Planning an elopement in Venice doesn’t have to follow any rules. It can be simple, heartfelt, silly, and fully yours, just like Anna and Vincent’s day.
When they reached out to me, they knew one thing for sure: they didn’t want anything traditional. No big venues, no guests, no stiff timelines. They were looking for an experience that reflected their personalities and connection, and I was so happy to help shape that with them.
We started planning a full-day elopement, split in two parts: one at sunrise, one at sunset. I helped them choose the best locations and timing to avoid crowds and catch the best light. I even picked up the flowers for them the evening before, custom-made by Mexichic, one of my favorite local florists.
Before diving into the morning story, here’s what I shared live while following Anna and Vincent around the empty alleys of Venice…
A Slow Morning in Venice, Just for the Two of Them
At 6am, we stepped out of their hotel into an empty Venice bathed in golden light. They had gotten ready together that morning, sharing sweet and funny moments in their hotel room, with no pressure, just joy.
We slowly made our way to Punta della Dogana, one of the most peaceful corners of Venice at sunrise. That’s where Anna and Vincent decided to exchange their vows, quietly and privately, while the golden light began to reflect on the water. It was a deeply intimate moment, just the two of them, no audience, no pressure. I stepped back to give them space, because sometimes the best thing a photographer can do is simply “disappear”.
Since they had already gotten legally married in the U.S., this was their way of honoring their connection in a place that meant something to them. A symbolic elopement in Venice can be just that: heartfelt, simple, and real.
If you’re thinking of doing the same, here’s an useful guide:
After the vow exchange, we wandered slowly through the quieter streets of Dorsoduro, letting the atmosphere sink in. Venice was still waking up, and every corner felt like it belonged just to them. Eventually, we crossed the Accademia Bridge and made our way to Piazza San Marco, stopping in the exact spot where Vincent had proposed to Anna a few years earlier, right in front of the gondolas lined up along the Bacino.
We paused for a calm, no-rush breakfast together, a moment to breathe and enjoy the stillness before the city fully came alive. Afterwards, despite her fear of water, Anna decided to embrace the full Venetian experience: a gondola ride through the canals. She knew it would be a memory worth keeping, and with Vincent by her side, she climbed in smiling.
If you’re curious about this experience, here’s my full
Once back on solid ground, we said goodbye for a few hours, the heat of the early summer sun had started to intensify, and taking a break felt like the perfect way to reset before our evening adventure.
Taxi Ride at Sunset, Pasta, and a Dance Under the Stars
As the golden hour approached, we met again for the second part of their Venice elopement. Anna and Vincent had changed into more comfortable clothes and we boarded a private water taxi that I had booked in advance. It’s one of those experiences I always love to suggest: gliding around the lagoon, past hidden islands and into the Grand Canal, with the city glowing in the evening light. They popped open a bottle of champagne and toasted to a day that had already felt full of meaning, with the soft breeze and quiet waters all around.
After the ride, they didn’t head to a fancy restaurant. Instead, they picked up some takeout pasta from a small place they had discovered on a previous trip: something simple, casual, and totally perfect for the vibe they wanted. We then made our way to the private terrace of their hotel for a classic moment: cutting their “wedding cake” and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the evening.
The night ended where their engagement had once begun: Piazza San Marco. With the soft lights of the square, they shared a spontaneous first dance, twirling and laughing with the kind of joy that comes from doing exactly what you want, without pressure or expectations.
The last photos I took were of them sitting on the chairs of a closed café in Piazza San Marco, quietly taking in the night as the city emptied around them. I said goodbye there, letting them enjoy that final, peaceful moment together.
Planning an Elopement in Venice That Truly Feels Like You
Planning an elopement in Venice isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about creating something that reflects who you are as a couple, whether that means exchanging vows at sunrise, sharing breakfast in your wedding outfits, or dancing in an empty Piazza San Marco under the stars.
This city offers the perfect canvas for couples who want to do things differently: intimate, meaningful, and free from pressure or tradition.
And yes, you can still celebrate with friends and family later. Just skip the parts that don’t feel like you.
Helping Anna and Vincent plan their day in a way that felt completely personal to them was a true pleasure. If planning an elopement in Venice that’s deeply authentic and unforgettable speaks to you, I’d love to help you make it happen!
Useful Resources if you’re planning an Elopement in Venice
Dreaming of planning an elopement in Venice that really feels like you? No stiff rules, no big crowds, just a day full of meaning and connection. I’d love to help you bring it to life.
Curious about how planning an elopement in Venice works? Take a look at my packages, planning tips, and the support I offer to help you create something effortless, personal, and true to who you are.
If you love slow travel, meaningful adventures, and honest photography, you’ll find plenty of inspiration on my socials: behind-the-scenes, locations, and real couples in love.