Brittany & Andrew’s Adventurous Elopement in Abruzzo, Italy

Brittany and Andrew decided to plan an adventurous elopement in Abruzzo, Italy. They explored iconic locations during their adventure including Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Rocca Calascio, and Campo Imperatore. Get all the details from their adventure below.

Are you ready to plan your elopement? Check out our Italy elopement guide. 

About This Elopement Exploring Around Abruzzo, Italy

Photography by Benni Carol Photography

“Brittany & Andrew’s day started at 3.30 am. We planned a sunrise exchange of vows in one of the most incredible places in the surrounding area, Rocca Calascio (which is also where the movie Ladyhawke was filmed). Climbing up the mountain in the darkness, feeling the wind blowing, surrounded by nothing but nature, made it one of the most beautiful elopement days we had so far. Brittany and Andrew exchanged their vows just as the sun rose through the magnificent stones of Rocca Calascio, which simply made this session even more memorable.

After making the most out of this breathtaking place, we headed back to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, where we arranged a little guided tour with a local guide and his donkey. To end the day in the best possible way, we headed to Campo Imperatore, which is also called ‘Little Nepal’, one of the most beautiful places we’ve seen this last season. The golden light of the sunset hour was absolutely priceless, being surrounded again by nothing but just an endless and wild landscape made the whole day surreal.” [Benni, the photographer]

Learn how to elope here.

Deciding Where to Elope

“Coming from the US, Brittany and Andrew were looking for an Italian destination for their elopement that was out of the ordinary. Trendy destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, Venice or Rome were not exactly what they were looking for, therefore we started researching for a beautiful yet hidden gem that would still convey all the Italian charm.

Eventually, they chose the Italian region, Abruzzo, in Central Italy, with its mountains, open and inhabited wide spaces and beautiful stone villages.

Abruzzo is sadly known for its seismic history, with the most recent 2009 earthquake that destroyed huge portions of cities and towns. When you walk through these villages that are trying to rise from such unfortunate and sad circumstances, you can really breathe a proud and powerful atmosphere.

They stayed at the incredible Albergo Diffuso Sextantio, a place that aims to preserve the integrity of the village and its surrounding landscape, where you can truly experience what the life of the people once living in Santo Stefano di Sessanio felt like. The aim of the Albergo Diffuso is ‘to bring the village back to life and to welcome tourists, but without sacrificing Santo Stefano’s identity.’.” [Benni, the photographer]

Explore more places to elope. 

Planning Your Elopement Near Abruzzo

“To take pictures in this location you do not need any specific permit. The location itself and the surroundings are spotless, so incredibly respected by the local community and so well preserved. Following common sense respectful rules to keep the location as well preserved is of course expected.

This location changes dramatically depending on the season of the year. It is a mountain location, so in Winter months it gets cold and snowy. In Summer time it is very hot but most of all, extremely crowded and packed; so this is something to definitely keep in mind when planning an elopement there.” [Benni, the photographer]

Learn how to leave no trace during your elopement. 

Memorable Moments From This Elopement

From the photographer:

“Well, climbing up the top of the mountain at 4 am in the morning, in pure darkness, with only our headlamps and a very strong wind filling up the stillness of that moment, was one of the best moments we experienced last season. Waiting and watching the sun rise on the ruins of the castle while our couple was exchanging vows, it was also something we will hardly ever forget.”

Vendors

Photography | Benni Carol Photography

Makeup and Hair | Paolo Manciocchi

Flowers |Barbara at Nero Fiore dalle Mie Mani

Celebrant | Liana Moca

Hotel | Sextantio

Photos From This Elopement