Sparkling beaches, dramatic cliffside towns and that effortless holiday feeling — there’s truly nowhere else like Italy’s Amalfi Coast! If you’re dreaming of a Mediterranean wedding, eloping on the Amalfi Coast offers everything you could ask for. Colourful seaside towns, amazing cuisine, luxurious villas…there are so many reasons to love Amalfi and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular place for a summer retreat and a wedding.
Sunkissed waterfront towns like Positano, Ravello and Amalfi itself are just so romantic and ideal for celebrating your love in either a private ceremony or with a small group. Say your vows on the beach, dine al fresco and immerse yourself in Italy’s rich history and culture, creating an elopement that’s authentic and true to you and your values. As your Italy destination elopement photographer, I help you plan out every detail. When you elope in Italy, you have every possible type of wedding to choose from, whether you want low-key or dramatic luxury!
If you’re ready to embrace la dolce vita and plan a magical, picturesque wedding that speaks to you, you’re going to love this Amalfi Coast elopement guide!
The Irresistible Amalfi Coast: An Introduction
Perhaps one of Europe’s most iconic destinations, the Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline in Southern Italy’s Campania region. The whole region is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is accessible from Naples airport (or Rome, but it’s a fair bit further). You can hire a car, but the Italian ferries and train systems are also a fun and effective way to get around the country.
Dotted with lemon groves, pastel Vespas, mediaeval villas and quaint fishing towns, the Amalfi Coastline stretches for about 50 km and overlooks the Gulf of Salerno and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Can you get married on the Amalfi Coast? Definitely! It’s a really popular wedding destination with both Italians and overseas visitors, and it offers such lush and inviting opportunities for wedding photography!
As a destination wedding photographer, I love to recommend locations that are not only beautiful but offer a truly one-of-a-kind wedding day experience.
If you’re planning your Amalfi elopement, the best weather is in the summer months of May-June, but that’s also the region’s high season so there’s a good chance of crowds too. The peak summer months will bring the best weather though, so if you crave beach and pool time, that’s the way to go! However, if you’re aiming to avoid some of the crowds, think about the shoulder seasons of April/May or September/October.
That being said, even in peak season, an Amalfi elopement is still incredible!
Where can I elope in Amalfi? Literally anywhere! From a beachside resort to a private villa, there are plenty of options that offer privacy, romance, and charm. However, there are also plenty of Amalfi resorts and villas that cater to weddings of all sizes.
How To Elope In The Amalfi Coast, From A Legal Perspective
Can you elope in the Amalfi Coast even if you’re not an Italian resident? Yes! Great news is that Canadians can tie the knot in Italy, but to make your union legally binding there are a few government requirements you’ll need to meet first.
Before getting started, you’ll want to prepare your required documents, including certified copies of your passports and a marriage record search to prove you’re not married to other people. Here’s a basic overview of what’s required.
What’s Required to Legally Marry in Italy?
Documents
1. To elope in Italy, you’ll need to obtain a document known as Nulla Osta, which is a signed affidavit that says there’s no impediment to you both legally marrying one another. Canadian citizens can have this done by the Canadian Embassy in Rome. Once approved, you have up to six months of validity to elope.
Witnesses
2. You’ll also need an Atto Notorio, which you can obtain from the Italian Consulate in Canada and needs to be signed by two witnesses.
Submit Your Forms
3. Then, you’ll submit your Declaration of Intent to Marry to the Italian Marriage Office closest to your intended elopement location. Once granted, you can apply for your marriage certificate and you’ll be given a marriage certificate that you’ll verify at the local municipal offices after the wedding.
Yes, I know it sounds a bit complex, but it’s not that bad! Many overseas travellers get married in Italy so the local governments and vendors are very used to working with overseas couples. It can also be really helpful to work with a wedding planner to navigate everything. However, the above is for civil marriages, and there are additional requirements for Catholic weddings.
Officiant & Translator
4. Next, you’ll need an officiant (usually an approved government official) along with an official translator.
You can also have as many guests as you like! While weddings are often large family affairs in Italy, you definitely have the option of eloping with just the two of you or in a small group. Not only is an Amalfi Coast micro wedding more budget-friendly than a larger wedding, but it can also be more authentic.
There’s truly no right or wrong way to celebrate, so be true to yourselves and only invite the guests that you truly want with you on your special day. Another idea is to privately elope in Italy and then have a big party back home where you invite everyone you love!
I have plenty of couples who decide to have me photograph their elopement internationally, and then host a party for friends and family back home.
How to Visualize Your Amalfi Coast Elopement
One amazing thing about Amalfi is you can really create any type of elopement here, no matter what type of wedding you’re imagining!
Super Luxe
You can plan a super luxe celebration with friends and family, renting out a private villa with a chef, infinity pool and gardens — which would be amazing! Many Amalfi resorts and villas date back to mediaeval times too, so the opportunity to elope in a historic place really adds that extra something special to your day. Most hotels, resorts and villas will offer elopement packages in the Amalfi Coast, which can save you a lot of time when it comes to arranging caterers and booking vendors.
