Ah, Liguria—where pastel-colored villages cling to dramatic cliffs, the sea glistens under the Italian sun, and love is practically baked into the air alongside fresh focaccia. If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding in Italy, this stunning coastal region might just be the perfect setting.
But let’s be real—planning a wedding, even a small one, can feel like juggling Italian espresso shots after a sleepless night. So, let me guide you through the most charming wedding venues, insider tips, and practical advice to make your destination wedding in Liguria as magical as a sunset in Portofino.
Why Liguria for Your Small Wedding?
Unlike Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast (which are undeniably stunning but often crowded and pricey), Liguria offers a more intimate, exclusive feel while still delivering those jaw-dropping landscapes. Think Cinque Terre’s colorful cliffside villages, Portofino’s glamour, and hidden medieval hamlets that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a romance novel.
Best part? You can have a wedding here that feels luxurious without spending your life savings (unless you want to go all-out, of course!).
Top Wedding Venues in Liguria for an Intimate Celebration
1. Castello Canevaro (Zoagli) – A Castle by the Sea
📍 Website
Ever dreamed of getting married in a seaside castle? Castello Canevaro is a historic gem perched right above the Ligurian coastline. With panoramic terraces, a private beach, and the sound of waves crashing below, this is the kind of venue that makes you feel like royalty.
💎 Perfect for: Couples who want a fairy-tale wedding with ocean views.
👰 Guest capacity: Up to 80 guests.
💰 Price range: $$$$ (but hey, it’s a castle).
2. Villa Durazzo (Santa Margherita Ligure) – Classic Italian Elegance
📍 Website
Picture this: A 17th-century villa, frescoed ceilings, sweeping gardens, and a terrace with a view of the Ligurian Sea. This place screams classic Italian romance, making it an absolute dream for a luxurious yet intimate wedding.
💎 Perfect for: Couples who love history, grandeur, and sipping Prosecco in style.
👰 Guest capacity: Up to 100 guests.
💰 Price range: $$$
3. L’Eremo della Maddalena (Monterosso al Mare) – Rustic & Romantic
📍 Website
For a laid-back yet enchanting setting, this restored monastery nestled in the hills of Cinque Terre is a winner. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, it’s an intimate hideaway where you can exchange vows with the Ligurian coastline as your witness.
💎 Perfect for: Couples who want a boho-chic, nature-infused wedding.
👰 Guest capacity: Up to 50 guests.
💰 Price range: $$
4. Villa Marigola (Lerici) – Poetry in a Venue
📍 Website
Nestled above the Gulf of Poets, Villa Marigola is a venue so romantic that even Lord Byron and Shelley would approve. Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the sea, it’s the kind of place where your wedding photos will look like paintings.
💎 Perfect for: Couples who love art, literature, and dramatic coastal views.
👰 Guest capacity: Up to 120 guests.
💰 Price range: $$$
5. Ristorante Scola (Castelbianco) – A Hidden Culinary Gem
📍 Website
If you want a tiny, authentic Italian wedding with mind-blowing food, Ristorante Scola is your spot. Tucked away in the medieval village of Castelbianco, this intimate venue combines rustic charm with Ligurian culinary excellence.
💎 Perfect for: Foodie couples who love cozy, intimate settings with gourmet delights.
👰 Guest capacity: Up to 30 guests.
💰 Price range: $$
Planning Tips for Your Ligurian Wedding
1. Best Time to Get Married in Liguria?
☀ May-June & September-October = Best weather + fewer tourists.
🔥 July-August = Peak season = higher prices & crowds.
🍂 November-April = Low season = cheaper but unpredictable weather.
2. Legal Requirements for a Wedding in Italy
If you’re a foreigner, you’ll need:
✅ A “Nulla Osta” (a document proving you’re legally free to marry).
✅ Official translations of documents.
✅ A civil or religious ceremony recognized by Italian law.
💡 Pro tip: Hire a local wedding planner to handle the paperwork unless you enjoy bureaucratic nightmares.
3. Budget Breakdown for a Small Wedding in Liguria
💰 Venue rental: €3,000 – €15,000
💰 Catering (per person): €80 – €250
💰 Photography: €1,500 – €5,000
💰 Flowers & décor: €1,000 – €5,000
💰 Wedding planner: €2,000 – €7,000
👉 Total cost estimate: €10,000 – €40,000 depending on location & guest count.
Final Thoughts: Is Liguria Right for Your Wedding?
If you love seaside romance, historic charm, and Michelin-star-worthy food, then YES. Liguria is a dream destination for an intimate wedding where every corner looks like a postcard.
And if you’re thinking, “This all sounds perfect, but who’s going to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments?”—I’ve got you.
📸 Let’s make magic together! I specialize in capturing the raw, beautiful emotions of destination weddings. Explore my portfolio here, check out my wedding photography packages here, or reach out for a chat here.
Because your wedding deserves to be remembered in the most breathtaking way. 💛✨
