How to Elope in Italy
How to Elope in Italy
A Complete Guide to Planning an Italy Elopement or Intimate Wedding
There are few places that are filled with as much beauty and magic as Italy. From the pristine waters of Lake Como and the breathtaking mountains in the Dolomites to the delicious food and wine found all throughout the country, an elopement in Italy is sure to be filled with beauty and adventure. In this blog, I’m sharing everything you need to know about how to elope in Italy, from locations, transportation, accommodations, marriage licenses, and more!
Table of Contents
What Is an Elopement?
Why Elope in Italy?
When to Elope in Italy?
How to Elope in Italy?
Apply for Your Marriage License
Italy: Transportation, Accommodations & Reservations
Italy: Set An Elopement Budget
Find the Right Italy Elopement Photographer
What Is an Elopement?
While eloping used to mean running away to the courthouse to get married in secret, in recent years, the definition of the word has changed a lot. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you may already be familiar with the term eloping (and if not, feel free to check out this blog to learn what it means to elope). Elopements can look so many different ways from having an adventure wedding with just the two of you to holding an intimate wedding with a small group of loved ones. Some couples even go a step further and plan a small destination elopement or wedding in a different country.
“What is a destination elopement?” you might ask. A destination wedding means there is an element of travel and accommodations involved for you and/or your guests. This could include driving a few hours to get married in another state or flying halfway around the world and holding your ceremony in a different country. Just like elopements can look many different ways, so can destination weddings. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, only what feels right to you and your partner.
Maybe travel is a big part of your relationship, or maybe there is a country you’ve always wanted to visit, and your wedding seems like the perfect opportunity to take that world-class trip. No matter what the reason, a destination elopement is an exciting way to celebrate the start of your new chapter together.
Need a few more reasons to consider a destination elopement? Check out the blog below!
Why Elope in Italy?
For many people, Italy is a top destination choice, and it’s easy to understand why. Not only is the country filled with beautiful nature, rich culture, and delicious food, but each of its regions has something unique to offer, giving you tons of options for your elopement in Italy.
Whether you want to roam through the country’s historic cities, eat and drink your way through the countryside, or relax in nature surrounded by pristine lakes and grand mountain peaks, there is truly something in Italy for everyone! Here are a few of my favorite activities to consider when eloping in Italy:
Wine tasting
Exploring historic cities
Take cooking classes
Cruising on a classic Vespa
Renting a classic Fiat 500
Hiking
Paragliding
Take Cable Cars to mountain tops (Dolomites)
Mountain biking
Swimming in Alpine lakes or the Mediterranean
Rock climbing a Via Ferrata
Skiing/Snowboarding
...and way more!
Not only is Italy one of the best places to elope, but it’s also the perfect place to honeymoon! Getting married in Italy allows you to combine your elopement and honeymoon trip in one. This can help eliminate some of the stress that comes with planning and allow you to create a more memorable experience overall.
When to Elope in Italy?
In general, the best time to elope in Italy tends to be pretty similar throughout the country. The biggest difference in weather in Italy is between the summer and winter seasons but the best time to elope really comes down to what kind of experience you want to have.
The biggest thing to keep in mind, no matter where you decide to elope, is that Italy is a popular tourist destination. This means that the summer months can get quite crowded, and it may be harder to find lodging or access some locations. If you want to elope in Italy and experience the best of summer without the crowds, I recommend eloping during the shoulder season (the months just before or after summer). April & May are great for any Mediterranean/coastal area. August to late September are great for the Dolomites and higher elevations.
When to Elope in the Dolomites
In the Northeast region of Italy you will find some of the most stunning mountain landscapes that exist! The Dolomites are great for both winter and summer seasons. However, the spring months (aka off-season) can be a little tricky. During these months, many things shut down (gondola rides, restaurants, hotels, etc.) in preparation for the summer season. If you’re up for a little adventure and are ok with a bit of snow and unpredictable weather, this is the season for you, as these months have way fewer crowds!
