Silvia Sala Photography

Places to Elope in Italy – How to Find the Perfect Spot

Italy is one of the most romantic countries in the world and choosing the best places to elope in Italy can truly shape the soul of your entire day.

Whether you picture yourself overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany, exchanging vows in a quiet Venetian courtyard, or hiking to a serene mountain view in the Dolomites, I’m here to help you figure out which location feels most “you.” In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key things to consider when picking your perfect spot – beyond the obvious and the crowds.

Let’s find your dream corner of Italy together.

Bride and groom in front of the iconic Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco.

What to Consider When Choosing a Place to Elope in Italy

Italy offers a wide range of landscapes and vibes, each one telling a different kind of love story. But how do you know which one is right for your story?

Start by asking yourselves:

  • Do you imagine mountains, coastline, vineyards, or city streets?
  • Are you looking for a quiet retreat or a place with a touch of culture and history?
  • Will you be bringing a few loved ones or keeping it just the two of you?

Your answers will help narrow down the best places to elope in Italy based on your unique vision. In the next sections, I’ll walk you through some of the best Italian elopement locations, grouped by vibe, so you can find the place that feels most like you. Whether you’re dreaming of mountains, sea views, city charm or countryside stillness, there’s a corner of Italy waiting to tell your story.

The perfect outfit to wear in Venice according to the weather

Places to Elope in Italy for Nature Lovers and Adventurers

Italy offers breathtaking natural landscapes, perfect for couples dreaming of an elopement surrounded by silence, mountains, lakes, and vineyards.

The Dolomites

If you picture yourselves reading your vows with mountain peaks all around and that crisp alpine air in your lungs, the Dolomites are unbeatable. Perfect for summer hikes, golden autumns, or a snowy elopement that feels like a fairytale.

Couples who love spending time outdoors will fall in love with the scenery Dolomiti Mountain offers. If you and your partner are also trekking enthusiasts, you should consider the majestic horizons seen from this area. Exchanging your vows surrounded by this natural serenity will make your Italy elopement dreamy. Moreover, this setting will add authenticity to your big day, so it will truly stand out from the traditional weddings we are all familiar with. 

→​ Don’t miss my full Best Dolomites Photoshoot Locations Guide to dive deeper into everything you need to know.

Since we are talking about getting married outdoors, you will get the chance to be very creative with your appearance, too. You may still wear white, but you will surely need to opt for more adequate shoes. 

Abruzzo

Often overlooked, Abruzzo is wild, authentic, and full of raw beauty. Think medieval villages, quiet national parks, and a feeling of being completely off the beaten path. It’s perfect for couples who crave solitude and connection.

Gran Sasso landscape with sheeps
Photo by Sterling Lanier

Places to Elope in Italy for Lakeside Escapes

There’s something timeless and poetic about eloping by a lake. The stillness of the water, the light dancing at sunrise or sunset, the soft sounds in the background. It all creates a calm, intimate atmosphere where everything else fades away. In this section I’ll share some of the most inspiring lake locations for elopements in Italy.

Lake Como

Eloping doesn’t mean giving up the chance to plan an elegant and sophisticated celebration. Lake Como is known for its breathtaking landscapes and refined atmosphere, perfect for a stylish, intimate day. With its luxurious villas, lakeside restaurants, and opulent hotels, it offers the ideal setting for a celebration that feels both personal and unforgettable.

Groom and bride enjoying a peaceful boat trip on Lake Como.

Besides being able to say “I do” in one of the most luxurious Italy elopement locations, you will also get the opportunity to end up with editorial-style photos of your special moments. Lake Como is abundant with picture-perfect spots, so making your bridal portraits diverse and versatile will not be a problem. Moreover, the surroundings are ideal for wearing chic bridal attire, meaning you will still be able to pick your dreamy dress even if you decide to elope.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand on a dock with the mountains of Lake Como in the background

Vibrant lakeside town with lush green hills and boats floating on Lake Como

Bride holding her bouquet up against the backdrop of Lake Como

→ Want a glimpse of how elegant and intimate a Lake Como elopement can be? Take a look at Mari Liis & Meelis’s Lake Como Elopement Photoshoot

Lake Garda

Lake Garda offers a softer, more laid-back alternative to the glamour of Como. With its olive groves, pastel-colored villages, and mountain views melting into the water, it’s the kind of place where time slows down. Whether you choose the northern cliffs or the southern shore, eloping here feels peaceful, sun-drenched, and effortlessly romantic.

Villa garden with pool and lake view in Salò, ideal for a Lake Garda elopement

Bride and groom holding hands in the garden with olive trees of a villa in Salò

Outdoor wedding dinner setup with guests among olive trees in Salò, Lake Garda

Bride and groom toasting during their intimate wedding in Lake Garda, Italy

Outdoor wedding dinner setup with guests among olive trees in Salò, Lake Garda

Art & History: Elopement Locations with Timeless Charm

There’s a reason why cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome are known all over the world: it’s not just about what you see, but about what you feel. They carry a quiet elegance, a sense of history that lingers in the air and wraps around you as you walk through their streets.

