June 26, 2024
Annette Ambrose Photography is a destination wedding photographer based in Arizona. She is having an Amalfi Coast Destination Wedding and is sharing her favorite tips for planning a wedding in Positano, Italy.
The secret is out…MY FIANCÉ AND I ARE GETTING MARRIED IN ITALY! 🇮🇹
We’re over the moon to share that we’ll be tying the knot in the breathtaking town of Positano, Italy on the Amalfi Coast in May 2025. If you’ve ever dreamed of a destination wedding in one of the most picturesque places in the world, then you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your perfect wedding in Positano, Italy.
Amalfi Coast Destination Wedding Planning
Why Positano, Italy?
Imagine exchanging vows with the stunning Mediterranean Sea as your backdrop, surrounded by vibrant lemon trees and charming Italian decor. Positano offers a postcard-perfect setting that’s straight out of a fairy tale.
The Amalfi Coast is not just a destination; it’s an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Getting Started: Initial Planning Tips
Starting your wedding planning journey can feel overwhelming, especially from afar. Here’s what we learned along the way:
- Visit the Venue in Person: If possible, plan a trip to see your venue. It makes everything feel real and helps with planning details like the weather, travel logistics, and sampling the food. Meeting your event coordinator in person can provide immense peace of mind.
- Organize Your Planning: Create a dedicated wedding email for you and your fiancé. This keeps all wedding-related communications in one place and ensures you both stay updated.
- Leverage Social Media: Platforms like TikTok and Pinterest are treasure troves of real brides’ stories and vendor recommendations. It’s how we found many of our vendors and got tons of inspiration.
- Consider Hiring a Local Wedding Planner: They can handle the complicated paperwork and local nuances, making the process smoother. We hired a day-of coordinator, but a full planner can also be invaluable.
Practical Tips from Friends
Here are some tips from friends who also had their weddings along the Amalfi Coast:
- Hotels vs. Airbnb: Hotels are often easier since they come with essential amenities like tables, plates, and food. If you opt for an Airbnb, be prepared to bring everything in.
- Transportation: Organize transportation for your guests to avoid any travel mishaps. Our friends suggested coordinating shuttles or booking accommodations that include transportation services.
- Payments: In Italy, paying in cash can sometimes help you avoid additional taxes, like the SIAE tax.
Our Personal Planning Highlights
During our visit, we coordinated with our hotel’s wedding coordinator, who gave us a thorough tour and answered all our questions. Here are some highlights and insights from our trip:
- Travel Tips: The easiest route to Positano is by taking a train from Rome to Salerno and then a ferry from Salerno to Positano. The ferry ride offers spectacular views and is a more scenic option than driving.
- Accommodation Advice: Book your hotel rooms early, especially those with views of the water. Positano’s accommodations fill up fast, particularly the ones with stunning vistas. Our favorite areas to stay in are Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento, with Positano being our top pick for its beachside charm and central location.
- Restaurant Recommendations: Some of our favorite spots in Positano include La Tagliata, La Sponda, Terrazza Celè, and Franco’s for drinks. These places offer incredible food and views, perfect for rehearsal dinners or a romantic evening out.
Amalfi Coast Destination Wedding Essentials
When planning your wedding, focus on what matters most to you.
For us, it was flowers, photography, videography, and ensuring our guests had an unforgettable vacation. We also planned a private boat ride for photos and a toast, which adds a unique touch to our celebration.
Ceremony Options
- Civil Ceremony: Held at Positano’s Town Hall with stunning village views.
- Religious Ceremony: At the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in the heart of Positano.
- Symbolic Ceremony: Anywhere you like! It can be on a boat, a terrace, or in a garden. This option is less complicated and more flexible.
We opted for a symbolic ceremony in Italy and will handle the legal paperwork in the US. This simplifies the process and lets us focus on the celebration.
Activities and Entertainment
Positano offers a variety of activities to keep your guests entertained:
- Beach Clubs: Arienzo Beach Club and Fornillo Beach are perfect spots for relaxing by the sea.
- Cooking Classes: La Tagliata offers fun and interactive cooking classes.
- Boat Trips: A boat trip to Capri to explore the grottos is a must-do. Blue Star offers both private and small group cruises that are highly recommended.
- Scooter Rides: Renting a scooter to ride around the Amalfi Coast is an exhilarating way to see the sights.
- Sunset Drinks: Enjoy the sunset with an Aperol spritz in hand—truly an unforgettable experience.
Planning an Amalfi Coast destination wedding is a dream come true.
Positano offers a magical setting that will make your special day unforgettable. Follow along on our journey as we continue to plan our dream wedding in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Happy planning!
WANT TO FOLLOW ALONG ON MY AMALFI COAST DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING JOURNEY?
