I’m excited to share my personal guide for your marriage in Venice. In this article, I’ll walk you through my selection of the best wedding venues in Venice, offering valuable insights to help you decide if this magical city is the perfect destination for your big day.
After writing an article about weddings in Italy, I now want to focus on getting married in Venice. This enchanting city offers a unique and unforgettable setting for couples looking to celebrate their love in one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
I was born in a small town in the province of Venice, and this incredible city has always held a special place in my heart. Known for its romantic canals and historical charm, Venice is a sought-after location for couples dreaming of a fairytale wedding. Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony or an extravagant celebration, getting married in Venice offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Pros and cons of getting married in Venice
As with any destination, there are both pros and cons to consider if you are planning your marriage in Venice. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of Venice, highlighting the factors you should think about before making your decision. From breathtaking locations to practical considerations, I aim to help you determine if Venice truly is the right choice for your wedding. If you’re contemplating marriage in Venice, read on for expert tips and insights into one of the most iconic wedding destinations in the world!
The downsides of getting Married in Venice
Here’s a closer look at the downsides of getting married in Venice. I don’t want to scare you, but I only to give a clear description of the city’s challenges after years of experience as a wedding planner.
Logistical challenges
I want to share an honest perspective on marriage in Venice. While getting married in Venice is undoubtedly a dream come true for many couples, logistical challenges are often unmentioned. One of the unique features of Venice is its labyrinth of narrow streets, canals, and bridges. While this is part of the charm, it can make logistics quite tricky. If you’re planning a large wedding, transporting guests, vendors, and supplies can become a logistical nightmare.
Moreover, Venice lacks the conventional infrastructure for large-scale events. This means your wedding will require careful planning to ensure that everyone can get to the ceremony and reception venues smoothly.
“Acqua alta” and weather considerations
Venice is known for its unpredictable weather, particularly during the colder months when it can experience high tides, or “acqua alta.” This seasonal flooding can create serious disruptions to your wedding plans, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception. Though high tide season typically occurs in autumn and winter, weather conditions in Venice can sometimes be difficult to predict.
High costs
Venice is known for being an expensive city, and unfortunately, weddings here are no exception. From venue fees to vendor costs, the prices can quickly add up. Many couples are surprised by the hidden costs associated with getting married in Venice, such as additional charges for special permits (like getting married in certain historical buildings or on the canals), transportation costs (think water taxis or gondola rides), and even fees for hosting events in iconic locations.
The reality is that a Venice wedding may require a larger budget than you initially expected. Make sure you have a clear budget and plan for the extra costs that come with tying the knot in this beautiful city.
An overcrowded city
Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world, and while this adds to its allure, it also means that the city can be quite crowded, especially during the high tourist season. If you’re planning your marriage in Venice during the summer months, the streets can be packed with tourists, making it difficult to find a peaceful and private spot for your ceremony or photos.
It’s common to encounter crowds when you decide to get married in Venice, especially in the iconic Piazza San Marco or in the Grand Canal
While these locations are iconic, they can be bustling with people, which could affect the overall intimacy and serenity of your special day.
Local Regulations and Permits
Getting married in Venice, like in any foreign destination, comes with a set of local regulations and requirements that must be adhered to. Securing the necessary permits for a legal wedding can sometimes be a lengthy and complex process, particularly for non-residents.
It’s important to work with a wedding planner who is familiar with the specific requirements and deadlines for a legal marriage in Venice. Some venues, such as churches or palaces, may also have additional regulations that you’ll need to follow. Navigating these legalities can add extra stress to the planning process.
The benefits of getting married in Venice: a dream destination
Whether you envision a grand celebration or an intimate ceremony, getting married in Venice offers unique advantages that make it the perfect location for a memorable wedding. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider a marriage in Venice for your big day.
A truly romantic setting
There’s no city more romantic than Venice. With its narrow canals, stunning architecture, and captivating atmosphere, it provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding. Whether you’re saying “I do” on a gondola, in a historic palace, or in the iconic Piazza San Marco, getting married in Venice promises a magical setting that will take your breath away. Imagine exchanging vows as the soft sounds of the water flow in the background, surrounded by centuries-old beauty – a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Unique and iconic wedding venues
One of the most appealing aspects of a marriage in Venice is the wide range of stunning venues available. From luxurious palaces along the Grand Canal to charming churches and intimate gardens, Venice offers diverse options for every couple. Famous locations like the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark’s Basilica provide unforgettable settings that will add a touch of grandeur to your ceremony. No matter your style or preferences, you’ll find the ideal venue to match your dream wedding.
A destination wedding like no other
Getting married in Venice is not just about the ceremony, but about creating a memorable experience for you and your guests. As one of the world’s most iconic cities, Venice offers more than just beautiful wedding locations. After the ceremony, you and your loved ones can explore the city’s charming streets, savor exquisite Italian cuisine, enjoy the romantic atmosphere, or take part in a mask laboratory. A marriage in Venice is a full experience that will leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.
A rich cultural experience
Choosing to get married in Venice also means embracing its rich history and culture. From Venetian art and architecture to local customs and traditions, a marriage in Venice allows you and your guests to immerse yourselves in a unique cultural experience. You can incorporate local elements into your wedding, such as Venetian masks, Murano glass, or traditional gondola rides, making your day even more special and authentic.
World-class cuisine and wine
Italian cuisine is renowned for its quality and flavor, and Venice is no exception. Getting married in Venice means enjoying delicious food and world-class wine. From fresh seafood to decadent pastries and traditional Venetian dishes, you can curate a wedding menu that will delight your guests. With many venues offering incredible views of the canals and delicious local food, your wedding reception will be an unforgettable culinary experience.
An intimate and exclusive experience
While Venice attracts tourists from all over the world, it can also provide a more intimate, exclusive experience for your wedding. Many venues offer private spaces where you and your loved ones can celebrate in peace and privacy. You can have an intimate ceremony with only close friends and family, or a larger celebration with all the luxuries Venice has to offer. Getting married in Venice can offer a sense of exclusivity and seclusion that’s hard to find elsewhere. Moreover, high prices and location challenges contribute to make a marriage in Venice something dedicated to a few people.
A memorable honeymoon destination
Another great advantage of getting married in Venice is that it doubles as an unforgettable honeymoon destination. After your wedding, you and your partner can continue your romantic journey in the city, exploring the canals, visiting museums, enjoying private gondola rides, and dining at world-renowned restaurants. Venice is a place where love and romance are always in the air, making it the perfect location to start your married life together.
My top 3 venue selections for a dream marriage in Venice
Now, I’m excited to share my top selection of the most beautiful venues in Venice, perfect for couples dreaming of a truly unforgettable marriage in Venice.
There are many more stunning locations in Venice that I could recommend, and I’ll be sharing them in a future article dedicated specifically to the best wedding venues in the city.
The three venues I have selected for you each offer something unique, showcasing a different aspect of Venice’s charm.
Aman Venice: the quintessential of the Venetian luxury

