St George's Anglican Church Venice Wedding

A marriage blessing at St George's, Venice

St George's is the Anglican church of Venice, on Campo San Vio in Dorsoduro, a few steps from the Grand Canal and the Accademia Bridge. The service is in English. It offers marriage blessings rather than legal weddings, so couples need to be married civilly first and bring their marriage certificate.

Photos at Campo San Vio and the Accademia

Campo San Vio opens directly onto the Grand Canal, which gives the church one of the loveliest settings in Dorsoduro. The canal edge of the campo is perfect for the first portraits after the blessing.

The Accademia Bridge is a minute away, with its view of the Salute. The Zattere are a short walk for sunset.

Who it suits

British and other Anglican couples who want a church service in English, couples renewing their vows, and anyone who has married at home and wants a meaningful ceremony in Venice. Our elopement and vow renewal collections fit it well.

A blessing day, step by step

• Civil marriage at home, or at Palazzo Cavalli the day before.
• Getting ready in a hotel in Dorsoduro or near the Accademia.
• The blessing at St George's, in English.
• Family photos on Campo San Vio, by the Grand Canal.
• Portraits on the Accademia Bridge and in Dorsoduro's canals.
• Sunset on the Zattere and dinner nearby.

St George's through the seasons

Campo San Vio opens onto the Grand Canal and gets lovely light in the afternoon. In summer, the campo is a cool, quiet corner close to the busy Accademia. In winter, the Grand Canal often holds a soft haze, and the Salute appears in the distance like a painting.

Inside the church

St George's is a small, peaceful church, with a simple interior that suits intimate services. The chaplaincy sets the rules for photography during the service; we confirm them in advance.

Getting there for guests

The church is a few minutes from the Accademia vaporetto stop and the Accademia Bridge. Many hotels in Dorsoduro and San Marco are within a short walk.

Who St George's suits

British and English-speaking couples who want a church blessing in their own language, couples renewing their vows, and families who want a meaningful service in Venice after a civil wedding at home.

Receptions and stays near St George's

Dorsoduro around Campo San Vio is full of options for an intimate celebration: canal-side restaurants near the Accademia, terraces on the Zattere with sunset views, and private palazzi such as Palazzo Nani Bernardo for a dinner on the Grand Canal. Hotels in Dorsoduro and around Campo Santo Stefano are a short walk away, so guests can move on foot between the blessing, the photos and the dinner.

If you're hosting more guests, the Gritti Palace and the St. Regis, across the Grand Canal, are a short traghetto or water-taxi ride away.

How a blessing differs from a wedding

A blessing is a religious service that celebrates and prays for a marriage that has already taken place legally. It has no civil effect, so there's no Italian paperwork to prepare, only the requirements of the chaplaincy. The service can include readings, music, vows and the blessing of rings, which makes it feel very much like a wedding for you and your guests.

Not marrying here? Photos around Campo San Vio

Campo San Vio is one of the few campi that opens directly onto the Grand Canal. With its benches and view of the palazzi opposite, it's a lovely, quiet stop in any Dorsoduro session, a minute from the Accademia Bridge and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Timing the day

Afternoon blessings work best for photos: the light on the Grand Canal is warm, and sunset on the Zattere follows naturally. Morning services leave the afternoon free for a gondola ride and a relaxed lunch.

Dress code and etiquette for guests

Dress for a church service: smart and modest. The campo outside is small and opens directly onto the Grand Canal, so children should be watched near the water. Guests can arrive by vaporetto at the Accademia stop or walk from Campo Santo Stefano across the bridge. After the blessing, we organise group photos on the campo with the canal behind.

Planning tips for St George's Anglican Church

• Bring your civil marriage certificate — it's required for a blessing.
• Portraits on the Grand Canal edge of Campo San Vio.
• Walk to the Zattere for sunset after the blessing.

St George's Anglican Church: frequently asked questions