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Hailey and Kevin shared their first look at dawn on Riomaggiore’s iconic cliffs. Steep, colourful and beautifully quiet at that hour. From there, they explored some of the Cinque Terre villages, hopping on and off the little train that links them all. Manarola and Vernazza were almost empty in the early morning light, giving them a rare chance to wander through the streets before the crowds arrived. They ended this first part of the day with a slow breakfast, watching the villages wake up and fill with life.
In the afternoon, Hailey and Kevin set off on a romantic sunset boat tour around the Gulf of Poets, a place that has inspired writers and artists for centuries. As the sun dipped, they exchanged their vows in an intimate ceremony with Portovenere as their backdrop.
Why Did the Couple Choose Cinque Terre for Their Elopement?
Hailey & Kevin: Choosing a region was honestly the most difficult part of the entire process. There are so many breathtaking places in Italy, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere. After multiple conversations with Benni and Carol, we realized that Cinque Terre was the perfect fit for us.
We were drawn to it because we wanted something a little more unique, somewhere not everyone immediately chooses. The combination of colorful architecture set against the ocean felt so special and unlike anywhere else. It had this effortless blend of romance, beauty, and authenticity that we knew would make our day feel truly unforgettable.
We originally started planning a classic wedding in the States and even secured a venue. However, the planning process quickly became stressful. Every decision was being made with other people and guests in mind. As much as we love our family and friends, it didn’t feel like the day was truly about the reason people get married.
Once we decided to elope, everything changed. Planning became fun, stress-free, and entirely centered around us and our love for one another.
Can You Get Legally Married in Italy?
Hailey & Kevin: During our elopement we had a symbolic ceremony. Prior to our trip, we had a very small legal ceremony in the States that only included our daughter and parents.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Italy?
Hailey & Kevin: Yes! Even though we didn’t have to worry about sustainability ourselves, it was so cool to work with Benni & Carol Photography because it’s something they’re really passionate about. They love celebrating couples in the outdoors while respecting and protecting the natural world around them.
They’ve even built an Eco‑Network of vendors who share the same values, making it easier for couples to plan beautiful, meaningful celebrations that are kind to the environment. Being around people who genuinely care about nature and sustainability made the day feel even more special and connected to the amazing landscapes of Cinque Terre.
Did You Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Cinque Terre into Their Elopement?
Hailey & Kevin: Absolutely! Incorporating local culture was one of our favorite parts of the day. During our boat tour, we got to see and learn about so many old castles, landmarks, and statues.
Everyone we met was so knowledgeable about the history of the towns, and it was such a joy to hear the passion locals had for their region.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Cinque Terre During June?
Hailey & Kevin: It was outside of rainy season, so that aspect was not of concern. The mornings were mild, and although the days were pretty warm, it was perfect for a boat tour.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Italy?
Hailey & Kevin: Make sure your attire is comfortable, breathable, and easy to move in. Comfortable shoes are a must. There are countless stairs, cobblestone paths, rocky areas, and hillsides to climb up and down, so being prepared will make the experience much more enjoyable. Some of our best photos and views came after climbing stairs and hillsides, which made it all the more worth it.
I wore tennis shoes the majority of the time, which made exploring so much easier, and my husband brought a couple of extra shirts to change into throughout the day, especially with all the walking and sweating. It made a big difference in staying comfortable and fully enjoying the experience.
How Did You Personalize Your Elopement?
Hailey & Kevin: We found really meaningful ways to personalize our wedding day, especially with our loved ones not being there in person. Our celebrant reached out to our parents and had them each write something that was incorporated into our ceremony, which made it feel like they were still a part of it. We also wrote our own vows and shared them with each other at sunset. My husband secretly reached out to my friends and had them write letters for me to read while I was getting ready, so even though they weren’t there to spend the morning with me, I still felt surrounded by their love.
Beyond these gestures, the entire day reflected who we are and what we love. We built it around the things we value most like exploring new places, learning new things, coffee, gelato, boats, the ocean, history, and architecture. We didn’t have to worry about trying to impress anyone or make guests happy. Our main focus was on each other and reflecting on everything we’ve built together, which made the day feel completely ours, centered on love, connection, and the little moments that truly matter.
What Challenges Did you Face While Planning Their Elopement in [Location], and How Did They Overcome Them?
Hailey & Kevin: Honestly, we didn’t face many challenges. The only real hurdle was choosing a destination for our ceremony. Benni and Carol were incredibly knowledgeable about every region in Italy, and we trusted their expertise along with the vision we shared with them. They helped us narrow it down to Val d’Orcia and Cinque Terre. We ultimately chose Cinque Terre for its diversity and unique charm, and we decided to vacation in Val d’Orcia afterward.
What Advice Would you Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Cinque Terre?
Hailey & Kevin: Start the day very early. Our first look was at sunrise, which meant getting ready at 3 a.m., but it was so worth it—the village of Riomaggiore felt completely ours. We were the only ones out, and there was nobody in any of our photos. By the time people started their day, we had already explored the villages. We went back, took a nap, and recharged for the second half of the day.
Otherwise, just relax and enjoy the day—what makes it truly perfect are the moments you never planned for.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Hailey & Kevin: It’s nearly impossible to narrow down the most memorable moments. Beyond the breathtaking scenery of this region, one of our absolute favorites was sitting down for cappuccinos with Carol and Simone after our first look & wandering through the villages. It felt less like meeting new people and more like sitting with family- getting to know each other while hearing little stories about the region that only a local could share.
At one point, locals were coming up asking to take our picture because it’s not every day you see a bride and groom casually enjoying mid-morning cappuccinos. It was such a small, surreal moment where we felt like celebrities.
There are so many other memories we revisit often: the best gelato we’ve ever had from Cono O Coppetta in Lerici, and the unforgettable moment when our boat captain’s parents met us on boat in the middle of the Ligurian Sea to bring us wine, homemade focaccia, and aperitivos to celebrate after exchanging our vows.
Why Is Cinque Terre One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Hailey & Kevin: Cinque Terre is one of the best places to get married in Europe because it’s a stunning combination of natural beauty, charm, and culture. The colorful cliffside villages overlooking the sparkling Ligurian Sea create a breathtaking backdrop that feels romantic and timeless. Each village has its own unique character, from narrow cobblestone streets and historic architecture to incredible local cuisine like fresh seafood and gelato.
Beyond the scenery, the region has an authentic, intimate feel. It’s easy to explore, and the locals are incredibly passionate and welcoming, sharing their history, traditions, and hidden spots that make your day truly memorable. Cinque Terre provided a magical setting that’s hard to match anywhere else in Europe.
