Hanna & Clark
they eloped in rome, sorrento, and the path of the gods along the amalfi coast
Adventure elopements take many shapes, but Hanna and Clark’s April celebration in Italy was one of the most heartfelt. They began with a romantic session in Rome, read private vows on the Path of the Gods trail along the Amalfi Coast, and ended with an intimate villa ceremony in Sorrento with eight of their closest family members. Their goal was simple and beautiful: spend their days doing the things they love most together, like slow coffee mornings, dessert sharing, and soaking in each other’s company.
Because I live in Italy, I met them directly in Rome without the stress of jetlag, missed trains, or any surprise work-permit issues you sometimes hear about from international vendors. We had to do a bit of date and time shuffling thanks to some bad weather, but it was no problem for me.
Created: November 30, 2025
Their sunset session in Rome
Rome in April: Quiet Streets, Coffee Rituals, and Warm Light
We had wanted to start at sunrise in Rome, when it's a tad quieter in the streets. The weather made different plans for us, so instead we shifted to sunset and navigated around the people. They weren't looking to go to the main tourist attractions anyway, so that left us a lot more flexibility.
This session carried their favourite daily rituals into their elopement day: slow mornings, shared treats, and candid moments instead of anything overly posed. They wanted natural movement and small, authentic interactions, and sunrise in Rome delivered exactly that.
hanna + clark
We shot in Rome and the mountains of the Amalfi coast, and she has a mastery of landscape shooting (while not losing the couple in the incredible shots) as well as urban cityscapes.
Check out their ceremony among rolling peaks and salty coastlines.
Vows on the Path of the Gods: Cliffside Magic in Spring
After Rome, we travelled south for their private vow exchange on the famous Path of the Gods. In April, the trail is vibrant and warm without the intense summer heat. The sea below glowed in soft spring light, and the air carried a hint of jasmine as we walked.
We selected a quieter stretch of the trail where the path widens and the views open dramatically. Choosing this section gave them room to breathe and privacy for their emotional moment. We planned for late afternoon light for warmth without harsh shadows. The trail can be exposed, so good footwear and water were essential, but Hanna and Clark embraced the experience with ease. Their vows here felt grounded, quiet, and unforgettable.
Carpooling the Coast: How We Reached Sorrento Together
One of my favourite parts of this trip was the journey between locations. We actually carpooled from Rome to Sorrento in my electric car, turning the drive into a mini road trip full of laughter, shared snacks, and rolling coastal views.
Driving an electric car helps reduce environmental impact, especially on popular routes like the Amalfi Coast. Slow, mindful travel is a big part of my philosophy, and Hanna and Clark loved the simplicity and sustainability of moving together from place to place.
Sorrento Villa Ceremony with Their Closest Family
The next day, we met their family at a beautiful rented villa in Sorrento. The space felt calm, private, and filled with spring light. With only eight guests, the atmosphere was intimate, supportive, and deeply personal.
Each family member chose a flower and brought it forward individually to share kind words with the couple. Stem by stem, these flowers became Hanna’s bouquet for the evening. It was simple, heartfelt, and full of meaning.
Villas create a relaxed flow that hotels or public spaces often can’t match. Guests can mingle, help prepare, and enjoy the ceremony without distractions. For couples wanting connection over production, a villa is the perfect fit.
Check out the rest of their intimate wedding ceremony
Their Three-Day Italy Elopement Timeline
Day 1 – Rome
• Sunrise: Coffee + couple session through quiet streets
• Late morning: Pastries + exploring
• Afternoon: Break + travel prep
• Evening: Carpool toward the coast
Day 2 – Amalfi Coast
• Afternoon: Path of the Gods hike
• Golden hour: Private vow exchange
• Evening: Dinner overlooking the sea
Day 3 – Sorrento
• Late afternoon: Villa ceremony with family
• Flower ritual + group photos
• Blue hour: Couple portraits with the handmade bouquet
• Evening: Family dinner celebration
Planning Your Own Italy Adventure Elopement
Whether you love the creative energy of Rome or the cliffside beauty of the Amalfi Coast, Italy is made for adventure elopements. You can mix landscapes, move intentionally, and create something that feels wholly yours.
I help couples build timelines, choose locations, recommend trusted vendors, and navigate travel with confidence. Being locally based means I arrive rested, aware of regional nuances, and ready to help you avoid the usual travel hiccups.
Pro Tips for Rome, Amalfi, and Sorrento
• Choose sunrise for Rome sessions
• Travel carry-on–friendly for easier shifts between locations
• Hydrate well for coastal hikes
• Use shoulder seasons like April for privacy and mild weather
• Consider a private villa for intimate ceremonies
• Slow down. Include time for cafés, viewpoints, and breathing space
FAQ
Do we need a permit for the Path of the Gods?
As of 2025, no.
How crowded is the Amalfi Coast in April?
Much quieter than summer, with much more comfortable temperatures.
Can family join part of the elopement?
Yes. Many couples split private vows and family moments just like Hanna and Clark did.
Is Rome too busy for photos?
Not at sunrise. That’s when the magic truly happens. Just avoid Trevy Fountain
Ready to Plan Your Italy Adventure Elopement?
If this spring love story inspired you, I’d love to help you craft a celebration that feels relaxed, intentional, and true to you.
Schedule a call or inquire today, and let’s start mapping your dream Italy adventure elopement.
Our entire elopement was made because of Shawna. I would 11/10 recommend her to anyone!
We shot in Rome and the mountains of the Amalfi coast, and she has a mastery of landscape shooting (while not losing the couple in the incredible shots) as well as urban cityscapes. We chose her because her website galleries are absolutely stunning in these two settings that we knew we wanted, and I can confidently say she delivered the same spectacular results for us as well.
During the planning and shooting process Shawna is, above all, flexible and supportive. We changed our ideas on exactly what we wanted frequently, and every time Shawna helped us look into logistics and feasibility and offered ideas, until we landed on something we were ecstatic with. Leading up to the day, of course, there was rain forecasted during every activity we had planned. Shawna helped move everything around at the last minute, and it turned out perfect.
Me and my husband are not particularly comfortable in front of the camera, but somehow Shawna made it so easy, and genuinely fun. I often feel like regular photos never capture how I really see my partner/ how we see each other. But Shawna’s work truly captures the love we share with one another and I’m so grateful to have these memories and experiences captured forever.
In the end her (and her husband Harry!) are great people, she is fantastic at her job, and she delivers unbelievable results. Sharing such an important event of our life with Shawna wasn’t just easy and comfortable, it actually improved the experience.
Testimonial by hanna & clark
© Shawna Rae Photography 2025
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