A cheerful elopement in Venice in a gondola

Why to choose Venice?

Eloping in Venice is an excellent choice, and having your ceremony in a gondola offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. It creates a unique, unforgettable moment to cherish forever. But why choose Venice for your special day? For other options, feel free to explore our suggested destinations for eloping in Italy.

Romantic Atmosphere

Venice is renowned for its romantic ambiance with its picturesque canals, charming bridges, and stunning architecture. The city’s beauty provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable elopement. It’s probably the most romantic city in Italy and then perfect for an elopement

Privacy and Intimacy

Venice offers numerous secluded spots where couples can exchange vows in privacy, such as quiet canals or hidden gardens.

Brittany and Barry chose a very original experience: to have their ceremony in a gondola…

Photographic Opportunities

Venice’s beauty provides endless opportunities for stunning wedding photographs. From gondola rides along the canals to iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, there are countless picturesque settings for capturing special moments. Our photographer is a local and knows perfectly well the best moments for each location.

Cultural Richness

Venice is steeped in history and culture, adding depth and significance to the wedding experience. Couples can incorporate Venetian traditions or rituals into their ceremony, making it even more meaningful and memorable.

The couple start for a ceremony in a gondola in venice with ablue sky

The ceremony in a gondola

You’ve likely seen plenty of movies set in Venice, and at least once, you’ve watched a couple in a gondola and thought, “I want to do that.” That’s exactly what Mary Grace and Bobby chose for their elopement. They didn’t just take a gondola ride—they got married on the boat!

Imagine the gondolier’s surprise—it became an unforgettable memory for him, as well as for the onlookers watching the ceremony from the riverbank.

Their story begins in 2010, in the halls of an Oakland school. Mary Grace, a dedicated teacher and passionate artist, was teaching when Bobby, a skilled carpenter, came to repair a closet door. Little did they know that a simple conversation would reveal a remarkable connection—one rooted in family. As Mary Grace looked up into Bobby’s face, she saw a striking resemblance to one of her former kindergarten students, a connection that made her feel, in that very moment, as though something much larger was at play.

For Bobby, the connection was immediate as well. It was as though he was supposed to be there, fixing more than just the door. Their bond deepened when Bobby began working at Mary Grace’s home, and soon they found themselves sharing breakfast and meaningful conversations. Both felt a rare comfort, as if they had known each other for far longer than a few weeks.

Over the years, their lives intertwined in beautiful and unexpected ways. While Bobby continued his love for carpentry and boxing, Mary Grace pursued her art, music, and dance. Yet something magical happened between them—Bobby, who had never been much for dancing, found himself moving to the music with Mary Grace, dancing with her like it had always been a part of their story. Together, they navigated the joys and challenges of raising their children—Tecali, Rosie, and Kayla—while building a life rich with family, laughter, and love.

For them, today is more than a celebration of love—it’s a formal commitment to a bond that is already deeply spiritual. As they stand together today, they share a vision of kindness, fairness, and respect, rooted in the belief that their connection is blessed by something greater than themselves. They believe in actively reaching out to one another, always striving to understand and connect, and they know that their journey together is one of sharing and building a life that is guided by these principles.

Venice, with its shimmering canals and timeless beauty, is the perfect place for this next chapter. For Bobby, it is the romance of the water and the architecture, but for Mary Grace, Venice holds a deeper meaning. Her mother once told her that it was the most beautiful city in the world, and today, as Bobby and Mary Grace unite in love, they also honor the memories and dreams that have brought them here.