Introducing the Amalfi Coast

Are you looking for the perfect destination in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy to celebrate your special day? Then look no further than the majestic Amalfi Coast, where the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea and breathtaking landscapes offer an idyllic backdrop for a destination wedding!

From immersing yourself in enchanting landscapes & sampling delicious Italian cuisine to celebrating your big day surrounded by family and friends – there is something for every couple on the Amalfi Coast.

If you are keen to discover why this picturesque part of Italy should be at the top of your list when it comes to planning your dream wedding, including where you can find the best Amalfi coast wedding venues – then read on!

In this article I will cover:

• The Amalfi Coast
• Benefits of having an Amalfi Wedding
• What legal documents are needed to get married in Italy if you live in another country?
• Choosing your Amalfi Coast wedding venue
• Finding a Wedding Planner in Italy & your destination wedding vendors
• Getting to the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast

Nestled along the picturesque western shores of Italy, the Amalfi Coast is an alluring destination for those seeking sunshine, history, culture, and relaxation. This exquisite region is characterized by its steep mountain cliffs that dramatically descend into sparkling turquoise waters and is famed for its amazing citric lemon groves and local liqueur, Limoncello.

The vibrant and charming towns of Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, and Amalfi are scattered along the coast, each with its own unique character, charm, and allure.

The quaint town of Positano is characterized by its colorful buildings and narrow streets that lead down to the Mediterranean waters.

Sorrento, on the other hand, is famed for its citrus groves and views of the Bay of Naples.

Ravello sits high above the coastline and offers panoramic views of the sea below.

While Amalfi boasts a beautiful harbor and a stunning cathedral.

From the secluded beaches to the luxurious resorts, the Amalfi Coast is the epitome of refined Italian style, and no matter where you go, you’re sure to be enchanted by its stunning beauty and unparalleled charm. It’s no wonder that so many visitors flock to this stunning region year after year.

Benefits of having an Amalfi wedding

There are few locations in the world that are as enchanting and awe-inspiring as the Amalfi Coast. Whether you’re seeking dramatic cliff side landscapes, sumptuous Italian cuisine, or spectacular views of the azure sea, this destination has it all.

When it comes to tying the knot, many American & UK couples are choosing to forego the traditional hometown wedding, opting for an alluring & romantic destination wedding instead. And, the Amalfi Coast is fast becoming the perfect location overseas to say ‘I do’.

With some of the most beautiful venues in the world to choose from, there is no shortage of luxurious settings for your ceremony and wedding reception. The stunning backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea, as well as the picturesque cliffs and charming small towns boasting narrow streets lined with vibrant, colorful houses, provide a picture-perfect backdrop for your dream wedding.

From the famous Amalfi Cathedral to delightful local churches, luxurious villas, 5-star hotels, and many other hidden gems, the Amalfi Coast offers some of the best wedding venues across the globe.

The impeccable Italian hospitality and out-of-this-world cuisine make for an unforgettable dining experience for your wedding party, whether it be for your welcome dinner or main wedding day banquet. Whether you’re planning a luxurious, grand wedding or a smaller, intimate gathering, the Amalfi Coast offers the perfect setting for a refined destination wedding.

What legal documents are needed to get married in Italy if you live in another country?

Planning a wedding abroad can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to legal requirements, so for those living outside of Italy, it’s important to know which legal documents are required when planning a religious or civil ceremony.

To get married on the Amalfi Coast, you must obtain a “nulla osta” or a certificate of no impediment from your country’s embassy or consulate in Italy. This document confirms that there are no legal impediments for you to marry. Additionally, you will need to provide a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of residency.

It’s important to note that each region in Italy may require additional documentation, so it’s best to consult with a local wedding planner or attorney to ensure a smooth and legal ceremony.

Choosing your Amalfi Coast wedding venue

There are so many options when it comes to choosing the perfect destination wedding venue on the Amalfi Coast. Whether you are looking for a stunning luxury hotel or an authentic Italian, historic villa, the Amalfi coast has an impressive range of wedding venues, most with panoramic terraces to take in the awe-inspiring views, to suit all tastes.

Religious Venues

The Amalfi Coast offers an array of historical Cathedrals & Churches for those seeking a religious ceremony or blessing. Perhaps the most iconic is the Amalfi Cathedral, or Duomo di Sant’Andrea, which is an 11th century marvel perched atop a grand staircase in the center of Amalfi town. This vast Cathedral is perfect for larger weddings, boasting a bright and colorful interior with impressive murals and ancient frescoes depicting the life of Saint Andrew.

Another spacious & incredible church is the Duomo di Ravello, which stands proudly on the piazza centrale in Ravello, enjoying commanding views over the region.

For those seeking a more intimate setting, the Church of Saint John the Apostle of the Toro is situated on the quaint narrow streets of Ravello, offering the perfect alternative.

Another popular choice is the stunning Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta in the center of Positano. This beautiful church features a majestic dome with incredible views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

And further along, the coastal road from Positano is the striking 16th century Church of Saint Januarius, which boasts an impressive bell tower and cupola adorned with majolica tiles.

Exclusive luxury villas

If you’re looking for a unique and immersive Italian wedding experience, then you may want to consider getting married at a private villa. Offering maximum privacy, an exclusive villa wedding allows you to fully enjoy the moment with your wedding guests, family & friends in an intimate setting. Most villas come complete with a swimming pool – perfect for cocktail hour, a terrace – where you can have your welcome dinner, and a dining room – for your wedding day cuisine. An Amalfi villa wedding also offers you the opportunity to create a truly tailor-made and personalized experience, from the selection of food to wedding décor.

