Picture this: warm golden sand under your feet, the scent of salt and lemons in the air, and the love of your life standing beside you, whispering, “Ti amo.” Liguria—a slice of paradise nestled between the French Riviera and Tuscany—is the ultimate destination for a dreamy beach wedding.
Whether you’re envisioning a luxurious Portofino ceremony, a colorful Cinque Terre elopement, or an intimate vow exchange on a hidden cove, Liguria has it all. But before you start Googling “how to get married on the beach in Italy,” let’s dive into the best wedding locations, costs, and expert tips to help you plan the perfect seaside celebration.
🌊 1. Portofino – Where Luxury Meets Romance
If Portofino were a drink, it would be vintage champagne—elegant, rare, and with a price tag to match. This charming fishing village, famous for its pastel-hued waterfront and designer boutiques, is perfect for couples seeking a high-end wedding with a cinematic backdrop.
Top Wedding Venues in Portofino:
- 💍 Castello Brown – A 15th-century castle perched above the bay with breathtaking terrace views. Imagine saying “I do” here, with the sea stretching endlessly behind you. Cost: Venue rental starts at €5,000. 📍www.castellobrown.com
- 💎 Belmond Hotel Splendido – If you want a lavish reception, this legendary hotel offers Michelin-star dining and postcard-worthy views. Cost: Wedding packages start at €15,000+. 📍www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/portofino
- ⛵ Private Boat Ceremony – If you want something intimate (and budget-friendly!), exchange vows on a traditional Ligurian fishing boat while cruising the coastline. Cost: Around €1,000 for a private charter.
📸 Pro Tip: Portofino can get crowded (and pricey) in peak summer. For the best experience, plan your wedding in September or early October—the weather is perfect, and the crowds have thinned.
🌅 2. Cinque Terre – A Fairytale on the Cliffs
If Portofino is champagne, Cinque Terre is a Negroni—bold, colorful, and unmistakably Italian. These five cliffside villages are UNESCO-protected gems, each offering a stunning seaside setting for your big day.
Best Wedding Beaches in Cinque Terre:
- 🏖️ Monterosso al Mare – The only Cinque Terre village with a proper sandy beach, making it ideal for a classic barefoot ceremony. Cost: Free for a symbolic wedding, or around €500 for a private setup.
- 🌊 Vernazza’s Hidden Coves – Perfect for couples wanting a more secluded, intimate vibe. Just don’t be surprised if a local fisherman cheers you on from his boat!
- 💫 Manarola’s Cliffside Ceremony – Not technically a beach, but who cares? The dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and pastel buildings make for a surreal wedding backdrop.
📸 Pro Tip: The best lighting for photos? Golden hour. Just before sunset, the sky turns into a watercolor painting, and your wedding photos will look straight out of Vogue.
🏝️ 3. Baia del Silenzio – The “Bay of Silence” (And Pure Romance)
Want to feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene? Welcome to Baia del Silenzio, a hidden paradise in Sestri Levante. This small bay, framed by candy-colored buildings and gentle waves, is one of Liguria’s best-kept secrets.
Why It’s Perfect for a Wedding:
✅ Intimate, quiet, and naturally romantic—perfect for smaller weddings.
✅ Soft golden sand and pastel-hued houses = dreamy wedding album.
✅ Plenty of beachfront restaurants where you can host a laid-back reception with fresh seafood and wine.
📍 More on Sestri Levante and Baia del Silenzio: www.sestrilevante.com
📸 Pro Tip: If you’re planning a sunset wedding, book a live violinist or acoustic guitarist to play while you exchange vows. Trust me, it’s pure magic. 🎻✨
🏖️ 4. Varigotti – A Hidden Paradise for Free Spirits
If you want a beach wedding without the crowds or high price tags, Varigotti is your dream destination. Located between Finale Ligure and Noli, this boho-chic beach town is all about golden sands, turquoise waters, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe.
Why You’ll Love It:
- 🏝️ Wild, untouched beaches = no need for excessive decorations.
- 💰 Budget-friendly – Many public beaches allow free symbolic ceremonies.
- 🌿 The town has a unique mix of Italian and Moorish architecture, adding extra charm to your wedding photos.
📍 Explore Varigotti: www.liguriaguide.com/varigotti
📸 Pro Tip: Want a truly cinematic wedding entrance? Rent a Vespa and ride up to your ceremony in classic Italian style! 🛵💨
💰 How Much Does a Beach Wedding in Liguria Cost?
| Expense |
Budget Option |
Luxury Option |
| Venue Rental |
€0 – €1,000 (public beaches) |
€5,000 – €20,000+ (private venues) |
| Photographer |
€1,500 – €5,000+ |
€5,000 – €10,000+ |
| Reception Dinner |
€50 – €100 per person |
€200+ per person |
| Wedding Planner |
€1,000 – €3,000 |
€5,000+ |
| Flowers & Decor |
€500 – €2,000 |
€5,000+ |
📸 Pro Tip: A symbolic beach ceremony (rather than a legal one) is way easier and lets you avoid Italian bureaucracy. Many couples opt for a civil wedding back home and a romantic Italian beach ceremony afterward.
💡 FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
📌 Can I legally get married on a beach in Liguria?
Yes, but it requires a permit from the local municipality. Most couples opt for a symbolic ceremony and do the paperwork separately.
📌 What’s the best time of year for a Liguria beach wedding?
📍 September to October – warm weather, fewer crowds, and stunning sunsets.
📌 Should I hire a wedding planner?
If you want a stress-free wedding, yes! A local planner can handle permits, vendors, and logistics.
📸 Ready to Capture Your Dream Wedding in Liguria? Let’s Make It Unforgettable!
A Ligurian beach wedding isn’t just about stunning scenery—it’s about crafting an experience that feels uniquely YOU. And what’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment without someone to capture every breathtaking second?
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in cinematic, emotional photography that makes your love story shine. Whether you’re planning a Portofino luxury affair or a laid-back Varigotti elopement, I’d love to document your adventure.
✨ See my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
📷 Explore my packages: Investment
💌 Let’s chat: Contact Me
Italy is waiting. Are you ready? 💍🌊✨