When to Elope on the Amalfi Coast or in Cinque Terre
If a coastal elopement is calling your name, there are no better places to consider other than the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. These locations are best visited during the shoulder season as there are fewer visitors, making for a more private elopement experience. Keep in mind that those areas consist of small towns, and amenities can be booked fast. If you want to include water activities in your day, the summer months are the best time to visit. While the area will be more crowded, there is nothing like relaxing or swimming in the Mediterranean Sea on a warm summer day!
How to Elope in Italy?
Choose Between an Elopement and an Intimate Wedding
As you start planning your Italy elopement, you might hear the terms intimate wedding and elopement used interchangeably. While these two events have many similarities, they also have a few key differences.
An intimate wedding often includes many aspects of a traditional wedding, just on a smaller scale. Guests typically consist of only the couple’s closest family and friends, and the wedding usually takes place at a venue or more formal location. Intimate weddings keep the focus on the celebration with loved ones and often include many special details.
Elopements, on the other hand, tend to be smaller events centered around the couple and their experience. They can include a small number of guests or be just for the couple. They can take place at any location and allow for more flexibility in terms of what can be done throughout the day.
Want to learn more about the difference between elopements and intimate weddings? Click here to read more on the blog.
Pick Your Italy Elopement Location
The great thing about eloping in Italy is you get to choose between so many different landscapes, from mountains to beaches to the countryside to cities. This might be the most difficult part of planning an Italy elopement, so I’m sharing a few of my top destination recommendations.
The Dolomites
If you are looking for a mountain elopement experience, look no further than the Dolomites. Located in Northern Italy, this mountain range is one of the most stunning places I’ve seen! With pristine lakes, rolling wildflower fields, and jagged peaks, the Dolomites will leave you in awe of the best that Italy's nature has to offer!
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of the busiest places in Italy, but one visit here and you will see why. This charming coastal area has so much to offer. You can take a boat out onto the water to view the city’s beautiful coastline from a distance or explore the many restaurants and hiking trails throughout this fishing town and see for yourself just why this is one of the best places to elope in Italy!
Cinque Terre
If you want the feel of the Amalfi Coast without the crowds, Cinque Terre is the place to go! This area in Northern Italy is actually made up of 5 different fishing towns, but it is much quieter than the Amalfi Coast, making it the perfect destination for a low-key coastal elopement.
Lake Como
Nestled at the foot of the Italian Alps sits one of Italy’s most upscale regions. Lake Como, which also happens to be Italy’s third largest lake, is well known for its winding roads, dramatic scenery, and historic villas. Not only is Lake Como a beautiful place to elope in Italy, but it is also one of the country’s most luxurious regions, making it a top-notch destination wedding location.
Best Cities for an Italy Elopement
While I could go on and on about all the amazing cities to visit during your elopement in Italy, you truly can’t go wrong with any location. From Milan to Florence, Venice, Tuscany, or Rome, each city has something unique to offer, and the best one depends on the type of experience you want to have.
Apply for the Right Marriage License: 3 Ways to Get Married in Italy
In Italy, you can get married in a civil, religious, or symbolic ceremony.
Civil Ceremony
Civil ceremonies in Italy are performed by the mayor (or a deputy) and require two witnesses and an interpreter if necessary. They must take place at a designated marriage hall, and the cost of these locations can vary depending on the season. If you choose to have a civil ceremony, be sure to check the district website for specifics regarding the marriage process.
Religious Ceremony
Religious ceremonies must be led by a Roman Catholic priest and are great for couples who want to get married in one of Italy’s beautiful churches. In addition to the documents required for all legal ceremonies, religious ceremonies also require baptismal and confirmation certificates. To learn more about religious weddings, you will need to contact the local district marriage officiant.
Symbolic Ceremony
Symbolic ceremonies are the simplest ceremony for couples traveling to Italy for their elopement. These ceremonies can be held anywhere, allowing for the most flexibility. Often, couples will complete the marriage process in their home state or country and then exchange their vows during their Italy elopement.
