THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES FOR WEDDINGS IN THE CINQUE TERRE
The excellent mix of culture, art, nature and history makes Liguria, and in particular the Cinque Terre, one of the most beautiful regions in which to marry.
It is no coincidence that every year many overseas visitors choose this part of Italy to celebrate their wedding: the sea, the characteristic jagged coast, the mild climate, the suggestive sunsets and the famous path, The Way of Love, are an irresistible call for lovers from all over the world.
And how can we blame them?
The Cinque Terre region is scattered with breath-taking places, all perfect and well organised not only for the actual wedding, but also for honeymoons, engagements and elopements, but also the wedding proposal that many couples decide to come here to exchange.
VERNAZZA
Vernazza, as well as being considered the most fascinating city of the Cinque Terre, is also one of the best preserved medieval villages in Italy.
The brightly coloured, narrow, houses built on the rocky mountainside, and the pastel-coloured fishing boats, make Vernazza look like a vintage postcard or painting.
You can enjoy a unique view from the famous Doria Castle, a perfect background for dream photos.
Most of the local restaurants are renowned for fantastic fish and, naturally, are well equipped for wedding receptions.
RIOMAGGIORE
The presence of the National Park and the marine sanctuary led to Riomaggiore being declared a UNESCO heritage site.
Again, we are in the presence of a typical seaside village with houses, having pastel coloured walls, clinging to the cliffs: the scenery that presents itself to the visitor is of incomparable beauty, both for its architectural style and for its landscape.
Every corner or alley in Riomaggiore is perfect for a photo shoot and a fairy-tale wedding.
Those who choose a civil wedding ceremony here have the possibility of being able to exchange the wedding rings on the terrace of the Town Hall, with a sea view on one side and the village perched on the other.
MONTEROSSO
Is there anything more romantic than exchanging tender kisses in front of an expanse of blue sea on the day of “I do”?
If this is the setting you would like for your photos, the beach at Monterosso, with its expanse of fine, golden sand is right for you.
Nor do the attractions of the town end here, of which the Obertengo Castle certainly deserves a few snapshots.
SANREMO
Sanremo certainly needs no introduction: the city of the Song Festival is one of the most gracious and lively in the region.
Music, flowers, trendy clubs and the sea: in Sanremo, there is certainly no lack of the right locations for unforgettable weddings.
PORTOFINO
It is known as a celebrity destination of the most prominent figures of the international jet-set, but Portofino, a small, discreet and superlative gem of Liguria, was originally a fishing village. The mild climate and the unquestionable architectural and natural beauty make it the ideal place for romantic weddings and a taste of the past. Do not overlook the opportunity of taking some photos in the famous “square” where, in the ’60s and’ 70s, stars such as Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Ava Gardner and Brigitte Bardot would meet to chat and sip an aperitif.
PORTO VENERE
Porto Venere, located on the extreme western tip of the Gulf, is one of the most characteristic medieval villages in the region. The illustrious past of the town is still visible and intact in the Genoese castle, in the fortress houses and the spectacular Church of San Pietro overlooking the sea; subjects not to be missed for really original wedding photos. Porto Venere is a tourist resort and also very popular as a wedding venue, for its suggestive landscapes, graceful alleys and typical tower-houses arranged in parallel rows; the island of Palmaria, located opposite, is also an inviting backdrop for your photos.
SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE
The coastal road that joins Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Santa Margherita offers love-struck couples many dream locations, be it for the ceremony, civil or religious, or for both the reception and an unforgettable wedding album.
CORNIGLIA
Of all the Cinque Terre villages, Corniglia is the smallest and also the highest. A delightful village with its perched, colourful, houses that make it seem like a postcard. It is somewhat complicated to reach by car, and it would be better to go there on foot or by train. However, it’s worth it: it seems as if you are in a fairy-tale.
SESTRI LEVANTE
Known as the “city of the two seas”, in ancient times it was on a small island that was later joined to the coast by a thin strip of land formed by the accumulation of alluvial deposits of the Gromolo stream. Sestri Levante, a renowned tourist resort, is chosen by many Italian and overseas lovers as the area in which to marry; worthy of mention is the ancient church of San Niccolo and the Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth.
LERICI
Lerici Castle is one of the most popular locations for the celebration of both civil and Catholic marriages. Thanks to its prominent position overlooking the famous Gulf of Poets, and then the sea, the setting also provides many ideas for the wedding album. By prior arrangement, it is also possible to organise the banquet in the castle. Those looking for a smaller and more intimate venue can find what they need in the little church of San Giorgio, built in the 16th century on a rocky spur overlooking the sea.
MANAROLA
Manarola is an ancient fishing village rich in colours and fragrances. A wedding album in this beautiful country will undoubtedly be bright and happy: how could it be otherwise in such a colourful place? Manarola is nothing more than a group of brightly painted houses clinging to a rocky ridge overlooking the sea: it is difficult to imagine a more unusual and aesthetically pleasing location. Internally the town is a tangle of alleyways and walls, where every corner is perfect for a photograph of your most important day. It is also here that you can take pictures of one of the favourite destinations for lovers from all over the world: the romantic path, the Way of Love. Could you wish for anything more?
Below are some shots from the photo shoot taken of the elopement of this beautiful couple in wonderful Vernazza.
