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A City of Love, art and history, Venice is poetic and timeless, its beauty unmatchable. Widely known as the ‘Floating City’, it attracts millions of romantics from around the world who come to celebrate their wedding in Venice.

The City of Water – where roads are canals, and modes of transport include boats and gondolas – offers brides and grooms a truly magical atmosphere, never short of a touch of drama and mystery to blow guests away.

We have rounded up some of the most magical locations in Venice for an enchanting wedding, including stately homes turned into grand hotels, opulent palazzi with frescoed interiors and fine damasks, the city’s famous Scuole Grandi, and even a complex of former shipyards and naval factories (read also “Wedding in Italy: the country’s most exclusive venues“).

Cover photo by www.marriot.it

The Gritti Palace Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, 2467

Photo by www.marriott.it

Dating back to the 15th century, The Gritti Palace was for centuries a private residence where noble families and illustrious guests would come together. It became a luxury hotel in 1895. Today, the atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, with warm and impeccable service. An exclusive setting to celebrate true love and create memories, the Hotel has elegant interiors featuring beautifully restored wooden ceilings and glass chandeliers from nearby Murano. Overlooking the Grand Canal and offering magnificent views, it’s the perfect venue to host a small formal wedding in Venice.

The St.Regis Venice S.Marco, 2159

Photo by Marriott.it

With a history spanning over 150 years, The St. Regis Venice is the perfect blend of classic and contemporary, artfully combining futuristic design with historic features. Overlooking the Grand Canal and offering breathtaking vistas of the city’s major sights, including the Basilica della Salute and Punta della Dogana, the hotel is the perfect venue to host weddings and ceremonies of up to 110 guests. The highlight of the hotel is undoubtedly its gorgeous Italian Garden infused with the beguiling fragrance of roses, from where guests can soak up spectacular views.

Palazzo Pisani Moretta Sestiere San Polo, 2766

Photo by menu.sluurpy.it

Located on the Grand Canal not far from Rialto Bridge, Palazzo Pisani Moretta dates back to the mid 15th century. It was the sumptuous historic residence of the Pisani Moretta family, and is today better known for hosting the famous Doge’s Ball during the Carnival of Venice. It’s an architectural marvel, with a splendid façade in Venetian Gothic floral style, and striking Baroque and Neoclassical interiors. This privately-owned palazzo can be hired for exclusive, stylish parties and weddings.

Arsenale di Venezia Sestiere Castello

Photo by luoghidelcontemporaneo.beniculturali.it

A symbol of economic power, the Venetian Arsenal is a vast complex of former shipyards and workshops located on the eastern edge of the old city. Spread out over 118 acres, it has countless awnings of all sizes, making it the perfect place to host a large wedding in Venice. As a raw-space venue, it also offers a totally blank slate where you can let your creativity run wild. Surrounded by the calm waters of the lagoon, the Arsenale enjoys an isolated location, making this one of the few venues in Venice with no live music curfew.

Aman Venice Calle Tiepolo, 1364

Photo by www.aman.com

Tucked away in the San Polo district facing the Grand Canal, the magnificent Palazzo Papadopoli, which houses the city’s exclusive Aman Venice Hotel, is a charming venue steeped in history, where past and present harmoniously converge. Interiors blend Rococò features and contemporary furnishings, with 24 tastefully furnished bedrooms and signature suites facing the Grand Canal or the manicured private gardens. The epitome of luxury and comfort, it’s the perfect venue for a lavish private wedding.

Belmond Hotel Cipriani Giudecca, 10

Photo by www.belmond.com

Away from the hustle and bustle of Piazza San Marco, although close enough to soak up the square’s full beauty, the Belmond Hotel Cipriani is located on the island of Giudecca. Unlike most other hotels in the city, this graceful oasis of peace offers wonderful outdoor spaces to make your wedding dream come true. The lush gardens, where Casanova is said to have spent time with his lovers, are perfect for sophisticated celebrations, while stylish drinks receptions can be enjoyed by the Olympic-size swimming pool. The panoramic Cip’s Club is a great spot to soak up sunset views as you sip on a Bellini.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco Campo San Rocco a San Polo, 3052

Photo by artribune.com

Located in the heart of the city, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a veritable architectural marvel. Founded in 1478, this magnificent site has an incredibly rich artistic heritage. The walls and ceilings are embellished with beautiful frescoes by Tintoretto, making for a striking location to host a wedding reception. The bride and groom can arrive at their wedding venue on a romantic gondola or can opt to glide along the city’s canals aboard a timeless Riva boat. If you’re planning on having a Catholic ceremony, the sumptuous Chiesa di San Rocco lies adjacent.

Hotel Excelsior Venice Lungomare Marconi, 41

Photo by www.hotelexcelsiorvenezia.com

The Hotel Excelsior Venice is located in Venice’s Lido, away from the tourist crowds. It’s a fairytale Venetian palace featuring soft gentle curves that are typical of Moorish architecture. The only 5-star hotel in the city with a private beach, the hotel offers plenty of flexibility, with vast halls featuring large windows overlooking the sea, and a private beach for romantic barefoot beach ceremonies. A fireworks display could make for a stunning grand finale.

Locanda Cipriani Piazza Santa Fosca, 29

Photo by www.locandacipriani.com

On the verdant island of Torcello by the Church of Santa Fosca is Locanda Cipriani, a historic restaurant that has played host to the likes of Hemingway and Queen Elizabeth II, celebrated for its exceptional cuisine and simple yet elegant and intimate atmosphere. The rose garden offers a charming, magical setting to host unforgettable wedding receptions. The locanda has a handful of gorgeous rooms too, making it particularly convenient if you want to stay on your wedding night, or simply use for a quick change of outfit.

Scuola Grande della Misericordia Sestiere Cannaregio, 3599

Photo by www.misericordiadivenezia.it

One of Venice’s seven Scuole Grandi, the Scuola Grande della Misericordia is an ancient religious confraternity housed in a monumental building that combines history, art and modern technology. The setting is airy and sophisticated, with magnificent frescoed walls and a majestic staircase leading to the adjacent deconsecrated church, perfect to host welcome drinks or reception parties. The fully integrated digital lighting system allows you to create striking personalized designs and custom mood lighting.

Hotel Danieli Riva Degli Schiavoni, 4196

Photo by www.marriott.it

Perhaps Venice’s most famous 5-star hotel, the world-renowned Danieli has hosted a string of Hollywood stars and international celebrity guests over the course of the years. Comprising three buildings, it’s home to a vast collection of precious art and antiques, and has been a filming location for numerous movies. Hosting a wedding reception at Saloni Marco Polo or at Ristorante Terrazza Danieli during the warmer months of the year is a truly magical experience.