There are many options to choose from located around the Amalfi Coast, with unrivaled sea views of the glistening Mediterranean combined with impressive Italian architecture – making for a truly magical backdrop for your special day.

Those seeking a truly luxurious villa venue experience will want to consider Villa Astor. Nestled on a magnificent limestone cliff edge with a panoramic view over the turquoise waters of Sorrento, Villa Astor is the perfect destination wedding venue for couples looking to tie the knot in style & sophistication.

If you have your heart set on a wedding in Positano, the options include Villa Treville, Villa Oliviero, and the nearby Casa Privata, all of which boast breathtaking views of the coastline with history-rich surroundings.

Further along the coast, you will find the stunning Villa Minuta, located near the town of Amalfi, and Villa Eva, situated in Ravello, both offering incredible facilities for an Amalfi villa wedding.

Amalfi Venues for small weddings and elopements

If you want an elopement or a small wedding ceremony, the charming Italian town of Positano is the perfect destination.

Le Sirenuse is a 5-star hotel built into the picturesque Positano hillside and is perfect for a romantic wedding. Featuring impressive views over the cerulean waters of the Amalfi Coast and tasteful Mediterranean décor, this luxury venue offers everything you could want for a truly unforgettable wedding. Alternatively, you may wish to consider exchanging your vows on the terrace of the sophisticated Villa Franca, which offers a bright and airy space with contemporary interiors. Or celebrate your love at the exquisite Villa Magia, a luxury venue renowned for its impeccable classic Italian design, mosaic tiles and hand-painted frescoes.

5 Star hotels for medium to large weddings

If you are planning a medium-sized to larger wedding, you will be pleased to learn that the Amalfi Coast offers a range of century old hotels that cater for larger celebrations & events.

The bustling Italian town of Sorrento offers an array of 5-star hotels, all with outstanding views over the Gulf of Naples. These include the amazing Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento, Grand Hotel Royal, and Hotel Lorelei Londres.

Along the Amalfi Coast, the Le Agavi Hotel in Positano is a prestigious hotel boasting a private beach club, an outdoor pool, and a spa. It is the perfect venue for medium to larger weddings and events, designed to provide maximum comfort and relaxation to its guests.

If you are looking for something close to the stunning Amalfi cathedral, both the Santa Catarina and Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel offer luxurious facilities with 5-star accommodations, which are ideal for a larger wedding or reception. And, further along the coast in the scenic & historic town of Ravello is the Hotel Caruso- A Belmond Hotel and Palazzo Avino, which are also both incredible venue options.

Finding a Wedding Planner in Italy & your destination wedding vendors

Choosing the right professional wedding planner and vendors is key to creating a stunning destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast. The key consideration when choosing a wedding planner is to opt for someone who is familiar with the location and venues around the Amalfi region. It is also essential to go for a planner with who you can communicate effectively in English (if this is your main language) and someone you feel will bring your wedding vision to life. Trust is also a huge factor as you will likely be planning many elements of your destination wedding from a great distance. And your planner can also help you source the perfect vendors for you (floral design, cake maker, officiant, etc.).

When it comes to choosing your Amalfi coast wedding photographer, this can feel daunting if you live in a different country and don’t speak Italian! Therefore, it is important to choose an English-speaking photographer to eliminate any communication barriers. You will also want to hire a photographer who has experience working in the Amalfi Coast and knows the area and has a style that reflects your desired wedding aesthetic (read more about wedding photography styles HERE).

Check out my BLOG for a comprehensive guide on how to choose your wedding photographer for your destination wedding.

Getting to the Amalfi Coast

The nearest airport is Naples International Airport, which is around an hour’s drive to the Amalfi Coast. From there, you have a variety of options for getting to the Amalfi Coast, including by bus, train, taxi, or private transfer, all offering fantastic views of Mount Vesuvius on the way! Alternatively, you might find it more convenient to rent a car, and you will find a wide variety of car hire companies available at Naples Airport.

Getting around the Amalfi Coast during your stay can be an adventure all of its own! There is a really good public bus service which operates all along the coast road, or you can use a private driver. Though, to be fair, a rental car gives you the most flexible option – although driving on the Amalfi Coast is not for the faint of heart! The roads (including the main coastal road) offer incredible scenery, but they are very windy and can be particularly narrow in places – especially when you meet an oncoming bus/large vehicle!

In Summary

As you have probably gathered from this article – I absolutely adore the Amalfi Coast! It is the perfect location and feels like a world away from everywhere. A rare destination that has retained the old-world charm of authentic Italy.

The region is steeped in ancient history, with grand cathedrals, local churches, and the most exclusive wedding venues, including luxury villas and 5-star hotels, which are dotted around the most spectacular stretches of coastline.

So whether you’re planning a big wedding or prefer a series of intimate celebrations, and you dream of tying the knot abroad – you won’t find another destination quite like it!

Amalfi Coast Wedding Photographer

If you are looking for an English-speaking photographer with a timeless style to capture your Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento, or Positano wedding, please do not hesitate to get in touch HERE for a fully inclusive quote. I would love to learn more about your unique love story.

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COMING SOON!