So, you’ve decided on Italy for your dream wedding—great choice! But now comes the real dilemma:
Portofino or Cinque Terre?
It’s like choosing between a Michelin-starred dinner in Milan and a home-cooked Italian feast by a Nonna in Tuscany—both unforgettable, but completely different vibes.
One is luxurious, intimate, and polished, while the other is vibrant, adventurous, and dripping with character. So, which one will be the perfect setting for your “I do”? Let’s dive in!
Portofino: The Glamorous, Exclusive Italian Wedding Spot
Why Portofino?
Portofino is where fairy-tale weddings meet high-end luxury. This once-sleepy fishing village has transformed into a jet-set hotspot, welcoming the likes of celebrities, royals, and, well…you, soon!
Picture pastel-colored buildings hugging the emerald-green harbor, mega-yachts floating lazily in the bay, and candlelit terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s the kind of place where you can say “I do” with a glass of vintage prosecco in hand and a sea breeze in your hair.
Top Wedding Venues in Portofino
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🛕 Castello Brown – (🔗castellobrown.com)
A medieval castle perched on a hilltop with panoramic sea views? Yes, please! This historic fortress is one of the most exclusive and breathtaking wedding venues in Italy.
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🏨 Belmond Hotel Splendido – (🔗belmond.com)
The definition of luxury. Think gorgeous terraced gardens, Michelin-starred cuisine, and five-star service. This is where Hollywood A-listers get married. Literally.
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⛪ Church of San Giorgio
If you dream of a traditional Italian wedding, this charming yellow church overlooking the sea is perfect. Plus, after the ceremony, you can take a romantic boat ride along the coast—a photographer’s dream!
Portofino Wedding Vibe:
Exclusive, intimate, and effortlessly glamorous. If you love designer gowns, vintage convertibles, and champagne towers, this is your place. Just be ready for the luxury price tag—Portofino is one of Italy’s most expensive wedding destinations.
Cinque Terre: The Vibrant, Bohemian Dream Wedding Spot
Why Cinque Terre?
If Portofino is a glamorous black-tie affair, Cinque Terre is a wild, barefoot-in-the-sunset love story.
This stunning collection of five colorful cliffside villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—offers rugged beauty, breathtaking sunsets, and an effortlessly romantic atmosphere.
Best Wedding Venues in Cinque Terre
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🏰 Doria Castle, Vernazza
Dreaming of a medieval castle wedding with jaw-dropping sea views? This fortress is one of the most scenic and dramatic locations in Italy for an intimate ceremony.
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🌿 Vineyard Weddings in Manarola
Say your vows among rolling vineyards with the iconic Cinque Terre coastline as your backdrop. Plus, local Sciacchetrà wine for the toast? Perfetto!
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⛪ San Pietro Church, Corniglia
A historic 14th-century church surrounded by vineyards, perfect for couples looking for an authentic, romantic ceremony.
Cinque Terre Wedding Vibe:
Rustic, artistic, and full of adventure. If you love cobblestone streets, hidden trattorias, and postcard-worthy views, Cinque Terre is the place for you. It’s more affordable than Portofino, but also harder to navigate—some spots require hiking or boat rides to reach.
Portofino vs. Cinque Terre: Which One is Right for Your Wedding?
👰 Wedding Style:
- Portofino – Elegant, exclusive, high-end luxury.
- Cinque Terre – Boho, adventurous, full of charm.
💰 Budget:
- Portofino – $$$$$ (luxury venues, high-end services)
- Cinque Terre – $$-$$$ (more budget-friendly, but still stunning!)
🌅 Scenery & Photography:
- Portofino – Iconic harbor, yachts, luxurious backdrops.
- Cinque Terre – Vibrant, colorful villages, dramatic cliffs, rustic beauty.
🚗 Accessibility:
- Portofino – Easier to reach, great hotels, private villas.
- Cinque Terre – More remote, mostly accessible by train or boat.
👫 Guest Experience:
- Portofino – Perfect for small, intimate weddings with a VIP feel.
- Cinque Terre – Ideal for adventurous couples who want their guests to explore and soak up authentic Italian culture.
💡 Bonus Tips for Planning Your Italian Destination Wedding
📅 Best Time to Get Married in Portofino & Cinque Terre:
- Spring (April–June) & Fall (September–October) are the best seasons—mild weather, fewer tourists, perfect sunsets.
- July & August? HOT, crowded, and more expensive.
🎭 Hidden Costs to Consider:
- Portofino = luxury pricing for venues & vendors
- Cinque Terre = wedding permits needed for some public spaces
🚢 Getting There:
- Portofino: Drive or take a ferry from Genoa.
- Cinque Terre: Trains run between villages, but no direct car access to most spots.
So, Which One Wins? 🎉
Honestly? You can’t go wrong.
Pick Portofino if you want an exclusive, high-end, storybook wedding with five-star treatment.
Pick Cinque Terre if you want a colorful, adventurous, rustic Italian wedding full of soul.
No matter what, Italy always wins—and so do you.
📸 Let’s Capture Your Italian Wedding Story!
Your wedding deserves more than just memories—it deserves breathtaking, timeless photographs that tell your love story.
I specialize in destination wedding photography, capturing couples as they embark on the most beautiful journey of their lives. Whether you’re exchanging vows in Portofino’s golden sunset or dancing under the Cinque Terre stars, I’ll be there to document every unforgettable moment.
📖 Check out my portfolio: here
📦 Explore wedding photography packages: here
📩 Let’s plan your dream wedding photos together: here
Because your love story deserves to be told beautifully. ✨
