What comes to mind when you think of Italy? Style, substance, elegance? For couples looking for a wedding day that wouldn’t look out of place in the movies, and photographs fit for the pages of Vogue, Italy is an ideal choice — and an Amalfi Coast wedding is arguably the most breathtaking and picturesque. There’s a reason why it’s known as the Divine Coast (divina costiera in Italian).

Inspired by working with many couples, I’ve created this guide to planning your wedding on the Amalfi Coast. As an Amalfi Coast wedding photographer with an eye for editorial flare and a love of contemporary styles, read on for many insider tips to make your wedding day dream a reality, and locations that guarantee unforgettable photo opportunities.

Why Choose An Amalfi Coast Wedding?

The landscape of luxury is a romantic haven, drawing in upper-class visitors since the 18th century. 

It’s easy to see why love is in the air. Stretching 55 kilometers along the Mediterranean coastline of southern Italy are 13 cities and towns, sun-kissed seas, cliffside magnificence, and phenomenal architecture. The Amalfi coast is so breathtaking that UNESCO has identified it as a World Heritage Site, and it’s widely recognized as Italy’s most attractive location.

You may have heard the Italian phrase, La Dolce Vita. It means “the sweet life.” The Amalfi Coast is as sweet as it comes. Most people look to the coast to celebrate their honeymoon, joining the affluent and the artistically minded, even Hollywood A-listers, enjoying La Dolce Vita as they drink in the sun and wine. 

But why not make the Amalfi Coast the place you say “I do?” After all, your special day deserves an extra special location, and this is it.

How To Plan A Destination Wedding On The Amalfi Coast

Only the ambitious and the bold make weddings on the Amalfi Coast happen. Taking the leap requires awareness of what you need to know before planning your Amalfi Coast destination wedding. 

You’ll want to know your ideal destinations and what they have to offer. You’ll want to know what time of year suits your vision the most, and, of course, how to capture those Vogue-ready wedding day photos. Before the day comes and snaps begin, though, what about the practicalities?

For such a world-renowned location, it won’t be a surprise that Amalfi Coast weddings are expensive, costing between 50,000 to 90,000 euros ($53,000 - $96,000). All the legalities come under Italy’s jurisdiction. 

The good news is the process is accessible for foreigners, so whether you’re based in the U.S., Australia, or elsewhere, there won’t be any significant barriers to making your ceremony official. Just make sure you keep on top of all the required paperwork, and the process will be straightforward.

What Do Foreigners Need To Get Married On The Amalfi Coast?

Fortunately, you can submit the documentation and paperwork from your home country. 

You’ll need to locate your nearest Italian Consulate, and it's advisable to have a translator if you don’t speak Italian. You’ll need evidence that you’re legally free to marry, either a Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment) or a statutory declaration sworn before a consular office. You and your partner will need birth certificates and passports.

If you can’t obtain a Certificate of No Impediment, you may have to take a sworn declaration before the Italian consulate, known as a Dichiarazione Giurata. You’ll also need an Atto Notorio, a declaration made before two witnesses saying you’re free to many, which you can get in Italy or at the Italian consulate. And you’ll need a Declaration of Intention to Marry, submitted to the civil register.

Keep in mind there are different types of weddings in Italy. A civil marriage is non-religious, performed by the city mayor or a civil officer, and is carried out in Italian. Religious marriages, most prominently Catholic, take place in church, are conducted by a Catholic priest, and require you or your partner to be Catholic. Since 2016, Italy has offered civil unions between same-sex couples.

Best Time To Get Married On The Amalfi Coast

Tourist season on the Amalfi Coast runs from mid-April to mid-October. The challenge is choosing a time when it’s not overly busy, plus you can enjoy all the area has to offer. Good weather is a must. Swimming, for example, is possible (depending on personal preference) from May to October. With many outside venues overlooking the sea, nestled in the cliffside, with open vistas, the best times are spring, summer, and early autumn.

Best Amalfi Coast Wedding Locations

Now onto the main attraction of this Amalfi Coast wedding guide: the location. Amalfi Coast is exclusive, it's luxurious, and you have many options to choose from. It’s more of a challenge to find a location that isn’t exceptionally beautiful. Within the high standards of the divina costiera there are a number of gems along the 25-mile highway, Amalfi Drive, which begins at Positano and ends at Vietri sul Mare.

Things to consider when choosing a location are cost, availability, and access to the nearby town. Because Amalfi Coast is accessible, I’d suggest first zoning in on a chosen venue, rather than a specific town, and then researching the area. I’m sure wherever you are, you won’t be disappointed. 

As mentioned above, Church weddings are an option if you or your partner are Catholic. If not, you won’t be missing out, with a variety of venues designed to celebrate your wedding day in style. Below are some of my top choices of venues, arranged by location. 

