Intimate elopement photography in Venice for couples who want a quiet, meaningful celebration far from the stress of a traditional wedding.
For more than 15 years, I have photographed couples in Venice, where I live and work every day. With a background in art history and experience across civil, symbolic and private ceremonies, I guide you through the city with a mix of local logistics, artistic eye and calm, precise organisation.
I speak English, French and Italian, and I am used to working with international couples who may be visiting Venice for the first time. My role is not only to take photographs, but to help you make decisions about timing, locations, transport and planning so that your elopement feels fluid, relaxed and deeply personal.
As your Venice elopement Photographer, I create images that focus on the connection between you, framed by Venetian architecture, light and water. No rigid posing, no artificial moments. Just careful direction, gentle guidance and a clear plan that leaves space for real emotion.
This page explains how I work, what you can expect on the day, which locations truly work for intimate ceremonies, and how my packages are structured. It is designed to help you move from “we are thinking about an elopement in Venice” to “we know how to make it happen and who will document it”.
An elopement is not a smaller version of a big wedding. It is a different decision. You are choosing intimacy instead of spectacle, and depth instead of schedule pressure.
In Venice, this choice is amplified. There are no cars, only boats and bridges. You hear footsteps on stone, water against the palaces, church bells, and voices in small squares. The city forces a slower rhythm, which is ideal for a micro-ceremony focused on the two of you.
Because you are not managing hundreds of guests, you can:
Choose the exact time of day for the best light.
Move between several locations without rushing.
Spend more of your budget on experience and photography rather than logistics.
Stay fully present instead of coordinating a timeline every five minutes.
My work is to translate this experience into a coherent visual story: preparations, ceremony, portraits, small gestures and the atmosphere of Venice around you.
I combine three layers in every elopement:
Artistic composition inspired by Venetian architecture and light.
Human connection, so you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Precise logistics adapted to the city, tide, crowds and transport.
I help you choose a route that matches your energy. For some couples, this means a quiet symbolic ceremony in a private palazzo, followed by a walk through hidden courtyards. For others, it is a civil ceremony at Palazzo Cavalli, a water taxi across the Grand Canal, and portraits around San Marco at sunrise.
You receive clear guidance, but not rigid posing. I show you how to stand, move and interact so that you look confident, elegant and natural. Small adjustments in hands, shoulders and direction of gaze make a big difference, while still feeling like yourselves.
In Venice, light and crowds change quickly. The same square can be almost empty at sunrise and full of tour groups one hour later. Planning is essential.
Together we evaluate:
Time of day: sunrise, late afternoon or evening.
Season: foggy winter mornings, soft spring light, long summer evenings.
Tide: possible acqua alta that may require alternative routes.
Starting and ending points: hotel, ceremony venue, church or palace.
I often recommend:
Sunrise around Piazza San Marco for quiet, clean backgrounds.
Late afternoon at San Giorgio Maggiore for wide views and soft light.
A short gondola or water taxi segment when it adds variety and makes sense in the route.
Once we agree on the plan, I prepare a detailed timeline with approximate times for each location. Before the day, we review it together and keep a realistic margin for walking, small delays and moments you may want to extend.
Many couples imagine arriving by boat or including Venice from the water. It is possible and very beautiful, but it must be organised carefully.
Best used for a 20 to 30 minute segment focused on portraits and atmosphere.
Works well after the ceremony, when you are already relaxed.
I coordinate with the gondolier regarding the route and key moments, while respecting their navigation rules.
Ideal for moving quickly between areas such as Palazzo Cavalli, San Marco and San Giorgio Maggiore.
Offers clean views of the Grand Canal and facades, especially near sunset.
Requires precise meeting points; I send you a map and clear instructions.
Some elopements take place in historic palazzi or in private gardens. These locations offer:
Privacy and controlled access.
Architectural elements such as staircases, frescoes and balconies.
Protection from wind or light rain.
Each venue has its own rules and conditions. I do not manage the venue contracts, but I am used to working with local planners and staff, and I adapt the photographic plan to their constraints.
For public areas, there is no way to “close” a space. What we can do instead is:
Choose the right hour for each location.
Use angles that hide or blur people in the background.
Move to nearby secondary spots when a place becomes too crowded.
This is where local experience is crucial. Knowing a quiet bridge five minutes from a busy square can completely change your images.
Each couple builds a different day. Here are some common scenarios and how I approach them.
Palazzo Cavalli overlooks the Grand Canal and the Rialto area. After the legal ceremony, we usually:
Use the balcony and stairs for a first series of portraits.
