At Lake Como Weddings by Chelsea, we’ve planned weddings in some of Italy’s most breathtaking locations, but few are as legendary (or as cinematic) as Villa del Balbianello, the iconic venue where Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala were secretly married in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding straight out of a movie, Lake Como offers the chance to step into your very own galaxy, no CGI required.
A Cinematic Love Story: Anakin & Padmé’s Secret Wedding
In 2002, the world fell in love with the stunning backdrop of Padmé and Anakin’s forbidden wedding scene, filmed at Villa del Balbianello. Perched on a lush green promontory that juts into the lake, this 18th-century villa became instantly recognisable to Star Wars fans around the world.
Its terraced gardens, sweeping lake views, and private boat access made it the perfect location for this romantic and mysterious moment in the Star Wars saga.
Fun fact: The exact wedding scene was shot at sunset on the villa’s upper loggia, a spot you can reserve for your own ceremony.
About Villa del Balbianello
Located near Lenno, Villa del Balbianello is one of Lake Como’s most famous venues, not just for its Star Wars fame, but also for its appearances in James Bond: Casino Royale and numerous fashion campaigns.
As a wedding venue, it offers:
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Exclusivity: Private hire options for ceremonies and receptions
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Arrival by boat: Just like in the movies
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Unrivalled views: Of the lake, surrounding hills, and formal gardens
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Historic charm: With original artwork, antiques, and architecture
Explore our full guide to Lake Como wedding venues to see how Villa del Balbianello compares to other lakeside icons.
Planning a Star Wars-Inspired Wedding
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply drawn to the villa’s majestic beauty, you can incorporate subtle nods to Star Wars into your day:
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Starry sky lighting for evening receptions
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A dramatic boat entrance like Padmé’s
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A ceremony under the exact same loggia where Anakin was
Of course, you don’t need costumes or sci-fi details to honour the location. Many couples choose a classic Italian wedding at the villa, letting the history, setting, and architecture do the storytelling.
If you’re planning an elopement or intimate celebration, our elopement packages are ideal for recreating the privacy and romance of Anakin and Padmé’s moment.
Otherworldly Beauty Meets Real-World Luxury
As your local destination wedding planner, we’ll handle everything from:
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Assisting with legal paperwork for weddings in Italy
You’ll enjoy a stress-free planning experience, whether you’re from the UK, the US, or galaxies far, far away.
Make Your Star Wars Wedding Dream a Reality
Villa del Balbianello isn’t just for the movies. It’s available for real weddings, and with Lake Como Weddings by Chelsea by your side, you can host your ceremony in the exact spot where cinematic history was made.
