How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Positano? [Updated 2026]
Experience and Perspective
I’m Sheryl Anne Acuna, a destination elopement photographer, planner, expert, and officiant who specializes in intimate, experience-focused elopements in Italy and breathtaking destinations around the world. I help couples plan and photograph their elopement day from start to finish — including location scouting, permit guidance, timeline creation, and legal marriage logistics — so nothing feels overwhelming or rushed.
I’ve spent years photographing and planning elopements throughout Amalfi Coast and Tuscany, working directly with seasonal pricing shifts, crowd patterns, transportation logistics, and real-world timelines in Positano. The numbers below reflect what couples realistically spend — not idealized estimates.
The Short Answer: How Much Does a Positano Elopement Cost?
Most couples spend between $6,500 and $12,000 USD to elope in Positano (not including airfare, accomodations, or meals).
Your total cost depends on:
• Time of year
• Length of coverage
• Transportation choices
• Ceremony type (symbolic or legal)
• Whether you keep things simple or add experiences
A Positano elopement can be beautifully minimal or intentionally elevated — and both approaches are equally valid. The estimated elopement costs above do not include airfare. Flights to Italy vary widely based on departure city, travel dates, and season, and are best budgeted separately. Most couples choose to book flights independently based on their travel preferences and itinerary.
Baseline Cost for a Simple Positano Elopement
A simple, intentional Positano elopement typically starts around $6,500–$8,000.
This baseline usually includes:
• Photography and planning support
• Location guidance and timeline creation
• Permit assistance if required
• A symbolic ceremony
• Minimal vendors
• Sunrise or sunset timing to avoid crowds
This style of elopement focuses on the experience itself — quiet moments, beautiful light, and a relaxed pace — without unnecessary complexity.
Photography and Planning Support
Estimated range: $6,500–$9,000
This typically includes:
• Elopement photography coverage
• Location scouting and guidance
• Timeline creation based on light and crowd patterns
• Permit guidance
• Local logistics and planning support
Most couples bundle photography and planning support so they are not coordinating multiple vendors in a destination they may not know well. This keeps the experience calm and streamlined, especially in a busy place like Positano.
Travel and Accommodations
Estimated range: $1,500–$4,000+
This generally includes:
• Flights to Italy
• Hotel or Airbnb in Positano or nearby
• Local transportation outside the elopement day
Costs vary significantly by season, length of stay, and accommodation type.
Private Drivers and Transportation in Positano
Estimated range: $300–$1,200+
Private drivers are the best and most reliable way to get to, from, and around Positano, especially on an elopement day.
Couples often use private drivers for:
• Transfers from Naples or Rome
• Transportation between Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello
• Early morning or sunset access when taxis are limited
This is one of the most worthwhile upgrades for comfort, timing flexibility, and stress reduction.
Optional Add-On Experiences and Vendors
Many couples choose to personalize their Positano elopement with one or two optional experiences. None of these are required, but they can enhance the day if they align with your priorities.
Private Boat or Water Taxi Experience
Estimated range: $300–$1,500+
Some couples include:
• A private boat ride along the Amalfi Coast
• A water taxi to or from their ceremony location
• A sunset cruise to celebrate
Boat experiences are seasonal and optional, but they are one of the most iconic Positano add-ons.
Hair, Makeup, and Simple Styling
Estimated range: $0–$800+
Because elopement-specific vendors are limited in Positano, many couples choose to:
• Do their own hair and makeup
• Keep styling natural and minimal
Others opt to bring in a local artist for convenience or polish.
Florals or Minimal Decor
Estimated range: $150–$600+
Options may include:
• A small bouquet
• Loose florals
• A boutonniere
Many couples skip florals entirely and let the coastline and architecture be the backdrop.
Officiant or Ceremony Assistance
Estimated range: $300–$800+
This may include:
• A symbolic officiant
• A bilingual ceremony
• Support with legal or symbolic paperwork
Costs vary depending on ceremony type.
