The Best Spots for Timeless Wedding Photos, Recommended by Photographer Camilla Marinelli
When it comes to wedding photography, few places in the world compare to the romance and beauty of Rome. The city is an open-air museum, offering a perfect mix of historic charm, architectural excellence, art and stunning settings which can create wonderful backdrops for capturing your wedding photos.
But here’s the thing—while the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps are fantastic places to see, there’s so many other hidden gems in Rome to discover. To help you choose a top location to capture your love story in the most unique and memorable way, we turned to our valued member Camilla Marinelli, a talented local wedding photographer who knows Rome inside out. Her favourite spots? A mix of hidden gems in Rome and iconic locations that you’ll just love.
Let’s go through her curated list of the most magical places in Rome to capture your wedding photos—and a few pro tips to make sure your shots are as stunning as they deserve to be.
1. Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden)
If you ask Camilla Marinelli about her go-to spots for couples, the Giardino degli Aranci is at the top of her list for hidden gems in Rome. Perched on Aventine Hill, this peaceful garden feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of Rome city.
What makes it special? The views. From the garden’s terrace, you get an incredible panorama of Rome, with St. Peter’s Basilica perfectly framed in the distance. Plus, the quiet pathways lined with orange trees will be sure to give your photos a dreamy look that’s hard to find in other places. Camilla recommends timing your shoot for late afternoon when the soft light enhances the garden’s warm tones and creates a magical atmosphere.
2. Appia Antica (The Appian Way)
For a touch of history and rustic romance, the Appian Way is an absolute must. This ancient Roman road is a hidden gem in Rome, lined with majestic cypress trees, vibrant green fields, and historic ruins.
Camilla loves this spot because it’s versatile—you can go for a classic, delicate look or lean into the natural, slightly untamed vibe of the landscape. She often suggests incorporating a vintage Vespa or classic car to add a bit of fun and movement to the shoot. Whether you’re walking hand in hand or laughing together under the shade of the trees, the Appia Antica is a top location in Rome to take wedding photos.
3. Fori Imperiali (Imperial Forums)
If you’d like to capture dramatic, cinematic wedding photos, the Imperial Fora is a setting that you’ll easily fall in love with. This broad archaeological site is packed with Roman columns, arches, and ruins that will give your photos a powerful, dramatic look.
Camilla also recommends shooting here at golden hour or even just after sunrise. The light hits the ancient stones perfectly and creates a subtle but warm feeling that feels straight out of a romance movie. It’s also a quieter time of day, so you can enjoy the space without the crowds.
4. Roman Colosseum
No list of Rome wedding photo spots would be complete without the Colosseum. While it’s in no way a hidden gem in Rome, it’s an iconic symbol of the city.. and also doubles up as an epic spot for your wedding photoshoot.
Camilla likes to get creative with this location, finding angles that showcase the structure’s scale without making it feel overly familiar. Capturing photos from Colle Oppio park will give you amazing results that you'll love.
5. Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain
These landmarks might actually be the most famous in Rome, but don’t let their popularity scare you off. With the right timing, they can feel just as intimate and magical as any hidden gem. Just keep an eye on the restoration works happening at Trevi fountain just incase you’re planning on a photoshoot there anytime soon.
Camilla’s tip? Arriving early, like 7 AM, is crucial for capturing the best shots and enjoying moments of tranquility away from the crowds. With fewer tourists around, you might even get the chance to toss a coin into the fountain (and steal a kiss!) without a crowd of onlookers.
Extra Advice from Camilla Marinelli for Wedding Photoshoots in Rome
- Timing Matters: Early mornings and golden hours in Italy are often beautiful therefore, they will be best for soft, flattering light and of course being out of peak hours, you’ll have fewer people in the background.
- Trust a Local Photographer: Opt for a wedding photographer who knows Rome well. Being from the area, I know perfectly how to navigate Rome’s busy streets and hidden corners to find the perfect shots. Get in touch with me here.
- Keep It Comfortable: Those cobblestones around the city are beautiful but tricky, especially in heels. Pack some stylish flats for the in-between moments.
- Mix It Up: Combine iconic landmarks with quieter, off-the-beaten-path spots for a super unique set of photos that showcase you both in various environments.
Camilla Marinelli is a Rome-based wedding photographer with nearly a decade of experience expertly capturing celebrations. Originally from Milan, she discovered her passion for photography while working at Canon Italia and then went on to refine her skills through a master’s degree in Photography and Reportage in Rome. Her journey into wedding photography began at a traditional Moroccan wedding, where she fell in love with documenting the beautiful emotions of love, laughter, and celebration.
Camilla approaches each wedding with sensitivity, discretion, and a dedication to creating gorgeous photos that her clients always love. If you’re particularly nervous about your wedding photoshoot, Camilla will make you feel at ease and guide you so that she can perfectly tell your beautiful story.
