Weddings and Honeymoons in Cilento

Are you thinking of having your Wedding, Honeymoon or just a Romantic Getaway in Italy?

Then why not venture further into the ‘Real Italy’, away from all the more popular and busy tourist resorts.

Michelle Turner from Italy Bride and Groom Weddings has put together a mini guide on what the region of Cilento can offer as a wedding and honeymoon destination. Italy Bride and Groom Weddings are Cilento Coast specialists and offer a bespoke wedding and travel planning service, including a fabulous Pre-Wedding Tour. I hope the information below will provide you with ideas and inspire you to consider this beautiful part of Italy as a of possible destination wedding location.

1. Why Choose Cilento as Your Wedding Destination
2. What can my Guests do While in Cilento
3. Wedding Venues in Cilento
4. Typical Cost of a Wedding in Cilento
5. Real Weddings – One Couples Experience
6. Find a Wedding Planner in Cilento

Why Cilento

Cilento, just 1.5 hours from Naples airport and central station is an ‘off the beaten track’ hidden gem. The region has largely managed to escape major tourism and retains an authentic old world charm allowing you to experience true Italian tradition, genuine local friendliness and Mediterranean style.

From wherever you look there are breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea with the stunning coastlines of Cilento and Amalfi, just next door. As the sun begins to go down, head for the Belvedere Terrace or Castellabate hilltop village to witness the most amazing sunset over Capri and Ischia islands. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site, the captivating village of Castellabate with its labyrinth of streets and narrow stairs is one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval towns and home to some superb restaurants.

Activities in Cilento

The area offers numerous options to keep both you and your guests entertained. The beaches of Santa Maria di Castellabate stretch far with golden sand and crystal clear waters, dotted with bright beach umbrellas and waterfront cafes. For water sports enthusiasts little boats venture out daily for snorkelling and diving trips or if you wish to explore further afield then ferries run from the local port to both Capri and Amalfi.

The sound of the waves and smell of the sea air add to the wonderful sensation of being in the Real Italy! Enjoy fresh Italian coffee and wonderful homemade ice creams in little seaside bars while you sit and watch the world go by. At the “Porte le Gatte” it is commonplace to find fishing boats ashore for painting and fishermen mending their nets on the beach. No hustle and bustle as you walk along the “Corso” (main street), only friendly waves from store owners as you browse the shops with their local goods.

Wedding Venues in Cilento

This area of Italy boasts stunning venues for weddings such as the Torre Perrotti 15th century ancient tower situated on the shores of Santa Maria di Castellabate, the hilltop 11th century Castle of Castellabate, the famous Palazzo Belmonte residence with its stunning grounds and the Belvedere Terrace clinging to the hillside with an incomparable view of Capri and the Amalfi coast. There is also a fabulous selection of private villas and beach locations all with wonderful views which make amazing natural backdrops for your special day… the list is endless.

Cost of a Wedding in Cilento

Ceremony

The following is an example of a civil or symbolic wedding ceremony package for up to 30 guests in Castellabate for 2021/2022.

Castle Wedding in Cilento
The 15th century Castle is situated on the shores of Santa Maria di Castellabate in Cilento with stunning views of the golden white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue sea waters. Ideal for a beach wedding with no sand. Walking distance from many hotels and accommodations.

It is surrounded by the Mediterranean and the jagged mountains of the Cilento Coast. Above is the medieval hill-town of Castellabate. In the distance across the Bay of Salerno is the Isle of Capri. A Castle wedding option right by the sea.

Open from approx 1st April to approx end October …but no weddings in August.

Your civil or symbolic ceremony will be on the Castle Terrace or in the private gardens.

Standard set-up and hire, with alter and surrounding décor, chairs for guests up to 30. Includes a small Aperitif after the ceremony with the Cutting of the Ribbon ceremony, in the gardens, and guitar and mandolin players through-out your ceremony.

Cost €3,500 – Reception not included in package.Venue within walking distance.

Not included in the above:

• Reception meal in nearby restaurants – 4 course menus from €75 pp. including wine and wedding cake.
• Documentation fees.
• Confirmation booking fee with the Town Hall €500 inc vat.

Reception

Example Menu in one of the many stunning reception venues here, all offering gorgeous views and elegant surroundings with quality, professional service.

Aperitivo
After the ceremony served in the gardens/beach
Prosecco, still and sparkling waters, assorted Canopies
Antipasto ‘Cilentano Fantasy’ – a selection local of cured ham’s and salami’s , with buffalo mozzarella cheese
Or
Antipasto ‘Tris di Mare’ – a selection of fresh local seafood typical of the region
Or
‘The Bruschetta’ made with fresh homegrown tomatoes

Starter
Home-made Ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and cherry tomatoes
Or
Seafood Risotto

Main Course
Fillet steak in Barola sauce served with oven potatoes and seasonal vegetables
Or
Oven baked Sea-bass fish  served with seasonal vegetables and mixed salad

Dessert

A selection of sliced seasonal fruits

Local Cilento Red and White Wine’s

1 bottle per adult, still and sparkling waters

Additional Options
BBQ’s and buffet style menus available
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and childrens menus

The same wedding menu in a restaurant in the Amalfi area could be at least 20% more expensive.

Cost of Accommodation

Here in Castellabate there are many 4 star and 3 star boutique style hotels, B&B’s and Villas to choose from for accommodation arrangements. Booking through Italy Bride and Groom Weddings will get you discounted rates.

Average price in mid season June and September for a 3 star hotel: from €60 to 80 per night for a double room including breakfast. Low season April, May, October from €50. Many apartments are also available with excellent rates.

Wedding and Honeymoon in Cilento – Real Experience!

“Woke up late morning, sunbathed till early afternoon. A very relaxing day! You may think that this is a normal day when on holiday but this was no normal day! This was my wedding day! You may wonder why I was so relaxed and chilled. There were two reasons for this; 1) this was the day I was marrying my Chris, and 2) I had Michelle as my wedding planner. From the day I made contact with Michelle I got a good feeling about her and knew she was the lady to help us plan the celebration to start our married lives. There was regular contact between Birmingham and Italy for over a year. Michelle organised everything and made sure that every detail was considered. She even personally delivered our wedding favors – bottles of Prosecco to each room for a nice surprise for our guests when they arrived. That was not an easy task with 65 guests arriving within hours of each other. Most of our guests stayed a week, and with Michelle’s help all their transfers and accommodation were booked (at fantastic rates!!!). The wedding day itself was perfect. No stress. No pressure. Just all our loved ones in one place; drinking, eating and dancing till the early hours. I would not have changed a single thing about it. Through Michelle’s precision planning and attention to detail we definitely had a day we will never forget. We cannot thank you enough. Everyone from the wedding is still talking about the hidden treasure that is Castellabate, the fabulous food served at Cantina Belvedere and the amazing week we all shared together in a very special place. We will definitely be back to visit. See you soon Michelle and Castellabate xxx”

Kate & Chris Married in Ogliastro Marina Church.

Find out More

I hope the above information has been a helpful starting point. If you would like to learn more about weddings and honeymoons in Cilento, please use the form below as a quick and easy way to contact Michelle from Italy Bride and Groom Weddings who will be more than happy to answer your questions.