Wedding Guide Italy - Positano

Positano town forms a colorful pyramid on the side of a cliff. Set on the mountainous Amalfi coastline, south of Naples. Legend around the town's origin states the Greek God Poseidon created the town.

The town has a rich history influenced by Greeks, Romans, Arabians, and Turkish pirates before becoming a tourist hotspot for the rich and famous in the 1950s. Visitors such as Jackie Kennedy and, more recently, Jennifer Lopez helped Positano transform from a struggling fishing village to a thriving location.

With natural beauty, history, boutiques, restaurants, and incredible beaches, it is understandable why a wedding in Positano is a sought-after destination.

Highlights

A piece of heaven on earth describes Positano, and with many beautiful wedding venues, the town provides a perfect destination for a Positano wedding.

Villa Oliviero

The villa overlooks the Amalfi coast and has a swimming pool, garden, and terraces ideal for cocktail parties. Rent the entire villa for an intimate venue that sleeps up to 12, with the option of adding an annex with two bedrooms.

You can have a civil ceremony at Villa Oliviero, or if you prefer a religious ceremony, the villa can make arrangements at the nearby Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

The villa offers seating for 120 guests outdoors in the summer or 100 guests indoors for a sit-down meal. Or for a buffet meal, the capacity can be increased to 120 and 150 guests.

Before your wedding, it is possible to arrange a rehearsal dinner and a pizza party with a “pizzaiolo,” a hand-throwing pizza maker.

Services available at the villa include a private chef, wine or champagne tasting, cooking classes, charter a yacht, and many other activities at this luxurious Positano wedding venue.

Hotel Covo Dei Saraceni

Originally a fisherman’s house, the residence is now a 66-room 5-star hotel, retaining many traditional features.

Hotel Covo Dei Saraceni can hold wedding ceremonies and has several banqueting options, including the swimming pool terrace with room for 35 guests. The Bougainville room, the large restaurant hall, has a capacity of 180 to 200 people.

Their wedding menu starts from US$194.00, including VAT. This price includes an aperitif and finger food, a four-course meal, a wedding cake, and regional wines and Spumante.

Covo Dei Saraceni offers a Mediterrean style location for a Positano wedding venue.

Le Agavi

Set on the outskirts of Positano, the impressive cliffside hotel spreads over 11 levels up the mountain. Le Agavi has a unique funicular, a cable car that will take you the 300meters from the beach to the viewpoint at the top of the hotel.

The hotel has over 30 years of experience planning for weddings and can arrange everything, from aperitifs, cakes, rooms, and the menu.

The hotel’s beach house can cater to up to 100 guests, and arrival can be in style by sea. If you prefer a larger wedding party, the lobby terrace can cater to 200 - 250 guests for an aperitif buffet.

The Michelin-starred restaurant offers dishes including grilled spicy lobster and Tiramasu.

The hotel has 55 rooms to accommodate your guests, all with a view from the terrace.

Le Agavi is a 5-star hotel providing you with a luxurious Positano wedding.

View our Italian Wedding venues here.

Weather and Climate

Positano experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is between June and August for warm, sunny days.

July is the hottest month when the temperature is 84°F (29°C), and rain is scarce.

January is the coldest month when temperatures range between 46°F (8°C) and 53°F (11°C). The days are overcast, and there will be rain.

October is the wettest month, although temperatures are still mild, between 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (21°C).

The water is warm between June and October for swimming in the sea, with an average sea temperature of 73°F (22°C).

Culture and Etiquette

Positano centers itself around tourism, and much of its modern culture focuses on a way of life being available for visitors. Larger establishments remain open throughout the day, but smaller businesses might close for their ‘riposo’ equivalent of a siesta.

Fashion is important to the Italians and is no different in Positano. Maria Lampo is a must-see fashion boutique that has kept up with the changes. Maria opened the shop after the Second World War and still provides something for everyone. Clients have included Dustin Hoffman.

Food and Drink

Positano and The Amalfi Coast are renowned for their lemons which they use in many foods and drink recipes.

Limoncello is a lemon liqueur made by steeping lemon zest in alcohol. It should be served from the freezer and in a shot glass. It is an ingredient in recipes such as cocktails and Limoncello cake.

Amalfi Baked Lemons (Limoni Di Amalfi Cotti Al Forno). Hollowed-out lemon halves stuffed with local buffalo mozzarella and an anchovy baked on a lemon leaf to catch the dripping cheese.

Pesceall’AquaPazza(Fish in Crazy Water). In Positano, you could eat fish or seafood every day. One such dish is Fish in Crazy Water. Usually, a white fish, often Sea Bass, cooked in white wine with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and cherry tomatoes.

Money and Wedding Costs

The accepted currency is Euros, and credit cards are widely accepted.

A wedding in Positano can be expensive, the town is a popular wedding destination, and demand is high. A Positano Wedding can cost between US$51,000 (€50,000) to US$92,000 (€90,000) for approximately 80 guests.

Positano weddings tend to be more intimate due to venues having a smaller capacity, and there are fewer Positano wedding venues available.

Prices are usually higher in peak season, so choosing an alternative date can help with the availability of choice.

Catering costs can vary from US$194 (€190) to US$255 (€250) per guest.

Demand is high for photographers at Positano wedding venues. However, there is a wide choice available.

The nearest airport is Naples, which is 34miles.  A taxi will set you back about US$92.00 (€90.00).

To compare wedding costs in Positano with other regions of Italy, read our Italian Wedding Guide Highlights.

Legal Requirements for Marrying in Positano, Italy.

You do not need to be an Italian resident to get married in Italy. However, there are some documents and paperwork required. Check out our legal requirements for marrying in Italy.

There are three types of weddings you can have in Italy.

1. A civil ceremony. One option is at The Town Hall of Positano, and the ceremony can take place inside or outside on the terrace. There is seating for up to 30 guests and can accommodate a further 30 guests standing.

2. An Engish-speaking priest performs a Catholic religious ceremony at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Located in the center of the town and only a few steps from the beach.

3. A symbolic ceremony. There are numerous possibilities for Positano wedding venues. You can hold a ceremony in a villa, beach, garden, or boat, anywhere you can picture your dream wedding.

A symbolic ceremony is the most straightforward and cheapest option since you get married in your home country and do not have to arrange for legal documents in a foreign language.

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