Italy isn’t just one of the most beloved destinations for weddings—it’s also one of the most romantic places on earth for a honeymoon. Or a mini moon, if you’re dreaming of something more intimate, more simple, but just as meaningful. You don’t need to cross the world to feel like you’re in a movie. You just need to get lost in the streets of Rome at sunset, wake up by a lake in Piedmont, or share a plate of pasta by candlelight in a Tuscan village. Every corner of this country feels like a love story waiting to unfold.
As a wedding photographer in Rome, I’ve met many foreign couples who, after getting married in Italy—or elsewhere—chose to return for a honeymoon that’s more than just a vacation. A trip to remember forever, maybe even captured through natural, emotional photography. In this article, I want to share real advice, beyond the usual tourist tips, for experiencing your honeymoon or mini moon in Italy in a way that feels personal, slow, and full of beauty.
One of the hardest things to do, especially when you’re coming from far away, is to slow down. The instinct is to try and see it all: Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, the lakes of the north, Puglia… maybe all in one week. But Italy isn’t meant to be rushed. It’s a country that reveals itself slowly. Better to choose one or two places, and really feel them.
Rome, for example, is perfect for a slow, emotionally rich honeymoon. An early morning walk among the Roman ruins, a hidden dinner in Trastevere, an aperitivo with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica. That’s all you need to feel part of something timeless. And with the right light, the right moment, it becomes part of your story—captured forever in images you’ll look back on with emotion.
Indice dei Contenuti
The Italian mini moon
More and more couples are choosing the mini moon—a short, romantic escape right after the wedding, often while waiting for a longer honeymoon to come later. And honestly, Italy was made for this kind of experience. Why? Because you don’t need weeks to feel transformed here. A few days walking hand in hand through ancient streets, sipping wine in the golden light of an Italian afternoon, or waking up in a centuries-old villa overlooking the countryside—that’s more than enough to create lifelong memories.
A mini moon in Italy is about pressing pause, even for a short while. It’s about landing in Rome and diving straight into your own love story. You might check into a boutique hotel in the heart of Trastevere, enjoy a quiet breakfast in a sunlit piazza, then spend the afternoon wandering without a map, discovering hidden corners where the only sounds are church bells and your own laughter. Or maybe you’ll rent a Fiat 500 and drive through the Lazio hills, stopping at a vineyard for a private wine tasting, with nothing planned except being together.
The beauty of a mini moon lies in its intimacy. There’s no rush. No expectations. No need to plan every detail. It becomes a moment suspended in time, just the two of you, still glowing from your wedding day, soaking in everything you’ve just lived—and everything you’re about to begin. It’s also a perfect opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and simply breathe.
As a Rome honeymoon photographer, I often suggest turning part of your mini moon into a relaxed photo session. Not just to document the beauty of Italy, but to celebrate the connection between you in this unique phase of life—somewhere between celebration and the start of forever.
Whether you stay in the Eternal City, escape to the sea near Sperlonga, or hide away in a charming hilltop town, your mini moon in Italy will feel like something straight out of a dream. And the best part? That dream can begin just hours after your wedding ends.
Find out what to do while in Italy visiting the official Tourism website here
Elopement photoshoot in Rome with an Italian photographer
Many couples who choose Italy for their honeymoon contact me to book a couple’s photoshoot during their trip. Not a stiff, posed session—but something natural, honest, and full of atmosphere. Just the two of you, in the right light, in places that feel like your own secret corners of the city. A Rome honeymoon photoshoot becomes more than just images. It’s a living memory of your love, captured in an authentic way that reflects who you truly are.
Rome offers a thousand backdrops for love. You don’t need grand monuments (though we can include those too). Some of the most romantic and cinematic spots are hidden in plain sight. Imagine starting at dawn on the Gianicolo hill, where the city wakes up bathed in golden light and the rooftops stretch endlessly toward St. Peter’s dome. Or walking hand in hand along Via Appia Antica, surrounded by nature and history, where the ancient stones tell stories with every step.
Then there’s Trastevere—raw, poetic, full of textures and warm tones. It’s perfect for intimate, urban shots that feel spontaneous and real. In the afternoon, the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) offers soft views over the city and a quiet, suspended feeling that suits romantic close-ups. And if you’re looking for something dramatic, we can time your session for sunset at the Pincian Terrace, where the sky turns to fire behind the domes of Rome.
