Sunset on the rooftop terrace; sunrise for empty portraits on the Riva
In brief
Hotel Danieli occupies Palazzo Dandolo, a 14th-century Gothic palazzo on the Riva degli Schiavoni, a few steps from the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. It has been a hotel since the 19th century, and its rooftop terrace looks across the lagoon to San Giorgio Maggiore.
Best for classic, formal weddings and receptions right in the heart of Venice, with St Mark's, the Bridge of Sighs and the lagoon within a few minutes' walk.
A wedding at Hotel Danieli
Hotel Danieli occupies Palazzo Dandolo, a 14th-century Gothic palazzo on the Riva degli Schiavoni, a few steps from the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. It has welcomed guests since the 19th century, and its pink facade is one of the most recognisable on the Venice waterfront.
Event spaces
The Danieli's events offer includes its rooftop terrace and several salons. The venue lists the terrace for around 140 guests, the Sala Marco Polo for around 200 and the smaller Sala Ducale for around 40. Venue details, capacities and policies change, so confirm everything directly with the venue before booking.
Who it suits
Classic, formal weddings and receptions in the heart of Venice, with the most famous sights of the city within a five-minute walk.
Hotel Danieli wedding photography
Getting ready and interiors
The covered courtyard with its Gothic staircase is one of the most photographed hotel interiors in Venice. It's ideal for the first look and for formal portraits. Rooms facing the lagoon give soft window light for getting-ready photos.
Portraits around the hotel
This is the Danieli's great photographic advantage. The Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Square are within a few minutes on foot. At sunrise the Riva degli Schiavoni is almost empty, with gondolas moored against the view of San Giorgio.
Sunset on the rooftop
From the rooftop terrace you look across the basin to San Giorgio Maggiore and the Giudecca. Sunset there is the moment for couple portraits during the reception.
Getting there
Water taxis stop at the hotel's landing stage on the Riva, and the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop is right outside. Compare the Danieli with other grand hotels in our luxury wedding hotels guide.
A wedding day at the Danieli, step by step
- Getting ready in lagoon-view rooms, with details photographed in the window light.
- First look on the Gothic staircase of the covered courtyard.
- Civil ceremony at Palazzo Cavalli or a symbolic ceremony at the hotel.
- Sunset portraits on the Riva and at the Bridge of Sighs, two minutes away.
- Dinner and dancing on the rooftop terrace or in the salons.
The Danieli through the seasons
Spring and early autumn are ideal for the rooftop terrace, with mild evenings and long sunsets over the lagoon. In summer, the terrace is magical after dark, when the heat fades and the lights of San Giorgio shine across the water. In winter, the salons and the courtyard, with their chandeliers and warm light, give a grand, intimate atmosphere.
Plan B for bad weather
The Danieli is one of the easiest venues in Venice for bad weather: the courtyard, the staircase and the salons offer beautiful indoor settings, and the arcades of the Doge's Palace are next door for covered portraits.
Who the Danieli suits
Couples who want a classic, grand wedding in the most famous part of Venice, with guests staying in the same hotel and all the iconic sights on foot.
How we photograph a wedding at the Danieli
The covered courtyard and its staircase are the classic setting for the first look and the formal portraits. The rooftop terrace gives the lagoon and San Giorgio as a backdrop for the aperitivo and sunset photos. Outside, the Riva, the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark's Square complete the gallery with the most iconic views of Venice.
Questions to ask before booking
- Can the rooftop terrace be booked privately for dinner?
- Which salons are available for a symbolic ceremony?
- Are there room blocks for guests?
- Can a water taxi collect the couple at the hotel's landing stage?
Best time of day for photos
Sunrise on the Riva for empty portraits; sunset on the rooftop terrace for the lagoon in warm light.
Planning tips for Hotel Danieli
- Schedule portraits on the Riva at sunrise or after sunset — by day it is one of the busiest walkways in Venice.
- Use the hotel's staircase and salons for getting-ready photos.
- A water taxi can collect you at the hotel's landing stage for a Grand Canal ride.
Hotel Danieli: frequently asked questions
Can you get married at Hotel Danieli?
The Danieli hosts wedding receptions and symbolic ceremonies. A legal civil ceremony takes place at the Comune's venues, such as Palazzo Cavalli, before or after.
How many guests can Hotel Danieli host?
The hotel lists spaces from around 40 guests (Sala Ducale) to around 200 (Sala Marco Polo), with about 140 on the rooftop terrace. Confirm current capacities with the hotel.
Where are the best photo spots near Hotel Danieli?
The Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace arcades, St Mark's Square and the gondola moorings on the Riva, all within five minutes' walk.
How do you get to Hotel Danieli?
By water taxi to the hotel's landing stage, or by vaporetto to San Zaccaria, right outside.
Is Hotel Danieli near St Mark's Square?
Yes, about two minutes on foot, on the Riva degli Schiavoni next to the Doge's Palace.
Does the Danieli have a rooftop terrace?
Yes, with views across the lagoon to San Giorgio Maggiore.
Receptions and symbolic ceremonies arranged with the hotel's events team
Riva degli Schiavoni, next to the Doge's Palace — water taxi to the door
Venetian Gothic grandeur, gilded salons, lagoon views
The Riva is very busy by day; quiet at dawn
Luxury wedding collection
Services here
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Now booking 2026–2027 · limited dates