Hotel Santa Caterina - Amalfi

This 19th-century Art Nouveau villa is home to a five-star hotel — walking distance to Amalfi town center — and is the ideal setting for a modern Amalfi Coast wedding. The picturesque views of the sea are worth the visit alone, also viewable from the balcony of many of the on-site rooms. 

Ceremonies take place in the internal garden, the terrace, or their Michelin star restaurant, which is embedded in the cliffside rock.

Relais Blu - Amalfi

A popular choice for both small weddings on the Amalfi Coast, by using the terrace, or larger weddings, when booking the entire boutique hotel. 

Situated between the Sorrentine Peninsular and the Amalfi Coast, views from the space stretch to the Island of Capri. For that extra splash of luxury, there’s an infinity pool. And Relais Blu also has a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Villa Cimbrone - Ravello

The 12th century building is a five-star hotel with charm, suited for a small wedding on the Amalfi coast. 

It’s difficult to describe Villa Cimbrone in words alone. Located 12,000 feet above the sea, it demonstrates Italy’s finest architecture and natural beauty, earning its reputation as one of the most prestigious hotels in Europe. 

With corridors of antique art, perfectly landscaped gardens, and the “infinity terrace,” this is guaranteed to leave an impression.

Belmond Hotel Caruso - Ravello

The grand-style hotel, also situated high above the sea, is one of the best-situated locations in Ravello. With immaculate gardens, an olive grove, and the scent of fresh lemon, this is a place where romance comes alive. 

Options are flexible and cover between 90-150 guests. Book a banquet, or go all-out and hire the entire space, including rooms for 50 people.

Villa Eva - Ravello

The highest point in Ravello has 360-degree views of the coast below and is the perfect space for wedding ceremonies. 

You can choose an outside ceremony, where centenary trees offer shade from the Italian sun, or inside, where you’ll still have sight of the sea. There’s an open cellar, barbeque, and a wood stove for a pizza party, to mix comfort with extravagance in true Italian style.

Villa San Giacomo - Positano

Located a 10-minute walk from Positano, this 18th-century villa is one of the most exclusive on the coast. It’s a top pick for elegant Amalfi Coast wedding venues, especially if you take the plunge and hire the entire space, which accommodates 24 guests. 

Its gardens have orange and lemon trees, and the surrounding grounds have trademark views. This is as close to paradise as you’ll find.

Villa Treville - Positano

When a wedding venue has almost 350,000 followers on Instagram, you know it’s special. The former home of Italian director Franco Zeffirelli covers an entire hillside. The space has 17 rooms for 34 guests, and the restaurant can accommodate up to 80 guests. 

There’s a certain magic about this location, which explains why so many A-listers have enjoyed staying here over the years. With pristine gardens and A-list views, Villa Treville is the true red carpet experience.

Hotel Marincanto - Positano

This hotel doubles as a movie set and was the location for Julia Roberts' pizza-indulging scene in Eat, Pray, Love. 

Let you and your loved ones set the scene in a way that is fitting to you, with the unique option of sunbathing on the private beach, situated at the bottom of a staircase connected to the hotel. 

This is also within walking distance of the center of Positano. Ceremonies take place on the “floating terrace,” with flexibility for intimate or big celebrations, and the well-equipped rooms come with a bridal suite.

Casa Privata - Praiano

Based in the small town of Praiano, between Amalfi and Positano, Casa Privata also has access to a private beach. With seven rooms, this is the perfect location for smaller groups who want absolute luxury whilst making the most of their Italian vacation. 

Their 5,000 square-foot garden is full of exotic plants and flowers, the ideal environment for long summer days. For the special day itself, there’s access to a space that can hold up to 120 guests.

Duomo of Amalfi 

If you are in a position to have a traditional religious wedding, get ready to take things to the next level. There are many options in Amalfi Coast, but the Roman Catholic cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo stands out as one of the most striking in the whole of Italy, possibly Europe. 

Built in the 9th and 10th century, this is a wedding location fit for royalty and is a sacred space which has played its part in history. Byzantine mosaics, bronze doors, and walls covered in some of the world’s most priceless art make weddings in the Duomo of Amalfi unforgettable.

Sant'Antonio Chapel

This chapel is an option for intimate religious ceremonies. The white marble interior is a sight to behold. Built in the 11th century, and situated in Sorrento's town center, the medieval paintings and Roman artifacts add to the aura of the space and affirm why Amalfi is the divine coast. 

Named after the town’s patron saint, who was said to be able to perform miracles, weddings held at Sant'Antonio Chapel do feel like dreams come true, leaving you and your loved one with the sense anything is possible.

Wedding Photography On The Amalfi Coast

Your Vogue-ready wedding day deserves photographs to match the occasion. I’m a wedding photographer based in Italy. My style is editorial, modern, and elegant, focusing on the mood and the vibe you want to obtain. And, of course, I know what it takes to get unposed, relaxed, and refined photographs of your special day. Get in touch — I’d love to be part of your special day!