The region of Ticino, set at the foot of the Swiss Alps and bordered by the waters of Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate, picturesque mountains, and charming villages.
Just an hour from Lake Como, and 2 hours from Milan, the Italian influences are obvious, particularly in the cuisine, but with the added elegance and efficiency you'd associate with Switzerland.
In terms of weddings, it is truly a hidden gem. Think of vineyards, historic castles, luxury hotels and lakefront venues, with the deep lakes and towering tree-covered mountains providing a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable wedding, making it a great destination for couples seeking romance, natural beauty, and sophistication.
We've not just focused on luxury venues in Ticino, but included a range of options that we feel will appeal to couples and to creative wedding planners. Unlike nearby Lake Como, where every lakeside villa has been adapted to maximise wedding bookings, the Ticino region of Switzerland remains a bit of a secret, and as such, is unexploited.
We started our venue discovery tour in Ascona, the jewel of Lake Maggiore. It's a pretty town lakeside with a tree-lined promenade with its colorful houses, pavement cafés, and winding alleys leading to the church of San Pietro e Paolo. It is a great place to start a venue discovery tour of the wedding venues of Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano.
For the purposes of consistency, we have converted current prices from Swiss francs to Euros using the exchange rate relevant at the time.
Boutique hotel venues
Hotel Villa Emden, Brissago Islands
A short boat ride on Lake Maggiore took us from Ascona's promenade to the Brissago Islands where our first venue, Hotel Villa Emden, peeked out above the treetops. Hotel Villa Edmen is the neoclassical villa that dominates the larger of the two Brissago Islands. It's located within the island's 2.5-acre botanical garden, which houses a collection of subtropical flora that thrive in the region's mild climate. It's a unique setting for a wedding, accessible only by boat.
Capacity and Event Options at Hotel Villa Emden:
- Verana Ascona and Sala Camino: Indoor dining halls with classical architectural elements, including marbled floors and fireplaces views of Lake Maggiore. Maximum capacity: 120 guests.
- Veranda Brissago: An elevated veranda providing a 360-degree panoramic view of Lake Maggiore.
- Outdoor options: Numerous picturesque outdoor options including the historic ruins of Roman baths, a eucalyptus meadow and a large grassy lawn close to the water's edge, with views across the lake towards the sunset.
- Onsite accommodation: The villa provides 10 double rooms, renovated with contemporary design.
- Full venue buy-out is available for private events.
- Partial exclusive use of designated outdoor botanical garden areas and the Villa Edmen is offered for smaller gatherings.
- It's a private island without neighbours, so you can have music until midnight, or until 2am at weekends.
From the experts
Giardino Lago, Minusio
Giardino Lago is a charming lakeside boutique hotel; a modern villa with Mediterranean flair. A fantastic option for a small wedding, Giardino Lago provides versatile spaces and a tranquil atmosphere overlooking the lake.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Air-Conditioned Indoor Space: Modern interior with bold decor offers a comfortable setting for up to 90 guests, with the restaurant space flowing seamlessly onto the terrace.
- Panoramic Terrace: A beautiful space for ceremonies and relaxed open-air cocktail receptions, accommodating up to 120 guests, or up to 84 on long tables.
- Roof Lounge: A unique feature providing elevated panoramic views of the lake and mountains, perfect for sunset ceremonies or cocktails.
- Capacity: The venue is ideally suited for weddings and events of up to 90 guests, with accommodation for up to 30 guests.
- Music: Celebrations can continue inside until 3:00 AM, with DJ services available.
- Accommodation: 15 individually designed rooms including one suite, providing on-site accommodation for up to 30 guests.
- Wedding Services: Church or symbolic wedding ceremonies can be arranged, and on-site floristry, hair, and make-up services are available. Other wedding services include wedding cake, midnight snacks, an open bar, and extended breakfasts.
- Buy-outs: Exclusive use of the venue is available. Rental is based on a minimum spend of €16,000, with menus from €95 - €115 per person.
