Portofino and the Ligurian Riviera: Weddings Among Yachts, Boutiques, Hotels, and Seafront Piazzette
Welcome to Kiss Me Italy—your insider team for elegant, discreet celebrations on Italy’s most glamorous coasts. If you’re dreaming of a portofino wedding, our planners curate exclusive venues, private boat arrivals, and refined experiences across the Ligurian Riviera. Explore our dedicated guide to Portofino here: Wedding in Portofino. Ready to begin? Contact us for a bespoke proposal.
Portofino Wedding
Portofino distills all the beauty of the Ligurian Riviera. Couples who choose this prestigious Genoese fishing village as the setting for their big day intend to celebrate amid luxury and exclusivity.
Often nicknamed the “Italian Cannes” for its charm, VIP appeal, elegance, cosmopolitan flair, and breathtaking landscape, Portofino is an elite destination that draws international celebrities and high-society guests. That’s why celebrating a portofino wedding means granting yourself a truly unique experience. Kiss Me Italy reveals, step by step, just how special that experience can be.
Portofino and the Ligurian Riviera: An Elite Destination for Chic Weddings
Crystal-clear, green-tinged sea reflects the colorful façades of a one-of-a-kind seaside village nestled in an enchanting bay—an inlet along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Gulf of Tigullio. It’s a lively flow of sailboats, ferries, and yachts approaching the small tourist harbor. Celebrating your vows in Portofino is living a chic dream in a fairytale village where there’s always something to enjoy—truly, an ongoing love story and the perfect frame for a portofino wedding.
Exclusive beaches, boutiques, high-end hotels, cafés and restaurants, strolls through colorful lanes, romantic trips on traditional Ligurian boats or into the hills. Near this picturesque harbor—less than an hour from Genoa Airport—you’ll find the Cinque Terre and the towns of Santa Margherita Ligure. The Ligurian Riviera’s jewel, crescent-shaped, is framed by unspoiled nature, pastel houses lining the waterfront, and a hilltop castle—Castello Brown, an ancient fortress transformed into an exclusive venue with a terrace overlooking the Gulf, ideal for the refined spectacle of a portofino wedding.
Weddings in Portofino: Venues and the Dramatic Boat Arrival
The religious ceremony in Portofino can be celebrated in one of the village’s characteristic churches, but the truly special setting remains the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, nestled between sea and mountain and reachable by boat. The civil ceremony can take place at Castello Brown, with sweeping views over Portofino, or at the town hall—memorable options for the ceremonial heart of a portofino wedding.
To celebrate in style, with spectacular panoramic views over the sea and village, the Belmond Hotel Splendido—a luxury hotel set on the hills with tiered terraces—is ideal. A romantic and original alternative is La Cervara, a former Benedictine abbey in Santa Margherita Ligure overlooking the Riviera with clifftop gardens. Both offer sublime settings for welcome cocktails, ceremonies, and dinners that elevate every moment of a portofino wedding.
The options do not end there. Among the many settings for vows—religious or civil—you can opt for Villa Durazzo in Santa Margherita Ligure: located in the center, it features a beautiful, lush park. It’s perfect both for larger guest lists and intimate celebrations. Also in Santa Margherita, the iconic Imperiale Palace Hotel stands just minutes from Portofino: an elegant five-star hotel with exclusive views over the Gulf of Tigullio, garden, clifftop private terraces, and chic indoor salons—exceptional backdrops whether you’re hosting a grand or a cozy portofino wedding.
The scenic boat arrival—by speedboat, sailboat, traditional gozzo, yacht, or other craft—is the pinnacle of romance and originality. It’s a unique, memorable experience, increasingly appreciated and worthy of meticulous planning. The arrival can be personalized with music, décor (flowers, lanterns, textiles), or a toast on board. A photographer and videographer are a must: failing to capture that arrival by boat would be an unforgettable missed opportunity and an iconic highlight of any portofino wedding.
Plan Your Celebration with Kiss Me Italy
From intimate church vows to terraced garden receptions, from clifftop cocktails to yacht arrivals, our team designs seamless celebrations with refined style, pristine logistics, and heartfelt creativity across the Ligurian Riviera. Explore our guide to Portofino, discover nearby Santa Margherita Ligure, and browse more destinations on Kiss Me Italy. Ready to plan your portofino wedding? Contact us to start your bespoke journey.
