Eloping in Italy - Ancient ruins and magical nature

Can you imagine anything better than having a wedding in a very intimate circle of just you and your future spouse, your best friends and a wedding photographer, taking place at your favourite wedding destination? Maybe even having a wedding abroad, exchanging your vows in an environment that you connect with? Italy has it all: Magnificent mountain peaks, beautiful beaches, and objectively one of the best cuisines in the world! Eloping in Italy is a dreamy adventure for anyone who loves good food, stunning views, and lovely locals. 

Why eloping in Italy

Oh, the smells of Italy! Imagine starting your day with a fresh Espresso while people watching on one of Italy’s beautiful piazzas. The air is infused with the smell of coffee, sunlight on your face, and you are just enjoying the moment with your partner. That’s how your day could be starting. Indulge in colourful gelato while strolling through the ancient Roman buildings of Rome or Verona and finish your day with a bottle of fine wine and a multicourse menu in a cute Italian restaurant. 

Your actual elopement ceremony could take place in a quiet location just outside of town. Next to delicious food and wines, Italy is well known for its stunning landscape. The Dolomites offer breathtaking views, beautiful hikes, and the opportunity for remarkable mountain adventures. Think of the excitement of saying yes to your beloved partner and sealing the deal by jumping out of a plane together the next day! However, you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to appreciate the beauty of Italy. The island of Sardinia invites for a calm and relaxed stay. High cliffs, white beaches, and crystal clear water are waiting for you. Cliff jumps, long hikes, and beautiful dives are only some of the activities you could be doing there! Have a look at our Blog about South Europe for more specific places in Italy!

Inspiration: An intimate wedding in Rome 

A wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. Quite the opposite! With a small ceremony, you can fully focus on what your wedding is actually about: The beautiful connection between two people. That's what Carola and Yannick did in Italy. Accompanied by their dearest friends and me as their wedding photographer, they've said ‘Yes’ to each other at a civil wedding in Tivoli and thus fulfilled their dream of an alternative wedding.

As the starting point of this great, personal adventure, the two had chosen Rome. On the morning of their big day, I strolled through the streets of the Eternal City while everything was still asleep to grab a coffee and a stuffed croissant. I felt absolutely stoked to have the opportunity to work as a wedding photographer in Italy.

The Getting Ready took place in their hotel while the first rays of sun slowly warmed the city. The atmosphere was relaxed but it also had this very exciting vibe because they were just about to elope in their dearest wedding destination. The tones of Eros Ramazzotti filled the air as the last finishing touches were getting done and Carola was now ready to see her future husband. 

Together we took the train to Tivoli, a small village embedded in the hills where the marriage ceremony would take place. Arriving there we strolled through the narrow streets, had a cappuccino at the village square and enjoyed the typical Italian tranquil.  

The ceremony took place at the old town hall of the village. We found ourselves in the middle of a spacious room, ornated with old wall paintings, chandeliers and through the windows a stunning wide view to the bright blue sky over the hills.

The registrar, a charismatic man with a sash in the colours of the Italian flag, entered the room. He greeted us warmly and we eagerly awaited the beginning of the ceremony. With his deep voice, he explained that the wedding itself would only take a few minutes. However, since the two had come a long way to get married in Tivoli, he would like to tell them something about the history of Tivoli and about love itself.

As he kept on performing the ceremony with all of his heart, he moved us to tears and made us laugh at the same time. With the warm wind blowing through the open windows Carola and Yannick promised each other. 

After the ceremony, the wedding people were popping corks and celebrating while some locals couldn't resist cheering and well-wishing the newlyweds. Even the registrar didn't leave it to raise his glass to the love birds.

Together we went to have an Italian feast over the waterfalls of Tivoli. We had pretty much everything the local cuisine could offer, accompanied by a great selection of local wines. We finished everything with an espresso to get the necessary energy to take some romantic couple photos in the small winding streets of Tivoli. Everyone was filled with love, joy and happiness while we took our way back to Rome.

Following the Mediterranean culture, we made a little siesta to digest the event. Some hours later we strolled along the streets of Rome with new energy. Carola and Yannick took their loved ones to their favourite gelato store and with an ice cream in our hands we further explored Rome.

Eventually, we arrived at the Colosseum, a place that the wedding couple honoured with an engraving in their rings to always remember their most special day. With the last rays of sunshine touching the scenery we stopped to take some intimate and loving couple pictures.

Back at the place where we left their friends they welcomed us back with some bottles of wine to cherish the day once more. As usual in Italy, we had a late dinner in a romantic pizzeria by candlelight and some drinks where we rounded up their perfect dream wedding.

↠ Thijsiena