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Anna and Vincent planned a celebration that reflected their relationship: relaxed, romantic and intentionally unstructured. They shared private vows at sunrise, explored hidden corners of the city by gondola and water taxi and ended their day dancing under the lights of St. Mark’s Square. A perfect example of how to plan an elopement that truly feels like you.
Why Did the Couple Choose Venice for Their Elopement?
Anna & Vincent: Our first big international trip together was in Italy in September 2023. We made stops in Rome, Florence, Naples, and Venice and ended up getting engaged in Venice. Italy and Venice in particular are very special to us and some of our happiest memories together are there.
We didn’t want a traditional wedding. They’re extremely expensive and, in our opinion, not worth months of stressful planning. We were able to spend a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding on a 3 week trip to Italy and Greece which included our elopement, honeymoon, and a beautiful set of professional photos. We also wanted it to be just us.
What Makes Venice Special for Elopements?
Silvia, the photographer: Venice is my city, it’s unique, the only city in the world where everything is on the water. It’s very romantic for an Elopement.
Can You Get Legally Married in Italy?
Yes, you can.
Anna & Vincent: We had a symbolic ceremony in Venice and a civil ceremony back in New York about a week before.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Venice into Their Elopement?
Anna & Vincent: We knew we had to get photos of us having a typical Italian breakfast of cornettos with cappuccinos. We also made sure to include a gondola ride.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Venice During June?
Anna & Vincent: early June is a great time to get married in Venice. The weather isn’t too hot or cold and it’s not as crowded as it is later in the summer.
Siliva, the photographer: The best time of year is April, beginning of May or end of September and October. In general sunrise is the calmest time of the day but sunset is beautiful as well if you choose less known areas or a private boat ride.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Venice?
Anna & Vincent: It was such an advantage to have our photographer, Silvia, who was local to the area and had plenty of experience photographing in Venice. She was crucial in creating a perfectly curated itinerary based on the things we wanted as part of our celebration as well as offering suggestions to elevate the day to perfection. Silvia was a tremendous help as a native Italian speaker to assist in communication with local vendors, gondoliers, etc.
Silvia, the photographer (local to Venice): Avoid peak touristic season (July and August) for the crowds and the heat. Plan ahead if you want to do it on a private terrace or if you want to get married at the city hall with a legal ceremony. Hire local vendors because Venice works in very different ways than the other cities of the world (timing, transport etc are difficult to figure out if you don’t live the city daily).
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Anna & Vincent: Our photographer, Silvia, gave us the opportunity to split our day into two parts for photos which allowed us to have more formal attire in the morning before the temperature got too warm and then we picked back up in the evening before sunset to take more pictures in more relaxed outfits to have a different vibe in our photos.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Venice, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Anna & Vincent: We knew we wanted to do a gondola ride for our elopement photos but we didn’t know the best way to schedule a ride in advance and finding the right timing that worked with our itinerary was tricky. Our photographer, Silvia, helped us out a ton by reaching out to gondoliers for us and ensuring we were able to fit a gondola ride into our schedule.
What Advice Would the Couple Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Venice?
Anna & Vincent: Book ahead of time, especially if you plan on getting married in the busy summer season. Eloping should overall be less stressful than a traditional wedding – make sure to have fun with it 🙂
Silvia, the photographer: Hire a planner or a local photographer because Venice is a difficult city to understand.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Anna & Vincent: Getting up early and walking around the city just after sunrise before everyone else started their day. There were many beautiful scenes by the water, in the alleyways, on the gondola, and the water taxi.
Why Is Venice One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Anna & Vincent: Venice is beautiful and one of a kind.
