Sunrise portraits at St Mark's, afternoon ceremony
In brief
The Baglioni Hotel Luna, a minute from St Mark's Square, is considered the oldest hotel in Venice. Its frescoed ballroom, the Sala Marco Polo, hosts symbolic ceremonies and receptions — the hotel is not an authorised civil venue, so the legal ceremony takes place elsewhere.
Best for symbolic ceremonies and elopements based right next to St Mark's.
A symbolic wedding at the Baglioni Hotel Luna
The Baglioni Hotel Luna, a minute from St Mark's Square, is considered the oldest hotel in Venice. Its public rooms are richly decorated. The frescoed ballroom, the Sala Marco Polo, hosts symbolic ceremonies and receptions. Venue details, capacities and policies change, so confirm everything directly with the venue before booking.
Symbolic, not legal
The hotel is not an authorised civil venue. Couples who want a legally valid marriage usually hold a civil ceremony at Palazzo Cavalli or at home, then celebrate the symbolic ceremony at the Luna.
Sunrise portraits at St Mark's
Stay at the Luna and you can be on an empty St Mark's Square for sunrise portraits before anyone else. That's the main reason couples choose it for an elopement.
The arcades of the Procuratie, the Piazzetta with its columns and the gondola moorings at the Molo are all within a few minutes. The historic Caffè Florian is just across the square.
Getting there
The San Marco Vallaresso vaporetto stop is beside the hotel, and water taxis stop nearby.
An elopement at the Luna, step by step
- Sunrise portraits in an empty St Mark's Square, a minute from the hotel.
- Breakfast and getting ready in the hotel.
- Symbolic ceremony in the frescoed Sala Marco Polo.
- Gondola ride from the nearby station on the Molo.
- Dinner in a restaurant on the Grand Canal.
The Luna through the seasons
The hotel's location next to St Mark's is ideal all year, but sunrise portraits are most comfortable in spring and autumn, when the sun rises at a reasonable hour. In winter, the frescoed rooms feel warm and festive, and during Carnival, the area around the hotel is full of costumes.
Plan B for bad weather
The Sala Marco Polo and the hotel's public rooms offer beautiful indoor settings, and the arcades of the Procuratie are steps away for covered portraits.
Who the Luna suits
Couples planning a symbolic ceremony or an elopement right next to St Mark's, who want to be the first in the square at sunrise.
A historic hotel
The Luna traces its history as a place of hospitality back many centuries, and is often described as the oldest hotel in Venice. Its public rooms, decorated with frescoes and stucco, keep that sense of history.
How we photograph a wedding at the Luna
The hotel's frescoed Sala Marco Polo is the setting for the symbolic ceremony, with warm, painted walls and ceilings. We use the natural light from the windows and work discreetly during the ceremony. Before or after, St Mark's Square, the Piazzetta and the Molo are a minute away for portraits with the most iconic views in Venice, ideally at sunrise, when the square is empty.
For getting-ready photos, the hotel's rooms and public spaces offer historic details and soft light.
Guest logistics
The San Marco Vallaresso vaporetto stop is beside the hotel, with connections to the airport, the Lido and the Grand Canal. Water taxis stop nearby. Guests can walk to St Mark's Square in a minute, which makes logistics very simple for a small group.
Combining the Luna with
St Mark's Square, Caffè Florian and the Doge's Palace are all within two minutes. A gondola ride from the Molo is the perfect addition to an elopement.
Questions to ask before booking
- Can the Sala Marco Polo host a symbolic ceremony and a dinner?
- How many guests fit in the room?
- Are flowers and music allowed?
- Are there room rates for the wedding party?
Best time of day for photos
Sunrise in St Mark's Square, a minute away, is the best time for portraits. The frescoed rooms photograph beautifully in the soft afternoon light.
Planning tips for Baglioni Hotel Luna
- Sunrise on St Mark's Square is the reason to stay here.
- A symbolic ceremony in the ballroom pairs well with a civil ceremony at home.
- Getting-ready photos in the frescoed rooms before the portrait walk.
Baglioni Hotel Luna: frequently asked questions
Can you get legally married at the Baglioni Hotel Luna?
No. The hotel hosts symbolic ceremonies; a legal ceremony takes place at an authorised venue or at home.
What is the Sala Marco Polo?
The hotel's frescoed ballroom, used for ceremonies and receptions.
Is the Hotel Luna close to St Mark's Square?
Yes, about a minute's walk, which makes sunrise portraits on the empty square easy.
Is the Baglioni Hotel Luna the oldest hotel in Venice?
It's often described as such, with a long history of hospitality next to St Mark's Square.
Can we have a symbolic wedding near St Mark's Square?
Yes. Hotels like the Baglioni Hotel Luna host symbolic ceremonies a minute from the square.
Is the Baglioni Hotel Luna good for an elopement?
Yes, for couples who want a symbolic ceremony and sunrise portraits in St Mark's Square, a minute away.
How much does a symbolic wedding at the Baglioni Hotel Luna cost?
The hotel quotes ceremonies and dinners individually; ask the events team for a proposal.
Can we stay at the Hotel Luna?
Yes, it's a hotel a minute from St Mark's Square, ideal for sunrise sessions.
What is the nearest vaporetto stop to the Hotel Luna?
San Marco Vallaresso, right beside the hotel, with connections to the airport and the Lido.
Symbolic ceremonies only (not an authorised civil venue)
San Marco, near the Vallaresso vaporetto stop
Historic, frescoed, classic Venetian hotel
Private inside; St Mark's area busy by day
Elopement or luxury wedding collection
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