• Every wedding is special, but some really stand out, and this one in Paestum, Italy will stay with me for a long time. At the beginning of October, I was booked to perform at the stunning Savoy Hotel and Spa, and its venues like this that make this part of southern Italy so breathtaking. When the enquiry first came through, the couple told me they were planning a relaxed yet elegant destination wedding with family and friends flying in from the UK. They’d been recommended me by someone else, and they said “We can’t imagine our big day without your magic.” How could I say no to that?

  Flying in from Luton to Naples

  The trip itself was surprisingly smooth. I flew from Luton to Naples, which is a simple little two-and-a-half-hour flight, and then took a scenic transfer down the Amalfi coast towards Paestum. If you’ve never been, it’s a beautiful area….. palm trees, sea views, and that unmistakable Italian charm everywhere you look.

  The Savoy Hotel was the perfect backdrop for this special wedding day: elegant without being over the top, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. From the moment I arrived, I could tell this was going to be one of those events where the atmosphere just clicked. There was sunshine, good vibes, and a crowd ready to have fun.

  Performing Magic in the Italian Sunshine

  Performing magic at a destination wedding has its own unique rhythm. Guests are usually in holiday mode, a little more relaxed and open to being entertained. The drinks reception was set on a terrace overlooking the gardens, and I mingled between groups performing close-up magic, mind reading, sleight of hand, and a few routines designed especially for weddings.

  Capturing Reactions with Meta Ray-Ban Sunglasses

  For this wedding, I also brought along my Meta Ray-Ban smart sunglasses, which allow me to discreetly capture live video as I perform. They’re perfect for moments like this, as they capture authentic reactions, laughter, and pure amazement, all filmed from my own point of view.

  You can see the short clip at the bottom of the page 👇

  What I love about using these is that they show magic the way I experience it — right in the moment, surrounded by smiles and disbelief. It’s one thing to see a polished promo video, but another to witness raw reactions as they happen.

  Why a Magician Abroad Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

  One of the biggest misconceptions couples have is that booking a magician for a wedding abroad will be expensive. The reality? It’s often far more affordable than you think.

  When you consider that flights within Europe are reasonably priced — especially if booked early — and accommodation is often provided as part of the wedding arrangements, it can end up costing very little more than a UK booking.

  For destination weddings, I usually handle all the travel logistics myself to take the stress away from my brides and grooms, and make sure everything is as seamless as possible for the couple. My goal is simple: to bring that same high-quality, engaging magic to your wedding, wherever it happens to be in the world.

  So, if you’re planning a wedding in Italy, Spain, France, or beyond, and you’d love to add that extra touch of magic, don’t assume it’s out of reach. It’s easier — and more affordable — than you might imagine.

If you’d like to chat about making your destination wedding truly unforgettable, get in touch or follow me on Instagram, @lukecloughmagic, to see more behind-the-scenes clips from weddings and events around Europe.