Romantic Morning-After Photoshoot in Venice – Post-Wedding Session by Janis Ratnieks
The Morning After – A Different Kind of Magic
If there’s one secret I as wedding photographer in Italy can give you is to photographing Venice, it’s this: set your alarm early.
Like, painfully early.
The day after Sophie & Benjamin’s wedding at Palazzo Pisani Moretta, we met again at their hotel — still slightly sleepy, coffee in hand, but ready for one more adventure. Venice has this incredible calm before the world wakes up, and that’s when the magic happens.
We took a boat across the Grand Canal, the city slowly stirring, gondoliers prepping for the day, and the water perfectly still — a Venice wedding photographer’s dream.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute – Venice Still Sleeping
Our first stop was Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, bathed in soft golden morning light. The air felt fresh, quiet — almost unreal.
This is the art of getting an empty Venice: wake up early, before the big ferry arrives with the day’s tourists. You get the city all to yourself — every reflection, every echo, every narrow alley belongs to you.
Sophie and Benjamin looked effortlessly elegant again. She wore a flowing dress that danced with the breeze, and Benjamin looked like he’d just stepped off a movie set.
We shot along the Salute’s steps, the sunlight bouncing off the water, gondolas drifting by in the distance — cinematic simplicity at its best.
Piazza San Marco and Giardini Reali – Venice at Its Most Romantic
From Salute, we crossed over to Piazza San Marco — and yes, it was empty.
That’s not Photoshop. That’s 6:30 a.m. magic.
No crowds, no pigeons photobombing — just marble reflections, the sound of footsteps, and the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica as a backdrop.
We wandered to Giardini Reali, one of Venice’s hidden gems nearby. The morning light filtered through the trees, soft and golden, wrapping everything in warmth. It felt less like a photoshoot and more like a quiet walk through history — two newlyweds and their friendly photographer tagging along with a camera and too much excitement.
Back to Salute – Golden Light and Reflections
We returned to Salute for a few last shots. By then, the sun had risen higher, and the light on the Grand Canal was pure gold. Venice had started waking up, but for a little while longer, it still felt like it was just ours.
I’ve photographed weddings all over the world, but Venice at sunrise has something truly cinematic about it. It’s not just about the landmarks — it’s the feeling of being there before the world intrudes.
For Sophie & Benjamin, this morning-after session was the perfect closing scene to their Venetian story — quiet, romantic, and timeless.
Why Plan a Post-Wedding Photoshoot in Venice?
Empty Streets: Early morning means no crowds and perfect backdrops.
Soft Light: The golden, directional light at sunrise makes every photo cinematic.
Relaxed Energy: No schedule, no guests, just you and your photographer (and maybe coffee).
More Variety: You get an entirely different set of images from your wedding day — editorial, timeless, travel-inspired.
If you’re already getting married in Venice (or even nearby), it’s worth planning a next-day couple session. Venice rewards the early risers — trust me on this one.
(See more of my Italian wedding stories here or check out Sophie & Benjamin’s Palazzo Pisani Moretta wedding here).
Looking for a Wedding or Couple Photographer in Venice?
If you’re dreaming of your own Venice wedding photoshoot, whether it’s at sunrise or in a candlelit palace, I’d love to be the one to capture it.
I bring a mix of documentary storytelling and editorial cinematic style — the kind that makes your photos look like film stills.
Let’s plan your Venetian story.
Get in touch here →
About Janis Ratnieks
I’m Janis Ratnieks, a destination wedding photographer capturing love stories in Italy, France, and across the world. With over 15 years of experience, my work blends timeless composition with cinematic emotion — because every couple deserves their own film-worthy story.
Follow my latest work on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
FAQ
What time should we start for empty photos in Venice?
Just before sunrise. You’ll get clean locations, soft light, and minimal crowds.
Best locations for a Venice post-wedding shoot?
Salute, Piazza San Marco, and Giardini Reali are classics. We can also add small bridges and quiet canals nearby.
How long does a sunrise session take?
Usually 1.5–2 hours — enough to catch blue hour, sunrise, and early golden light.
Can we combine boat shots?
Absolutely. A quick hop by water taxi gives you variety and those beautiful canal reflections.