Celebration Meal or Drinks
Estimated range: $150–$500+
Many couples celebrate with:
• A restaurant reservation
• Champagne or wine on a terrace
• A private dining experience
This is a simple but meaningful way to end the day.
Ferry Transportation Between Towns
Estimated range: $15–$40 per person, per ride
Some couples use ferries to move between Positano, Amalfi, or Capri. Ferries are seasonal and not ideal for early mornings or late evenings, but they can be a fun adventure add-on.
Legal vs Symbolic Ceremony Costs
Symbolic ceremony: $0–$500
Legal ceremony: $1,000–$2,500+
Legal elopements in Italy require additional paperwork, translations, and appointments. Many couples choose to complete the legal marriage at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Positano for flexibility and ease.
Example Positano Elopement Budgets
Simple, intentional elopement
• Sunrise or sunset ceremony
• Symbolic vows
• Minimal vendors
Estimated total: $6,500–$8,000
Mid-range experience
• Half-day photography and planning support
• Private driver for the day
• Hair and makeup artist
Estimated total: $8,500–$11,000
Elevated experience
• Longer coverage or multi-location timeline
• Private driver throughout the day
• Private terrace or boat experience
Estimated total: $11,000–$14,000+
Positano Elopement Pricing Comparison
This table is meant to give you a realistic, side-by-side look at what different Positano elopement experiences typically include and cost. These ranges reflect what couples most commonly choose based on my experience planning and photographing elopements in Positano.
| Elopement Style | What’s Included | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Simple, Intentional Elopement | Photography and planning support, location guidance, symbolic ceremony, minimal vendors, sunrise or sunset timing | $6,500–$8,000 |
| Mid-Range Experience | Half-day photography and planning support, private driver for the day, hair and makeup artist, scenic viewpoint or terrace | $8,500–$11,000 |
| Elevated Positano Experience | Extended or multi-location coverage, private driver throughout the day, private terrace or boat experience, added styling details | $11,000–$14,000+ |
Important Note on Travel Costs
The estimated elopement costs above do not include airfare. Flights to Italy vary widely based on departure city, travel dates, and season, and are best budgeted separately. Most couples choose to book flights independently based on their travel preferences and itinerary.
How to Use This Comparison
This comparison is not about choosing the “best” option — it’s about choosing what feels most aligned with your priorities.
Some couples value simplicity and privacy above all else. Others want to turn their elopement into a full-day experience with movement, celebration, and added comfort. Both approaches are valid, and neither requires a large guest list or traditional wedding structure.
Your Positano elopement should feel intentional, unrushed, and true to you — not dictated by expectations or pressure.
Helpful Blogs to Read Next
• How to Elope in Positano & Furore
• Amalfi Coast Elopement Inspo: A & B’s Elopement in Positano, Ravello, and Furore
• Top Italy Locations including Amalfi, Tuscany, and Dolomites
• How to Elope on Amalfi Coast Guide
Positano Elopement FAQs
Is Positano expensive to elope in?
Positano is more expensive than many destinations, but elopements are still far more affordable than traditional weddings and can be tailored to many budgets.
Can you elope in Positano on a smaller budget?
Yes. Sunrise ceremonies, symbolic vows, and minimal vendors help keep costs manageable.
Do you need a lot of vendors for a Positano elopement?
No. Many couples keep vendors minimal and focus on the experience itself.
Is a Positano elopement worth the cost?
For couples who value travel, scenery, and intimacy, Positano offers a deeply meaningful experience.
Ready to Plan Your Positano Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of a Positano elopement that feels intentional, relaxed, and aligned with your priorities, I’d love to help you plan it.
From realistic budgeting and season selection to location scouting and timeline support, I guide you through the process so you can enjoy Italy without stress or surprises.
Contact me here or using the form below!
About the Author
Written by Sheryl Anne Acuna, a destination elopement photographer, planner, expert, and officiant who specializes in Positano elopements and Amalfi Coast elopements. I help couples navigate permits, timelines, budgeting expectations, and legal marriage requirements while creating a calm, meaningful elopement experience tailored specifically to Positano and the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