Choosing to elope in one of these places means surrounding yourself with beauty that has stood the test of time. From hidden courtyards to faded facades, every detail tells a story. These cities are perfect for couples who love classic romance, rich culture, and that unmistakable feeling of stepping into another time.

Venice

Venice is one of the most iconic places to elope in Italy, and for good reason. It’s a city that feels like a dream, where time seems to slow down and beauty is found in every corner. Whether you imagine something elegant and sophisticated or quiet and intimate, Venice has a way of adapting to your vision while keeping its soul intact.

You can exchange vows on a secluded bridge, glide through the canals in a gondola, or celebrate on a rooftop with a view over the city’s domes and bell towers. From sunrise strolls through empty alleys to portraits at iconic landmarks, every moment becomes part of a story that feels entirely yours.

Bride and groom standing on a wooden dock, surrounded by Venice’s glistening canals.

Venice rooftops at sunrise

The groom and the bride are exchanging vows in front of the officiant

If you’re curious to see what your day in Venice could look like, explore these real stories and planning tips:
Gondola Ride Guide
Planning a Venice Elopement: Everything you need to know
Romantic Elopement Photoshoot in Venice | Marissa & Solomon
Venice Micro-Wedding in a Secret Garden Hotel | Maria & Asael
Venice hotels with a view for your Elopement

Florence

Florence is a city that feels like a painting come to life. With its Renaissance architecture, sunlit piazzas, and art-filled streets, it offers a timeless setting for an intimate and meaningful elopement.

Whether you choose a quiet garden, a historic villa, or a panoramic terrace above the city’s rooftops, every moment in Florence carries a sense of beauty and depth. It’s perfect for couples who love culture, elegance, and that warm Tuscan glow that seems made for love stories.

→ Curious to explore more spots for your Florence Elopement Photoshoot? Take a look at my Florence Photoshoot Guide to discover the best photo locations of the city.

Rome

Eloping in Rome means surrounding yourself with centuries of history and beauty at every turn. From ancient ruins to hidden gardens and quiet churches tucked between cobbled streets, the city offers a striking mix of grandeur and intimacy.

Whether you imagine a sunrise ceremony near the Roman Forum or a romantic walk through Trastevere after your vows, Rome is ideal for couples who want a meaningful elopement in a place where the past gently embraces the present.

Classic view over the Roman Forum, one of the most meaningful elopement spots in Rome

View of the Colosseum, one of the most iconic Rome elopement locations
Quiet street in Rome near the Colosseum, perfect for intimate elopement portraits

Vineyards & Countryside: Intimate Elopements in the Heart of Nature

If your dream elopement includes rolling hills, golden light, and the quiet rhythm of the Italian countryside, these locations will speak to your soul. Here, time slows down. Meals are long, wine flows freely, and every landscape feels like a painting.

Eloping in these regions means celebrating love in places where presence, simplicity, and connection come naturally. In a land where food and wine aren’t just part of the experience, they’re part of the culture.

Tuscany

With its golden hills, cypress-lined roads, and warm evening light, Tuscany feels like it was made for slow, meaningful celebrations. Known around the world for its wine and scenery, this region is perfect for couples who want a romantic elopement surrounded by beauty, history, and a deep sense of place.

From intimate ceremonies among the vineyards to sunset dinners overlooking the countryside, every detail feels timeless. You can plan your day at a working winery, explore the area in a vintage car, or go horse riding through olive groves, turning your elopement into a full, immersive experience.

This is exactly what Robin & Lawrie chose for their celebration at Villa il Pozzo: a day filled with connection, simplicity, and the unmistakable charm of Tuscany.

Bride and groom walk in the Tuscany countryside during bridal photoshoot

Bride holds her white roses bouquet while posing between olives trees in Tuscany, Italy

Newlyweds share a kiss against the picturesque backdrop of the Tuscan countryside, celebrating their marriage in Italy

Umbria

Often described as Tuscany’s quieter sister, Umbria is one of Italy’s most underrated regions. With its medieval villages, forested hills, and slower pace of life, it’s perfect for couples who want to escape the crowds and embrace something more intimate and grounded.

Eloping in Umbria means wandering through ancient stone streets, saying your vows with sweeping countryside views, and ending the day with incredible food and local wine. It’s simple, authentic, and deeply romantic – ideal for those who believe that less can truly be more.

View of Umbrian village at sunset, perfect for an intimate elopement in Italy
Photo by Lachlan Gowen

Valdobbiadene

Tucked between gentle hills and endless vineyards – just one hour drive from Venice – Valdobbiadene is a hidden gem in northern Italy, best known for producing the world’s finest Prosecco. But beyond the wine, this region offers an intimate and unspoiled atmosphere, far from the usual tourist paths.

