Weddings in the Italian Riviera

Get married in the glamorous Italian Riviera. Here are blended perfectly together the rustic and elegant, the provincial and smart, the cosmopolitan and the small-town. The twisting arc of Liguria’s coastline, sweeping from Ventimiglia to La Spezia, is the defining mark of region’s identity. The Italian Riviera thanks to it’s charm and beauty has for century inspired poets and artists.
Explore its marvellous tiny coastal treasures and enjoy their peace, tranquillity and dramatic natural beauty. Enchanting villages, hanging like jewels from the sky, are waiting to be discovered. Enchanting fishing villages blessed by the sun and still untouched by time such as Portovenere and the Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Manorala, Corniglia) can be enchanting spots for your destination wedding in Italy.
Needless to say how beautiful are the villages of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. Aren’t they glorious spots for a romantic Italian wedding?
Charming venues are available for a Civil, Catholic, Protestant or Symbolic ceremony in the Italian Riviera.
Truly romantic and secluded settings for a perfect wedding in Italy.

Weddings in Portofino

Get married in Portofino, one of the most picturesque villages along the Italian Riviera, with a romantic and affluent aura, ideal setting for a luxury and exclusive wedding in Italy. Portofino is truly a jewel. You will immediately fall in love with this tiny harbour, filled with colourful fishing boats, small ferries and glamorous yachts.
Narrow fisherman’s houses are romantically painted with bright and warm tones of Sienna, ochre, and pink with wonderful green shutters that contrast perfectly with the emerald water of Portofino bay. In the centre of town is a small square, lined with restaurants and cafès facing the harbour. Perfect backdrop to complete the idyllic scene are the splendid forested hills with incredible variety of plants and colourful flowers.
Portofino is without doubt one of the top wedding locations for a luxurious Italian wedding.

Catholic weddings in Portofino

Catholic weddings in Portofino can take place in a beautiful 17th church situated on a high promontory dominating the bay of Portofino. A romantic and panoramic footpath connects the central square to the church. The facade of the church is simple yet elegant, with yellow and white colours. Its interior is full of light with delicate stuccos and oil paintings.
About catholic wedding ceremony in Portofino
Special requirements must be completed in order to get married in Portofino with a catholic ceremony. The ceremony can be religious only or legally binding.
The chapel can host up to 50/60 people. Only catholic ceremonies allowed. Intimate and elegant.
English-speaking priest available to perform the ceremony. Organist available.
When
From April until November.

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Civil weddings in Portofino

Portofino, little fishing village on the Italian Riviera, near Genoa, has been made famous by the long list of vip people that has visited and still visits the town. The entire village is surrounded by colourful houses all built one near the other, narrow little streets take to the main famous square where in the summer many tourists have a drink enjoying the fantastic setting. Portofino has an enchanting atmosphere, you will imagine to see Guy de Montpassant, sitting at a caffè writing one of his novels. The name of the village is dated back to the Roman Imperial ages, when it was called " Portus Delphini", from where it derives the present name. To the famous architectural medieval buildings we must add the splendid vegetation that surrounds the whole area. The inlet gives to the location that special characteristic, a VIP venue in a secluded area.
Venue description.
In Portofino civil weddings are performed at the Brown castle. The name "Brown" was given to the castle recalling the owner, Montague Yeats Brown, English Consul in Genoa, from 1867 to 1949. The Consul had two pines planted on the main terrace for him and his wife for their wedding day. What a nice setting for your civil wedding ceremony. The castle has enchanting gardens and amazing terraces for a wedding reception and a photo session. Weddings are celebrated from Monday to Saturday, only in the mornings, no Sunday weddings allowed. The sworn declaration has to be done a couple of days before the wedding. The castle is open all year round.
About civil weddings in Portofino.
For your civil wedding ceremony you can plan to have some musical entertainment and you can read your own personal vows after the standard civil rite. You will love the outdoor terrace where you will enjoy the fantastic view over the gulf and have your very special wedding photos taken. The setting is ideal for a wedding reception after the civil rite.
We would recommend to marry this lovely location from April to October, to be able to enjoy at the very best the beautiful setting that the castle offers for a wedding ceremony and a wedding reception. For further information on how to plan a civil wedding in Portofino, contact our planners wedding@orchidearaffinata.com

Santa Margherita Ligure

Celebrate your wedding in Santa Margherita Ligure, a pretty and perfectly based resort with plenty of exotic palms, mild climate, attractive hotels, tiny restaurants, and a lively marina packed with yachts. Some of the most beautiful buildings are still decorated with trompe l’oleil frescoes which are quite typical in this part of the Italian Riviera.
Santa Margherita Ligure has one of the prettiest palazzos for civil wedding, a favourite destination for couples wanting to marry in the elegant Italian Riviera. Baroque churches for catholic wedding ceremonies in Santa Margherita Ligure are available. Refined hotels and restaurants will be the perfect setting for your wedding reception.
Orchidea Raffinata has selected for their clients only the best venues to guarantee a successful wedding in Santa Margherita Ligure.  