Photo by Hotel Aman Venice
If you dream of a luxurious and traditional Venetian wedding ,Aman Venice is the epitome of Venetian luxury. This 16th-century palace offers opulent spaces with historic frescoes and elegant furnishings, perfect for intimate and sophisticated weddings. The private garden and frescoed rooms overlooking the Grand Canal create a regal and romantic atmosphere, making this venue one of the most sought-after for exclusive weddings.
Choosing Aman Venice for your marriage in Venice is a decision that guarantees an unforgettable experience.
The combination of historical charm and modern sophistication makes it the perfect setting for couples seeking a romantic and exclusive wedding in Venice. With its breathtaking beauty and impeccable service, Aman Venice provides an extraordinary backdrop for a truly memorable celebration of love
Santa Cristina: the hidden Venetian island

Photo by Santa Cristina
For those who prefer a more intimate and serene setting, a marriage in Venice on the island of Santa Cristina offers privacy and tranquility, with lush greenery, flowers, and a sense of natural beauty. I have selected this place because it represents a more peaceful side of Venice, offering a contrast to the grandeur of the palaces.
Where Venice stirs you with a sense of urgency and a compulsion to see and do everything, the island gives off a calm reassurance that it’s fine to do nothing (The Evening Standard).
The vast, fully privatized island with an 8-room villa is available for a limited number of bookings per year.
Hotel Excelsior Lido Resort: your marriage in Venice by the sea

Photo by Hotel Excelsior
I chose this final location for your wedding because, unlike the others, it offers a unique and breathtaking view directly over the sea, rather than the iconic canals of Venice. This makes it a perfect choice for couples who want a more serene coastal setting for their marriage in Venice.
Situated along the sparkling Adriatic Sea, the Excelsior Hotel is a timeless symbol of sophistication and elegance. Its grand architecture and lush gardens provide an enchanting setting for a romantic ceremony, while the hotel’s private beach offers the perfect backdrop for wedding photos that capture the essence of Venice in a unique way.
For couples who wish to get married in Venice but desire a bit more privacy, the Lido offers the perfect escape from the bustling city while still being just a short boat ride away from the heart of Venice.
We have now come to the end of this journey through the charming streets and canals of Venice. I hope this article has been helpful in giving you a deeper understanding of what it means to get married in Venice and all that this magical city has to offer. If you would like to learn more about organizing weddings in Veneto, feel free to reach out to me via email. I look forward to helping you create the wedding of your dreams!