Late spring to early autumn, evening by the sea
In brief
The Hotel Excelsior opened on the Lido in 1908 and is one of the icons of the Venice seafront, famous during the Film Festival. Its 'get married' offer covers weddings from around 40 up to around 750 guests, with the beach and the Adriatic as the backdrop.
Best for beach weddings and very large celebrations that the historic centre can't accommodate.
A beach wedding at the Hotel Excelsior
The Hotel Excelsior opened on the Lido in 1908 and is one of the icons of the Venice seafront, famous during the Film Festival. Its Moorish-inspired architecture and private beach make it very different from a Grand Canal palazzo, more Riviera than Serenissima.
From 40 to 750 guests
The hotel's wedding page gives a range of about 40 to 750 guests, so it suits both intimate beach ceremonies and very large celebrations that the historic centre can't accommodate. Venue details, capacities and policies change, so confirm everything directly with the venue before booking.
A legal ceremony nearby
The Comune's hall at Palazzo Persico in Malamocco and La Pagoda at Des Bains are both on the Lido, so the legal ceremony doesn't require a trip to the centre.
Beach wedding photography on the Lido
Plan beach portraits for sunset, when the light is warm and the beach is quieter. Wind off the sea is common, so a veil becomes a beautiful moving element, as long as hair is planned for it. See our guide to a Lido beach wedding.
Getting there
Guests can reach the Lido by vaporetto to Santa Maria Elisabetta, then a short ride along the Lungomare. For groups, a hotel boat or water taxi from the centre is easier.
A beach wedding at the Excelsior, step by step
- Getting ready in rooms with sea views.
- Civil ceremony at Palazzo Persico or La Pagoda, or a symbolic ceremony at the hotel.
- Drinks on the terrace overlooking the beach.
- Sunset portraits on the sand and among the cabins.
- Dinner and dancing by the sea.
The Excelsior through the seasons
The beach season runs from late spring to early autumn, with the best light in May, June and September. In late August and early September, the Film Festival brings stars and media to the Lido, and the hotel is busy. Outside the season, check opening dates.
Plan B for bad weather
The hotel's ballrooms and terraces offer covered spaces with sea views.
Who the Excelsior suits
Couples who want a large beach wedding, with space for hundreds of guests, a seaside atmosphere and the city a short boat ride away.
A Lido icon
Built at the beginning of the 20th century in a Moorish-inspired style, the Excelsior helped make the Lido one of Europe's most fashionable resorts, and is still associated with the Film Festival.
How we photograph a wedding at the Excelsior
The hotel's Moorish-style architecture, the terrace overlooking the beach and the sea itself give a completely different look from the historic centre. We photograph the ceremony on the beach or the terrace, the aperitivo with the sea behind, and portraits on the sand at sunset, among the cabins and the dunes. For larger weddings, a second photographer covers guests and details.
Guest logistics
Guests can reach the Lido by vaporetto to Santa Maria Elisabetta, then a short taxi or bus ride along the Lungomare. A hotel boat or water taxi from the centre is easier for groups. Many guests stay at the hotel or in other Lido hotels.
Questions to ask before booking
- Can the ceremony take place on the beach?
- Which spaces are available for large receptions?
- Is the hotel open in your wedding month?
- How can guests reach the hotel from the centre?
Best time of day for photos
Sunset on the beach gives warm light and fewer people. In the morning, the sea side is calm and softly lit for relaxed portraits.
Planning tips for Hotel Excelsior, Lido
- Plan beach portraits at sunset, when the light is warm and the beach is quieter.
- Wind off the sea is common — plan veils and hair accordingly.
- Guests can reach the Lido by vaporetto, but a hotel boat is easier for groups.
Hotel Excelsior, Lido: frequently asked questions
Can you have a beach wedding in Venice?
Yes, on the Lido. The Excelsior hosts weddings with the beach as backdrop, and the Comune has authorised La Pagoda at Des Bains for civil ceremonies.
How many guests can the Hotel Excelsior host?
Its wedding page mentions about 40 to 750 guests. Confirm current capacities with the hotel.
How do you get to the Hotel Excelsior Lido?
By vaporetto to the Lido and a short ride along the seafront, or by hotel boat or water taxi from the centre.
Is the Hotel Excelsior open all year?
It's mainly a seasonal beach hotel; check opening dates for your wedding.
Can we have both a beach wedding and Venice photos?
Yes. Many couples marry on the Lido and add a portrait session in the historic centre, the same day or the day after.
Is the Hotel Excelsior on the beach?
Yes, it has direct access to its own beach on the Lido.
How much does a wedding at the Hotel Excelsior cost?
The hotel quotes each wedding individually, based on the guest count, the spaces and the menu.
Can we stay at the Excelsior for our wedding?
Yes, the hotel has rooms with sea views; ask about room blocks for guests.
How far is the Hotel Excelsior from St Mark's?
About 15 minutes by vaporetto to the Lido and a short ride along the seafront, or around 20 minutes by water taxi.
Weddings arranged with the hotel's events team
Lungomare Marconi, Lido — hotel boat or water taxi from the centre
Belle-époque beach hotel, Moorish-style architecture, sea views
Private; beach busy in summer daytime
Luxury wedding or multicultural wedding collection
Let's turn your vision into timeless images
Tell us your date and vision — we'll handle the rest, and reply personally within one business day.
Now booking 2026–2027 · limited dates