Walk to nearby bridges and narrow streets.
Optionally take a water taxi towards San Marco or the Salute area.
In venues such as Ca Sagredo or other historic palaces, the ceremony often takes place in a decorated hall or on a terrace. I:
Use windows and doorways to frame you with natural light.
Capture details of architecture, flowers and stationery.
Plan a short session outside so you also have images with canals and facades.
For small religious ceremonies, we follow the rules of the church. Some allow photography during the service, others only at specific moments. I always:
Discuss expectations in advance.
Work discretely, respecting the place and liturgy.
Plan outdoor portraits after the service near the church or in a nearby area.
For couples who prefer a simple vow exchange followed by a walk:
Hidden bridges near Castello or Dorsoduro.
Contarini del Bovolo for architectural lines and city views, when access is possible.
Small squares and side canals that feel personal and calm.
This combination creates a narrative that feels like a private walk through Venice rather than a staged photoshoot.
International couples often face the same pitfalls. Addressing them early protects your experience and your images.
Choosing midday for the ceremony because it seems practical, but light is harsh and crowds are intense.
Underestimating walking times between hotel, ceremony and photo locations.
Not checking tide forecasts in autumn and winter.
Reserving a gondola or taxi at the wrong pier, far from your route.
Expecting to photograph in areas that are closed, restricted or under renovation.
Propose clear alternatives with pros and cons.
Send you maps and screenshots with meeting points, especially if we use boats.
Build a realistic timeline, including margins for small delays.
Keep a backup route in case of rain, strong wind or acqua alta.
The goal is not perfection, but control. You know how we will react if the weather changes or if a square is unexpectedly blocked. That reduces stress and allows you to stay focused on each other.
Transparency is essential. My work is focused on photography and timeline support. I do not:
Provide legal advice regarding marriage paperwork or residency.
Reserve venues, churches or official ceremony slots.
Manage contracts with gondoliers, taxis or musicians.
Guarantee exclusive access to public spaces.
I can recommend trusted planners, venues or suppliers, and I coordinate with them on the day. Weather, regulations and city events can still require adjustments. If heavy rain or exceptional tide makes some locations unsafe or impractical, we adapt the route, keeping your safety and comfort as priorities.
Step by step: before, during and after your elopement
Before the day
Initial contact via email or contact form with your date, hotel and basic idea.
Video call to understand your story, expectations and possible locations.
Proposal with package, scope and estimated schedule.
Detailed planning of timing, route, transport and backup options.
A few days before, we confirm everything again according to the latest weather forecast and tide information.
During the day
I arrive early at the first location or your hotel.
We stay in touch via WhatsApp for real time updates about boats or delays.
I guide you with calm, precise instructions while leaving space for spontaneous moments.
I keep an eye on light, background and crowds so you do not have to.
After the day
I secure and back up your images in multiple locations.
I select and edit the photographs with a refined, modern aesthetic.
You receive an online gallery within the agreed timeframe, ready to download and share with family and friends.
If you wish, we can also discuss albums or prints after you have viewed the images.
Every elopement is different, but time and complexity are the main factors that shape pricing. More hours mean more locations, more logistics and more editing work afterwards.
For a short ceremony and a compact route, typically:
Ceremony plus one or two nearby locations.
Ideal if you prefer a very focused experience.
Approximately 200 edited images.
For a more complete story of the day:
Preparations, ceremony and several locations.
Possibility to include a short gondola or taxi segment.
Approximately 400 edited images.
For couples who want extensive storytelling:
Getting ready, ceremony, portraits across different districts.
Flexible timing to follow light conditions and your rhythm.
Approximately 600 edited images.
In all options, the price reflects not only the time spent with you, but also:
Planning and communication before the day.
Equipment, backups and insurance.
Professional editing and colour work.
Long term storage of your gallery.
With every elopement package you receive:
A curated online gallery with high resolution images.
Private access link to download and share with family and friends.
Photographs in colour, with some selected black and white versions when they reinforce the emotion.
Editing that respects skin tones, architecture and natural atmosphere.
Typical delivery time varies between 2 and 6 weeks depending on the season and the length of coverage. I prefer to deliver a gallery that is carefully refined rather than rushed. If you need a small selection quickly for announcements or family, we can plan a preview set.
My visual approach is clean, structured and attentive to detail. I pay attention to:
Hands, posture and lines of the body.
How your outfits interact with the architecture and light.
Reflections on water, windows and marble floors.
Small gestures between you that tell the story of your relationship.
