Elopement to Amalfi

I'm sorry I don't have advice for you on Amalfi or the wedding assistance question, but for the "tricky paperwork of marriage in Italy" part - what many seem to suggest is to actually get married in the United States (sign the papers and such here) and then hold your ceremony in Italy but avoid doing any of the legal marriage part in Italy. That seems like a less stressful and complicated way of doing it.

He is a good link....congratulations!

http://rickzullo.com/plan-italian-wedding/

Thanks for the responses. There is an Italian Consulate in the Seattle area, and my preliminary research suggests that we can get most of the paperwork done before we leave (paying attention to deadlines). So, we'll push this a bit more and try to confirm whether it's truly realistic.

I had previously come across The Perfect Italian Wedding on a web search, but thought that it catered to larger ceremonies. On your recommendation, I'll drop them a line and get details on how/whether they would handle a small ceremony like the one we want.

Hi PB&J- I'm planning an elopement on the Amalfi Coast in September/October as well! While I have the same questions you have, I'm wondering if you could tell me where you've chosen to have your ceremony in Sorrento? I'm considering Sorrento, Capri or Ravello for my symbolic ceremony, but I'm having a hard time deciding on the best place. Sorrento seems like a great "hub" to travel all along the Amalfi Coast, but I haven't been able to find ceremony options in Sorrento. Are you using a wedding planner or planning everything on your own? Any advice you have would be much appreciated!

Hello PB&J, Congratulations on your engagement. Re: Location for marriage ceremony in Sorrento. We had the good fortune of stumbling across (via tourist bureau) Villa Terraza on the cliff side of Sorrento. It has an approx. 2000 sq. ft. terrace (with a dipping pool) overlooking the sea with a view of Mt Vesuvious and Naples. VRBO #333289. Our host Andrea has a lovely classic watercraft for tours to Capri etc. While staying there, we met an American couple who had just been married on the terrace with their family present and they were staying on for their honeymoon. I'm sure that Andrea would be able to assist you in any of your needs for the ceremony. It is a spectacular location just a short stroll below the town center. If you have any more questions feel free to PM me.

Welcome to the party, dawnhall1188:
At this point in time, we are looking into a legal civil ceremony. The rules are different if you want a church wedding, or if one of you is an Italian resident. If you want a non-legal ceremony, of course you may write your own rules. Amongst what I have learned so far is that civil services are held in the Town Hall of whichever city you choose (Sorrento's has a picturesque cloisters attached). Be aware that you will have to "Declare" in your chosen Town Hall 2 days before the ceremony, which may impact your travel plans. We'll continue to investigate this, but it sounds as though having a concierge or other "friend" over there could make your day a lot easier.

Sherry: This sounds almost too good at first glance. We'll go through that website more thoroughly when we have a moment, and perhaps contact Andrea (or you) after consideration. Thank you.

For a hotel rec... we love Hotel La Tonnarella in Sorrento (and love Sorrento), on the cliff overlooking the town, the bay, Capri, etc. It's a wonderful hotel with lots of terraces, flowers, great restaurant, great breakfast, and a private beach that we really enjoyed. We've stayed there 3 times for a week each time, and once got a room with a private terrace. The terraces are large and fabulous.

Thank you, Susan. We presume that unlike Rick, you did not find the service at La
Tonnarella "indifferent."

Hi,

I'm getting married next year in Sorrento. We're from the UK, trip advisor does provide a 100 and 1 tips and excellent advice for venues and other wedding related issues.