For couples dreaming of an unforgettable destination wedding at Lake Garda, Italy.

There are places that already hold meaning before a wedding even begins. For Sebastiaan & Roos, Lake Garda was exactly that.

This isn’t just a beautiful backdrop to them. It is home. The place where Sebastiaan grew up, and where Roos moved for love. Their story is rooted here, which made every part of this day feel personal without trying.

From getting ready in houses next to each other, to arriving by boat at their ceremony, this wedding felt less like a planned event and more like something that naturally unfolded in a place that already mattered.

Getting married at Spiaggia Olivi

This September, I had the pleasure of filming the wedding of Sebastiaan & Roos at Spiaggia Olivi, located in Riva del Garda, on the northern edge of the lake.

What makes this venue stand out is its position. Right on the water, surrounded by mountains, with views that feel almost unreal. It’s where the Alps meet the Mediterranean, and you feel both.

Why Spiaggia Olivi Stands Out

Spiaggia Olivi is more than just a lakeside venue. It’s a place where architecture, nature, and atmosphere come together in a very intentional way.

Here’s what makes it exceptional:

Unrivalled position
Located directly on the shores of Lake Garda, the venue sits in front of one of the most striking landscapes in Italy, with the Brenta Dolomites rising in the background.

Elegant and minimal design
The architecture is clean and modern, with long jetties extending into the lake. It draws your eye outward: towards the water, the mountains, the horizon.

Fully customizable layout
From the indoor Oval Room to the terrace and outdoor areas, the space is flexible. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a larger celebration, it adapts easily.

A unique atmosphere
There’s something about this part of the lake: the light, the breeze, the mountains meeting the water, that gives the entire day a certain energy without needing much styling.

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About Lake Garda & Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda is located at the northern tip of Lake Garda, where the landscape becomes more dramatic and mountainous compared to the softer southern shores.

It’s known for:

• its combination of alpine scenery and Mediterranean climate
• consistent wind (perfect for sailing and watersports)
• charming streets, piazzas, and lakeside views

For weddings, this means you get:

• mountain backdrops
• soft evening light reflecting off the lake
• a slightly more relaxed, less crowded feel than the south

Italian Wedding at Spiaggia Olivi

Sebastiaan & Roos didn’t follow a traditional structure. The day felt personal, relaxed, and completely their own.

The Wedding Day

Getting ready
They got ready in two villas next to each other, overlooking the lake (their own, and his parents’) surrounded by family. In their own space, with their closest people. Close, familiar, easy.

While Sebastiaan stood on the terrace, tying his tie with the help of a YouTube tutorial, sharing a beer with his father and best friends, things felt very different over at Roos. There, with her sister, his sister, and both mothers, it was filled with laughter, soft giggles, and a few happy tears.

First looks
Instead of a private first look, they chose to share it with their family and closest friends. It turned the moment into something even more meaningful. Intimate, familiar, and full of emotion.

Arrival by boat (12:30 – 13:00)
They took a boat across the lake to the venue. They stepped off in the harbour at Spiaggia Olivi, where all their guests were already waiting. Cheering, celebrating, welcoming them in.

Honestly, one of the most memorable entrances I’ve seen.

Ceremony (14:30)
The ceremony was led by a close friend, which made it feel personal, relaxed, and full of genuine moments. A natural mix of Italian, English, and Dutch, with plenty of humor balanced by emotional moments that really landed.

It took place on the main terrace, and honestly, this might be one of the most beautiful ceremony backdrops I’ve come across. With views over the lake, the harbour, the mountains, and framed by the clean architectural lines of the venue, it didn’t need anything else.

Aperitivo (15:30)
Drinks, snacks, conversations by the water, and the start of the speeches. One by one, the people closest to Sebastiaan & Roos shared their words.

Dinner (18:30)
Sebastiaan & Roos were welcomed in by their guests, waving napkins in the air, one of those iconic moments that instantly sets the tone. Round tables, good wine (a lot, haha), and plenty of laughter. The kind of dinner that slowly turns into an evening without anyone noticing the time.

Party (from 21:00)
The evening started with an opening dance by Sebastiaan & Roos, setting the tone for what followed. From there, it quickly turned into a wild party. With a DJ and live saxophonist taking it to the next level.

Tip from the videographer: this venue works so well because the day naturally flows from one space to another. The ceremony was held on the main terrace, overlooking the lake, harbour, and mountains. The aperitivo followed on a side terrace, shifting the perspective just enough. Dinner took place down by the water. And as the evening began, everyone moved back up to the terrace, with the option to continue inside in the oval room.

What Filming at Lake Garda Means for Your Wedding Story

From a filmmaking perspective, Lake Garda (especially the north) offers something unique: contrast. Water and mountains. Movement and stillness. Intimate moments and big landscapes.

At Spiaggia Olivi, everything is open. The lake becomes part of the story. Not just a backdrop, but something that moves, reflects light, and changes throughout the day.

Why Video Mattered So Much to Sebastiaan & Roos

Because this place already meant so much to them, capturing it properly mattered.

Not just the big moments, but the feeling of being there. The movement of the water, the sound of their friends cheering as they arrived, the way the light hit the lake in the evening.

This wasn’t just their wedding day. It was their place, their people, their story. All coming together.

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Thinking About Your Own Wedding at Lake Garda?

If you’re dreaming of:

• a ceremony with insane views of the lake and mountains
• a Garda vibe and charm, without the crowds of the south
• a unique location where you can arrive by boat

… then Spiaggia Olivi might just be your perfect place.

Spiaggia Olivi simply works. For Sebastiaan & Roos, it was the right place to bring together their story, their family, and their way of celebrating life.

Other beautiful venues at Lake Garda

If you’re exploring options, these are also incredible:

• Isola del Garda — a private island with historic villa and gardens
• Villa Balbiano — elegant, classic Italian luxury
• Lido Palace — refined and modern, close to Spiaggia Olivi

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