Italy is the birthplace of la dolce vita (the sweet life). Along the Amalfi Coast, art and ancient history hold hands with ethereal vistas and extraordinary cuisine. It is the perfect place for a destination wedding.
Most visitors arrive in Naples, which is a historic and vibrant city. Set on the Bay of Naples, the city has countless palaces, churches and piazzas dating back centuries. The busy narrow streets are filled with atmosphere and are fascinating to explore, coupled with countless chic shops, restaurants and museums, Naples makes an excellent choice for a wedding.
Yet, when one thinks of the Neapolitan area, it is the Amalfi Coast that captivates visitors. The town of Positano is located in one of the most beautiful valleys in the area which opens up to an equally magnificent stretch of coastline. It is a romantic and enchanting location for a wedding. Additionally, Positano has a glamorous side and tourists from all over the world flock to the pathways and boutiques each year.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta dates back to the 13th century and is situated in the heart of Positano overlooking the sea and is only a few minutes’ walk to the main beach. The splendid majolica dome and large entrance adorned with works of art, make the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding. With its beauty, luxurious hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, Positano is a destination that is sure to please everyone.
In the town of Amalfi, Hotel Santa Caterina is perched above the sea along the coast. As a wedding venue, this five-star hotel offers a panoramic coastal setting with scenic garden paths leading down to seaside-level citrus groves and where the botanical garden is a lovely setting for a wedding ceremony. The rooms of the hotel are sumptuous and the amazing team of chefs will prepare a reception feast that will leave guests in awe.
Also along the famed coast is Palazzo Avino – formerly called Palazzo Sasso, a 12th century Italian villa that was originally part of the aristocratic quarter of Ravello during the Middle Ages. Today it is a 5-star luxury resort ranking among the best hotels in the world. Ravello is the smallest, quaintest and one of the most exclusive towns dotting the Amalfi Coast. Palazzo Avino is situated on a 3,000 foot cliff with postcard perfect views over the towns of Amalfi and Maiori and the azure Mediterranean stretching out as far as the eye can see. Due to its lofty location, it has been described as being closer to heaven than to the sea.
Sorrento is yet another extraordinary location and its most beautiful and romantic setting can be found at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. The inimitable hotel has a history full of superlatives. Owned and operated by the Fiorentino family since 1834, the property has hosted countless aristocrats, celebrities and diplomats who have enjoyed the same breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius as today’s guests. Wedding ceremonies are often performed in the beautiful and fragrant Orange Grove, with dinner in the famous Vittoria Restaurant, with its frescoed ceiling and magnificent sea view. It is truly an incredible 5-star experience.
The Island of Capri has a number of breathtaking venues to choose from for your wedding and reception. The Gardens of Augustus is one of the most exclusive and sought-after venues. The gardens have a sweeping terrace overlooking the Faraglioni and Marina Piccola, while the lighthouse of Anacapri is a breathtaking setting for sunset ceremonies.
Two hotels on Capri that will delight wedding guests are Hotel Quisisana, which represents the marriage of the idyllic island with an iconic luxury hotel. Only a short walk from the famous Piazzetta, the resort ranks among the finest in Italy. The ambience is refined, yet relaxing, with a stylish décor of marble floors and crystal chandeliers. The second location is J.K. Place, an Italian deco-inspired estate overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea that creates its own sense of glamour on an island that is known world-wide for chic sophistication. With all of the options available, perhaps the only drawback to a destination wedding along the Amalfi Coast is that you will never want to leave!
