Where Is Brissago Island Located
The enchanting Brissago Island is located in the south of Switzerland, in the heart of Ticino, and can be reached in about two and a half hours from Zurich Airport. The Italian-speaking part of Switzerland offers a Mediterranean flair and plenty of sunny days – perfect for a stylish Italian wedding in Ticino.
The two Brissago Islands (Isola Grande and Isola Piccola) are situated on the picturesque Lago Maggiore, not far from Ascona. Only Isola Grande is open to the public and can be reached by boat from Locarno, San Nazzaro, Ascona, Porto Ronco, and Brissago.
You can find more information about the botanical gardens and activities on the island here: ascona-locarno.com.
Villa Emden on Brissago Island
History of Villa Emden
In 1885, Richard Fleming and his wife Antoniette acquired Brissago Island. Together, they built a grand residence and laid the foundation for the magnificent botanical garden that still adorns the island today. After Richard left the island, Antoniette devoted herself to further developing the gardens and invited renowned artists, sculptors, and writers to experience the island's creative atmosphere.
After World War I, Antoniette ran into financial difficulties and was eventually forced to sell the estate to Max Emden in 1927. He then had what is now known as Villa Emden built. The garden and estate thus became the distinctive, elegant wedding venue it is today. For more information about its history and a tour of the island, click here: 4u-ontheroad.ch.
Symbolic Weddings on the Island
Brissago Island offers various elegant options for a symbolic wedding ceremony within its beautifully maintained gardens.
- Roman Bath: This romantic location is perfect for an intimate ceremony with up to 20 guests. An ancient stone archway frames a direct view of Lake Maggiore, set against the backdrop of the Ticino mountains—an idyllic setting for exchanging vows.
- Palm Meadow: Nestled within the botanical garden and surrounded by majestic palm trees, this location is ideal for wedding ceremonies with up to 100 guests. The Palm Meadow also provides a charming setting for a pre-ceremony aperitif, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the island's exotic atmosphere.
- Eucalyptus Garden: A picturesque location that accommodates up to 150 wedding guests while offering a direct view of the lake. Whether for an intimate or grand ceremony, the Eucalyptus Garden provides a uniquely beautiful natural setting, defined by romance and exclusivity.
Accommodation, Venues, and Plan B
ChatGPT: Villa Emden offers a variety of elegantly furnished rooms and spaces for a stylish and unforgettable wedding. Ten tastefully designed double rooms are available, including dedicated spaces for the bride and groom to get ready. The elegant dining hall, featuring a panoramic view of Lake Maggiore, can accommodate up to 80 guests, with an additional adjoining room available upon request. In case of unpredictable weather, a covered veranda with large windows provides a beautiful alternative for both the ceremony and the celebration. Villa Emden
Arrival and departure options
The easiest way to reach the island is by ferry from Ascona. You can find the schedule and information about the surrounding regions and activities here: ascona-locarno.com.
For weddings, a special taxi boat can be chartered for the wedding party. The last return trip to Ascona is at 2:00 AM, but the bride and groom can also arrive separately by private boat, creating a truly special entrance. Find more information about the taxi boat here: katjaboat.ch.
The unique atmosphere of Brissago Island
Even the boat ride to the floral island of Brissago is an experience in itself. From the water, the island rises majestically, surrounded by mountains and nature that feels almost transportive. As the boat approaches the enchanting island, it evokes scenes from classic films.
After docking, you immediately feel the island’s special tranquility—a place where you can completely escape everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the mild Mediterranean climate. The island exudes harmony, elegance, and romance, making it the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding.
Insider Tips from a Wedding Planner
As a wedding planner for Switzerland, Cyprus, and Greece, I place great importance on finding top locations for my clients. Brissago Island is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive wedding venues in Switzerland. Here, an impressive variety of plants meets an atmosphere of intimacy and Mediterranean charm—a truly unique combination.
The island also offers exclusive arrangements: the entire island, including Villa Emden, can be rented privately, and from 4:00 PM onward, it is closed to the public. A minimum of 40 guests is required for weekday weddings, while weekends require at least 60 guests. For overnight guests, there is no time limit for the celebration; for all others, the last taxi boat departs at 2:00 AM. Weddings can be held here from May to October.
Of course, careful planning is essential to make your wedding day perfect. With my extensive network and years of experience, I ensure that both your big day and the entire planning process are stress-free and truly unforgettable. If you're in the midst of planning and looking for support, I’d love to welcome you on the other side of your next click!
And if you dream of a stunning villa in the same style but prefer to get married directly on Comer See Lake Como, there are several breathtaking options waiting for you!
Melanie
English (UK) 
Deutsch