Riley & Mackenzie’s Intimate Amalfi Elopement at Hotel Santa Caterina

A Sea View Love Story in Amalfi

There are some days that feel like they belong in a poem, and Riley and Mackenzie’s elopement at Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi, Italy was exactly that. Intimate, emotional, and drenched in the golden glow of the Mediterranean, it was the kind of day where everything felt beautifully aligned – even after a rocky start.

When Travel Troubles Turn Into a Gift

Their journey to Italy was not without obstacles – flight delays threatened to threaten their rhythm. But the team at Hotel Santa Caterina met them with kindness and grace, upgrading their room to a suite with a balcony that overlooked the sea. That room became “the moment before the moment”, the place where the dress’s lace breathed with sea air, where Mackenzie’s suit waited in soft light, where nerves and excitement softened into calm. Sometimes the universe repays hard journeys with unexpected gifts.

An Intimate Courtyard Ceremony with a View

Surrounded by just a handful of family members, Riley and Mackenzie said their vows in the hotel’s private courtyard, overlooking the shimmering sea. The most touching part? Riley’s father officiated the ceremony, a moment layered with meaning, legacy, and love. The sunlight, the silence, the tears – it was all sacred.

Champagne by the Sea & Golden Hour Magic

After the ceremony, we wandered through the property, down to the rocky coastline where the sea mist met sunset light. Riley and Mackenzie toasted with champagne, shared laughter with their loved ones, and let the evening unfold without hurry. It was slow, intentional, and true to who they are – a perfect match for this timeless setting.

Why Italy Is the Perfect Place to Elope

Eloping in Italy offers more than just stunning backdrops, it gives you space. Space to feel everything. Space to slow down and soak in your day. And if you’re someone who wants to feel both emotionally held and artistically captured, this kind of elopement is the dream. If you’re looking for a destination photographer who gets the emotional weight of this moment and knows how to make it feel effortless – I’d be so honored to be part of your story 🥹

Hotel Santa Caterina: Amalfi’s Cliffside Gem

Hotel Santa Caterina is not just a place to stay. It is a living piece of the Amalfi coastline. Perched against the cliffs, it overlooks the Mediterranean with terraces, gardens, and balconies that feel suspended between sky and sea.

Every room or suite carries a blend of classic Mediterranean charm and modern comfort, many with hand‑painted ceramic tile floors, marble bathrooms, and terraces or balconies facing the sea. The hotel also features a private Beach Club carved into the cliffside, where guests enjoy saltwater swimming, sun loungers, umbrellas, and direct access to the sea.

Its restaurants—including the Michelin‑starred Glicine and the seaside Al Mare—serve Mediterranean flavors that feel rooted, local, and exquisite. The hotel is also just a short walk or shuttle ride to Amalfi’s historic center, letting couples enjoy both secluded luxury and nearby charm.