Low-Key
The Amalfi Coast is also a dreamy destination for a low-key, relaxing elopement and holiday — think lazy days by the pool, quality time with loved ones and a limoncello aperitif before heading out to dinner…literal heaven!
Adventure
This region of Italy is great for outdoor activities too, so if you’re dreaming of an adventure elopement, you’ll find plenty of hiking, swimming and boating opportunities. Fun outdoor activities are also a fun way to make your elopement unique, especially if you try something you’ve never done before!
How much does an elopement cost in Italy? While the Amalfi Coast is not really an affordable holiday spot compared to many other destinations, you can definitely save money on your trip by selecting BnBs over resorts, inviting fewer guests, or cooking some of your meals in your accommodation rather than dining out.
Best Amalfi Coast Elopement Locations
While you can’t go wrong with anywhere on the Amalfi Coast, there are a few destinations that really shine when it comes to elopements! Here are a few that you’ll absolutely love.
However, if you’re planning an elopement in peak travel season (June-August), aim to book as far in advance as you can, since it’s such a popular tourist destination and you don’t want to miss out on the venue or resort that you have your heart set on!
Ravello
Ravello is not only one of the most picturesque towns in Amalfi, but it’s famous for its music, culture and history. Known as the city of music, this charming town is so romantic and irresistible. From sparkling turquoise beaches, ancient formal gardens and the iconic Villa Rufolo, there’s so much to love here. Bonus: all of these are just the perfect locations for your first look or wedding photography!
You can make your Ravello elopement extra special by timing it to just before or after the Ravello Festival, a renowned festival of music and arts that usually runs from July through September, focusing on classical music.
Capri
To elope in Capri, Italy would truly be magical! It’s easily considered one of the most romantic places in the world and would be such an unforgettable experience for your guests too. Capri is a small island known for its dramatic rocky coastline and unbelievably luxe villas. Wealthy ancient Romans used to visit Capri to escape the city life, and it’s easy to see why — it’s still just as popular today!
For an amazing experience for your guests, charter a boat to take your group to the Blue Grotto, a famous sea cave off the Capri coast — as the sun shines in through the opening and the waters turn an enchanting shade of blue that just has to be seen!
Capri is the perfect destination for switching off from the rest of the world and unwinding with amazing views, good company, and truly luxurious hotels, beaches, food and wine.
Positano
A Positano elopement is ideal for couples who are all about the beach! Positano has some of the best beaches in Amalfi, making it great for an outdoor summer elopement. Famous for its colourful seaside villas tucked into the cliffs, the atmosphere here is just perfect — amazing resorts, restaurants and that quintessential Italian holiday experience.
The town is also famous for its fine dining, so why not treat yourself to one of its Michelin-star restaurants, such as La Serra or Al Palazzo?
Amalfi
The Amalfi Coast’s namesake, the town of Amalfi also offers incredible beaches, but also a few fascinating museums and lots of stunning architecture. And, bonus, it can often be a bit more affordable than Positano and also small enough that it’s easy to walk around without needing a car.
Amalfi is a great destination for those who love Italian history too, so you could hire a guide for a private walking tour around some of the town’s highlights, including the Fountain of Sant’Andrea, the Amalfi Cathedral and Museo della Carta, Europe’s oldest paper mill and one of the Amalfi Coast’s most popular tourist attractions.
How To Make The Most Of Your Italian Elopement — Top Tips From Your Destination Wedding Photographer!
- When planning your elopement, please remember that it’s all about YOU and not your friends/parents/people. I really encourage you to follow your heart and plan a wedding that will resonate with you and represent your love! If a huge, traditional wedding isn’t for you, don’t feel obligated.
- The Amalfi Coast (and Italy in general) is always pictured as looking mega-perfect on social media. Please don’t feel like your Amalfi Coast elopement needs to look like an ad for Pinterest! Your wedding will be perfect just the way it is, so don’t put undue pressure on yourself to make things ‘perfect’.
- To invite or not invite guests is completely up to you! One choice, if you want to elope on your own, is to host a private ceremony and then host an intimate reception after with all of your favourites!
- If you’re not fluent in Italian, it can help to hire a locally-based wedding planner to assist with everything on the ground, saving you time and effort.
- Have the most amazing time ever! Your elopement is the most magical adventure, so please design a trip that you love, even if that means ditching traditions that don’t work for you.
As a destination wedding and elopement photographer, I’m a huge fan of the Amalfi Coast. It’s such a special place for wedding photography! I’m so beyond excited to offer Italy elopement packages to help you capture all the intentionality, fun and adventure of your destination wedding.
I could go on and on about the beauty of the Amalfi Coast — it really is one of the best destinations for a European elopement, especially in the summer months.
I’d love to help you plan your Amalfi Coast elopement! I’m always pumped to jump on a call and have a chat about all things Amalfi Coast weddings.
