Close Your Eyes and Imagine…
You’re standing on a sun-drenched terrace, the Mediterranean sparkling before you. The air is filled with the scent of lemon blossoms, your fingers are intertwined with the love of your life’s, and somewhere in the distance, an Italian guitarist plays “That’s Amore”. Sounds dreamy? Well, welcome to Portofino—where weddings aren’t just events; they’re works of art.
If you’ve ever fantasized about saying “I do” in a setting so picturesque it feels like a movie, Portofino might just be the place. But how do you actually plan a wedding here? How much does it cost? Where do you even start? Grab an Aperol Spritz, and let’s dive in.
Why Portofino? Because Love Deserves the Best
Some places just have that thing, you know? That irresistible magic. Portofino isn’t just another charming Italian town—it’s a luxury hideaway, a place where Hollywood stars, royalty, and fashion moguls come to escape. Think pastel-colored houses cascading down to a sapphire-blue harbor, cobblestone streets leading to hidden terraces, and golden sunsets straight out of a Renaissance painting.
This is where Kourtney Kardashian & Travis Barker had one of their wedding celebrations. Where Madonna vacations. And where your wedding could be the next legendary love story.
The Best Wedding Venues in Portofino
Choosing a wedding venue here is like picking the best Italian wine—there’s no wrong choice, just different shades of perfection.
1. Belmond Hotel Splendido
📍 Website
If you’re dreaming of luxury, panoramic views, and impeccable service, this is your place. Perched on a lush hillside, Belmond Hotel Splendido offers Michelin-starred dining, elegant gardens, and a terrace that might just make your heart skip a beat (before your fiancé does).
💰 Starting Price: From €20,000+ for exclusive events
🎯 Best for: Glamorous, intimate weddings with world-class service
2. Castello Brown
📍 Website
Want to get married in a centuries-old castle overlooking the Ligurian Sea? Castello Brown is a medieval fortress with a view that could melt even the iciest of hearts. Imagine saying your vows on a stone terrace with 360-degree views of Portofino, surrounded by cypress trees and whispers of Italian history.
💰 Starting Price: €10,000+
🎯 Best for: Fairytale-style weddings with a historic touch
3. La Cervara
📍 Website
This former Benedictine monastery is now a private luxury venue, blending history with romance. Think cloistered gardens, frescoed ceilings, and secret courtyards, all with breathtaking views of the sea. It’s as if Shakespeare himself designed this place for a wedding.
💰 Starting Price: €15,000+
🎯 Best for: Elegant, timeless weddings with a touch of Italian aristocracy
How Much Does a Wedding in Portofino Cost?
Let’s talk numbers. Portofino is a luxury destination, so weddings here aren’t cheap.
💶 Average Costs:
- Luxury wedding: €80,000 – €150,000
- Mid-range wedding: €30,000 – €70,000
- Small intimate wedding: €10,000 – €30,000
Ways to Save Money:
✅ Choose a weekday wedding – Venues charge less than on weekends
✅ Consider a symbolic ceremony – Legal weddings require paperwork & extra fees
✅ Have a micro-wedding – Fewer guests = more budget for a stunning experience
Wedding Planning in Portofino: Must-Know Tips
When to Get Married Here?
The best wedding months in Portofino are May to September—expect golden sunsets, warm Mediterranean breezes, and perfect light for photos.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want fewer tourists and more intimacy, go for late September or early October—the weather is still stunning, but the crowds are gone.
Making a Grand Entrance: Arriving by Riva Boat
Forget limousines. This is Italy. Arriving at your wedding on a vintage Riva Aquarama boat is the epitome of dolce vita. Plus, it makes for some absolutely iconic wedding photos.
The Ultimate Italian Wedding Menu
What’s an Italian wedding without mind-blowing food? Expect:
🍝 Trofie al pesto – A Ligurian classic
🐟 Fresh-caught branzino – Grilled to perfection
🍷 Hand-selected Italian wines – Because, obviously
🍰 Tiramisu or Millefoglie cake – For a sweet finito
FAQs: Planning Your Wedding in Portofino
❓ How much does a wedding in Portofino cost?
💡 Weddings in Portofino start at €10,000 for intimate ceremonies and can go beyond €150,000 for ultra-luxury celebrations.
❓ Can foreigners get legally married in Portofino?
💡 Yes! But you’ll need to handle some paperwork in advance, including a nulla osta (certificate of no impediment). Many couples opt for a legal ceremony at home and a symbolic wedding in Portofino.
❓ Where can we take the best wedding photos in Portofino?
💡 Some top spots include Castello Brown’s panoramic terrace, the hidden stairways leading to the harbor, and of course, the Belmond Hotel gardens. Want breathtaking photos? I know just the angles. 😉
Final Thoughts: Ready to Say “I Do” in Portofino?
Portofino isn’t just a place; it’s a love story waiting to happen. From the golden sunsets to the candlelit terraces, everything here whispers romance. So if your heart is already saying “YES” to an Italian Riviera wedding, let’s make magic together.
📸 Want wedding photos that will make your grandkids jealous? Check out my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Need wedding photography packages? See the options here: Photography Packages
📩 Ready to book your Portofino dream wedding? Let’s talk: Contact Me
Italy is waiting. Love is waiting. Let’s create something unforgettable. ✨
