Your symbolic ceremony in Taormina
Symbolic Ceremonies in Taormina
Taormina is recognised worldwide as one of the most romantic and magnificent wedding destinations in existence. Perched on a promontory over 200 metres above the Ionian Sea, with Etna as a backdrop and Isola Bella at its feet, every corner of this ancient Greek town seems purpose-built to welcome the most beautiful day of your life.
I have been a secular celebrant in this marvellous town for over 9 years and know every villa, garden and panoramic terrace it has to offer.
The most evocative locations where I celebrate:
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina — the world's most iconic open-air venue, with views of Etna and the sea
- Villa Ducale and Villa Carlotta — frescoed halls, hanging gardens and a terrace over the Gulf of Taormina
- Piazza IX Aprile — the famous terrace overlooking the sea and Etna, heart of the medieval town
- Isola Bella — the small nature reserve reachable on foot at low tide
- Castelmola — the medieval hilltop village above Taormina at 600 m, 360° panorama
- Giardini Naxos — the golden-sand bay, the site of Sicily's first Greek colony
- Letojanni and Mazzarò — sheltered coves at the foot of the Taorminese cliffs
Why choose Rita as your celebrant in Taormina
✍️ Completely personalised
Every ceremony is written just for you, following dedicated meetings to hear your love story. No standard scripts: only words that truly belong to you.
📍 Anywhere in Taormina
On a panoramic terrace, at the Greek Theatre, in a villa garden or at any location of your choice in Taormina and surroundings — with views of Etna and Isola Bella, the ceremony takes place wherever you wish.
💍 With or without a civil ceremony
I can accompany a civil ceremony or conduct a fully standalone symbolic ceremony, with the rituals that best represent you as a couple.
Inspiration for your ceremony in Taormina
An icon of Sicilian romance worldwide, Taormina offers scenery that looks like a painting. A symbolic rite on a terrace overlooking Isola Bella or among the fragrances of Mediterranean gardens is a sensory experience that will remain in your guests' hearts forever.
Locations I regularly serve:
Specialised in the venues of Taormina, Castelmola, Giardini Naxos, Letojanni and surroundings.
My experience and credentials
I am Rita Ziino, a professional secular celebrant certified by Accredia (UNI/Pdr 118.2:2021) and a member of Federcelebranti since 2020. I have been celebrating ceremonies in Sicily since 2016 and have conducted over 200 ceremonies, each time placing a unique love story at the heart of the celebration.
What you get by choosing me:
- A ceremony written entirely from scratch, from the very first word to the last
- Preliminary meetings to get to know you and gather your story
- Coordination with photographers, musicians and wedding planners
- A full range of rituals: ring exchange, unity candle, handfasting and many more
- Complete support from booking through to your wedding day
Frequently Asked Questions — Celebrant in Taormina
How much does a celebrant cost for a symbolic ceremony in Taormina?+
The cost of a symbolic ceremony in Taormina starts from €600 and varies depending on the complexity of the ritual, the number of preliminary meetings and the chosen venue. There are no hidden fees: the quote includes writing a bespoke ceremony, coordination with suppliers and full assistance until your wedding day. Contact me for a personalized quote.
How does a symbolic ceremony work in Taormina?+
A symbolic ceremony is a personalized celebration that tells your love story. We start with introductory meetings where I listen to your journey as a couple, then I write a completely bespoke script. On the ceremony day I lead the ritual including vow exchanges, symbolic rituals (sand, ribbons, candles) and guest involvement moments. The ceremony can be combined with the civil rite or celebrated independently.
Where can symbolic ceremonies be held in Taormina and the Ionian Riviera?+
I celebrate secular ceremonies at any venue in Taormina and the Ionian Riviera: panoramic terraces with Etna and sea views, 5-star hotels, exclusive resorts and historic gardens like Villa Comunale and Isola Bella. There are no limits: the ceremony takes place wherever you wish, including private venues or unconventional outdoor spaces.
Do I need a celebrant for a civil wedding in Taormina?+
A civil wedding is officiated by a civil registrar or their delegate. However, many couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony alongside the civil rite to have a more personalized and engaging celebration. In this case I celebrate the symbolic part at your chosen venue, while the civil rite takes place at the town hall or at the same venue with a delegated official.
How far in advance should I book a celebrant in Taormina?+
I recommend getting in touch at least 6-8 months in advance, especially for weddings between May and October when dates fill up quickly. For the most popular summer dates (June-September), it's advisable to plan 10-12 months ahead. Don't hesitate to contact me with shorter notice: I always check availability for your date.
What couples say
Una certezza Se decidete di affidarvi a Rita, non sbagliate di sicuro! Lei saprà raccontare e celebrare il vostro amore nella maniera più magica possibile. Se dovessi descriverla in una parola sarebbe MAGICA. La nostra Fata Madrina che ci ha accompagnato passo passo. Grazie Rita per aver reso indimenticabile il nostro matrimonio.
Leggi tutto...Matrimonio Cefalù Rita è stata molto precisa e creativa e ha dimostrato tantissima umanità ed empatia nel descrivere il nostro rapporto di coppia.
Leggi tutto...Rita made our wedding ceremony so special!! Non avremmo potuto desiderare un officiant migliore per il nostro matrimonio in Sicilia! Rita è molto professionale, gentile e disponibile. Rita è riuscita a scrivere la cerimonia nuziale più riflessiva e personale, che rispecchiava perfettamente la nostra relazione, la nostra famiglia e i nostri valori. È stata molto calda e dolce. Sapevamo di aver fatto la scelta giusta! Le sue parole meravigliose hanno commosso noi e i nostri ospiti.
Leggi tutto...We were so incredibly lucky to have Rita as our celebrant for our wedding day. From the very first meeting, she radiated warmth, kindness, and genuine care for us as a couple. She took the time to really get to know our story, our personalities, and what we wanted our ceremony to feel like — and she absolutely nailed it. The script Rita prepared was beyond anything we could have hoped for. It was beautifully written, perfectly balanced between heartfelt emotion and joyful celebration, and it truly reflected us. She guided us through every step with so much patience and support, making the entire process stress-free and enjoyable. On the day itself, Rita was simply amazing. Her calm presence, her beautiful words, and the way she delivered the ceremony made everything feel magical. Our guests couldn’t stop telling us how personal and touching it was — and we couldn’t agree more. Rita gave us the most perfect ceremony we could have ever imagined. It was full of love, laughter, and meaning, and it’s a moment we’ll treasure forever. We can’t thank her enough for making our wedding day so special. If you’re looking for a celebrant who is warm, professional, and truly passionate about creating unforgettable ceremonies, Rita is the one. ❤️
Leggi tutto...Read More
Contact Me
If you dream of a unique and personalized non-traditional ceremony, if you want to learn more about symbolic or civil rituals, or if you are looking for a professional lay celebrant in Sicily or Calabria, contact me.
You can do this by filling out the form below or through one of the social links.
I will be happy to reply giving you all the information you need.
I will be happy to reply giving you all the information you need.
⚠️ Summer dates fill up quickly — check availability for your date now.