Villa Melzi Gardens Proposal Package – Bellagio, Lake Como

Your proposal in the gardens of Villa Melzi, Bellagio: a walk by the lake that ends in a yes. Personal planning, the proposal photographed and filmed discreetly, and portraits in the gardens and the lanes of Bellagio.

The gardens of Villa Melzi follow the shore of Lake Como just outside the centre of Bellagio, past a Moorish pavilion, a lily pond and a monument to Dante and Beatrice. A walk here is simply what people do in Bellagio, so nobody suspects a thing. It is the most natural proposal on the lake: a walk, a pause, a knee. I plan it with you, then photograph and film it together with my husband. You arrive with the ring. The rest is planned.

Proposal photography & film · Bellagio · €5,000

Your Villa Melzi Proposal

Every proposal is planned around your story, the season and the light. A typical morning looks like this:

1. Before the day · The planningThe date, the hour, the route through the gardens and the exact spot where you will ask, with the tickets and the photography permit arranged. Your partner never hears from me.
2. A walk along the lakeFrom the centre of Bellagio to the gardens, then a slow walk past the villa. We are already there, out of sight.
3. The proposalAt the Moorish pavilion, by the water or on a quiet path. We photograph and film from a discreet distance, then come closer after the yes.
4. After the yesThe ring, the first embrace, then portraits along the lakeside paths, by the lily pond and in the lanes of Bellagio.
5. If you wishChampagne, lunch by the water, or a private boat for the sunset after the gardens close.

What Is Included in the Villa Melzi Gardens Proposal Package

The planning

• A personal planning consultation, from the idea and the cover story to the hour and the route
• The exact proposal spot, chosen for the light, the view and privacy
• Help with the tickets, the professional photography permit and the logistics
• Timing planned around the light and the gardens' opening hours
• Guidance for a bouquet and for continuing the day in Bellagio

The photographs

• Discreet photography of the proposal, so the surprise stays natural
• Guided engagement portraits in the gardens and in Bellagio, with natural posing guidance
• Edited photographs in a private online gallery, in high resolution and ready to print

The film

• Cinematic videography of the proposal and the portraits
• An edited proposal film, delivered digitally

Villa Melzi proposal: €5,000

Reserve your Villa Melzi proposal

Good to Know About Villa Melzi

• Open: from late March to the beginning of November. At the end of the 2026 season, the gardens were open from 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30.
• Tickets: €10 per person.
• Professional photography: booked in advance with the gardens (official rules). I arrange it for you.
• Not allowed: decorations, setups, drones and private events. That is why a Villa Melzi proposal is a natural one.
• No sunset inside the gardens: for most of the season they close before sunset. For a sunset, continue on a private boat afterwards.

The Best Time to Propose at Villa Melzi

The morning and the late afternoon, before the gardens close, bring the softest light and the fewest people. In May, for example, you can walk along the lake from the centre of Bellagio at 9:40, enter the gardens when they open at 10:00, propose at the Moorish pavilion at 10:20, take portraits by the lily pond, and sit down to lunch by the water at 12:30.

May, June, September and October are the most beautiful months. Read more in the best time to visit Bellagio.

Real Proposals at Villa Melzi

Villa Melzi is where several Lake Como Diary proposals were filmed. Episode 7 is an October proposal in the gardens.

• Episode 7: An October proposal at Villa Melzi
• Episode 8: How he kept the ring a secret
• Episode 2: A summer proposal in the gardens

Keeping It a Surprise

• I plan only with you. Your partner never hears from me.
• The easiest cover story in Bellagio: a walk in the most beautiful gardens of the village.
• We arrive first and photograph from a discreet distance, then come closer after the yes.

Make It Even More Yours

• A private boat after the gardens, for portraits on the water and the sunset. For a full day on the lake, see the private boat proposal package.
• A fresh bouquet and a champagne toast after the yes
• Restaurant planning for lunch, an aperitivo or dinner in Bellagio
• A longer film: see the Lake Como proposal videographer package
• A FRAQAIR evening dress: see the Lake Como proposal dress package

Villa Melzi Gardens Proposal FAQ

How much does a Villa Melzi proposal cost?

This package is €5,000. It includes personal planning, help with the tickets and the photography permit, discreet photography and film of the proposal, engagement portraits in the gardens and in Bellagio, a private online gallery and an edited proposal film.

Can we book a short proposal session instead?

Yes. If you would like a short proposal session, with the proposal and engagement portraits right after the yes, sessions start from €1,000 per hour. Write to me with your date.

Can we decorate the spot with flowers?

No. The gardens do not allow decorations or setups, so a Villa Melzi proposal is a natural one. If you dream of a styled proposal with flowers and candles, see the Castello di Vezio proposal package.

Can we propose at sunset at Villa Melzi?

Not inside the gardens for most of the season, because they close in the late afternoon. Plan the proposal in the gardens earlier in the day, then continue on a private boat for the sunset.

Do we need tickets?

Yes. Entry is €10 per person, and professional photography must be booked in advance with the gardens. I help you with both.

When are the gardens open?

From late March to the beginning of November. They are closed in winter.

Is video included?

Yes. My husband and I photograph and film the proposal together, and you receive an edited proposal film.

Can we add a private boat?

Yes, depending on availability, timing and weather. It is the most beautiful way to continue the day and to see the sunset after the gardens close.

What happens if it rains?

We adjust the timing, or move the portraits to the covered corners and lanes of Bellagio, so the day stays as beautiful as plan A.

More Lake Como Proposal Experiences

• Bellagio Proposal Photographer
• Private Boat Proposal Package
• Varenna Proposal Photographer
• Villa del Balbianello Proposal Package
• Castello di Vezio Proposal Package
• Lake Como Proposal Photographer

Or see all Lake Como proposal packages, and compare every place on the lake in the Lake Como proposal guide. 

Planning your visit? Read my guide to visiting Villa Melzi Gardens.

Check Your Date

Tell me your dates on Lake Como and a little about the two of you. I reply personally to every message, and if your date is free, we will start planning your Villa Melzi proposal together.

Inquire now · Check availability