The Ultimate Italy Elopement Guide

Let’s take a moment to soak this in—you’re getting married in ITALY! Cue all the happy dances because this is seriously the dream. You’re my kind of people—skipping the chaos of a big wedding with a long guest list and a thousand opinions isn’t just a choice, it’s your vibe. Instead, you’re all about meaningful, stress-free, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and I absolutely love that for you!



Whether you’re sipping wine in Tuscany, wandering the sunlit streets of Rome, or sailing along the Amalfi Coast as the sun dips below the horizon, every corner of this country feels like it was designed to help you tell your love story. But planning an elopement in Italy can feel overwhelming when you realize the sheer number of stunning locations and endless possibilities. Don’t worry — that’s where I come in! As someone who’s spent three months exploring Italy and captured many dreamy couples there, I know all the ins and outs of the most breathtaking locations.



But to give you an idea of what’s possible, I put together this Italy elopement guide covering everything you need to know to plan the best day ever!

Why Elope in Italy?

Italy feels like it was made for love stories. Just the stunning landscapes alone of sun-drenched coastlines, charming cobblestone streets, and green vineyards make it an absolute dream destination. Beyond the views, Italy is also rich in culture and history. Every building, street, and corner has been here for centuries.

And then there’s the food! Fresh pasta, pizza, gelato, local wines - you’re literally in a foodie paradise. Sharing a candlelit dinner in a quaint trattoria after exchanging your vows might just be the most romantic thing you’ve ever done. It might be a bit difficult finding a completely private spot, unless you’re booking a venue, like a hotel or a villa with a lush garden, but, I mean, IT’S ITALY!! It will still be an absolutely amazing day!

Can Foreigners Get Married in Italy?

Yes, foreigners can absolutely get married in Italy! And you’ve got two ways to make it happen. You can legally marry in Italy or handle the legal part at home and save the fun stuff for your Italian adventure. If you want to get legally married in Italy, it’s doable but requires a bit of planning. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can check out the U.S. Embassy page about getting married in Italy! But the process varies depending on where you’re from, so double-check the specific requirements for your country.

If the thought of legalities in a foreign country feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—many couples choose to legally marry at home first. This way, you can skip the paperwork stress and focus solely on your dream day in Italy. Symbolic ceremonies still allow you to exchange personal vows in a breathtaking location without any red tape.

Best Places to Elope in Italy

When to Elope in Italy

Italy’s climate varies greatly depending on the region, so choosing the best time for your elopement depends on your location and preferences. Overall, Northern Italy (Alps, Lake Como, Venice) is going to be cooler and wetter all year round, with snowy winters in the mountains. Central Italy (Tuscany, Rome, Florence) has a more temperate climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Southern Italy (Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sardinia) has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and very mild winters.

Spring is one of the best times to elope in Italy. The weather is mild, flowers are blooming, and the countryside is lush and green. Northern Italy, including the Lake Como region, enjoys comfortable temperatures, while the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany are warm but not yet too hot. Summer brings longer days, but it’s also peak tourist season. Coastal areas like the Amalfi Coast and Sicily are usually particularly busy, but their beaches really are stunning this time of year. Cities like Florence and Rome can be scorching hot, so you might enjoy a sunrise or sunset elopement outdoors when it’s a bit calmer.

Fall is arguably the best time for your Italy elopement. The weather is still warm, crowds thin out (it will still be busy, but just a bit less so than in summer), and vineyards across Tuscany and Sicily are in harvest mode and stunning! Winter offers a quieter, moodier vibe. Coastal areas and the south remain mild, while northern Italy, including Venice and the Alps, can be chilly and magical, especially during the holiday season.

Where to Stay

There are many amazing places to stay in Italy! Whether you’re drawn to charming countryside Airbnb, luxurious boutique hotels, or cliffside villas with stunning views, there’s something for every couple. At the start, you should stay somewhere close to your elopement location to avoid long commutes. Also, a hotel may be a better fit, if you’d like someone to take care of all the cleaning for you, or maybe even have a breakfast included, or a special wedding package!

Of course, you can extend your trip beyond your elopement day! Italy is the perfect place for a honeymoon, so consider splitting your stay between regions to experience more of its beauty!

What to Eat

I said this before - Italy really is a foodie’s paradise! Each region offers its own specialties, and tasting the local cuisine is a must wherever you go. TikTok is full of amazing food recommendations from travelers, but that will often mean those places will be packed with people! Trattoria da Enzo in Trastevere had 2 hour-long queues when I last visited (well deserved, though!), but if you want to avoid queues, you may have really good luck wandering around and discovering local spots!

If you’re in Naples, you can’t go wrong with pizza! Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and trying a classic Margherita at a pizzeria like L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a bucket-list experience. When you’re in Tuscany, you’ll notice a lot of wild game, like deer, pheasant, and wild boar. Some dishes you could check out are pappardelle al cinghiale (pasta with wild boar ragu) or a perfectly cooked bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak). 

If you go to Amalfi Coast, enjoy ALL the seafood dishes! Amalfi Coast is also known for growing lemons, so enjoy all things lemon - like lemon cakes and limoncello! If you go to Sicily, try arancini (fried rice balls), pasta alla Norma (eggplant pasta), and cannoli for dessert. Sicily’s street food scene is incredible, too! 

And, of course, enjoy ALL the gelato! I recommend looking for gelato that is covered in metal tins or, if not covered, at least in natural colors (like banana gelato, which is cream color and not bright yellow!)! If you come across gelato that looks like colorful mountains, it’s not going to be that good.

Italy Elopement Activities

There are so many things you can do in Italy! Especially if you choose to elope AND stay there for your whole honeymoon! That would definitely give you plenty of time to travel around and explore more than one city or explore one city but more in-depth! Here are some ideas of what to do in Italy:

• It goes without saying, but enjoy all the food! 
• Take a boat ride on Lake Como or the Amalfi Coast.
• Go on a Vespa ride through Florence or the Tuscan countryside.
• Book a private cooking class and learn how to make pasta and tiramisu.
• Enjoy a wine tasting in Tuscany or Sicily.
• Rent a vintage car and explore the coastline or countryside.
• Enjoy a day at the beach.
• Hike the Dolomites.
• Visit a local food market, like Campo de' Fiori in Rome.
• Take a gondola ride in Venice.
• Attend an Opera in Verona.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Italy?

An Italy elopement can cost between $5,000 and $20,000+, depending on factors like location, accommodations, length of stay, season, and experiences. All these prices are approximate but give you a good idea of what to expect.

• Flights: $500–$2,500 per person
• Accommodations: $150–$500 per night
• Photographer/Planner: $5,000–$10,000+
• Permits and Legal Fees: $200–$500
• Food and Activities: $500–$1,000
• Other Vendors (flowers, makeup): $1000–$3,500+ (flowers can get very expensive depending on what you envision!)