Catholic wedding in Santa Margherita Ligure

Unforgettable catholic wedding ceremonies can be organized by our company in Santa Margherita Ligure, only few minutes drive from the exclusive resort of Portofino.
Church description
In the heart of Santa Margherita you can celebrate a Roman Catholic ceremony in a beautiful and impressive Baroque church that enjoys an enviable position of the Tigullio Bay and Santa Margherita. The light-colored façade with beautiful stuccos stands in a scenic position next to the beautiful Italian garden of Villa Durazzo. The interior of this church will astonish you, since it is all decorated with impressive frescoes by Nicolo Barabino. This is definitely one of the most charming churches where to plan a catholic wedding ceremony in the Italian Riviera.
About Catholic weddings in Santa Margherita Ligure
In this church it is possible to perform a catholic ceremony with civil validity. Spouses must fulfill religious requirements before arriving in Italy, and our staff will assist you with all the requested documentation.
The church can hold large ceremonies up to 150 people. The ceremony can be performed by an English-speaking priest.
When
From April until October
For further information on how to plan a catholic wedding in Santa Margherita Ligure, contact our planners wedding@orchidearaffinata.com

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Civil weddings in Santa Margherita Ligure

Plan your wedding in the exclusive and elegant sea-side village of Santa Margherita Ligure on the Italian Riviera. This Italian wedding destination is simply spectacular!
Venues description
Wedding ceremonies in Santa Margherita Ligure take place in a magnificent 17th century villa with a beautiful park with marble statues, exotic plants and flowers. The villa boasts a marvellous views overlooking the sea.
The palace was originally a fortified castle built on the ruins of a roman fortress from 300 AD. The ruined castle was demolished on 1678 and transformed in n elegant villa, which on the twentieth century became a Grand Hotel where nobles and aristocracy used to spend their summer holidays. Today this elegant villa is a prestigious venue that host important cultural events and is used by the local municipality to organize civil wedding ceremonies.
Several elegant halls are available for civil ceremonies in Santa Margherita Ligure. They are decorated with oil paintings and impressive stucco works, magnificent chandeliers and marble floors. From the hall windows you can admire the beautiful park and the harbor of Santa Margherita. Various halls are available for small or large weddings up to 100 guests.
Outdoor ceremonies in Santa Margherita Ligure may be celebrated in a panoramic castle located on the sea.
About civil weddings in Santa Margherita
A sworn declaration it is necessary 2 days prior the wedding if you are resident abroad. The ceremony is performed in Italian language with a translation. Couples can personalize the ceremony with private vows, readings and music.
When
From April until October
For further information on how to plan a catholic wedding in Santa Margherita Ligure, contact our planners wedding@orchidearaffinata.com

Santa Margherita Ligure Intimate restaurant

Venue location
Near Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. Only 10 minutes drive.
Venue description
This is indeed one of the most beautiful and charming restaurant of the Portofino coast. The setting is incredibly romantic at evenings when is possible to dine on a candle-light table enjoying the most enchanting view of the sea. Very pleasant atmosphere, quite and relaxed. High-standard service. Highly recommended.
Wedding banquet
Wedding receptions can take place in a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea – Really superb views! Indoor hall is also available to host wedding receptions in cooler months. Up to 60 guests.
Cuisine
Traditional Ligurian Seafood cuisine. Finest wine selection.
Accommodation and facilities
Not available. Recommended lodging either in Santa Margherita or Portofino.
When
From April until late October

Santa Margherita Charming Hotel

Where
Santa Margherita Ligure, in the Italian Riviera. Only 10 minutes drive from Portofino.
Venue description
Originally was a private villa built in 1889 by the aristocratic Costa family coming from Corsica. This beautiful and charming hotel is surrounded by a large park sloping down to the sea. From its wide terraces you can enjoy the most enchanting view of Portofino bay. Nineteenth century ambience marked by first-rate class and outstanding professionalism. The charm of the past matches perfectly with the modern comforts. The interior is enriched with valuable antiques and pieces of art. Very beautiful venue, highly recommended for wedding reception in Santa Margherita Ligure.
Wedding ceremonies
Catholic and Civil weddings can be arranged in Santa Margherita Ligure.
Wedding receptions
A beautiful panoramic restaurant that boasts enchanting views can host exclusive wedding receptions up to 100 guests. Beautiful terraces are available for outdoor welcome cocktails  with a view of the Tigullio Bay. Romantic and unforgettable setting. Music and dancing allowed. No rental fee.
Cuisine
Superb traditional Mediterranean Cuisine. Excellent service.
Accommodation & facilities
The hotel has a total of 89 rooms and decorated with a glamorous Belle Epoque style. Light, specious, refined and comfortable rooms.
Open
Late April through October

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Weddings in Portovenere

Portovenere is like a delightful watercolour of colourful houses that contrast with the most sparkling deep blue sea and serene sky. This old fishing village is extremely romantic and a perfect backdrop for wedding pictures. The town commands a strategic position at the end of a peninsula that extends from the Cinque Terre and links to La Spezia.
Two wonderful settings are available in Portovenere for wedding ceremonies: a magnificent tiny church on a high rock overlooking the sea, and a medieval castle that boats incredible and dramatic vistas of the village and the divine coast.
 Orchidea Raffinata recommend Portovenere to couples looking for romance and intimacy in a spectacular setting of unparalleled beauty.

