Your Guide to Planning a Stunning Sardinia Elopement

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Sardinia is an island off Italy’s western coast that effortlessly blends wild beauty with quiet luxury. Known for its turquoise waters and pale cliffs, Sardinia feels as though the gods themselves carved it from the sea, making it perfect for couples who want an elopement that feels like an adventure they were destined to embark on.

I’ve been photographing elopements for over a decade, and Sardinia is still one of my favorite islands in the Mediterranean to shoot. Every elopement there is a unique adventure, so here are some of my top tips on how to start planning your own!

Frequently asked questions about eloping in Sardinia:

How do you get to Sardinia?

Depending on where on the island you’re visiting, you’ll want to pick from three airports: Caligari Elmas Airport (CAG) if you’re visiting the south, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) if you’re visiting the northeast or Costa Smeralda, and Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) if you’re visiting the northwest. To reach any of these, though, you’ll need to connect through a larger airport with more flight options, so I suggest doing so through Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP) since both of those flights are only about an hour.

Pro Tip: If you don’t mind taking your time and want a more scenic trip across the sea, you can also take a ferry from mainland Italy to the island! The trips can range from 5 to 12 hours, with the shortest one departing from Civitavecchia (near Rome) and arriving in Olbia (about 5 hours).

When’s the best time to visit Sardinia?

As a popular destination for summer vacation, a lot of the island is inactive throughout most of the year, so the best time to visit Sardinia would be May through September. I do suggest avoiding July and August, though, since that’s when most Italians go to Sardinia, which means large crowds and peak pricing. May and June offer many of the summer perks without the foot traffic, but the water can still be on the cooler side, which is why I think September is the perfect time to visit the island! The sea is still holding onto its summer warmth, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and everything is still open but not overly crowded.

Sardinia Summer Elopement

Two people relax on the deck of a sailboat floating on clear, turquoise water under the sun, seen from above.

Summers in Sardinia mean vibrant blue waters that give way to white beaches and rolling green hills. Whether you’re floating in the shallow waters of the sea or exploring rocky coves, this place is perfect for couples who want an elopement that feels like an adventure in paradise! Johanna & Jerome (more on them below!) went in early June.

Do I need a wedding planner in Sardinia?

If you want to get legally married in Sardinia, I suggest hiring a wedding planner to help handle any logistics that involve coordinating with venues or the Italian government—especially since you’ll need to provide and sign a lot of legal documents, a process that involves translations and an interpreter if you’re not fluent in Italian.

If you aren’t Italian, though, I’d recommend handling your paperwork back home before or after your elopement. This will streamline your process with your elopement by not requiring things like document copies, translation services, and dealing with two countries worth of processes.

If you’re handling the legal part of your marriage back home you could also forego the planner, and still have an epic elopement! I work with all my couples to design their dream elopements from scratch and help build an itinerary that makes their experience truly unforgettable.

H2 – How do you elope in Sardinia?

I’ve photographed over 150 elopements and weddings abroad, so I know all about the process of getting married in another country and how to make it as smooth as possible! Here is a quick overview to get you started:

Pick a Date

First things first, I suggest picking a season or a month for your ideal elopement/wedding. Since most of the places around Sardinia are only active from late spring to early fall, that narrows down your options a bit, making it easier to just pick a month! When you’ve decided that, you can start looking at specific venues and working on your guest list (if anyone!) based on corresponding costs, planning timeframes, or any other considerations.

Hire a Photographer

If you’re from the U.S., hiring an American photographer who is familiar with the area can really help when it comes to having a stress-free elopement experience. They can guide you through the process of eloping in another country and all of its intricacies, while also ensuring you have someone who speaks your language on hand at all times if you’re not quite fluent in Italian!

Plan Your Trip & Timeline

Sardinia is wonderful because it’s just a short flight away from the mainland, allowing you to explore more than just the island on your trip if you choose to do so! An experienced destination elopement photographer (like me!) can help you create an itinerary that is filled with adventure and allows you to experience the best this island has to offer.

