THE FLOATING CITY
A Venice elopement is a fairytale come true. A floating city of silent canals, marble palazzi and hidden courtyards, where boats replace cars and every bridge feels like a scene from a film: few places in the world are as romantic for two people saying “I do”.
You can arrive at your ceremony by gondola, but most of our couples choose to enjoy the gondola during their photo session: a private ride of thirty minutes to an hour along the canals, which gives you some of the most beautiful images of the day.
The secret to a truly magical day is timing. Early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, Venice becomes quiet and intimate, and the city seems to belong only to you.
Frescoed halls for your symbolic ceremony. Most couples who elope in Venice choose a symbolic ceremony. For these, we work with a small selection of private locations in the city, offering beautiful frescoed halls that create an extraordinary backdrop for your vows: intimate, elegant and full of Venetian history.
Palazzo Cavalli for a civil ceremony. Palazzo Cavalli, the City of Venice’s wedding venue overlooking the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, hosts civil ceremonies only. It is the perfect choice for couples who want a legally binding wedding in Venice.
A gondola ride and sunrise portraits. A gondola ride along the canals, the quietest calli at dawn, St Mark’s Square before the crowds: these are the moments that make a Venice elopement unforgettable.
Sara and Andy travelled from New York City for a winter wedding in Venice. Read how they celebrated their civil ceremony in Venice at Palazzo Cavalli, with sunlit calli, gondolas and a first look on the Grand Canal.
Every elopement we plan is bespoke, but our Venice package gives you a clear starting point.
Symbolic ceremony, from €4,500, for two, including:
Civil ceremony at Palazzo Cavalli, on request. For couples who wish to marry legally in Venice, we arrange the venue at Palazzo Cavalli, the official, two witnesses if needed, an interpreter as required by Italian law, and full assistance with your documents, both in Italy and in your home country.
All prices include taxes. Discover all our elopement packages in Italy.
The best time to elope in Venice. Venice is beautiful all year round, but the most comfortable months are from September to May. Spring brings soft light and mild weather, while September and October offer golden sunsets and warm days. Winter is quiet and wonderfully atmospheric. We suggest avoiding late July and August, when the heat is intense and the city is at its busiest, as well as the first week of September, during the Venice Film Festival, when the city is crowded and hotel prices soar. February is the month of the famous Venice Carnival: magical, but very lively.
Plan your photos early in the morning. If you dream of portraits in the most iconic places of Venice, such as St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge or the Grand Canal, we strongly recommend an early-morning photo session. From mid-morning the city fills with visitors, while at sunrise it is silent, the light is soft and golden, and Venice feels entirely yours.
Where to stay. Venice’s logistics can be complex, so we always recommend staying in a hotel in the historic centre, close to the ceremony and photo locations. Being already in the heart of Venice saves a great deal of time and energy, and lets you enjoy every moment of your day. We suggest staying at least two or three nights.
Getting to Venice. The closest airport is Venice Marco Polo, with direct flights from the United States and most European capitals. From the airport, the most unforgettable way to arrive is by private water taxi, straight to your hotel. Venice Santa Lucia railway station connects the city with Milan, Florence, Verona and Rome.
Getting around on foot. There are no cars in Venice, and the best way to discover it is on foot, through its calli and over its many bridges. On your wedding day you will walk quite a lot, so choose comfortable shoes, or bring a second pair for walking between locations. For longer distances we arrange private water taxis, and of course your gondola ride.
Our Venice Elopement Package, a symbolic ceremony for two, starts from €4,500. It includes a ceremony in a frescoed hall of a historic palazzo, our celebrant, a sunrise photo session, a gondola ride, three hours of photography, a bouquet and boutonnière, and on-site coordination. A civil ceremony at Palazzo Cavalli is available on request.
Yes. Foreign couples can marry legally at Palazzo Cavalli, the City of Venice’s wedding venue on the Grand Canal. You will need documents from your home country and an interpreter if you do not speak Italian. We assist you with every step.
From mid-morning, the most famous places in Venice are very crowded. At sunrise the city is silent and the light is soft and golden: the perfect moment for photos with no one in the background.
Yes, a gondola arrival is possible and truly romantic. Most of our couples, however, prefer to enjoy their gondola ride during the photo session: thirty minutes to an hour along the canals, for some of the most beautiful images of the day.
Our packages are designed for two, but guests are welcome. We plan transport by water, seating and logistics properly, with a tailored quote.
Your dream Venice gondola wedding awaits! From breathtaking waterways to luxurious details, we’ll help you craft an unforgettable celebration of love.
