Estate

Former Church Santa Chiara Murano

30141 Venezia VE, Italy, Italy30–120 guests$$$

Type:Estate

Capacity:30–120 guests

Budget:$$$

Airport:Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), 45-60 minutes

Built in the 16th century as a functioning Franciscan convent church, Former Church Santa Chiara on Murano Island has been meticulously restored into an intimate wedding venue that preserves its sacred architectural heritage. The deconsecrated space retains soaring vaulted ceilings, original stone columns, and centuries-old frescoes, offering couples a ceremony backdrop steeped in Venetian history. Located on the island famous for its glassblowing tradition, the venue provides a rare opportunity to marry within an authentic Renaissance structure while remaining accessible by boat from Venice proper.

Highlights

16th-century Franciscan convent church with original architectural details intact
Capacity of 80-120 seated guests in the main ceremony hall
Original frescoes, vaulted ceilings, and hand-carved stone columns remain from restoration
Private access via Fondamenta Manin with water taxi and gondola arrival options
Located on Murano Island, historically the center of Venetian glass production since 1291

Quick facts

Capacity30–120 guests

Venue typeEstate

Price range$$$

LocationItaly

Nearest airportVCE

Visit venue website

Plan your wedding at Former Church Santa Chiara Murano

Getting there

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

45-60 minutes to venue

Alilaguna Ferry

€15-18 per person

45 minutes total · Direct water bus from airport to Venice; then vaporetto Line 3 or 4 to Murano

Private Water Taxi

€120-160 per group

35-45 minutes · Door-to-door service from airport to venue via private motorboat

Vaporetto (Public Water Bus)

€8 per person (single journey)

20-30 minutes from Piazza San Marco · From central Venice, take lines 3, 4, or 4.1 to Murano; walk to Fondamenta Manin

Cost estimate

Ceremony / venue fee

€2,500-4,500

Reception (per guest)

€65-120 (guest count dependent)

Accommodation (per night)

€100-280 (Murano island options; Venice nearby €120-350)

Estimated total

€12,000-25,000+ (100 guests, ceremony + reception + basic catering)

Pricing varies by season (peak May-September). Final quote requires direct consultation. Venue rental does not include catering or bar service. Water transport for guests incurs additional costs.

Sample wedding weekend

Friday

3:00 PMGuest arrival on Murano; welcome reception at nearby café or hotel

Saturday

10:30 AMPhotography session with bridal party at venue and Murano island locations

3:00 PMCeremony begins in Former Church Santa Chiara (45-60 minutes)

4:15 PMCocktail hour and photo session on Fondamenta Manin or nearby piazza

5:30 PMReception and dinner in venue or external catering space

10:00 PMEvening departure; optional nighttime gondola ride through Venice

Sunday

MorningFarewell breakfast; guests return to airport or continue exploring Venice

This is a sample itinerary. Your wedding weekend can be fully customized.

Frequently asked questions

Is the venue still a functioning church?

No, the space has been deconsecrated and is exclusively available for private events, including weddings.

What is the maximum guest capacity?

The main hall accommodates up to 120 seated guests for ceremonies and receptions.

How do guests arrive at the venue?

Guests travel by water taxi, vaporetto, or private gondola from Venice to Murano Island. The venue is a short walk from the main water transport stops.

Are outside catering and decorators permitted?

Yes, couples may hire their own catering and floral/décor teams. Contact the venue directly for vendor requirements and restrictions.

What is nearby for guest accommodations?

Murano has several small hotels and guesthouses. Many guests choose to stay in central Venice, approximately 15 minutes away by vaporetto.