Pro Tip: No matter which type of ceremony you choose for your elopement in Italy, it can be helpful to hire an Italian wedding planner or officiant to help process and translate the paperwork.
Book Your Italy Elopement Transportation, Accommodations, & Reservations
Transportation
Which airport you fly into for your Italy elopement will all depend on the location you choose. Some of the largest airports that are accessible to most locations are Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), Venice (VCE), Florence (FLR) and Naples (NAP) though there are several smaller airports throughout the country as well. Train travel is another way to travel to and throughout Italy and allows for more flexibility when traveling from city to city.
Once you have arrived in Italy, you have a few options for getting around. You can rent a car, which allows you to explore at your own pace, or take public transportation (bus, metro, train, boat, etc.). Taxis and Uber are also available in some locations, while a moped or scooter is best for others.
If all this sounds like a lot to navigate or you need help booking transportation, check with your hotel concierge or Airbnb host. Often, they are more than willing to provide recommendations or even book transportation on your behalf.
Accommodations
You’ve got your plane (or train) ticket and your elopement destination, and all that’s left is to find an amazing venue or place to stay! Finding and booking accommodations in Italy is quite simple. There are lots of Airbnb/Vrbo options or beautiful hotels throughout the country, and many offer both convenience and charm, making for a more authentic and enjoyable experience. If you’re considering an intimate wedding option with 10-20 guests, consider finding a villa for everyone to stay together. This is usually a very convenient option for wedding days where everything takes place in one beautiful location. Moreover, when it
comes to elopements and intimate weddings, keep in mind how the location looks because that will become the backdrop of your photos. In some cases where you’re trying to move regions to see more of Italy, or maybe some of your budgets for more pizza and pasta, couples tend to book a more functional location during the first portion of the day, then move to a more picturesque and luxurious place for their wedding day. This is always a great option and a good balance to experience Italy and what it has to offer between modern stays and its historic homes.
Reservations
While Italy doesn't require location permits like the U.S., you may still need to make a few reservations depending on the location. Reservations can include train or gondola tickets or simply restaurant reservations. If you are planning to take a gondola ride, keep in mind that these tickets can sell out far in advance. Once you have an idea of what you would like to include on your itinerary, you'll want to book your tickets as soon as possible to guarantee a spot. In many cases, couples may find a location that they would love to visit and take wedding photos at, which sometimes requires a reservation since many can be private properties. Make sure to get in touch with any special location early to guarantee access and get more information about what they may require for your visit.
Set an Italy Elopement Budget
Planning to elope in Italy is a big and exciting decision, but in order to set your day and trip up for success, you’ll want to set an elopement budget. Your budget should prioritize the things that matter most to you, whether it’s the venue, photography, or the experiences you include along the way. There is no right or wrong way to budget, but having a plan ahead of time and knowing what’s important to you will help ensure that everything comes together and results in YOUR dream wedding day!
Want to learn more about how much it costs to elope? While costs vary from location to location, I’ve created an entire blog post breaking down the average costs of elopements and weddings, which you can check out here.
Pro tip: Instead of starting with a budget, focus on what truly excites you and makes your adventure unforgettable. Once you know what matters most—whether it's the location, experiences, or specific vendors—then set your budget. This way, you can prioritize what’s important and invest in the parts of your day that make your elopement a unique and memorable journey. Reach out to vendors to see how they can bring your vision to life, and you’ll have a clearer sense of the costs that align with your dream.
Find the Right Italy Elopement Photographer
Eloping in Italy offers the perfect blend of romance, history, and adventure. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the breathtaking coastline of the Amalfi, Italy’s beauty provides a stunning backdrop for your intimate wedding. No matter the season, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore, indulge in world-class cuisine, and celebrate your love in one of the most enchanting places on earth. If you're ready for a wedding experience filled with unforgettable memories, Italy is where your dream day becomes reality.
Ready to start planning your dream Italy elopement day?
I know just the photographer (wink wink) to help you capture all the important moments and details. Learn more about what planning an elopement with me can look like, or if you’re ready to get started, head over to my contact page! I can’t wait to meet you!