We are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary July 2024. We would like to renew our vows in Venice with just 20 family members in attendance. Just a Mass and small renewal ceremony. Would like to avoid using a wedding planner as we won't need photographer, flowers, music, etc. We hope to just go to a local restaurant for dinner afterwards. We will be in Venice this May/June to scout out places. Any suggestions where to start? My longtime dream was to use St. Mark's Basilica, which was doable 10 yrs. ago, but not now apparently. Thanks in advance for any info!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11953 posts
I probably would start with my pastor or local Chancery to see what 'insider' info they may have to help make it happen.
St. Mark's might be a bit of a stretch ( unless you are personal friends with a Cardinal)
Congrats
Posted by
North Carolina
2499 posts
I got a Chorus Pass (https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/chorus-churches) and visited several Venetian churches - I think that would be a good way to focus your research. One I particularly loved was Santa Maria Dei Miracoli.
Posted by
Southeastern US
2623 posts
I wonder if Venice's Tourist information office would be able to provide some assistance?
Posted by
Southeast of Seattle
732 posts
Surprisingly, if you contact the Italian Consulate (Embassy) in D.C., they may be able to provide assistance.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thankyou so much! Will check out these leads.
Posted by
Australia
1072 posts
I stumbled on the Basilica de Santa Maria della Salute in Venice. It's a beautiful small church with a unique octagonal design on the main canal. Was a very peaceful spot.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
488 posts
If you're into Rococo magnificence, I Gesuiti in Cannareggio might be your jam. San Sebastian in Dorsoduro is a Paolo Veronese wonderland.
There are lots of wedding planners I found googling this subject, who seem to have ins with venues all over Venice, both in churches and for renewals, palazzos, gardens, gondolas, and more. However, since there are a lot, it probably doesn't take an "in" besides getting in touch with the local archdiocese, or even the local church authority for the church you choose, and coordinating.
If you're interested in any of the churches that the Chorus association works to conserve, reaching out through them might be the way to go, or they might have a way to get you in touch with someone who can.