THE ROME ELOPEMENT GUIDE
HOW TO PLAN AN URBAN ELOPEMENT WEDDING IN ROME, ITALY
Why Rome IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR AN URBAN ELOPEMENT
Where modern meets ancient: Rome will take your breath away, even if you've been to Italy before. It perfectly blends stunning architecture, charismatic chaos, cultural heritage and culinary heaven. Whether you choose to exchange vows against the backdrop of ancient ruins or in a hidden courtyard, Rome offers a myriad of amazing locations for an romantic urban elopement.
Monument to Victor Emmanuel II at Capitol Hill during sunset
COME FOR THE ARCHITECTURE, STAY FOR THE FOOD
Rome is literal heaven not just for foodies. From tiny trattorias you've seen in the movies to elegant rooftop bars, tiramisu shops or gelaterias - food in all forms is one of the most important parts of Italian lifestyle. It's the glue that holds everything together!
In between restaurants, wander through picturesque cobblestone streets to explore world-class museums and art galleries. Soak in the atmosphere with a boat ride along the Tiber River, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque neighborhoods of Trastevere or Monti, or enjoy a private tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
WHEN IN ROME
WHAT time IS BEST to ELOPE IN ROME?
The best time to elope in Rome largely depends on personal preferences and the specific atmosphere you envision. However, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the ideal time for your elopement:
- Weather: Rome experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The months of April to June and September to October generally offer pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 18-24 degrees Celsius). These seasons provide nice temperatures for outdoor ceremonies and photo shoots without the scorching heat or crowds of summer.
- Crowds: Let's face it, Rome is a popular tourist destination almost all year round. Avoiding peak tourist seasons, which are typically July and August, as well as major holidays (like Ferragosto on August 15, a public holiday in Italy and the 1-2 weeks that follow which is a major vacation time in Italy) can help. However, more important than the season is location choice at specific times to avoid crowds - and we'll brush upon this in a different section below.
- Seasonal Events: Rome hosts various cultural events throughout the year that you want to avoid as it draws extra crowds to the city. For example, you want to stay clear of Rome's Holy Week and Easter celebrations in spring. Researching and aligning (or not aligning) your elopement with popular events can enhance the experience of your special day.
THE BEST LOCATIONS TO ELOPE IN ROME
- Famous Locations AS BaCKDROP FOR ELOPEMENTS and WEDDINGS:
- The Spanish Steps: Located in the heart of Rome, the Spanish Steps connect Piazza die Spagna down at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top.This iconic spot boasts a stunning Baroque staircase and is surrounded by charming shops and cafes, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
- Trevi Fountain: Just about a 10 min walk from the Spanish Steps you'll find the Trevi Fountain. Tossing a coin into the fountain is said to ensure a return to Rome so make sure to bring one! With its intricate sculptures and cascading water, the Trevi Fountain adds a touch of romance and splendor to your elopement ceremony. Extra tip: Change perspective and escape the crowds and enjoy a drink at the rooftop view from Relais Fontana di Trevi.
- Villa Borghese Gardens: Set in the heart of Rome, Villa Borghese Gardens is a large public park with lush greenery, scenic walkways, and picturesque viewpoints. The gardens provide a serene and romantic setting for an intimate vow ceremony, with various spots like the Temple of Aesculapius or the Pincio Terrace offering stunning views of the city.
- Roman Forum: As the heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum offers a historic and iconic setting for a vow ceremony. This archaeological site is filled with ancient ruins, temples, and monuments that date back to the Roman Empire. One of the best places to overlook the Roman Forum is on the staircase near Via di S. Pietro in Carcere.
- Capitoline Hill is home to Piazza del Campidoglio, a stunning square designed by the legendary Michelangelo. The square features a grand staircase, elegant statues, and a captivating view of the Roman Forum. Capitoline Hill offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility, providing a perfect escape from the bustling city below. With its serene atmosphere and hidden corners, the hill allows for an intimate and romantic ceremony. You can choose a spot on the staircase, overlooking the square, or find a secluded area within the gardens for a more private exchange of vows.
- The Colosseum: The iconic Colosseum stands as a symbol of Rome's ancient grandeur and makes for a breathtaking backdrop for your vow ceremony. Imagine declaring your love amidst the ancient ruins, surrounded by the rich history and architectural marvels of this world-famous landmark.
When planning your elopement in Rome, consider both the famous and low key locations for your vow ceremony and photo shoot. The key is to schedule iconic locations early morning or late evening and saving the lesser known / visited locations for the midday or afternoon hours. That way your Rome elopement will be a more relaxed experience.
One of the main challenges of eloping in a public space is finding privacy - at least for some key moments like reading your vows. In a perfect world we would have the most amazing locations to ourselves and all the time in the world to photograph them. While you don't have control over the crowds, here's 3 tipps that will help you navigate them as best as possible.
- Get up early or come late: For photos at iconic locations select a time of the day when the city is quieter, such as sunrise or sunset, to minimize disturbance. Stay past sunset - the city lights at dawn are absolutely magic in photos and walking through the glowy streets at night will give your gallery more diversity .
- Consider choosing a secluded corner, a park or lesser-known locations within the city that provide shade especially especially for the midday hours. Also, plan in lunch, Aperitivo or tasting gelato during this time.
- Pick a rooftop venue or book an airbnb with a rooftop terrace for your vow ceremony.
Lastly - embrace the chaos of Rome as part of your elopement experience! Nothing screems city elopement more than taking a deliberate bath in the crowds and standing out in your wedding outfits.
HOW TO NAVIGATE EFFICIENTLY BETWEEN LOCATIONS
Navigating and changing photo locations in a bubbly city like Rome can be overwhelming, especially when aiming for multiple locations. While some locations might be in walking distance from each other, the best and most stressfree way to quickly move around Rome in my experience is simply taking an Uber.
✓ Stroll through adorable Via dei Coronari away from the hustle and bustle for a lunch or coffee break
✓ Enjoy some of the best gelato scopes you've ever had at Frigidarium (try the Ricotta & Cranberry, it's delectable!)
✓ Visit popular and hopelessly crowded sights like Trevi Fountain, Colosseum or Spanish Steps at sunrise
✓ Pop in at Two Sizes for the best Tiramisu in town
✓ Take a stroll around Capitol Hill and the Roman Forum at sunset
✓Sit down somewhere with a view and share a take-away pizza
✓Visit a park like Villa Borghese to find shade and fewer crowds than in the city center
✓ Enjoy a glass of Aperol Veneziano or Prosecco at a rooftop terrace
✓ Walk around Rome by night to see the city lights
