6 tips to plan a wedding on the Amalfi Coast plus how much it costs to get married there
With its spectacular clifftop resorts, century-old hotels and scenic castles, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world and the dream wedding destination for couples who love to travel. There's nowhere quite like this vertical Italian city to get married, perched in the middle of glorious mountains and a perfect turquoise sea.
This Italian destination wedding hot spot located at the Salerno Gulf on the Tyrrhenian Sea offers draw-dropping scenic backdrops for all kinds of weddings, from intimate celebrations to huge elaborate soirées. So if you're planning a destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast, where do you start? Read on for all you need to know from the wedding dream team at the extraordinary Villa Astor, on the cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula.
How much does it cost to get married on the Amalfi Coast?
A destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast costs an average of EUR 50,000 for 70 guests, however this varies considerably based on the size and style of your wedding, the choice of venue, catering and entertainment choices. The average cost is higher than many other parts of Italy because Amalfi is a small region with a limited number of wedding venues and hotels to cater for the high demand to get married there, as well the annual influx of tourists. So where do you start planning your Amalfi coast wedding? Scroll on for our top tips.
1. Hiring a planner is essential
Hiring a wedding planner with knowledge of the region will be invaluable, particularly if you don't speak Italian and don't know the country well. Whether you choose a local planner from the Amalfi Coast, or one closer to home who has experience of planning destination weddings in this part of Italy, this isn't an area to skimp on. From venue scouting and hiring vendors, to legal paper work, budget management and ensuring your wedding vision comes to life, we can't recommend hiring a great Italian wedding planner enough.
2. Book venue and accommodation early
Book both the venue and hotels as far in advance as possible. The Amalfi Coast is especially busy with tourists in summer, so arranging places for everyone to stay in advance is an absolute must, especially if you have a large guest list to accommodate.
3. Make a weekend (or week) of it
There's much to see around the Amalfi coast so make the most of your time there and encourage guests to do the same. From wandering the pretty streets and visiting ancient monuments to lounging on white sandy beaches and enjoying aperitivo on sunny terraces with views of the turquoise sea, Amalfi is the ideal place for a destination wedding. You can even hop on a ferry and visit the spectacular islands of Capri, Ischia and Salerno, or take a road trip to visit the local surrounding villages of Positano, Ravello and Sorrento.
You could plan some group activities or simply provide a list of must-see sites and fun things to do for guests to do themselves. At the very least, a relaxed welcome dinner is a lovely way to greet everyone and introduce them to the area.
4. Have your photographer arrive early
Talk to your photographer about the possibility of them arriving at least a day or two in advance to scope out the venue, meet the staff and get to know you and the wedding party before the big day. Sometimes there will even be time to squeeze in a pre-wedding shoot or rehearsal dinner.
5. Confirm catering requirements
Famous for its fresh, beautiful lemons and Limoncello, the Amalfi Coast is a fantastic place to experience authentic Italian cuisine. However, if you require a strictly vegetarian, vegan or any other kind of special menu, it absolutely must be emphasized with the catering company and discussed long in advance. Otherwise, expect a traditional wedding Italian menu, where 10 courses typically feature different meats and seafood, alongside pasta and salad.
6. Check noise curfews
It's important to check the noise and music curfew as local regulations vary between different Italian regions, but most impose a very strict limitation regarding any noise outside after 10pm. Usually it is possible to get permission from local authorities to prolong the party outside but it must be done far in advance.