I avoid heavy filters or trends that will age quickly. The goal is that your images look as relevant in ten years as they do today, while still feeling current and precise.
A few practical decisions can change your experience and your photographs.
Choose fabrics that move slightly with the wind.
Bring comfortable shoes for walking between locations, even if we swap to dress shoes just before photos.
Avoid very heavy patterns that compete with the architecture.
Staying near your main route reduces stress and transport time.
If your hotel has a terrace or private pier, we can include it in the session.
Let the concierge know about your plans; they are often helpful with logistics.
Keep your schedule lighter than you think you need.
Plan a short break to breathe, drink water and reset.
Accept that Venice is a living city; small surprises often lead to beautiful images.
Many couples also choose a separate couple session the day before or after the ceremony. This is helpful if you want more relaxed portraits in casual outfits or at sunrise when you prefer an evening ceremony.
To make the most of it:
Choose locations different from your elopement route for variety.
Use it as an opportunity to get used to being photographed together.
Plan it at a time of day that gives you the light you could not use on the ceremony day.
If you prefer, we can structure this additional session similarly to how I work as a Venice engagement photographer, while keeping the focus on your elopement story as a whole.
Here are a few words from couples who chose an intimate ceremony in Venice and trusted me to document it.
My husband and I had our ceremony in Venice with just the two of us. So the pictures were very important for us to be able to share the memories with our friends and family. Laure exquisitely captured each moment. They look like they should be in a magazine. I’m going to wallpaper my house with them I swear. I’ve always been very uncomfortable having my picture taken and I was nervous about the 3 hour shoot. Laure was SO excited about the breathtaking venue and the perfect evening it was impossible not to be excited with her. She made us both feel much more comfortable and instructed us in ways that made everything look and feel candid. Our friends and family were blown away by the pictures. I really cannot thank you enough! One day we’ll be back in Venice to renew our vows and will definitely use Laure again.“
Take a look at my gallery and imagine what your session could look like!
To understand more about my background, you can also read the About page. There you will find details about my years in Venice, my education in art history and the way this influences my work with architecture, composition and light.
Get inspiration, tips, and ideas for planning your elopement session
A refined glimpse into intimate elopements at Ca’ Sagredo, capturing elegance, emotion, and authentic Venetian atmosphere.
A poetic look at symbolic ceremonies in Venice, celebrating romance, architecture, and meaningful moments shared together.
A curated guide to Venice’s most photogenic spots, helping you choose stunning settings for unforgettable wedding portraits.
Ideally you should reach out as soon as you have a travel window. Popular months and sunrise or sunset slots book quickly. Even if your date is not fixed yet, a first conversation helps to understand seasons, light and typical timelines. For last minute decisions, I do my best to adapt, but some locations, boats or venues may no longer be available.
Light rain can create beautiful reflections and atmosphere, and we can use arcades and covered areas. For strong rain or exceptional tide, we adapt the route, prioritising safe streets, terraces and indoor locations. I always prepare a backup plan with you in advance so we know how to react without stress if the forecast changes close to the date.
Yes, many couples invite a small circle of guests. The key is to keep the route and schedule realistic so that everyone can move comfortably. We plan a short set of group photos, then focus on the two of you. I help position guests in a way that looks natural, and I remain attentive to their comfort, especially for older family members.
Choosing the right setting is a central part of my work. During our consultation, I ask about your preferences, energy and priorities. Based on that, I suggest specific routes and places that fit your style, time of day and season. I explain advantages and limits of each option, including access, privacy, walking distances and possible need for transport.
My role is dedicated to photography. However, I often work alongside videographers for small ceremonies. If you wish, I can recommend professionals whose style and way of working are compatible with mine. We then coordinate schedules, positions and movements so that both mediums support each other without crowding your experience.
Yes, many couples appreciate having images of getting ready, details and the quiet moments before seeing each other. We plan this according to your package and timeline. I work discretely in your room or suite, paying attention to light, mirrors and reflections, and I coordinate with hair and makeup so that the schedule remains comfortable.
Once we agree on the package, schedule and general plan, I send you a clear proposal with conditions and payment details. A retainer is required to confirm the date in my calendar, with the remaining balance due closer to the ceremony. All key points are written in simple, transparent terms, and I remain available for questions at every step.
If you feel that a quiet, carefully planned ceremony in Venice is the right choice for you, I would be glad to help you shape it and document it.
Send me a message through the contact form or by email with your dates, approximate schedule and a few words about your story. From there, we will build a route, a timeline and an experience that fits who you are, supported by photography that allows you to relive your day and share it with those you love.
