The Pros and Cons of a Wedding on the Italian Riviera

One of the dreamiest places to wed in Italy, but what do you need to watch out for when marrying on this beautiful stretch of coastline.

When dreaming of a seaside wedding, what do you think of? Endless vistas. Sparkling clear waters. Captivating landscapes. Well, a wedding on the Italian Riviera (Liguria) offers all of that, and more! This crescent-shaped strip of coastline straddles the south of France, and Tuscany. Its most easterly half, Riviera di Levante is famed for its rugged cliffs, turquoise coves and pastel colored fishing villages. Amongst the rural and the natural, lies the refined Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure.

As wedding planners in Italy, we have created many glorious celebrations on the Italian Riviera. And never has this wonderful destination wedding location ever disappointed our couples. When planning a wedding however, it’s important to understand the negatives, as well as the positives of your chosen location. Therefore today, we thought we’d share our top pro’s and con’s of a wedding on the Italian Riviera. In the hope that we inspire, and inform your big day planning.

The Pro’s

Breathtaking Views

If you want guaranteed spectacular views, and breathtaking scenery on your wedding day, then the Italian Riviera will provide. Being situated on the northwest coast of Italy, and surrounded by lush green hills, it is blessed with nature all around. This often means that wedding ceremonies and receptions are held outside, on terraces overlooking the sea. In order to soak up all of those breathtaking views.

Only a Flight Away

The Italian Riviera is well-connected with an international airport close by. The closest is Genoa, a 40-minute journey from the coast. This airport is served by Alitalia, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa and also budget airlines such as Ryanair. There are other nearby international airports, such as Pisa, a 1-hour drive away, Milano Malpensa a 2:30 hrs drive, Milano Linate at 1:45 minute drive or Nice 2:30 hrs drive. This superb connectivity means your travelling loved ones will have no difficulty in reaching your destination!

A Wide Selection of Accommodation

When planning a wedding it’s important to consider accommodation, thankfully the Italian Riviera offers plenty of options. With its wide range of villas and hotels, the Italian Riviera can cater for every kind of wedding guest. Offering luxury accommodation, while also catering for the more budget conscious. The region boasts a variety of elegant coastal resorts, meaning guests can stay together, and at the same time choose their own hotel according to their needs.

The Italian Riviera also offers a very varied selection of wedding venues. Each with their own unique personality, and style. Such as Belmond Splendido in Portofino, a very glamorous hotel that oozes cinematic charm and stylishly celebrates its illustrates history. This idyllic hotel overlooking the sea is perfect for a big day of any size. From intimate elopements or micro-weddings surrounded by your closest family and friends. To extravagant takeovers of the whole hotel, with luxurious banquets and swinging cocktail parties till dawn.

Live the Dolce Vita

The Italian Riviera is known for its relaxed elegance. It is the ultimate destination for those travelers looking to spend 3 to 5 days experiencing pure Dolce Vita lifestyle. Fine wine and dining, unforgettable panoramas, long summer days strolling along the marina, casual cocktails at sunset… The sweetness of doing nothing is synonymous with Portofino’s welcoming old world charm.

Our experienced team of wedding planners can recommend the most charming spots along the Italian Riviera coastline for you and your guests to enjoy! One such place we would certainly suggest to you while you’re staying in Portofino, is Castello Brown. An historic castle that sits high above the harbor and offers spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Castello Brown also offers up its breathtaking views to couples wanting to tie the knot in an exclusive setting. Just picture your nuptials now, back dropped against the green of the castle park, the blue of the sea and illuminated by the lights of the village square. Magical.

The 360° Ligurian experience is so special, and varied. From kayak tours along the coast in the Marine Protected Area of Portofino, to food and wine tasting sessions of local organic produce and relaxing days at an exclusive beach club! There is a perfect experience for every one of your wedding guests on the Italian Riviera.

The sunny Italian Riviera allows for wedding season to stretch from May to October thanks to the warm temperatures during that time. Because of this, many of the best wedding venues on the Italian Riviera have incredible outside spaces for you to exchange your vows in, and celebrate on. For instance, La Cervara has one of the most beautiful and enchanting gardens in the Italian Riviera. Sitting high above the municipalities of Santa Margherita Ligure and glamorous Portofino, this magnificent wedding venue offers the dreamiest backdrop to your special day.

The Con’s

Transport

The Italian Riviera is a niche destination, so in some cases it can be quite complex to reach certain spots without a previous check of the roads. The most common vehicle in the Italian Rivera is a scooter, for this exact reason. But no worries! Our wedding planners will provide a concierge service during your stay in Italy. This team will expertly manage your movements in advance, always providing you with the best solution for travel.

Wedding Venues Are Intimate

As mentioned before, this region is in-between the sea and the mountains, and so space is quite limited. Of course, it is possible to host big weddings, but few venues can host large numbers of guests. However, we will always provide a solution, and find you the venue that perfectly fits your guest size. Just keep in mind that the size of your guest list will impact your choice of venues.

During high season in places like Portofino, it can get quite crowded with visitors. That is why it is always important to speak to wedding planners in Italy like us, as we will be able to suggest the perfect time to avoid tourists.

We hope we have inspired your destination wedding plans for the Italian Riviera or Italy in general. As wedding planners in Italy we have unrivaled know-how of the venues and vendors across the whole country. From the awe-inspiring destinations of Tuscany, Portofino and Capri. To the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Puglia and Florence. Wherever you choose to tie the knot in Italy, we have the knowledge to make it magnificent. If you’d like to book Sposiamovi as your wedding planners in Italy, please do get in touch via our contact page. In the meantime please browse our recent real weddings.