- Music: Outside music is permitted to 11pm, and indoor music to 3am - 4am with a buyout.
From the experts
Relais Castello di Morcote
Relais Castello di Morcote is a charming 12-room boutique hotel set within the picturesque village of Morcote. It offers an intimate and elegant setting for small weddings.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Exclusive Hotel Buyout: The entire hotel is available for exclusive use for weddings, with a minimum two-night stay required.
- Terrace: A covered terrace provides a delightful outdoor space for gatherings during the summer months.
- Bridal Preparation Room: A beautiful bridal preparation room located at the top of the stairs, featuring a private balcony.
- Boutique Accommodation: Twelve elegantly appointed rooms, accommodating up to 26 guests.
Pricing:
- Exclusive Use: €7,000 per night during high season weekends for exclusive bed and breakfast use, accommodating 26 people in 12 rooms.
Large hotel venues in Ticino
Giardino Ascona, Ascona
Giardino Ascona is a five-star hotel situated within a mountainous region of Ticino, on the edge of Lake Maggiore. The property features a Mediterranean-style park setting, with lemon trees around an ornamental carp pond, fountains and an olive grove.
Event Spaces and Capacity:
- Outdoor ceremonies: There are large ceremony areas in the gardens to the side of the venue and on a large terrace between the pond and the pool. For small weddings, other ceremony options include the fountain area and adjacent to the pond.
- Outdoor receptions: Up to 150 guests with a buyout, 60 guests otherwise. A favourite here for non-privatised groups is to have an aperitivo on the roof terrace, followed by dinner on the terrace below, on long tables for up to 84 guests.
- Indoor weddings: A choice of 3 restaurants or a separate event space for up to 120 guests with a buyout, 60 guests without a buyout.
- Onsite accommodation in 71 guests rooms, all with a balcony or terrace to make the most of the stunning views
- Hotel buy-out is available.
- The cost for a wedding reception is around €95-115 per person for a typical menu, with a minimum spend of €16,000.
From the experts
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola, Lugano
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola is a stunning five-star hotel within a subtropical park on the shores of Lake Lugano, offering a luxurious and refined setting for weddings.
Event Spaces and Services:
This is a large hotel, with several formal reception rooms including restaurants and lounges in addition to the dedicated event space.
- Sixth-Century Chapel: An intimate chapel on the hotel grounds, ideal for ceremonies of approximately 35-40 guests.
- Banqueting Hall: A grecian styled grand hall with a capacity of 80 guests for seated dinners and receptions, leading directly into the gardens.
- Subtropical Park Setting: Beautiful gardens providing a picturesque backdrop for photographs and outdoor gatherings.
- Luxury Accommodation: 72 rooms, 30 suites and junior suites, and 3 two-bedroom suites, each individually styled.
- Event Management: The hotel's team will assist with menu tasting, floral arrangements and pre-wedding salon appointments, and offer a special rate for guest accommodation.
- Exclusive Buyouts: Only available during the low season.
- Music: Until 2am.
- Venue Rental: Starting from €42,000.
From the experts
Swiss Diamond Hotel
Hotel Diamond is the only 5* hotel situated directly on the shores of the lake, with the main hotel linked to the lakeside pool area by an underground walkway.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Banqueting Hall: A grand hall with a capacity of 160 guests for seated dinners and receptions.
- Rooftop Pavilion: A pavilion on the roof, accommodating 70 guests for indoor-outdoor gatherings, leading directly to the restaurant and dance floor.
- Pool Area: Exclusive use of the pool area for up to 120 guests.
- Civil and Symbolic Ceremonies: Options for civil ceremonies and aperitivo parties, as well as symbolic ceremonies.
- Accommodation: 87 elegantly appointed guest bedrooms.
- Onsite Spa: Including in-house hair styling, manicure, and pedicure services.
- Music: Outdoor music permitted until 11:00 PM, followed by quieter indoor music until 1:00 AM.
- Catering: Menus starting from €135 per person.
- Pool Area Privatisation fees: €10,000 rental fee.
