As an Italian wedding videographer who has filmed love stories along every shimmering curve of the Amalfi Coast, I’ve distilled a decade of on‑the‑ground experience into this wedding guide guide. Whether you’re dreaming of a secret two‑person elopement in Positano or a full‑scale destination wedding overlooking the Gulf of Salerno, you’ll find practical tips, local insights and resources to plan with confidence.
Why Choose the Amalfi Coast for Your Wedding or Elopement
Framed by vertiginous limestone cliffs, pastel villages and sapphire waters, the Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO‑listed stretch of southern Italy that feels tailor‑made for romance. The region serves up world‑class cuisine, Mediterranean sunshine and cinematic backdrops at every bend—ideal conditions for breathtaking wedding films and photos. Its proximity to Naples International Airport (NAP) means your guests can arrive quickly; from there, hiring a private driver, car, or minibus is the most comfortable way to reach the coast—especially for wedding groups.
Amalfi Coast Elopements
What Is an Elopement?
A modern elopement is an intentionally intimate celebration, often with just the two of you (and your videographer and photographer) in the heart‑stirring settings in the world, in this case in the Amalfi Coast.
Discover our full elopement guide here
Best Towns for an Elopement
Positano
Positano is the poster child of coastal romance: candy‑coloured houses cascading toward a pebbled beach, winding lanes scented with bougainvillea, and chic rooftop terraces perfect for a post‑ceremony aperitivo. For cinematic footage, plan vows at dawn when the town is quiet and the Tyrrhenian Sea glows soft blue.
Ravello
Perched 350 m above sea level, Ravello offers panoramic vistas from gardens like Villa Cimbrone’s iconic Terrace of Infinity. The cool mountain air and tranquil atmosphere make it ideal for couples seeking privacy without sacrificing grand views.
Watch an editorial elopement set among the hillside ruins of Basilica di Sant'Eustachio, complete with Amalfi town strolls and a sunset boat ride.
WATCH THE FILM OF “IZABELA & FRANKY”
Amalfi & Atrani
The historic maritime republic of Amalfi and its neighbouring village Atrani provide atmospheric cloisters, baroque churches and labyrinthine alleys. A sunset boat ride between the two villages adds dynamic movement to your elopement film.
See how an intimate dawn preshoot on a hidden beach and a cloister ceremony at the cliff‑top Anantara Convento di Amalfi unfold in this heartfelt elopement film. See how an intimate dawn preshoot on a hidden beach and a cloister ceremony at the cliff‑top Anantara Convento di Amalfi unfold in this heartfelt elopement film.
WATCH THE FILM OF “JULIANA & CAMILO”
Ideal Seasons & Weather
- April–May: Mild temperatures, spring blooms and attractive shoulder‑season rates create a romantic setting, though variable showers mean you should have an indoor fallback plan.
- June: Long daylight hours are perfect for extended filming and golden‑hour portraits, but tourist numbers surge from mid‑June—schedule ceremonies early to avoid crowds and heat.
- July–August: Expect guaranteed sunshine and vibrant nightlife. On the flip side, heat and humidity peak and vendors apply high‑season pricing.
- September: Warm sea, softer light and the grape‑harvest ambience make this the sweet spot for visuals—yet prime venues book out 12 months ahead, so plan early.
- October: With fewer tourists, dramatic skies and lower prices, autumn can be magical; just keep in mind the shorter days and reduced ferry schedules.
Tip: For storytelling visuals, September offers the best balance of weather, light and vendor availability on the Amalfi Coast.
Legal Requirements & Paperwork
Non‑Italian couples can choose among civil, religious or symbolic ceremonies:
- Civil weddings must be performed in licensed town halls (e.g., Amalfi’s 11th‑century Arsenale). Required documents: valid passports, birth certificates, a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) and an Atto Notorio (sworn declaration). Processing can take 4–6 weeks.
- Catholic weddings require baptismal and confirmation certificates plus the Pre‑Cana course; paperwork is sent to the local Curia in advance.
- Symbolic ceremonies give total freedom of location and timeline—many couples handle the legal component at home and exchange vows privately on the coast.
A bilingual celebrant or translator is mandatory for civil rites. I can recommend vetted professionals during our planning calls.
Videography e Photography Tips for Elopement in Amalfi Coast
Avoid midday light: Schedule vows and portraits in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low and flattering; skip the harsh overhead rays of high noon, especially in summer.
Golden‑hour workaround: Amalfi town loses direct sunlight early as the sun dips behind the mountains; for a true golden‑hour glow, charter a boat and head west where the light lingers over the sea.
Lean on experienced vendors: Experienced planners, photographers and videographers with proven Amalfi Coast portfolios can steer you to secluded terraces and coastal viewpoints with unforgettable sunset panoramas.
Minimise travel time: Stick to walkable venues or travel by boat; the coast’s narrow, cliff‑side roads see intense traffic at peak hours, which can jeopardise timing and comfort.
Budget Breakdown & Cost‑Saving Tips
Below are typical cost ranges for an Amalfi Coast elopement. Figures are per service (each) unless noted; adapt them freely—every celebration is unique.
- Ceremony permit & paperwork: €600–€1,200. Couples who prefer an intimate, budget‑friendly experience can exchange symbolic vows in nature (on a beach or cliff) with no venue fee or celebrant, bringing this cost close to zero.
- Hair & make‑up: €300–€800. Skilled, self‑reliant brides sometimes do their own make‑up and save the entire fee.
- Bouquet & boutonnière: €150–€400.