Catholic wedding in Portovenere

Catholic weddings in Portovenere take place in a 13th century church that stands high atop the cliff at the edge of the ocean. The church of Portovenere was built on the foundations of a pre-existent pagan temple of the 6th century. It’s lovely Black-and-white striped exterior is recognizable from far.
The interior is in gothic style and reflect the colours of the façade. The archways surrounding the church are just spectacular and from its rooftop terrace you can admire the most magnificent panorama of the village. The rocks, the blue sea and the turquoise sky blends perfectly in a scenery of extraordinary beauty.
The chapel of Portovenere is ideal for small destination weddings in Italy. Up to 40 people inside the chapel. Intimate and poetic location.
The catholic c?eremony is performed by an English-speaking priest. Only sacred music allowed.

Civil weddings in Portovenere

Portovenere is a charming fisherman village located in the eastern coast of the Italian Riviera. This destination has become in these latest years very popular as it offers a very spectacular setting where to celebrate a legal ceremony.
Venue description
Civil wedding ceremonies in Portovenere can take place either at the local municipality or performed outdoor in the impressive Medieval Castle Doria, located in the highest part of town. Simple yet intimate ceremonies in this romantic setting which enhances feelings thanks to the dramatic views of the sea.
About civil weddings in Portovenere
Weddings are performed from Monday to Saturday in the morning and afternoon. Sunday weddings only in the morning.
The ceremony in the castle is celebrated open air, music is allowed.
When
From April until October

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Portovenere refined restaurant

Where
In Portovenere, the heart of town. Italian Riviera.
Venue description
Wedding receptions in Portovenere can take place in this enchanting restaurant, situated in the medieval part of town. The restaurant faces the brilliant blue sea on a privileged location. Refined modern furnishings. 
Wedding banquets
Exclusive wedding parties and romantic candle light dinner. Recommended for small wedding receptions. Splendid outdoor terrace.
Cuisine
Seafood specialties combined with important and refined wines. Inventive cuisine.
Accommodation & facilities
Not available
When
From April until October
More information in Portovenere weddings are available – contact wedding@orchidearaffinata.com

Weddings in the Cinque Terre

A wedding in the Cinque Terre is intimate and very romantic.
Marvellous villages clinging haphazardly to steep cliff, linked by romantic footpaths, magnificently cultivated vineyards and spectacular ocean views. The suggestive fishing villages of Monterosso, Manarola, Vernazza, Riomaggiore and Corniglia are authentic natural “opera of art” and since 1999 is an UNESCO protected territory.

Vernazza Catholic weddings

Without any doubt this is the most impressive and picturesque church of Cinque Terre. Rising from a massive rock on the sea the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia is certainly a stunning location for your destination wedding in Italy. In 1318 the church in gothic Ligurian style (restructured between 1964 and 1970) was built on a rock in front of the sea on the rests of a construction of the 11th century in 1318.
The main entrance is in the north, but because of the lack of place, you have to enter at the apse's side. The inside is divided in three ships, and is reached by going up various stairs. The characteristic impressive octagonal belfry with a height of 40m is placed on four presbyterial pillars.
About catholic weddings in Vernazza
The church is ideal for small or larger wedding ceremonies. English-speaking priest available. Possibility of a religious wedding with civil validity. Only sacred music allowed.
Considered the lack of luxurious hotels and modern comforts we recommend a wedding in Vernazza only to couples looking for a relaxed event and only for a limited number of guests up 30 to 40 people.
When
From April/May until October

Symbolic weddings in Vernazza

Vernazza with its exceptional views and panoramas is definitely one of the most intimate and charming destinations for a symbolic wedding.  
Venue description
Symbolic wedding ceremonies in Vernazza take place in the ancient Medieval Castle located high above the village.
Breathtaking sea views of the coast, the sea and the whole village. Panoramic terraces are available.
Symbolic weddings and vows renewals allowed.
About symbolic ceremonies in Vernazza
Being this a public area ceremonies are asked to be quite short.
You can add personal vows, poems and readings to the ceremony.
After ceremony do not miss a romantic photo session in the most spectacular spots of town.
When
From June until September 
    More information in Vernazza weddings are available – contact wedding@orchidearaffinata.com

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