Venice, Italy, is one of the most desired places among couples. Its intricate network of canals and charming architecture offer countless opportunities for stunning photos. From the iconic landmarks in San Marco to the quiet alleys in Castello, local photographers know all the best photo spots to create a truly memorable couple photoshoot in Venice.

Venice is divided into 6 sestieri, with Canal Grande running in the middle. Each of the sestieri offers something special, while the canal can give you a magical Venice aura for your photoshoot. Whether you’re going for the grand architecture of the Doge’s Palace or want to have the vibrant colors of Burano in the background, Venice’s diverse neighborhoods provide it all—a blend of history and culture. 

In this article, we’ll go over each one and the spots they hide where you can take couple’s photos. Let’s dive into the best photo spots in Venice.

Best Photo spots in Santa Croce

One of the best places to take photos in Venice is definitely Santa Croce. As part of the 6 sestieri, Santa Croce is a small quarter that’s full of alleys and canals that are not flocked by tourists. It offers a unique backdrop of the city’s traditional charm for your couple’s photos. The narrow streets are perfect for a quiet photo shoot where you can truly immerse yourselves in the love for your significant other. 

San Giacomo dell’Orio is one spot where many couples like to take a pic. This big square gives a view of vegetable gardens and children playing after school, giving a more authentic vibe to your memories. 

Other spots are the Church of San Stae and the Grand Canal, where you get a glimpse of a breathtaking Baroque façade that is perfect for couples into architecture. The Fondaco dei Turchi also has a fantastic setting with Byzantine architecture surrounding it.

Best Photo spots in San Polo

To have a romantic couple photoshoot in Venice, definitely go to San Polo. As one with the best photo spots in Venice, you can find the historical Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge and have your photographer include them in the photo. If you want to have the stunning waters of Venice decorating your pictures, the Rialto Bridge is a beautiful spot that offers a clear view of the Canal Grande. It’s even more magical around sunrise and sunset when the lights cast golden rays over the water.

If you’re an extroverted couple, walking around the Rialto Market will give you hundreds of ideas. You can include the lively scene of the fresh produce vendors and have a vibrant picture. The Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is also a great spot, especially for history buffs. 

Being Venice’s smallest and oldest sestiere, San Polo also offers a quiet getaway where you can truly create intimate photos. With the city’s vibrant energy and history hiding around every corner, a good Venice photographer will ensure you create memories that will last you a lifetime.

Best photo spots in Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is another one of the best places to take photos in Venice. This vibrant and artistic sestiere is perfect for couples who want to add a bit of Italian culture and beauty to their pics. Widely known for its university vibe, Dorsoduro has a lively atmosphere with students and locals walking around the busy cafes and bars. This makes it for excellent candid street photography. 

The Zattere promenade is another great place for a couple’s photoshoot in Venice. It’s particularly breathtaking at sunset when the rays dip below the horizon and hit the Giudecca Canal. Punta della Dogana and the Santa Maria della Salute Church can also offer spectacular views of San Marco Square.

Dorsoduro includes the islands of San Giorgio Maggiore and Giudecca, quieter spots with stunning views of the main city, which makes them the perfect spots for a secret proposal.

San Marco

When looking for the best photo spots in Venice, you mustn’t miss San Marco. It takes its name from the Basilica in the homonymous square, a spot where any good photographer can create stunning couple photos. 

San Marco offers countless picturesque spots, including the historic Caffè Florian, the oldest café in Europe, perfect for capturing elegant photos or simply soaking in the Venetian café experience.

Iconic landmarks like the bell and clock towers, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs provide stunning backdrops for your shoot. As a local Venice photographer, I recommend finding some inspirational poses online, and together, we can recreate them against these timeless, Venetian landmarks for truly unforgettable photos!

Keep in mind that these places are the busiest tourist areas, full of shops and tourists in the afternoon. However, early in the morning is the perfect time for a lovely photoshoot in some of the quiet corners of this part of Venice. 

Cannareggio

Situated in Northern Venice, Cannareggio is a very quiet and calm area, great for those couples who want to keep the magical photoshoot moment for themselves. That being said, Cannareggio is lively in the evening with many bars for young people. If you’re a younger couple, this sestiere is the perfect option—a blend of magical scenery for photography in the morning and partying at night. 

There’s also a Jewish ghetto, one of Venice’s culturally rich areas. This is the first ghetto in the world and still remains a poignant symbol of Jewish heritage. Couples who like to immerse themselves in culture find this spot the best for their photoshoot.

Castello

The last and biggest sestiere, the Castello, is on the east side of Venice. This sestiere represents the “tail” of Venice since the city kind of looks like a fish. Being the less touristy part of the city, Castello is the best option for an intimate couple photoshoot in Venice. The beautiful Giardini (gardens) where they do the Biennale is perfect for people who want to be in nature with a stunning view.

Other Islands

Venice is not only one big island but there are many others to explore, each offering its own unique charm.

Murano, famed for its centuries-old tradition of glassblowing, is a must-see for anyone intrigued by Venetian craftsmanship. Walking through the island’s narrow streets, you’ll find workshops where artisans continue the ancient art, creating stunning glass pieces right before your eyes. It’s just one stop away from the main island of Venice so it’s very easy to reach.

Burano, a vibrant island known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making, provides a picture-perfect backdrop for photos. Located further into the Venetian lagoon, Burano has a rich history tied to its fishing community, where the vivid colors of the houses were originally painted to help fishermen find their way home through thick fog. Isn’t that cool?

Lido di Venezia, often referred to simply as “the Lido” (= the beach) is a long, narrow island that serves as Venice’s beach getaway, offering plenty of opportunities for stunning seaside photography. Known for its sandy shores and peaceful vibe, the Lido provides a refreshing contrast to Venice’s crowded streets, making it perfect for capturing serene beach scenes or romantic sunset shots. The island is also famous for hosting the annual Venice Film Festival, attracting international stars—making it an exciting place for event photography during late summer. With its grand hotels, art deco architecture, and sweeping seaside views, Lido offers a mix of vintage elegance and natural beauty. From its quiet streets and lush gardens to its expansive beaches, the Lido is a dream location for those looking to photograph a different, more laid-back side of Venice.

Conclusion

Having a couple’s photoshoot in Venice is a wonderful idea. The 6 sestiere have some of the best places to take photos in Venice, with views that will leave you in awe.

When you are ready to start this journey, contact me, and let’s book a photoshoot in Venice!