Make it Legal

There are three different types of ceremonies you can have in Italy: a civil ceremony, religious ceremony, and a symbolic ceremony. The first two are legally binding with official documents you’ll need to sort out in Italy, which will require some time and planning. Because of that, I recommend going the symbolic ceremony route and dealing with all the legalities—like your marriage license—at home before your trip if you aren’t from Italy in order to avoid unnecessary stress!

However, if you want to get legally married on Italian soil, you’ll need to essentially work with your country’s consulate in Italy and submit a declaration of your intent to marry to the town hall of the city where you plan on having your ceremony. This process could take up to a year so be sure to start it early!

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can find more information on the official “U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy” webpage here.

Get Married!

All that’s left is to exchange your vows against the stunning Sardinian backdrop of your choice.

What are the best views & sights in Sardinia?

With hills steeped in history and coastal towns that feel like island paradise, Sardinia has no shortage of places to explore and sights to see. Here are just a few of my favorite ones:

Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune’s Grotto):
- This underground cave is an extremely popular tourist attraction near the town of Alghero, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint! Named for the Roman god of the Sea, Neptune, and filled with epic stalactites, this spot is super unique.

Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast):
- This gorgeous stretch of coastline is known for its turquoise waters and bustling marina. From sandy beaches to glamorous boutiques, this is the perfect place for a Mediterranean beach getaway!

Nuraghe Su Nuraxi:
- Certified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Su Nuraxi di Barumini is home to some of the most impressive prehistoric, conical stone fortresses (also known as nuraghi) in Sardinia, dating all the way back to the Bronze Age.

What are the best places to elope in Sardinia?

If you’re planning on having a symbolic ceremony in Sardinia, there are tons of gorgeous spots around the island to do it, no matter what vibe you’re looking for! Here are just a few of my favorite ones:

Cala Goloritzé
- Cost: $8
  - Entrance Fee: $8
- Permit: Permit: No permit required as long as you’re doing a symbolic ceremony and don’t have any props or decor.

Gola di Gorropu (Gorropu Canyon)
- Cost: $7
  - Entrance Fee: $7
- Permit: Permit: No permit required as long as you’re doing a symbolic ceremony and don’t have any props or decor.

Arcipelago della Maddalena
- Cost: $7
  - Entrance Fee: $7
- Permit: Permit: No permit required as long as you’re doing a symbolic ceremony, but if you would like to have any props or decor (i.e. arch, chairs, etc.), then you need to coordinate with the Dorgali Municipality, which you can contact at +39 0784 92 72 00. You can also book an appointment on their official website here!

H2 – What are the best wedding venues in Sardinia?

If you’re expecting more than 10 guests for your elopement or just want something more elaborate, a wedding venue might be the best way to go. Venues are particularly great if you want help organizing the event in a place that is more easily accessible to everyone. Here are some of my favorite options around the island:

Lanthia Resort
- Cost: Starting at $5,685 for 10 guests (cost varies depending on guest count and a 2-night stay minimum is required for weddings with more than 40 guests—you can request a specific quote here or by contacting the venue directly at info@lanthiaresort.com)
  - Venue Buyout (28 bedrooms—60 guests max): Starting at $15,917/night
    - Low Season: $15,917/night
    - High Season: $20,465/night
- Guest Count: 100 max

Hotel Cala di Volpe
- Cost: Starting at $39,793 (cost varies depending on guest count, date, and length of booking—you can request a specific quote or ask for more pricing details on the venue’s official website here)
  - Ceremony Fee: $3,411–$5,685
  - Reception Fees: $171/person
- Guest Count: 250 max
  - Le Grand: 220 max
  - Cala di Volpe Barbecue: 280 max

Abi d’Oru Beach Resort & Spa
- Cost: For a specific quote, you’ll need to reach out to the venue directly here, but to give you an idea of general pricing for this venue, a 20-person wedding would start at $22,739 and that price includes the ceremony, a gala dinner, and 10 double rooms for 2 nights.
- Guest Count: 120 max

This information is accurate as of the writing of this guide in 2026, but be sure to double check with the venue for confirmation before booking.

How much does it cost to get married in Sardinia?