From the experts
Parkhotel Delta Wellbeing Resort
Parkhotel Delta is a 4-star hotel in an 8-hectare subtropical park setting on the edge of Lake Maggiore, between Ascona and Locarno. It is a year-round resort with a choice of guest bedrooms or larger apartments, a wellbeing spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a gym, so it's a good choice for those wanting to stay in the area for a little longer.
The venue offers packages for weddings including dedicated event staff, a tuk-tuk ride and complimentary bridal suite for the wedding couple.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Outdoor Ceremonies and receptions: The park setting gives you all the space you need for large weddings, and there's an option to have a firework display.
- Banquet Hall: in addition to the two restaurants, there is a dedicated banqueting hall with capacity for up to 130 guests with direct access to the poolside terrace.
- Buyouts: Privatisation of the entire resort is possible. Rental fees for wedding buyouts are from €63,000 per day.
- Music: Until midnight, or until 3am with a buyout.
From the experts
The Delta Beach Lounge
Under the same ownership as the Parkhotel Delta Wellbeing Resort, the Delta Beach Lounge is a sophisticated lakeside event venue in a Bauhaus-style building, with a superb roof terrace. Echoing the Parkhotel's commitment to quality and comprehensive facilities, the Beach Lounge offers a cosy contemporary design and versatile spaces.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Air-Conditioned Indoor Space: Elegant, modern interior offers a comfortable setting for dining and events for up to 150 guests, with one event space leading seamlessly into the next.
- Panoramic terrace and gardens: A great space for ceremonies and relaxed open-air cocktail receptions.
- Lake View Rooftop: A unique feature providing elevated views, perfect for sunset ceremonies or cocktails.
- Cuisine: A diverse menu featuring Mediterranean and fusion cuisine, alongside classic and gourmet pizzas, crafted by Chef Alessio Ricciarelli with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
- Capacity: The venue can be exclusively booked for up to 600 people, but for weddings it is best suited to groups of 60-120 guests
- Music: There's no onsite accommodation, so music can continue until 3am.
- Prices: The cost for weddings at the Delta Beach Lounge is based on a minimum food & beverage spend of €21,000
From the experts
Event spaces and restaurants in Ticino
Villa San Quirico, Minusio
Villa San Quirico has been owned by the city of Minusio since 2004 and appears to be their version of a town hall; licensed for civil wedding ceremonies but with minimal furniture, catering facilities or onsite staff. San Quirico church is within the grounds. It's authentic, rather than luxurious, but offers a really nice blank canvas for a wedding.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Indoor Space: The Rivapiana Room on the ground floor spans the entire width of the building, with doors opening onto the terrace. Capacity for up to 80. On the first floor there is a similar sized room, again opening onto a terrace. There are basic catering kitchens in the lower ground floor areas.
- Outdoor space: The terrace and beautiful stone staircase lead into attractive 2,000m² gardens with views down to Lake Maggiore.
- Price: Villa San Quirico is available for buyouts from around €6000.
From the experts
Moncucchetto, Lugano
Moncucchetto, nestled in the heart of Lugano, is a successful winery that blends tradition with innovation within a striking structure designed by renowned architect Mario Botta. Echoing a commitment to sustainability and exceptional wine production, Moncucchetto offers a unique setting for a wedding celebration.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Vineyard: For intimate weddings, ceremonies for up to 22 guests in the vineyard or on the terrace.
- Glass-Walled Restaurant: The main winery features a restaurant on the 1st floor with glass walls within the building, overlooking the stainless steel wine production machinery below. It provides a modern industrial ambiance for dining and events, with a total capacity of 130, or 60 guests in each of the 2 arms of the L-shaped restaurant.
- Grassy Outdoor Event Space: A large grassy area above the vineyard, accessible by a narrow path, perfect for simple outdoor ceremonies or cocktail receptions.
- Cuisine: Fine wines produced on-site, complemented by fresh, seasonal ingredients, including vegetables grown in their own gardens.