It’s the kind of place where you can exchange vows with views that stretch across green valleys, celebrate in a historic villa, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a sunset toast among the vines. For couples seeking a peaceful yet elegant setting, Valdobbiadene offers a perfect balance of beauty, tradition, and quiet sophistication.

Breathtaking view of the Prosecco Hills from CastelBrando—perfect for destination weddings in Italy.

Local Prosecco bottle in ice, signature touch of a Prosecco Hills wedding celebration.

You can see more photos from this area in my Italy Micro Wedding at CastelBrando blog post, a unique location nestled in the hills above the Prosecco valley.

Langhe

Rolling hills, winding country roads, and vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see, the Langhe region is pure poetry for couples who love slow, intentional travel and the richness of Italian traditions.

Famous for its Barolo and truffles, this area offers more than just amazing food and wine. It’s a place where the pace is calm, the light is golden, and every village feels like a hidden retreat.

Eloping in the Langhe means savoring every moment, whether you’re exchanging vows in a historic wine estate, enjoying a long lunch with local flavors, or simply watching the sun set over the hills with a glass of red in hand.

View of rolling hills and vineyards in the Langhe, Piedmont

Bride and groom kiss alone after all the guests left for the reception

Landscape of the Langhe region, a hidden gem in the Italian countryside

Close-up of bottles of wine as wedding favors

Seaside: Elopements with Mediterranean Light and Sea Breeze

If the sound of waves, the scent of salt in the air, and colorful villages clinging to the cliffs speak to your soul, Italy’s coastal regions might be the perfect setting for your elopement.

Every seaside location in Italy has its own personality. Are you drawn to the glamour of the Amalfi Coast, the authenticity of Puglia, or the wild beauty of Sardinia and Sicily? Each of these places offers that unmistakable sense of freedom and lightness that only the sea can bring.

While summer is the most popular season, seaside regions in Southern Italy enjoy mild, pleasant weather even in spring and autumn, making them ideal for elopements even outside the high season.

Amalfi Coast

Dramatic cliffs, lemon groves, pastel villages clinging to the hills, the Amalfi Coast is bold, vibrant, and unapologetically romantic. Perfect for couples who want that “wow” factor without losing intimacy, this coastal gem offers endless terraces, sea views, and sunset magic.

From Positano to Ravello, each town has its own character. Whether you choose a chic hotel with a panoramic view or a quiet spot above the sea, your elopement here will feel like a dream soaked in sunshine.

Sunset in Amalfi coast

Photo by Dimitry B

Puglia

For couples seeking authenticity, warmth, and down-to-earth beauty, Puglia is a perfect match. With whitewashed villages, olive groves, and quiet beaches, it offers a more grounded and relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Eloping here means slow mornings, long dinners, and heartfelt connection – whether you’re staying in a masseria, exchanging vows by the sea, or wandering through alleyways with local life all around you.

Sardinia

Wild, rugged, and full of contrasts, Sardinia is ideal for those who want to feel far away from everything. Its turquoise waters, hidden coves, and untouched nature offer a more adventurous kind of elopement.

From the rocky shores of the north to the serene beaches of the south, Sardinia gives you space, silence, and raw Mediterranean beauty, perfect for a private, soul-centered celebration.

View of a beach in Sardinia, perfect for a seaside elopement in Italy
Photo by Katie Kalmykova

Sicily

Sicily is for lovers of contrast. Volcanic peaks and baroque towns, crystal-clear waters and layers of history – it’s a land full of life and intensity.

Eloping here means embracing bold flavors, dramatic views, and a culture that celebrates love with passion. From quiet seaside corners to vibrant coastal cities, Sicily offers depth and soul in every detail.

View of Catania from above
Photo by Efrem Efre

Liguria

Liguria’s coastline is best known for the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre, but the region has so much more to offer. From hidden fishing towns to quiet cliffs near Savona, it’s perfect for couples who want the sea without the crowds.

Its narrow paths, terraced hillsides, and dramatic sea views create the perfect setting for a peaceful and intimate elopement.

Vernazza, a village of Cinque Terre in Liguria, perfect setting for an intimate elopement
Photo by Sergey Guk

Ready to Choose Your Place to Elope in Italy?

There’s no single way to elope in Italy and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Every place tells a different story: some are quiet and remote, others bold and full of light, but each one has the power to make your day unforgettable.

You might be drawn to the peaceful mountains, the energy of the coast, or the timeless beauty of the countryside. Whatever speaks to you, there’s a corner of Italy that feels like it was made for your story.

If you’re feeling unsure about where to begin, I’m here to guide you and help you create an experience that’s honest, effortless, and completely yours! Get in touch with me to learn more about my services and to see if I can help you.