Villa Cimbrone wedding: getting married above the Amalfi Coast

Why couples choose Villa Cimbrone

Ravello sits on the hill in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, and Villa Cimbrone sits at its very edge, on a promontory above the sea. The villa has medieval origins and was restored in the early twentieth century, when its gardens were laid out along the cliff. Today it is a hotel, and its terraces, gardens and views make it one of the most sought-after wedding venues on the coast.

What makes a Villa Cimbrone wedding special is the sense of space. From the gardens you look down on the coast and out over the Gulf of Salerno, and the villa feels a world away from the busy towns below.

The Belvedere: the Terrace of Infinity

The Belvedere, known as the Terrace of Infinity, is the heart of the villa. A long balcony lined with marble busts hangs over the sea, and on a clear day the view seems to go on forever. It is one of the most famous views in Italy, and one of the most romantic places on the coast for portraits of the two of you.

Because it is so well known, it is worth planning when we photograph there. Early or late in the day the light is softer and the terrace is quieter, and those are the moments I would choose for your portraits.

Your ceremony at Villa Cimbrone

The ceremony options at the villa – where it can take place, and whether it is civil or symbolic – are set by the villa itself, so check the current options with Villa Cimbrone when you book. For a church wedding in Ravello, the options depend on the town and the venue.

Tell me what kind of ceremony you would like, and I will point you in the right direction.

Photographing in the gardens

The gardens of Villa Cimbrone are a series of avenues, terraces and hidden corners, with statues, small temples and flowers along the way. For a photographer that means variety: wide views over the coast, intimate portraits under the trees and natural moments as you walk from one part of the garden to the next.

I like to use the walk itself. Instead of posing in one place, we move slowly through the gardens, and the photos tell the story of the afternoon.

Ravello around the villa

A Villa Cimbrone wedding is also a Ravello wedding. The main square with its Cathedral, the narrow back streets and the gardens of Villa Rufolo are all close by, and a stroll through the historic centre at sunset is one of the most magical moments of the day. It is easy to combine portraits at the villa with a few photos in the town.

Getting there and practicalities

Ravello takes a little more travelling than Sorrento or Positano, and the last stretch to the villa is a walk through the town. Plan transfers for your guests, comfortable shoes for the walk and a little extra time in the schedule, so nobody feels rushed.

If your guests are staying elsewhere on the coast, it is worth arranging the transport well in advance. For the photography, I build that time into the plan for the day.

Photographing your Villa Cimbrone wedding

I have photographed at Villa Cimbrone and at weddings all over Ravello, and I know the town and its light well. I work discreetly and let the day unfold naturally, while making sure every family group and detail you care about is covered – from the ceremony to the portraits on the Belvedere and the dinner as night falls.