Portofino Wedding Photographer
Capturing Your Love Story in the Italian Riviera
Imagine saying “I do” beneath pastel houses and bougainvillea, with the Ligurian Sea sparkling behind you. Portofino isn’t just a pretty postcard – it’s a living canvas where luxury meets authenticity. I’m Janis Ratnieks, a destination wedding photographer Italy who has photographed countless celebrations across Italy and Europe. My passion is to capture the emotions and details of your day so you can relive every laugh, tear and loving glance for years to come.
Portofino’s pastel harbor, cliff-top church, and luxury villas make it a dream wedding destination. As a Portofino wedding photographer, Janis Ratnieks blends candid storytelling with editorial elegance to capture every laugh and tear. His intimate knowledge of Portofino’s light and hidden corners ensures timeless, elegant wedding photographs.
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Why Choose Portofino for Your Wedding?
Portofino’s charm lies in its contrasts: a tiny fishing village that has captivated royalty and Hollywood stars with its cliff‑top villas and yacht‑filled harbour. Pastel‑coloured houses, steep cliffs, turquoise water and olive groves create a cinematic backdrop. Couples often choose to exchange vows at Chiesa di San Giorgio overlooking the bay, enjoy portraits during a boat ride along the coast, host elegant receptions at Belmond Hotel Splendido, La Cervara or Villa Durazzo, and end the day with a sunset stroll through cobblestone alleys
The Value of a Local Portofino Wedding Photographer
A destination as unique as Portofino deserves someone who knows its light and rhythms. Competitors emphasise the importance of understanding Portofino’s natural light and landscapes, and I couldn’t agree more. Having photographed numerous weddings here, I know where the golden hour glows best and how to weave its vibrant colours into timeless portraits. My unobtrusive, reportage style lets genuine emotions unfold naturally; there are no forced poses—just you and your story. I will guide you through hidden streets, terraces and viewpoints to ensure your photos feel both personal and cinematic.
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Iconic Portofino Wedding Venues & Nearby Locations
Belmond Hotel Splendido
With celebrity‑level service and panoramic gardens, Belmond Hotel Splendido offers the “wow factor” for luxury weddings. Imagine exchanging vows among terraced gardens, then celebrating like royalty while yachts bob in the harbour below. See more from my Hotel Splendido wedding photos.
Villa Durazzo & Villa Cervara
Villa Durazzo combines 17th‑century frescoes, Murano chandeliers and manicured gardens. Its terraces overlook the Gulf of Tigullio, perfect for hosting up to 200 guests. Nearby La Cervara (also known as La Cervara) offers a historic monastery with breathtaking views. Explore our Villa Durazzo wedding story for inspiration.
Castello Brown & San Giorgio Church
Castello Brown is a romantic hill‑top castle with neo‑Gothic architecture and a storybook terrace where two pines were planted for a 19th‑century couple. Its sweeping views extend across Portofino and even to Corsica on a clear day The nearby San Giorgio Church is a simple yet elegant chapel that holds up to 100 guests and overlooks the harbour. For more details about these venues, read our Castello Canevaro & San Giorgio guide.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Portofino is surrounded by charming villages like Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli, and by private villas such as Villa Buonaccordo where couples can celebrate in privacy. For pre‑wedding shoots, its cobbled streets, colorful piazzas and the path to Castello Brown provide countless photogenic spots
Portofino wedding planning
See the full 2026 guide to the best wedding venues in Portofino
Want a clear shortlist, real logistics, and venue-by-venue notes for Hotel Splendido, La Cervara, Castello Brown and more? Open the complete guide and start planning with confidence.
My Portofino Wedding Photography Services
Every love story is unique. That’s why I offer customizable packages rather than generic offerings. Whether you’re planning a multi‑day celebration or an intimate elopement, I’ll craft a photography experience tailored to your vision. My most popular options include:
Full‑day wedding coverage – from getting ready in the morning through the last dance; ideal for larger weddings.
Micro‑wedding & elopement packages – perfect for small gatherings or vow exchanges on a cliffside terrace; we focus on emotion and scenery
Pre‑wedding & engagement shoots – explore Portofino’s hidden corners before the big day (see our Portofino pre‑wedding shoot for inspiration).
Multi‑day celebrations – coverage for rehearsal dinners, boat tours or excursions to Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre or Lake Como.
Included in every package: an unlimited number of photographs, artistic editing, a private online gallery, and print rights. Travel within continental Italy is included; additional travel quotes are available for islands or beyond.
Portofino wedding Portofolio
An elegant Hotel Splendido wedding in Portofino, filled with panoramic views, soft Ligurian light, and timeless Italian style. Discover how I capture the essence of love and luxury as a wedding photographer in Portofino, surrounded by the charm of the Riviera.
Planning Tips & FAQs
Best time for a Portofino wedding: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer tourists. Summer brings vibrant colours but can be hot and crowded.
Permits & logistics: Churches and castles often require reservation fees. I can help liaise with local planners and venues to secure permits and suggest trusted vendors.
Travel & accommodation: Portofino is 45 minutes from Genoa Airport. Many couples stay in Santa Margherita Ligure or at Portofino’s boutique hotels. I can recommend options based on guest count and budget.
Ready to Begin Your Portofino Wedding Journey?
Your wedding in Portofino deserves to be told with heart and artistry. If you’re dreaming of exchanging vows in this Italian Riviera gem, get in touch today. Let’s discuss your plans, explore the best locations and create a bespoke photography package that captures your love story. Use the contact form below or reach me directly via WhatsApp or email. Dates for 2026 are already booking fast!
FAQs
Why should we hire a local wedding photographer in Portofino?
A local photographer understands Portofino’s light and hidden locations. Mediterranean sun and the way it dances on the water are key to creating timeless images. I have photographed multiple weddings here and know the best times and spots for portraits, from the harbor to Castello Brown.Which venues in Portofino are best for weddings?
Popular choices include Belmond Hotel Splendido, Villa Durazzo, La Cervara, Castello Brown and San Giorgio Church. Belmond Hotel Splendido’s celebrity‑level service and Villa Durazzo’s historic terraces and Murano chandeliers.What is the best season for a Portofino wedding?
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer provides vibrant colors but can be busy and hot. Winter weddings are quieter but require contingency plans for rain. I’ll help you schedule portraits when the light is most flattering.Can you help with elopements in Portofino?
Portofino elopements as intimate experiences where couples can exchange vows overlooking the sea. I offer packages for elopements and micro‑weddings, assisting with planning, permits and vendor recommendations so you can focus on each other.How far in advance should we book our Portofino wedding photographer?
Portofino is a popular destination, so photographers often get booked a year or more in advance. I encourages couples to book early to ensure availability. Contact me as soon as you have a date and venue secured to reserve your spot.