Liguria – this thin strip of land overlooking the sea, nestled between France, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna and Tuscany – is one of Italy most precious gems, one of the most romantic and charming regions of the Bel Paese.
No wonder that lots of couples choose to get married in Liguria. For those who want a wedding on the beach, Liguria has so many opportunities to offer!
Whether you choose the Riviera di Ponente or the Riviera di Levante, Liguria always offers its beauty, from fine sand beaches between capes and cliffs, to colourful seaside towns and historical cities: Genoa, the splendid County Seat, stands one above all.
Genoa
Genoa is the centerpiece, where the two Ligurians rivieras are separated.
An historical Maritime Republic, a frontier and harbour city, both decadent and bustling with life. It’s a city full of charme and ready to be discovered: it’s not a coincidence that artists like Chekov e Paul Valery loved it so much, and it’s also the great Fabrizio De Andrè’s hometown.
Genoa is made of contrasts: decadent alleys – the famous “carruggi” – and splendid palaces –the Rolli palaces, working-class areas and fancy mansions.
The Lanterna, Genoa’s lighthouse, is the tallest in the Mediterranean, with its 76 meters. The famous Aquarium of Genoa designed by Renzo Piano is the second biggest in Europe after the aquarium of Valencia. By the way, did you know that it can be an original wedding location in Genoa too?
If you wish to flee the city chaos, you can easily reach Nervi, a peaceful neighbourhood where you can enjoy a walk among parks and villas, or the lovely Boccadasse, colourful and evocative, one of the most popular wedding locations by the sea in Genoa.
The Riviera di Ponente
he Riviera di Ponente stretches west of Genoa, to the French border. One of its most popular locations is Sanremo, the city of flowers near Imperia, that hosts the most important Italian music festival every year, in the historical Ariston Theatre.
And there is Alassio too, the city of lovers, romantic and evocative, with its wall that has seen countless scores of young boys and girls.
But the Riviera di Ponente has its strong points in its wide fine sand beaches: near Savona you find Varigotti, overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Baia dei Saraceni, and Varazze, two of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. And between a dive and a sunbath, you can take the opportunity to discover fascinating towns like Finalborgo and Finale Ligure, two of the most popular wedding locations of western Liguria.
The Riviera di Levante
The Riviera di Levante stretches from Genoa to the eastern border of Liguria and the County of La Spezia, a former Maritime Republic as well.
This strip of the Ligurian coast is rocky and rugged, incredibly romantic: but what can you expect from places like the Baia delle Favole or the Golfo dei Poeti?
In this part of Liguria there are lots of famous and glamorous locations, from highly coveted Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure with their fairytale mansions.
And there is Camogli too, a fishing town, with the Abbey of San Fruttuoso nearby, only only reachable by sea or on foot through two panoramic paths: a particularly exclusive wedding locations!
Going east you’ll find the colourful Sestri Levante, that overlooks not one but two bays, the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole.
And also the lovely Bonassola, Levanto and the stunning Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, five fairytale villages overlooking the sea, unique landscapes for a love story.
Another ideal wedding location is the castle of Portovenere, but San Terenzo, Lerici, Tellaro and Fiascherino are magical too, where you can live your wedding day, in a place kissed by the sun that has always attracted artists, poets and writers.
From Dante to Lord Byron, from painter George Sand to Percy Bysshe Shelley, many great artists were compelled by its charme: it’s not a coincidence that the gulf of La Spezia is called the Golfo dei Poeti.
Your fairytale!
Whether you are planning a civil ceremony or a religious wedding, wedding locations in Liguria will blow you away and will be the perfect scenario for the marriage you’ve always dreamed about!
If you are looking for a wedding photographer in Genoa and in Liguria contact me: I’ll be happy to take pictures of your special day in this beautiful land!