It could cost anywhere between $167 and $800 to get legally married on Italian soil, including the fixed costs for the Nulla Osta ($100)—which is essentially a marriage affidavit—and the revenue stamps you’ll use for the documents (about $67 worth), as well as however much you end up needing to spend on an interpreter (required if neither of you speaks Italian) and on translating your documents. However, if you’re not planning on getting legally married in Italy, then you can ignore all those costs and focus on the trip/wedding itself!

If you want something more established and organized, there are plenty of venues to choose from, which can cost you, on average, between about $40,000 and $100,000+. If you’re working with a smaller budget, though, there are also tons of incredible places around the island to elope that are essentially free if you intend to have a symbolic ceremony—save for the entrance fee required to access some of them which could be as little as $7!

Most of the couples who hire me invest a lot of their budget in photography because they want to have an adventurous experience and make sure every single moment of it is recorded.

For more information, feel free to check out my full cost of eloping guide here!

Sardinia Elopement & Wedding Photos

Johanna & Jerome’s Sardinia Summer Elopement

Johanna & Jerome took on Sardinia on Day 2 of their Italy elopement (you can read all about Day 1 in Florence here!).

The vibe of this day was all about kicking off their honeymoon in perfect style. They got decked out in matching white swimsuits (with some fun bridal touches) and took off on a sailboat around the island. The water out here was so clear and turquoise that it almost looked fake.

These two had a blast lounging on the deck of the sailboat, sharing bruschetta and sparkling wine, and diving off the side of the boat. They took a paddleboard out on an excursion to venture closer to the rocky shores, guiding it up onto a beach and then getting out to explore around.

After hours in the sun playing, running, and climbing onto rocks, it was time for a sunset dinner back on the boat! They had mussels linguini and a selection of fresh Italian pastries for dessert. This was the most chill way to end their adventure before they headed onto Greece for the rest of their honeymoon!

In their words

“BEST DAY EVER ❤️‍🔥”

“We had such an amazing experience with you!! We can’t thank you enough + are so excited to get the full gallery back ❤️‍🔥Our house will be covered with all these photos”

Aerial view of a sailboat anchored near a rocky coastline with clear turquoise water, underwater rock formations, and rugged cliffs covered in greenery.

A calm harbor with several sailboats and yachts docked on still water, surrounded by low hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

A man and woman in swimwear walk hand-in-hand down a wooden dock surrounded by boats and yachts on a sunny day at a marina.

A tattooed couple in swimwear kisses while standing barefoot on a wooden dock surrounded by yachts at a marina under a partly cloudy sky.

View from the bow of a sailboat on calm water, with mountains and scattered clouds in the background, and a striped pole or mast extending forward.

A tattooed couple wearing white bridal lingerie and shorts embrace intimately on a boat. The woman wears a veil and pearl necklace, reclining against the man, who kisses her neck. The boat and ocean are blurred in the background.

A tattooed couple in swimwear relaxes on a boat. The woman, wearing a white bikini and veil, leans back against the man, who is shirtless and wearing sunglasses; they hold hands and appear content.

Rocky outcrop surrounded by clear turquoise water under a cloudy sky, with distant hills visible on the horizon.

Sunlight reflects off the surface of deep blue-green water, creating shimmering patterns and gentle ripples. The water appears calm with soft, undulating waves and highlights scattered across the surface.

A couple relaxes and cuddles on the deck of a sailboat, surrounded by clear blue-green water. They are lying close together, enjoying a peaceful moment at the bow of the boat.

A couple lies side by side on the bow of a sailboat, relaxing together. The boat is surrounded by clear, turquoise water, viewed from above.

A wooden platter of bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes and herbs sits on a colorful tiled table, surrounded by blue plates, glasses of champagne, and bowls of olives. Tattooed hands are visible in the background.

A tattooed couple sits closely together on a boat, gazing into each other's eyes. The table in front of them is set with plates, bruschetta, olives, and glasses of champagne, with clear blue water in the background.

A sailboat anchored in clear turquoise water near a rocky, rugged coastline with green vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.

