Florence Elopement Guide: Venues & Tips

Florence is a stunning, must-visit city, rich with history and undeniable beauty. Our goal with this guide is to help you decide if its unique character is the right fit for your elopement day. It is the ideal destination for couples who appreciate art, culture, and the vibrant energy of a historic Italian city.

As seasoned planners and photographers in Italy, we have extensive experience creating sophisticated elopements in this iconic city. We designed this guide to provide the clear, practical advice you need to plan a flawless Florentine wedding.

Why Choose Florence for Your Elopement?

Renaissance Art & Architecture: This is the soul of Florence. Your elopement can take place against a backdrop of world-famous landmarks, from the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio. Every street and piazza offers a piece of history, creating a truly timeless setting.
A Walkable, Vibrant City: Florence is compact and easy to explore on foot. You can stroll from your hotel to a beautiful garden for your ceremony, then to a historic piazza for photos, and finally to a world-class restaurant for your celebration.
A Celebration in the Spotlight: Florence is a very popular city with many visitors. An elopement here means embracing the public nature of your celebration. As you walk through the streets, you will be in the spotlight, with passersby offering their congratulations. It’s an experience for couples who enjoy that vibrant, shared energy.

Best Places to Elope in Florence

Florence offers a stunning array of historic and beautiful venues for an intimate ceremony.

Historic Palazzos & Villas: Florence is home to magnificent private palaces and villas, both in the city center and in the surrounding hills. These venues offer exclusivity, stunning architecture, and often have private gardens for a serene ceremony.
The Stunning “Red Hall” (Sala Rossa): For a legally binding civil ceremony, the Sala Rossa in the Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most beautiful wedding halls in all of Italy. It is adorned with magnificent red silks, ornate chandeliers, and historic tapestries. However being in the city center when you exit you will encounter many people in the square and surrounding areas.

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Florence

The season affects the crowds, the weather, and the overall atmosphere of the city.

Spring (April-May): An ideal time to visit. The weather is warm and pleasant, the city’s gardens are in full bloom, and the summer crowds have not yet peaked.
Summer (June-August): The city is very busy and can be extremely hot. However, the long, light-filled evenings are beautiful for photos and late dinners.
Autumn (September-October): Another perfect season. The temperatures are comfortable, the light is soft and golden, and the crowds begin to thin after the summer rush.
Winter (November-March): Florence is much quieter in the winter. While the weather is colder, you can enjoy the city’s museums and galleries without the crowds, creating a cozy and intimate experience.

Insider Tips for a Perfect Florentine Elopement

Navigating this historic city requires careful planning and local knowledge. Here is our most important advice.

Choose Your Venue Style: City Seclusion or Countryside Charm? Florence offers the best of both worlds. You can choose a venue like Villa Gamberaia in the hills to get the city vibe with the seclusion of a noble villa and its stunning gardens. Alternatively, a more central venue like Villa Cora allows us to easily head to Piazzale Michelangelo or the even better Basilica di San Miniato for incredible city views with fewer tourists.
Understand the “City vs. Countryside” Scenery: Florence is a city. Don’t expect rolling vineyards, olive groves, and rows of cypress trees. While you may see one or two, if that rustic landscape is your primary passion, you are better off choosing a venue in the Tuscan countryside.
The “Dawn Patrol” is Essential: To get those breathtaking, crowd-free photos at iconic locations like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, a photo session at sunrise is the only way. The early morning in Florence is incredible as the city wakes up, offering magical light and a peaceful atmosphere.
Be Prepared for City Streets: Walking through the beautiful stone streets is part of the experience. Be aware that the hem of a long dress will likely get a little dirty. This won’t show in the photos, but it’s good to be mentally prepared for it!
Navigating the ZTL: The historic center of Florence is a “ZTL” (Limited Traffic Zone). We handle all transportation logistics, using licensed drivers who have permission to enter, ensuring you can get to your locations seamlessly and without stress.

Getting to Florence & A Sample Itinerary

Florence is a major transportation hub in central Italy.

Most of our international clients fly directly into Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), or into the larger airports in Pisa (PSA) or Bologna (BLQ), which are a short train ride away. From the airport or train station, a pre-arranged taxi or private driver is the easiest way to get to your hotel within the ZTL.

Here is a sample itinerary for your arrival and elopement:

Day 1: Arrival in Florence. Arrive at your hotel in the historic center. Settle in and take a short passeggiata (stroll) to a local piazza for an aperitivo.
Day 2: Your Elopement Day. A magical sunrise photo session at the Duomo, followed by breakfast. The afternoon is for preparations and your ceremony, followed by sunset photos from the hills and a celebratory dinner at one of Florence’s top restaurants.
Day 3: Begin Your Honeymoon. Wake up as a married couple. Spend the day exploring the Uffizi Gallery or climbing Giotto’s Bell Tower before continuing your journey through Tuscany or to other parts of Italy.

A Sample Florence Elopement Timeline

This timeline is structured to capture the best of Florence’s light and iconic locations.

6:30 AM: Sunrise photo session at the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.
8:30 AM: Return to the hotel for breakfast and a break.
3:30 PM: We capture your personal details at your hotel.
4:30 PM: Getting ready sessions.
6:00 PM: Ceremony in a private garden or historic palazzo.
6:45 PM – 8:00 PM: Celebratory toast, followed by a short drive to Piazzale Michelangelo for couple’s portraits during the golden hour with a view of the city.
8:30 PM: We photograph your romantic dinner setup before leaving you to enjoy your private evening.

This is a flexible starting point. We build a custom timeline for every couple as part of our simple planning process.

Logistics & Legalities

We manage the planning and coordination to ensure your day is seamless.

Ceremony Type: You can choose between a symbolic ceremony or a legally binding civil ceremony in the magnificent Sala Rossa.
- For a complete overview, please read our guide on how to get married in Italy legally.
Our All-Inclusive Approach: Our service is designed to handle all vendor coordination, timelines, and logistics, giving you peace of mind.
- You can see what’s included in our all-inclusive packages to learn more.

Ready to write your own chapter in the history of Florence? Let’s connect on a free video call to discuss your vision.