Some couples want something even more personal: a photo session at the café where they had their first espresso in Italy, on the balcony of their hotel, or during a Vespa ride through cobbled alleys. Every shoot can be tailored to your energy and story. You don’t need to pose—just be together. I’ll take care of the rest, blending into the scene and capturing everything with discretion and heart.
If you’re visiting Rome for your mini moon or honeymoon and want to bring home more than just memories—this is the perfect way to make those emotions last forever. The session becomes part of the journey itself. You’ll laugh, maybe dance in the street, stop for a gelato. And when you look at the photos, you’ll remember exactly how you felt.
Italian food at your wedding
Let’s be honest—one of the main reasons couples choose a destination wedding in Italy is the food. And who could blame them? Italian cuisine isn’t just delicious—it’s part of the celebration, a true love language. A wedding here isn’t just about saying “I do,” it’s about sharing a long, joyful meal with the people you love, under the stars, with the scent of basil and lemons in the air.
If you’re planning your Italian wedding reception, take time to design a menu that reflects the region you’re getting married in. Every part of Italy has its own culinary identity. In Rome, think about incorporating traditional dishes like cacio e pepe, carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes), or saltimbocca alla romana. Your guests will not only be well-fed—they’ll remember every bite.
Here are a few tips to make your wedding menu unforgettable:
Go local and seasonal. Italian ingredients are best when fresh and simple. Ask your caterer to use seasonal produce and local specialties. Your guests will appreciate the authenticity.
Offer multiple courses—but pace it well. Italian weddings often have a generous flow of antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolci. That’s part of the charm! But work with your caterer to make sure everything is well-timed and enjoyable, especially for guests unfamiliar with a traditional Italian meal.
Consider a live cooking station. Pasta made in front of your guests? A wood-fired pizza corner? A risotto station with a local chef stirring in a giant Parmesan wheel? It’s not just food—it becomes entertainment.
Don’t skip the wine pairings. Italy is home to some of the world’s finest wines. Ask your caterer or sommelier to suggest local pairings for each course. A white Frascati for a Roman fish dish, or a bold Chianti for your main? It adds a refined touch.
Think beyond the cake. Traditional wedding cakes in Italy tend to be millefoglie-style (crispy pastry layered with cream and fruit), but don’t be afraid to add something fun like a gelato cart, a dessert buffet with cannoli, tiramisu, or even an espresso bar with small pastries.
Let your guests experience the culture. Include a printed menu with translations or explanations of each course—people love to know what they’re eating. It turns the meal into a cultural moment, not just a dinner.
Food in Italy brings people together. It’s not just about filling plates—it’s about creating memories around the table. I’ve seen so many emotional moments happen during the meal: toasts, laughs, quiet glances, tears. As your wedding photographer in Rome, I’ll be there capturing those small, intimate moments that happen between bites and clinks of glasses. Because that’s when the magic unfolds.
Paperwork? Yes, but It’s Totally Doable
One of the biggest concerns for foreign couples is the legal side of things. But don’t worry—it’s way easier than it used to be. With a bit of patience and the right translations, everything can be sorted out.
Many couples opt to handle the legal part in their home country and then have a symbolic ceremony in Italy. It’s a great way to avoid bureaucracy and fully enjoy your day. But if you want a civil or religious wedding that’s legally recognized, just start a bit earlier and work with a professional who knows the process.
If you’re feeling lost, here’s my comprehensive guide on How to get married in Italy
My most important piece of advice, and maybe the hardest to follow: enjoy your wedding day. Let go of control. Forget the clock. Trust the professionals you’ve chosen. Breathe. Hug. Laugh. Let the moments surprise you.
I’ll be there, with my camera, capturing it all. Not interrupting, not forcing anything. Just telling your story through honest eyes and a full heart, in one of the most beautiful countries on Earth.
If you’re planning your destination wedding in Italy and my photography style speaks to you, let’s connect. I’d love to hear your story, understand your vision, and help you bring it to life with real, meaningful images. Reach out to me here or email me at info@francescorussotto.it. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Francesco Russotto
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Wedding photographer Rome prices 2025 My name is Francesco Russotto and I have always been involved in photography and imagery. I am a reportage-style wedding photographer, I work in Frosinone but I move easily throughout the province, in Italy and also abroad. If you are looking for a wedding photographer based in Rome, Lazio or the rest of Italy, in Real Wedding style, do not hesitate to contact me to make a free appointment online, without obligation. We will have a nice chat, you will meet me and decide if I am the right wedding photographer for your wedding. Wedding photographer Rome prices 2025.
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