Weddings in the Italian Riviera

There is a small slice of heaven along the west coast of Italy that is known the world over for its unparalleled beauty and romance. This tiny stretch of coastline, with its long, sandy beaches, enchanting villages, and its panoramic and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean is known as the Italian Riviera. There is quite possibly no more beautiful or romantic place in all of creation in which to wed or to spend a glorious and secluded honeymoon.

There are three primary villages along the coast of the Italian Riviera. If you wish a civil wedding overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean there are few places more spectacular than the villa or the park in the ancient town of Rapallo, just minutes from Portofino. This village is perfect for intimate weddings with up to 30 guests. Religious weddings are not available in Rapallo, but your civil ceremony will provide enough memories for a lifetime.

South of Rapallo, still hugging the beautiful coastline, is the larger and more well-known town of Santa Margherita. The indescribably beautiful villa and park which overlooks the ancient beauty of the Mediterranean can hold virtually any number of guests. The villa has been painstakingly restored to its ancient grandeur and filled with period antiques and furnishings. Your civil wedding here in the villa will be a treasure never to be forgotten.

Religious weddings can also be arranged in Santa Margherita. There are many ancient and beautiful churches scattered throughout Santa Margherita for you to choose from. Keep in mind that each church has slightly different wedding requirements so that it is wise to contact your church of choice in Santa Margherita several months before your ceremony is planned if you wish an actual church wedding.

However, a religious ceremony is quite a different thing if you have already had a civil wedding. If your religious wedding is a symbolic one then it is possible to easily arrange for a stunning wedding ceremony in any number of spectacular settings. Santa Margherita, with its many Edwardian-style hotels can provide a luxurious hotel wedding, either indoors or a rooftop ceremony. You may also choose from a number of garden locations and even a genuine medieval castle.

Further south is the quaint and charismatic fishing village of Portovenere. This picture-postcard village has a beautiful and modern town hall where a civil ceremony may be performed with the deep blue of the Mediterranean Ocean providing an unforgettable backdrop. Portovenere provides dozens of locations for wedding photos that are unique in all the world. Most of the town’s streets are mere pedestrian lanes filled with parks and unexpected flowerbeds and shots of the Mediterranean framed through ancient ruins that would make a Hollywood director’s heart stop beating.

Your reception in Portovenere will take place in the nearby town of Cinque Terra, which specializes in romantic and classical Riviera-style wedding receptions with wine and entertainment and food that flows all night long.

A wedding and reception or a honeymoon along Italy’s world-renowned Riviera coast is a once-in-a lifetime experience and the memories of your most special day will be sealed in your hearts forever.