- Sustainability Focus: Emphasis on sustainability, with on-site vegetable gardens and beehives, showcasing their commitment to eco-friendly practices.
- Capacity: Suitable for events of up to 100 people.
- Exclusive Buyouts: Exclusive use of the venue is available for weddings and other events.
- Music: Up to 2am with a buyout
From the experts
Tenuta Bally Von Teufenstein, Vezia
Close to the city of Lugano, within an 80 acre estate dating back to 1917 are a collection of traditional farm buildings set within 6.5 acres of vineyards. Tenuta Bally Von Teufenstein offers an authentic and rustic setting for small weddings where you can enjoy local wine and cuisine in the courtyard, garden, or adjoining permanent marquee.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Indoor Space: Permanent marquee with a small rustic terrace, capacity of up to 300 seated guests.
- Outside spaces: Sheltered courtyard within the traditional farm buildings, or gardens overlooking the vineyards.
- Music: Until 2am within the marquee.
- Price: €3500 per day on an exclusive hire basis.
From the experts
LAC, Lugano
LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, established in 2015, is a premier performing arts center that also serves as a sophisticated event venue. With a central location, social vision, and high-quality services, LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura provides a modern and elegant setting for premium events.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Cloister Courtyard: A beautiful sheltered courtyard with manicured lawns and a ceremony room. It offers an outdoor setting for photographs and pre-event gatherings for up to 200 guests.
- Theatre: A state-of-the-art theatre, suitable for large-scale presentations and performances for up to 300 guests.
- Upper Floor Event Space: A large, modern event space for up to 200 guests. Floor to ceiling glass walls offer panoramic views of the city and lake.
- High-Quality Catering: On-site catering services offering premium culinary experiences.
- Buyouts: Privatisation is possible, for each of the spaces.
- Accommodation: There's no onsite accommodation, however it is a city centre location with numerous options nearby.
- Rental fees: Cloisters from €1200 per day, theatre from €11,000 per day, panoramic event space from €3000 per day.
- Music: Permitted until midnight in the cloisters, or 3am in the event space.
From the experts
Blu Restaurant & Lounge
A great choice for an arrival dinner or an after-party, giving guests panoramic terrace with views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alpine skyline, BLU Restaurant & Lounge is a lakeside restaurant and party setting, with a central restaurant, mezzanine party lounge, and a huge covered terrace leading towards the lake.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Restaurant: Capacity for up to 360 indoors. The restaurant is completely glass fronted to make the most of the fabulous views of the lake with the mountains beyond, and opens onto the terrace.
- Outdoor terrace: Capacity of 200, with a retractable roof enabling guests to be outside regardless of the weather.
- Menus: In-house catering only, with a variety of cuisines including sushi, vegan, and Mediterranean dishes.
- Late night music: The venue operates as a nightclub from 11pm to 3am, with a capacity of 130 guests, so is a great setting for a late night party in the upper mezzanine lounge, which overlooks the restaurant.
- Buy-outs: It is possible to privatise, with rental fees from €21,000
From the experts
Ristorante Vicania
A traditional and rustic little restaurant, in a remote location on the edge of the hill leading to Castello di Morcote (Morcote Castle).
The main restaurant at Ristorante Vicania seats up to 80 guests across three linked areas and there's a pretty terrace shaded by trees. There's no onsite accommodation, but the remote location allows music all night.
Costs are from €70 per person, based on a minimum of 50 guests for a restaurant buyout, giving an inexpensive, relaxed and rustic option for a pre or post-wedding event.
Tenuta Castello di Morcote
Immediately below Castello di Morcote (Morcote Castle), Tenuta Castello di Morcote offers an intimate and picturesque setting for small events within its contemporary stone farmhouse and surrounding vineyards.
With a capacity of 50, exclusive buyouts are available, providing access to two beautiful rooms, a barrel cellar, a fireplace room, and a spacious garden with mountain views.
