Venice Elopement Photographer  A Real Wedding Story + Expert Tips for Your Elopement in Venice

A Dreamy Venice Elopement with Emily & Aaron — A Story of Intimacy, Adventure & Magical Moments 

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There’s something quietly magical about a Venice elopement. The winding alleys, the hum of the gondolas, and the light dancing off the canals all set the stage for a love story that feels like a film. For Emily and Aaron, their elopement in Venice was exactly that—an intimate celebration filled with meaningful moments, shared laughter, and memories made with the people closest to them.

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As their Venice elopement photographer, I had the absolute honour of documenting their story from start to finish. But before we even set foot in the city, there was thoughtful planning and location scouting to make sure every moment would unfold beautifully and naturally.

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A Morning Full of Emotion in the Heart of Venice

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The day began at Emily and Aaron’s Airbnb—a quiet moment of calm before the day unfolded. The morning light filtered in through the windows as they got ready separately. Then came a short walk to the nearby hotel where Emily’s parents were staying, and with it, one of the most emotional parts of the day: her first look with her dad. There were quiet tears, hugs, and that deep kind of pause that only happens on a wedding day.

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A few minutes later, tucked away in a private garden, Emily and Aaron saw each other for the first time. It was honest, joyful, and grounding. They chose to read their personal vows right then and there—just the two of them. No audience, just the sound of the garden around them, their voices filled with emotion, and the smiles that come from knowing you’ve found your person.

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Exploring Venice — A Walking Photoshoot Through the Iconic Streets

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One of the reasons I love photographing elopements in Venice is that the city is a location in itself. With the morning still fresh, we wandered through the historic streets, stopping at San Marco Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and Ponte Rialto. Every turn was a new frame, every bridge a moment to pause and take it in.

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As your Venice elopement photographer, part of my approach is creating space for you to be yourselves. We don’t rush—we wander, we breathe, and we find the magic in the in-between moments. Emily and Aaron were naturals. And with the soft light, the quiet hum of the city, and a sense of wonder, the portraits from this part of the day are some of my all-time favourites.

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A Secluded Canal Ceremony with Their Closest People

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Later, we made our way back by one of Venice’s classic wooden water taxis (an experience in itself!) to meet their small group of guests. Emily’s best friend officiated the ceremony on a quiet bridge over a tucked-away canal. It was spontaneous and heartfelt—Venetians and tourists alike paused to watch and clap as they exchanged vows and rings. After the ceremony, they read letters from friends and family back home—another personal touch that brought the faraway close.

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Sunset Pizza, Dancing on Bridges & One Iconic Nighttime Portrait

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As the sun reached its peak, we all took a short break (Venice can get hot!) and met again later in the day to explore a different part of the island. Dinner was relaxed, al fresco, at a pizza spot overlooking the water. Casual, perfect, and exactly what an elopement dinner should be. After dinner, as we crossed a small bridge, we stopped, music started playing from a speaker and Emily shared a father-daughter dance with her dad, followed by her and Aaron’s first dance as the sky turned golden. The crowds had thinned, the light softened, and it felt like the whole city slowed down for them.

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We finished the night with a few more portraits as the moon rose. My final frame of the day was my absolute favourite—Emily and Aaron sitting on the edge of a bridge, lit by the soft glow of street lamps—it was later chosen as one of Junebug Weddings’ 50 Best Destination Wedding Photos of 2024. You can see it in the collection here.

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Planning Your Own Venice Elopement? Here's What You Should Know

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If you’re dreaming of a Venice elopement, here are a few tips from someone who’s walked the streets, scouted the spots, and seen the light at every hour of the day:

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• Start early — The streets are quietest and most magical before 9am. It’s when Venice feels like it belongs to you.

• Comfortable shoes are a must — You’ll walk more than you expect (and love every second of it).

• Plan a break — Midday gets hot, especially in summer. Having a built-in rest gives you energy to keep going.

• Don’t overplan — Venice rewards the spontaneous. Leave space in your day to wander and get a little lost.

• Think beyond one day — There's so much to see so a second-day shoot lets you capture even more of the magic.

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The Day After — More Gelato, More Exploring, More Memories

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One of the joys of being a destination photographer is being able to stay a little longer. The next day, I met up with Emily and Aaron again for a casual couple shoot. No timelines, no pressure—just more time to explore and enjoy.

We visited the famous bookshop, Libreria Acqua Alta (the one with the book steps), got gelato, and soaked in the atmosphere of Venice at a slower pace. You can see their Venice couple photoshoot here.​

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Your Venice Elopement, Your Way

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If you’re thinking about eloping in Venice and want a photographer who will not only document your day but help you plan, scout, and soak it all in—I’d love to be part of your story.

Whether it’s an elopement for two or an intimate celebration with your favourite people, I’m here to capture the real stuff—the joy, the quiet, the unplanned.

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Let’s make something beautiful together. Get in touch to start planning your Venice elopement.

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