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Chiara and Francesco’s Elegant Celebration Among Canals and Secret Gardens
We had already met Chiara and Francesco during their luminous sunrise engagement session in Venice. In July, they returned to their beloved city to say yes forever, choosing to celebrate an elegant, emotional day between the Church of the Frari and the historic Palazzo Zeno — a perfect setting for a wedding in Venice and for anyone dreaming of a refined garden wedding in Venice.
Some weddings seem to unfold effortlessly, as if the city itself had decided to take part. Chiara and Francesco’s celebration, set in a summer Venice scented with warm stone, ancient wood and moving water, was exactly like that.
Despite the typical Venetian heat, the city offered moments of shade and relief — from Palazzo Zeno’s secret garden to the breeze you feel when you step into a water taxi. These elements together captured the essence of both a grand palazzo celebration and the charm of a garden wedding in Venice.
I already knew their Palazzo Wedding in Venice would be a day filled with connection, gentle humor, and understated sweetness.
Getting Ready at Palazzo Zeno: Elegance, History and a Venetian Garden
The bride chose to get ready inside the magnificent rooms of Palazzo Zeno, a Venetian architectural jewel overlooking a quiet canal. With her were her two lifelong friends, sharing laughter, hugs and a touch of emotion as Chiara put on her dress.
Palazzo Zeno is a rare Venetian palace that has preserved its noble identity without becoming a museum. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it still features its original Gothic structure enriched by Baroque additions and 18th-century details. This refined blend makes it ideal for couples looking for an elegant Palazzo Wedding in Venice.
An element that makes Palazzo Zeno especially unique is its private garden, one of the most sought-after features for couples dreaming of a garden wedding in Venice. Quiet, shaded and intimate, it offers a peaceful green oasis that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding canals.
Inside, the piano nobile reveals antique mirrors, stuccoes and chandeliers casting a soft light — perfect for an intimate yet theatrical wedding dinner.
Meanwhile, Francesco got ready in a nearby B&B, surrounded by his family and reviewing the heartfelt speech he had prepared for Chiara.
The Church of the Frari: A Masterpiece for a Venetian Wedding
One of the most beautiful moments of the day was Chiara’s walk with her father through a silent Venice, from Palazzo Zeno to the Church of the Frari. Her tension melted into pure joy, and she couldn’t stop smiling as she approached the altar.
The ceremony took place in the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, a Gothic masterpiece home to works by Titian and Canova. Its vast naves, soft light and sacred atmosphere make it a deeply emotional setting for a religious Venetian wedding.
A Ceremony Full of Emotion
The Mass was celebrated by Chiara’s uncle, making the moment even more intimate. The church was quiet and focused on the couple, while the summer light created a magical atmosphere.
Both Chiara and Francesco read heartfelt letters to one another — sincere, delicate words full of complicity. Many guests couldn’t hold back their tears.
Water Taxi Portraits Toward San Giorgio Maggiore
After the ceremony, we boarded a water taxi for their couple portraits. The light on the water, the wind and the calm of the lagoon created a sense of freedom only Venice can offer.
San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the most iconic locations for wedding photos in Venice. Its peaceful atmosphere, bright architecture and stunning view over St. Mark’s Square make it ideal for both palazzo celebrations and couples planning a garden wedding in Venice who still want iconic lagoon portraits.
Here, Chiara and Francesco found silence again — their natural rhythm — letting themselves be photographed with ease.
Reception at Palazzo Zeno: Secret Gardens and Baroque Interiors
The couple returned to Palazzo Zeno by water taxi, welcomed by applause from guests enjoying an aperitif between the ground-floor hall and the palace’s private garden. This charming outdoor space embodies the essence of a garden wedding in Venice, blending greenery, quiet and the unmistakable atmosphere of a noble Venetian residence.
The atmosphere was relaxed, joyful and full of warmth.
What Makes a Palazzo Wedding in Venice Unique at Palazzo Zeno
Also known as Ca’ Zeno, the palace dates back to the 14th century and is still lived in by the Zeno family today. It offers:
- frescoed rooms with high ceilings for the beginning of the reception,
- a private, shaded garden — a true rarity in Venice, ideal for a garden wedding in Venice,
- an elegant piano nobile for dinner among mirrors and Baroque details,
- and an exclusive dance hall that allows the celebration to continue late into the night, something almost impossible in most Venetian venues.
The evening unfolded with toasts, music and dancing, with Chiara and Francesco at the center of affectionate attention and laughter.
An Unforgettable Palazzo Wedding in Venice
Chiara and Francesco’s wedding at Palazzo Zeno was everything they dreamed of: elegant, authentic, emotional and deeply personal. From the majesty of the Frari to the quiet of San Giorgio Maggiore, and the magic of a historical palace with its serene garden, their day embodied the very best of both a Palazzo Wedding in Venice and a romantic garden wedding in Venice.