Castle Wedding Venues in Ticino
Castelgrande
Castelgrande, a majestic castle overlooking the city of Bellinzona, offers a truly unique and historic setting for events, providing breathtaking views of the city and surrounding valley. Echoing its rich history and architectural grandeur, Castelgrande presents versatile spaces for unforgettable celebrations.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Grotto San Michele: A charming space within the castle's grounds with a capacity of 70. It features a vaulted room and pretty outdoor terrace with incredible views, and is nestled amidst the castle's stone walls and vineyards.
- Central Grass Courtyard: Ideal for aperitivo standing receptions, or for ceremonies with local authority permission. It's worth noting that it can get a little windy, and it's open to the public until 6pm daily, so setting up can be a challenge.
- Ground Floor Banqueting Hall: An atmospheric space with a capacity of 120 guests, perfect for formal wedding banquets.
- First Floor Event Space: A contemporary area accommodating up to 200 guests for symbolic ceremonies and dinners.
- Accessibility: The castle is accessed by car via a winding road or a concealed elevator, direct from the city square.
- Catering: On-site catering services with a minimum food spend of €3000, and banquet pricing from €70 per person.
- Music: Outdoor music permitted until 10:00 PM, and indoor music until 2:00 AM.
From the experts
Castello di Morcote
Enter through the Castello di Morcote walls into an atmospheric stone entrance hall that leads you to stone stairs up into the castle ruins. For a small wedding ceremony, there's a gorgeous courtyard within the ruins, but for larger weddings continue to the top, where the castle opens up to a beautiful informal garden within the walls with panoramic views across the lake towards the sunset. After the ceremony and drinks reception, a seated reception can be held in the permanent clear-walled marquee below.
Event Spaces and Services:
- Castle Gardens: A beautiful garden at the castle's summit, providing panoramic lake views and a stunning sunset backdrop, suitable for larger ceremonies for up to 160 guests.
- Castle Courtyard: A charming courtyard within the castle ruins, ideal for intimate wedding ceremonies.
- Reception Marquee: A teak-floored marquee immediately below the castle walls, accommodating up to 160 seated guests for dinner and dancing.
- Exclusive Availability: Only one wedding per weekend, limited to 15-18 weddings per year, from May to October.
- Flexible Music Policy: No music restrictions, allowing for all-night celebrations.
- Catering Packages: On-site catering packages from €200 per person, including canapés, a three-course plated meal, linens, and seven hours of service.
- Venue Rental Costs: Weekend rental from €14,000, midweek rental from €8,000.
Important Considerations:
- Outdoor Venue: This is primarily an outdoor venue, so is available only from May to October.
- Limited Shade: Minimal shade in the garden, with late afternoon ceremonies recommended for June to August.
- No On-Site Accommodation: No on-site accommodation is available.
- External Amenities: Requires rental of toilet facilities and air conditioning for the marquee.
- Accessibility: The main castle is not accessible with wheelchairs. Toilet facilities can not be offered within the main castle, so guests will need to return to the marquee below for these facilities.
From the experts
From our own exploration of Ticino, we've fallen in love with its unique blend of Italian charm and Swiss elegance, and we're excited to share these wedding venues with you. We've wandered through fragrant botanical gardens on private islands, felt the history in ancient castle courtyards, and savored the views from modern, glass-walled restaurants overlooking shimmering lakes. What struck us most was the diversity of options—from the intimate, family-run boutique hotels where you instantly feel at home, to the grand, five-star resorts that offer every luxury imaginable. We've highlighted venues that offer something truly special that goes beyond the typical wedding experience and offer the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime, and we'd encourage you to discover this region for yourselves.
Thank you to hosts Regina Lai, Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB), Samuel Righetti, Ludmilla Wiederkehr, Stefania Casellini, Vanessa Giudici and Swiss wedding planners: Felix Fay, Loukia Denzler Arapian, Nicki Taeymans, Savina Uldry.
If you are a wedding planner, or a couple, and would like additional information or assistance on weddings in Ticino, you can speak directly to us at [email protected] or Regina Lai at the Switzerland Tourist Board at [email protected].