Japanese garden, the romantic pavilion, and the picturesque town of Bellagio right at its doorstep if you're looking for a second photo location post-proposal.

Couple embracing on ornate bridge surrounded by autumn foliage in a lush garden, holding a large floral bouquet.
Couple sharing a romantic moment with flowers against a scenic mountain and blue sky backdrop.
Bride and groom sitting on green grass by a serene lake with mountain backdrop on their wedding day.

LETS PLAN YOUR Villa Melzi Gardens proposal PHOTOSHOOT!


Ready to bring your dreamy proposal photoshoot to life?  Send me an email at hello@sydneyduncan.co and let's plan something that you and your partner will cherish for the rest of your lives!


Elegant domed pavilion with arched doorways overlooking Lake Como, Italy, with mountains and blue sky backdrop.