Looking for the best place to Elope in Italy?
Elopements aren’t just a whimsical, fairy-tale like affair, but rather a romantic certainty once you set foot on Italian soil. Elope in Italy and you’ll find a land punctuated with romance that will make you want to run away into the sunset with your loved one, either to get to the pasta faster or to get married!
If rolling hills, sunsets, olive groves, vineyards and coastlines are your bag then we’re certain you’ll find the perfect place for an Italian elopement.
Here are just a handful of the best places to elope in Italy …
Source: davidesandriniph
Valpolicella in Veneto
As one of the most prestigious Italian winemaking areas in the Veneto region, Valpolicella would make a dazzling spot for an elopement wedding in Italy, just an “I do” away from the elegant Roman city of Verona.
The region is home to a wealth of wine, (handy for the after celebrations), but the vineyards themselves could be sensational, sun kissed and movie-esque spots to elope in Italy amongst.
Valpolicella is an intensely beautiful region, whose name comes from “val polis cellae” and means “valley of many cellars.” In short, if a vineyard is what you’re after then the Veneto region makes for a grape escape…
Source: Luca Rajna Progetti Fotografici
Lake Como
Whilst Lake Como might seem like an obvious choice for an elopement, and rightly so, there is more to this dazzling part of Italy. The summer will see the city hosting the Bellagio and Lake Como Festivals. To that backdrop, elopers can watch August boat races, and the annual Giro di Lombardi cycle race that could whip through the town and knock you off your feet before the bride or groom does.
Vibrant street parties with fireworks and locals in medieval costumes pop up at times, so already it is looking like an arena with far more to offer than the dazzling lake alone.
Perhaps you can calm your nerves with a pre-nuptial relaxation ride on Como’s 1894 funicular, which climbs from Como to Brunate and boasts beautiful views across the Lake. Or how does a helicopter elopement sound?
Whisk yourselves away towards breath taking views of Lake Como and capture beautiful memories of your Lake Wedding followed by an intimate private dinner to toast to your new life together.
Source: Dan Novac
The Island Of Murano & Venice
Another civil location is on the island of Murano which is famous for glass blowing and Byzantine architecture. It’s undeniably one of the best places to elope in Italy as the civil hall overlooks the Grand Canal and is the ancient Venetian Palace – simply stunning.
Elopement venues in Venice are in abundance, take a look at the San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice or the Belmond Hotel Cipriani for starters. For civil ceremonies, The Palazzo (Cavalli) will carry them out all day, all week, except when festivals are on, so do check. The palace is a large Renaissance XVI building, overlooking the Grand Canal. Inside you can discover “The Golden Wedding.” painting on display in the marriage hall by Venetian Painter, Luigi Nono (don’t say his name at the alter!).
If you are still unsure, which is doubtful, then George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin swept up to Venice's 13th century town hall – Ca' Farsetti for their civil ceremony and chose a reception at the Aman Canal Grande Hotel – just saying!
Gabriele Fani Photography
The Chapels of Florence
Firenze is what the Italians call this Tuscany gem, and the name conjures up fiery, rich sophistication. With famous artists such as Da Vinci, Brunellschi and Botticelli, Florence is a warm, vibrant, cultural city that has beckoned weddings for centuries!
Eloping in Florence, you’ll find that class oozes from every chapel, ancient building, castle and hotel brick and there are plenty of places for an elopement, from Florence’s chapels with their frescoed ceilings, lakes, or Italian gardens with the scent of peonies and roses brushing the air.
Oak trees, sun rays and starry skies will blend well with romance for your unforgettable memory. The town hall of Florence, Palazzo Vecchio facing the Piazza Della Signoria is a popular setting for civil weddings in the heart of the city.
Source: Liberty
Anacapri
Across from Capri town, in a more remote setting, and a great choice for elopers, is Ana Capri. Here, for your elopement in Italy, you’ll be met by backdrops which include rustic vineyards, olive groves and sea views, reminding you that land meeting the sea and sky, is the reason Italy is a paradise of colour, sophistication and natural beauty.
Your venue’s architectural backdrop consists of pillars entwined with colourful and scented climbing flowers, an ideal destination if you value privacy and are keen to embrace traditional Italian culture.
The buzz of Capri Town is only a 20-minute drive away if you decide to experience what the island of Capri has to offer. The choice is yours!
Source: Majonit
Sensational Sicily
Sicily is another Italian jewel catching the light on the water, sky and buildings effectively and is warm until around November. History, art and archaeology surround Sicily and the local people have a passion for style and traditions.
With the mix of cultures that have ruled here, footsteps from Africans, Asians and Europeans with Norman, Greek, Roman and Arabic influences have thrown down a carpet for couples eloping in Italy to create unique memories.
Start planning your elopement in Italy well in advance. That might not suit instantaneous elopers, but you could keep it a secret for a while! The day will be worth the wait, and Palermo, Catania, Trapani or Noto locals will greet you with anticipation; they can taste love in the air.
Taormina is one town where they are more familiar with elopements and it is one for the wine lovers and olive grove searchers. Wedding planners and photographers in Sicily are happy to plan your day and show you the backdrops for your photos, such as the volcanic Mount Etna, forests, beaches and caves.
They will tempt you to pose outside Baroque Palaces in Modica or Ragusa, lean on Greek temples in Agrigento or capture your pure happiness in Piazza Armerina with its Roman origins. Whilst all this is going on, you will be picking up the sweet scent of the citrus groves surrounding this exotic island.
Rome
Castles in Rome
Eloping in Rome has never been easier! If Venus herself is not available to give you away, then there are efficient wedding planners who know the right icons.
There are two civil venues that are traditionally available for wedding ceremonies in Rome. The 13th century villa called Complesso Vignola Mattei, which is located by the Roman Baths of Caracalla and Villa Lais, a former 19th Century chapel surrounded by picturesque views. It’s a city filled with history, architecture and exquisite food, so if a city elopement is what you’re after then it’s the ideal place.
Stunning venues are located across the city, from rooftop terraces, farm houses, hotels and castles. Check out Castle Orsini-Odescalchi by the shore of Lake Bracciano or venues at the top of the Spanish Steps. The Latinum Hotel or the Milton Roma Hotel, with its garden lounge bar, boast outstanding receptions and food fit for emperors.
Garden terraces, too, are popular choices in Rome, with views that span the expanse of the city, capturing its sunsets and the Roman skyline. Once you’ve tied the knot here you can head off to snap photos on the back of a Vespa or by the Spanish Steps?
You will be married in a city alive by day and night and once you have thrown your Euros into the Trevi fountain, your elopement wishes will really give you all the Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck vibes you need!
Source: Alberto e Alessandra Fotografia Italiana
The Dolomites
Calling all cool elopers – if skiing, log fires, fairy-tale stunning views of mountains, with post wedding snowboarding appeals, the white wedding is literally here! The Dolomites in the North-East are idyllic mountains to elope in Italy, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
Often referred to as the most beautiful mountains in the world, you will be wandering happily to your civil wedding ceremony via alpine villages, castles and chalets perched on mountain sides.
Looking across at mountains covered in snow, with the stars glittering in window panes, and log fires crackling close to your post wedding jacuzzi, this is a picture in your mind to seriously consider.
Are you ready to Elope in Italy?
It's hard to envision a more romantic country than Italy, which is why so many couples head over to the Mediterranean gem each year to Elope.
All you need is you, your partner & Italy!
