How to Elope to Cinque Terre: A Romantic Guide

Ready for your ligurian adventure?

The Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere is a cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value included as UNESCO world heritage site since 1997. “The layout and disposition of the small towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium.”

Eloping to Cinque Terre – Portovenere is a unique experience and for sure, the best idea to create unforgettable memories together.

Eloping to Cinque Terre, Portovenere offers couples a breathtakingly romantic experience amid colorful villages, dramatic cliffs, and the stunning Ligurian Sea. If you dream of an intimate and unforgettable wedding, here’s a step-by-step guide to making it happen.

Step one: choose the perfect village

for your elopement at Cinque terre

Cinque Terre consists of five picturesque villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each village has its charm:

• Manarola: Ideal for stunning sunset photos and romantic cliffside vows.
• Vernazza: Offers a charming harbor and scenic piazzas for a fairy-tale feel.
• Riomaggiore: Known for its dramatic rocky coastline, perfect for adventurous couples.
• Corniglia: A quieter, elevated village for those seeking seclusion.
• Monterosso al Mare: Best if you want a beachside elopement.
• Portovenere, often called the “sixth village” of Cinque Terre. This hidden gem features a stunning medieval church perched on a cliff, breathtaking sea views, and charming narrow streets—making it an ideal location for a romantic and intimate ceremony.

For more informations and recommendations for your elopement at Cinque terre Portovenere, contact me: Ciao Peggy

Step two:

Consider a Symbolic Elopement Ceremony

If you’re a foreign couple, you’ll need to ensure that your marriage is legally recognized. Italy requires many documents (Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) from your embassy, Birth certificates translated into Italian, an official interpreter if you don’t speak Italian etc.). It is possible but expensive, long and quite complicated. Alternatively, you can legally marry in your home country and have a symbolic ceremony in Cinque Terre.

For couples who prefer an stress-free and deeply personal experience, a symbolic elopement ceremony is a perfect option. With no legal paperwork required, you have complete freedom to design your vows and rituals. You can:

• Exchange heartfelt promises in a scenic outdoor setting.
• Include meaningful traditions such as handfasting or a unity candle.
• Invite a celebrant or close friend to officiate the ceremony.
• Personalize the event with music, poetry, or special readings.

A symbolic elopement allows you to focus solely on your love story without legal constraints, making it an intimate and unforgettable experience.

Feel free to contact me for more info about my photographer and videography packages at Cinque terre Portovenere.

My elopement packages are  here.

Step Three:

Choose the date

What’s the best month to elope to cinque terre?

Consider that hotels and main activities/services are opened from april to october.

April/may/june and September/october are my fav months for eloping as the weather is lovely and it is less crowded (summer is really complicated with many tourists)

Pick the month/season and then, it is always easier if you have a few options of dates, if you are a bit flexible on the date. For example you consider to stay one week in Liguria, any of these days would work.

It will be much easier to book everything!

Step four :

make the day special, your elopement, your way

hire additional vendors

• Get inspired! I’m sharing full galleries of elopements with my new couples when they are beginning to plan their special day because I believe that it is useful that you understand how eloping at Cinque terre looks for real and also the final product you will receive with your photos/video. It will give you also ideas of locations and what we can organize for the day.

• Book a boat adventure : My fav to explore is the private boat ride, a great way to have photos with Villas as Villa del Balbianello in the background for example.

• On the road to happiness: Photos with a vintage car can be also a nice activity to get shots on the road (it work better with the 5 hours coverage package) 

• Cake for two please! Yes you can cut a cake! I believe that it is such a lovely moment to share together and makes things special. Cutting of the cake, sharing a piece of it, opening a bottle of Prosecco. Don’t give up your fav ideas, yes cake

• Your elopement, your style, your budget It is difficult to give you an idea of the budget for flowers as it really depends of what you want. It can very inexpensive if you just need a bouquet and a buttonhole.  I will recommend to you all the vendors that you would need (Celebrant make up artist, hairstylist, boat, florist, cake etc.) and I will help you to find the best location for ceremony.

For more informations and recommendations for your wedding at Cinque terre – Portovenere, contact me: Ciao Peggy

GOOD TO KNOW

Where should you stay?

A few ideas of hotels for the best experience in the area on your wedding day.

Grand Hotel Portovenere

Grand Hotel Portovenere is nestled between the famous Cinque Terre and the inspirational Gulf of Poets in eastern Liguria. Once upon a time, the building hosted the XVII-century Convent of San Francesco.  

Villa Castello in Portovenere

A lovely option to stay and have a private ceremony with large garden and memorable sea view at the foot of the medieval castle and protected by its walls. 
“The large secluded garden terrace offers a memorable sea view, wich includes Palmaria island, the gulf of La Spezia and the Apuane Alps.”

Belmond Splendido 

The Essence of Luxury! “Gaze across the rugged coastline, enjoying prime position above the bay. Delve into the spirit of irresistible glamour at the finest of all Italy resorts as you embrace all that’s best about the Ligurian Riviera”. (Opened from june)

If you have a solid budget and want to enjoy at the maximum your ligurian adventure, Portofino is the ideal place to stay with the best hotels of the area.

Imperial Palace Hotel

Originally built as a private villa in 1889 by the aristocratic Costa family of Corsica, this Grand Hotel in the bay of Portofino still has the elegance of the historic Liberty style building overlooking the crystal clear water of Santa Margherita Ligure, one of the most prestigious hotels in Liguria.

For more informations and recommendations for your wedding at Cinque terre – Portovenere, contact me: Ciao Peggy

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