The ideal setting for a wedding, the Italian Riviera is one of Italy’s smallest regions and one of its most spectacular stretches of coastline.

In the Italian Riviera you find lush vegetation, mild climate, mountains that cascade down to meet the sea, sparkling turquoise waters, terraced vineyards, fishing villages clinged to cliffs and miles of gloriously rugged coastline framing lovely sand beaches and secluded coves. The Riviera is rich with natural beauties and the various names given to them include "Paradise Gulf", "Siren bay", "Bay of silence", "Bay of fairy tales", “Poet gulf”, "Sea's echo" and “Love path” - they are all a testimony to the magnificence of these marine landscapes.

The stylish Portofino Bay, the ancient small harbour of Portovenere and the unspoiled Cinque terre are the most dazzling jewels in this dramatic coastline, dominated by the blue of the sea and the breathtaking landscape. You will be bewitched also by the charming villages suspended between the sea and the sky, a wonderful choreography that seems to have been designed by a romantic painter.

Traditional cuisine is a pleasure: regional dishes include the basil and olive oil based “pesto,” a special pasta called “trenette,” a tasty salted bread known as “focaccia” and, of course, delicious fresh fish.

You’ve also got to try the local wines, which have been famous since ancient times: the dry white wines of Levanto, Bonassola and Framura and the delicious "Sciacchetrà" (raisin wine) - a precious (and hard to find) wine that’s perfect with your wedding cake!

A Portofino wedding or, more in general, a wedding in this fascinating area will induce you an intensity of emotions and sensations that never leave you.

Description and images courtesy of Romeo and Juliet Weddings.