Beach Weddings in Italy

Beach Weddings in Italy – Our Favourite Locations.

Italian Wedding Planner, Jo Daye from Accent Events shares her favourite Italian seaside wedding locations.



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 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 recognizable locations and recently have been very much part of the celeb scene having played wedding host to Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster as well as in 2008 to 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.


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. Italy offers 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
Beach weddings in Italy are not possible, civil weddings must take place with the halls of the Comune or a property owned by the Comune. Always read the small print when an outdoor wedding is offered as what this normally means is that the legal part takes place at the town hall offices and then the mayor or an official will then do a symbolic marriage at the outdoor location. This will of course incur additional costs which are usually related to time and travel for the official.




If you would like to learn more about Beach Weddings in Italy please contact Jo from Accent Events who will be more than happy to provide you with additional advice and information.