- Videography & Photography: €2,200–€6,000 each.
- Private boat charter: €450–€3,000, depending on vessel size, duration and route—sunset trips naturally fall toward the higher end.
- Dinner for two (tasting menu): €250–€600.
Remember, an elopement can be structured in countless ways to reflect your tastes—minimalist cliff‑top vows at dawn, a lunchtime sail to Capri, or a golden‑hour portrait session from a private yacht. Let your vision guide the budget, not the other way around.
Romantic Activities for Two
- Sunset cruise to Capri’s Faraglioni arch
- Lemon grove picnic in Minori
- Cooking class focusing on fresh pasta & local anchovies
- Vespa tour along the scenic coastal roads
Amalfi Coast Destination Weddings
Venue Styles & Top Locations
Luxury Villas & Hotels
Think cascading infinity pools, terraced gardens and five‑star service. Properties like Belmond Hotel Caruso and Villa Treville offer exclusive buyouts, ensuring privacy for you and your 50–120 guests.
Experience a full‑day celebration at Positano's Villa Le Nereidi—from sea‑view vows to moonlit dancing—in this wedding highlight film.
Historic Churches & Cloisters
Tie the knot beneath medieval arches at Amalfi’s Duomo or the Cloister of Paradise, then host a courtyard reception with candlelit colonnades—pure Italian grandeur.
Cliff‑Top Gardens & Terraces
Venues such as Villa Cimbrone deliver 180‑degree sea views and ample space for live bands, fireworks and drone fly‑throughs that wow international audiences on social media.
Guest Logistics & Accommodation Options
- Room blocks: Secure allocations 10–12 months out; Positano and Ravello sell out quickly in high season.
- Transport: Charter local drivers or water taxis to avoid parking headaches.
- Accessibility: Note that many venues have stairs; arrange porters for less mobile guests.
Recommended Vendors & Local Regulations
Working with a trusted team is the key to a seamless Amalfi Coast celebration. Over the years I’ve cultivated relationships with planners, florists, celebrants and caterers who share my commitment to quality and know the coast’s permit rules, noise ordinances and venue guidelines inside out. During our consultations I’ll happily provide you with a curated list of these vetted professionals—so you can assemble a vendor lineup that matches your style, budget and local requirements.
Crafting a Multi‑Day Wedding Experience
- Day 1 – Welcome pizza party in a lemon grove
- Day 2 – Excursion to Capri for guests while we capture your pre‑wedding portrait session
- Day 3 – Wedding day
- Day 4 – Recovery brunch & boat tour along the coast with swimming stops at hidden coves
Videography Approach for Larger Celebrations
Multi‑day coverage lets me weave a richer narrative: drone establishing shots, director‑level audio capture for speeches, and cinematic colour grading that matches the Amalfi palette. For events over 80 guests I recommend a second shooter to capture parallel moments—like cocktail‑hour candids while I film sunset portraits.
Sustainability & Local Cultural Etiquette
Opt for seasonal florals (e.g., Amalfi lemons, native olive branches) to reduce carbon footprint.
Respect the quiet hours (post‑midnight) enforced by many cliff‑side towns.
Encourage guests to carry reusable water bottles; the region limits single‑use plastics.
Travel & Accommodation Planning
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast
- By air: Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP); private transfer to Positano takes ~1 hour 20 minutes.
- By private transfer: Pre‑booked chauffeur‑driven cars or minibuses whisk you and your guests directly from Naples to the Amalfi Coast in roughly 80 minutes—no stressful connections.
- By car: Hire a chauffeured Mercedes to avoid hair‑pin driving stress and scarce parking.
Navigating the Coast (Boats, Buses, Drivers)
Boats are the most romantic and often fastest way to hop between towns. SITA buses connect all villages but are crowded June–September. Private drivers ensure air‑conditioned comfort and flexibility for equipment transport.
Where to Stay: Town‑by‑Town Guide
- Positano: Boutique hotels with beach clubs; vibrant nightlife.
- Praiano: Quieter vibe, mid‑range villas, sunset views toward Capri.
- Ravello: Hill‑top luxury resorts, classical music festivals.
- Amalfi: Historic centre, easy ferry links, moderate prices.
- Maiori & Minori: Long sandy beach (rare for the coast), family‑friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance should we book our Amalfi Coast wedding? A: Secure your venue 12–18 months out for peak season (June–September); shoulder season dates can be booked 6–10 months ahead.
Q: Can we legally marry on a private terrace? A: Civil ceremonies must occur in licensed locations, but you can sign paperwork at the town hall, then hold a symbolic vow exchange anywhere.
Q: How many hours of videography coverage do we need? A: Elopements typically need 6–8 hours; destination wedding with reception coverage average 10–12 hours plus a second‑day session.
Q: Are drone shots allowed? A: Yes, with prior ENAC authorization and respect for no‑fly zones such as Amalfi Cathedral square.
Q: What is the average budget for a 50‑guest Amalfi Coast wedding? A: Budgets range from €45k to €120k, largely depending on venue exclusivity, catering and entertainment.
Q: Do we need a planner? A: Strongly recommended. Experienced planners streamline paperwork, vendor coordination and contingency planning for weather or transport.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
How to Book Your Amalfi Coast Wedding Videographer
I accept a limited number of commissions each season to guarantee personalised storytelling and meticulous post‑production. Reach out via my contact form with your preferred date, guest count and vision—then we’ll schedule a video consultation to tailor a proposal. Get in touch here