Ah, Portofino! Just saying the name feels like sipping a fine Italian wine—smooth, romantic, and full of character. If you’re dreaming of a wedding straight out of a movie, with pastel-hued buildings cascading into a shimmering blue sea, you’ve found your perfect place.
But before you pack your bags (or your wedding dress), let’s dive into the best venues, hotels, and tips for planning a dream wedding in this Mediterranean paradise.
Why Choose Portofino for Your Wedding?
Picture this: You’re exchanging vows as the sun melts into the Ligurian Sea, a gentle breeze carries the scent of bougainvillea, and the only sound (besides your heart racing) is the clinking of Prosecco glasses in celebration. Portofino isn’t just a wedding destination; it’s an experience.
Why couples love Portofino:
✔ Breathtaking Scenery – You won’t need to worry about décor when Mother Nature has already set the stage.
✔ Exclusive & Intimate – It’s luxurious, but not overrun with tourists like other Italian hotspots.
✔ Gourmet Italian Cuisine – Fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and local wines? Say no more.
✔ Easy Access – Just a short drive from Genoa or a romantic boat ride from other Ligurian gems.
Best Wedding Venues in Portofino
1. Belmond Hotel Splendido (Website)
🌿 Perfect for: Luxury lovers, intimate yet grand weddings
💰 Price Range: $$$$
If “timeless elegance” had a home, it would be Belmond Hotel Splendido. Nestled on a hill overlooking Portofino’s bay, this legendary venue has hosted Hollywood icons (Elizabeth Taylor, we see you) and is perfect for couples seeking a refined, high-end celebration.
2. La Cervara (Website)
🏰 Perfect for: History buffs, fairytale weddings
💰 Price Range: $$$$
This 14th-century monastery-turned-wedding-venue is pure magic. Think: ivy-covered stone walls, manicured gardens, and panoramic terraces straight out of a Renaissance painting. Bonus points for saying “I do” in a place that has literally withstood the test of time.
3. Castello Brown (Website)
🛡 Perfect for: Couples who want a castle wedding with jaw-dropping views
💰 Price Range: $$$
A real castle towering over the town? Yes, please. Castello Brown offers unmatched panoramic views of Portofino’s bay, making it one of the most picturesque wedding locations in all of Italy. Imagine walking down the aisle surrounded by medieval charm, then celebrating with an al fresco dinner overlooking the sea.
4. Splendido Mare (Website)
🌊 Perfect for: Chic, waterfront weddings
💰 Price Range: $$$$
For those who prefer an intimate luxury experience right in the heart of Portofino, Splendido Mare is a dream come true. With only 14 rooms, this boutique hotel offers exclusivity, stunning harbor views, and personalized service that ensures your big day is flawless.
Best Hotels for Wedding Guests in Portofino
Your guests deserve to be pampered too! Here are some top places to stay:
- Hotel Piccolo Portofino (Website) – Chic boutique hotel right by the water.
- Grand Hotel Miramare (Website) – A classic, elegant choice in nearby Santa Margherita Ligure.
- Eight Hotel Portofino (Website) – Stylish and modern, steps from the Piazzetta.
5 Essential Tips for Planning a Wedding in Portofino
1. Timing is Everything
💡 Best time to get married in Portofino? May–September. You get perfect weather, but summer months are peak season—so book early!
2. Wedding Legalities in Italy
Yes, you can legally get married in Italy as a foreigner, but there’s paperwork involved. Consider hiring a local wedding planner to handle the bureaucracy while you sip Aperol Spritz.
3. Transportation is Key
Portofino is small, and parking is… let’s just say complicated. Arrange transport for guests, or better yet—arrive by boat for the ultimate entrance.
4. Book Vendors Early
Portofino’s top florists, photographers, and caterers get snatched up fast. Start planning at least 12-18 months in advance for the best options.
5. Embrace the Italian Wedding Traditions
Throw rice (or confetti) at the newlyweds, hire a mandolin player, and end the night with a giant Millefoglie cake. When in Italy, do as the Italians do! 🇮🇹
How Much Does a Wedding in Portofino Cost?
💰 Budget-friendly wedding: €10,000–€30,000 (small gathering, boutique hotel)
💰💰 Luxury wedding: €50,000–€100,000+ (castle venue, top-tier vendors)
💰💰💰 Ultra-lux wedding: €200,000+ (Belmond Hotel Splendido, full event production)
While Portofino isn’t a cheap destination, the experience is priceless.
Capture the Moment: Why You Need a Destination Wedding Photographer
Portofino is stunning—but only if you capture it right. As a destination wedding photographer, I know how to blend the magic of this place with your love story. Whether it’s the golden sunset over Castello Brown or a stolen kiss on a boat ride, your wedding photos should be just as breathtaking as the moment itself.
📸 Want to see more Portofino wedding magic? Check out my wedding photography blog.
💍 Curious about pricing? Explore my wedding photography packages.
📩 Ready to start planning? Let’s chat and bring your dream wedding to life.
Final Thoughts: Why Portofino is the Perfect Wedding Destination
Portofino isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. It’s romance woven into every street, sunsets that steal your breath, and moments that last a lifetime. If you’re dreaming of a wedding where luxury meets intimacy, where the food is as divine as the views, and where every corner is a photographer’s dream, then Portofino is waiting for you.
So… when are we booking your dream wedding? 😉