Aerial view of a rocky coastline with clear turquoise water, small islands, and a sailboat anchored near the shore. The landscape is rugged with patches of green vegetation and distant hills under a hazy sky.

A couple stands on the deck of a white sailboat in clear turquoise water, surrounded by rocky, rugged hills under a partly cloudy sky.

A white sailboat floats on clear blue water near rocky, tree-covered cliffs. Two people stand together on the deck, embracing, under a partly cloudy sky.

A sailboat is anchored in clear blue water near a rocky coastline with scattered greenery. Several other sailboats are visible in the distance on the calm sea under a clear sky.

A person in swim trunks is mid-air, diving off the side of a sailboat into clear blue water with rocky islands and another boat visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

A woman in swimwear stands on the deck of a boat, looking toward a swimmer in the water near rocky shores under a bright sky. The scene is captured in black and white.

A woman in a white bikini poses on a paddleboard near a small inflatable boat in clear blue water, while a tattooed man watches from a nearby boat.

A man and a woman in swimsuits sit on a paddleboard in the water near rocky shore; the man playfully covers the woman's head with a white cloth while both laugh and enjoy themselves.

A smiling couple in swimwear sits on a blue paddleboard in the ocean near rocky cliffs. The woman holds a white veil, while the man reaches for her hand. Both have visible tattoos and appear joyful.

Two people sit together on a paddleboard in clear blue water, seen from above. Sunlight reflects off the water’s surface as they relax, one with legs in the water and the other lying on the board.

Aerial view of two people on a paddleboard in clear blue water, with one person paddling and the other relaxing, their reflections visible on the water’s surface.

Aerial view of two people relaxing on a paddleboard in clear, dark blue water with sunlight reflecting off the surface.

A couple paddles together on a stand-up paddleboard in clear blue sea water, with rocky islands and distant hills in the background under a hazy sky.

A paddleboarder glides over clear, shallow turquoise water near a rocky shoreline, viewed from above. The coastline features sandy beach areas and rugged rocks surrounded by transparent sea.

Two people paddle a kayak in clear turquoise water near a rocky, shrub-covered coastline and a small sandy beach under a blue sky. — default

A tattooed man in white underwear follows a woman in a bikini and bridal veil along a rocky beach shoreline, with blue water and distant hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A tattooed couple in swimwear poses playfully on rocks by the beach; the woman, wearing a white bikini and veil, laughs with arms raised as the man lifts her, surrounded by sand, rocky cliffs, and clear water.

A couple sits on a large rock by the water, kissing passionately. The person on the left wears a white veil, suggesting a wedding or elopement. Rocky cliffs and blue sky are visible in the background.

A couple stands on rocky terrain near the beach, embracing and smiling. Behind them are rugged rocks, green shrubs, and sandy shore, with calm water at the edge of the scene.

A couple stands barefoot on rocky terrain by the sea, embracing and smiling, with rugged cliffs and greenery in the background under a cloudy sky.

A tattooed man in swim trunks lifts and kisses a woman in a white bikini and veil while standing in shallow water near rocky cliffs, creating a romantic and playful scene.

A tattooed man in swim trunks lifts a woman in a white bikini while standing in shallow water near rocky cliffs. Water droplets blur parts of the image, and both people appear joyful and relaxed.

A tattooed couple in swimsuits embraces passionately in shallow water at a rocky beach. The man lifts the woman, who wears a white veil, as they kiss, surrounded by rocks and natural scenery.

A tattooed man and woman in swimsuits playfully pose together on a sandy beach beside shallow water, with rocky cliffs and greenery in the background. The woman smiles with arms outstretched.

A tattooed couple embraces lovingly while sitting in shallow water on a sandy beach, with rocky cliffs and greenery in the background. The woman is smiling with her eyes closed, and the man holds her close.

A couple sits in shallow water near rocky cliffs, laughing and embracing as water splashes around them. The image is in black and white, creating a joyful and intimate scene.

A man and woman in swimsuits playfully splash water at each other while standing in the sea near rocky cliffs, both smiling and enjoying the outdoors.

