The best Beach Wedding Locations in Italy.
Italian Wedding Planner, Jo Daye from Accent Events shares her favourite seaside wedding locations.
Joe & Joe’s Wedding in Portofino
Many of us hanker after the perfect wedding location and “beach weddings” often feature high on the criteria list. The term “beach wedding” although romantic is fairly limiting to inspiration, it conjures up tropical skies and white beaches, and walking barefoot to your wedding arch.
Beach weddings in Italy or a sea view wedding has the potential to deliver more than blue sky and sandy beaches particularly when it comes to setting the scene for your special day and a memorable experience for your guests.
The coast line for Italy has to be one of the most diverse so you can set the scene by opting for an haute couture wedding in the north or a more authentic experience in the south of Italy; there is one thing that no amount of money can change and that is the characteristic scenery of the region you choose and the flavours and scents that accompany it.
Celebrity Beach Weddings in Italy
One of my particular favourite regions for beach weddings in Italy is the northern Riviera of Liguria, it forms part of the arc between France and Italy looking out to the Gulf of Genoa. Portofino and Santa Margherita are probably two of the most recognisable locations and have been very much part of the celeb scene having played wedding host to Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster as well as Wayne Rooney and Colleen McCulloch.
Both chose La Cervara for their celebrations. This former Abbey which in some form has been standing for centuries has the most amazing gardens that lookout to sea and would provide the ideal location for cocktails and canapés. Whether you choose to arrive by luxury yacht or traditional fishing boat this is no doubt a sought after venue. There is an inner cloister area which makes an excellent setting for cutting the wedding cake, which can be done by candlelight.
Joe & Joe’s Wedding in Portofino
Portofino was originally a small fishing port but acquired Hollywood glamour when the stars such as Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly and Rex Harrison made the Hotel Splendido their Italian retreat. The sea is hardly ever out of view. Here it is possible to have both church wedding and civil ceremony. The location of Castello Brown high above Portofino offers amazing views be prepared to walk as there are restrictions for motor vehicles.
There are many locations from which to choose, exclusivity at La Cervara, the glamour of the Hotel Splendido or a beach side restaurant where the reception can be as informal as you would like. Beach weddings in Italy offer you the opportunity to become a part of your surroundings rather than being on show in the tropics! Walking the cobbled pathway up to Castello Brown you will pass locals who will watch passively or clap their hands and wish you well.
Portofino and Santa Margherita are easily accessible from Genoa Airport. Public transport is well served from the airport, a bus will take you to the main rail station and from there it is only a short train journey to Santa Margherita.
The Legalities of Beach Weddings in Italy
If it is your heart’s desire to have a beach wedding in Italy it is advisable to ask your wedding planner or Town Hall about the legalities that apply to a ceremony on the beach. Some say it is OK if the wedding is on a public beach, however there will be variations from region to region to what is possible. Some brides prefer to be legally married at the time of the ceremony in front of their guests rather complete the legal requirement & signing of documents before or after the ceremony, this is going to be down to personal mindset.
Joe & Joe’s Wedding in Portofino
Find out More
I hope the above information has been a helpful starting point. If you would like to learn more about Beach Weddings in Italy, please use the form below to contact Jo from Accent Events who will be more than happy to answer your questions.