Black and white photo of two tattooed people standing at the shoreline, one at the edge of the water and the other partly in the water, with visible sand and gentle waves.

A blurred black and white image of a person in swimwear standing near the edge of a boat, with a sailboat floating on the water in the background.

A tattooed couple relaxes on the deck of a sailboat at sea. The woman, wearing white swimwear and holding a veil, sits and smiles while the man reclines beside her. Mountains and clouds are visible in the background.

A tattooed couple in white wedding attire relaxes on a yacht, lying close together and looking at each other, with the ocean visible in the background.

A tattooed man in white shorts relaxes on a boat, eyes closed, while a woman with reddish hair kisses his cheek and gently holds his face. The sea is visible in the background.

A smiling couple covered in tattoos embraces closely, with the woman hugging the man from behind and showing an engagement ring. They appear happy and affectionate in a black-and-white photo.

A tattooed man lies back, smiling, while a woman with long hair and pearl earrings embraces him from behind, her eyes closed and face close to his. Both appear happy and relaxed.

A tattooed couple in white swimwear relaxes closely together on the deck of a sailboat, surrounded by calm ocean water under a sunny sky.

A happy couple with visible tattoos relaxes and laughs together on the deck of a sailboat, enjoying the sun and ocean.

A tattooed couple in white lingerie and shorts lies close together on the deck of a sailboat, relaxing under the sun with the ocean in the background.

A woman in a white bikini top and a man with colorful tattoos on his chest and arms lay side by side relaxing in the sun, eyes closed, on a boat or yacht.

A tattooed couple wearing white swimsuits embraces closely while sitting together in shallow water on a sandy beach, with rocky cliffs and vegetation in the background.

A tattooed couple in swimwear embrace and smile while kneeling in shallow water on a sandy beach, with rocky hills and greenery in the background. Sunlight creates a warm, romantic atmosphere.

A tattooed couple lies playfully on the sandy shore near clear, shallow water, with rocky cliffs and blue sky in the background. The woman is on top of the man, both smiling and enjoying the beach.

A tattooed couple in swimwear and a bridal veil stands in shallow water, embracing closely. The woman wears white lingerie and the man wears white shorts. Rocky coastline and ocean are in the background.

A tattooed couple in swimwear run and hold hands on a sandy beach by the ocean, smiling and enjoying their time together. The photo has a motion blur effect.

A tattooed couple wearing swimsuits and sunglasses stands on rocky terrain by the sea, with mountains and a blue sky with scattered clouds in the background.

A woman in a white bikini and “Dolce & Gabbana” blindfold holds hands with a shirtless, tattooed man on a beach, with rocky cliffs in the background.

A woman with shoulder-length hair and tattoos wears large Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses and jewelry, smiling outdoors in a black-and-white photo. A blurred person is visible in the background.

A tattooed couple in swimsuits hold hands and walk on a sandy beach near turquoise water, with a sailboat anchored in the sea and rocky hills visible in the background.

A man and woman in swimwear walk along a secluded sandy beach with rocky cliffs and clear blue-green water under a partly cloudy sky.

The sun sets over a dark, rocky horizon, casting a warm orange reflection on rippling ocean water beneath a partly cloudy sky.

A small inflatable boat is towed on dark water at sunset, with orange sunlight reflecting on the waves and a silhouetted island in the background beneath a cloudy sky.

A dark seascape at dusk with gentle waves in the foreground and a distant, shadowy hillside under a cloudy, dimly lit sky. Scattered lights are visible along the hill.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Sardinia Elopement Photographer

If you’re looking for someone with years of experience photographing adventure elopements around the world, then look no further! I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing elopements for over a decade. I’ve taken photos across 7 continents and more than 42+ countries, so I can help you navigate the logistics of planning one for yourself and make sure it’s the most stress-free experience possible.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

Sardinia Elopement Packages

Contact me here to check my availability and for a free planning consultation—I promise to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!

includes:

8+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae with relaxed sightseeing & exploring

The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in the World

Starting at $13,200 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography

Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.

No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.

Contact me to check if I have your date available and for a free planning consultation with me!

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Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant  

For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

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