10 Best places for a wedding in Italy
What’s so special about italy?
Italy stands literally shaped like a boot, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe. The country, covering an area of 301 230 km2, including the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.Its history precedes it, everyone knows about it, thanks to movies like The Gladiator, and everyone can see it while visiting places like Rome, looking at The Colosseum or the Roman Forum, amongst many other traces of great battles and thousand-year-old stories of names and faces of the Roman Empire.
As if that wasn’t enough, Italian cuisine is famous all over the world, with Italian restaurants popping up in every other city. However, you haven’t really tasted Italian food until you are in the country itself with the pastas filled with impossible to copy tomato sauce, the pizzas made with fresh dough and the gelattos, the creamier, tastier and a true fruit punch in the mouth version of the ice cream.
All put together, you have the perfect location for the wedding you’ve been dreaming about, because let’s be honest: beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage, great weather AND amazing food? What’s there not to love? Let’s dive into some of the best spots our team could find divided into the 10 most romantic Italian places.
10. Lombardia, the whole of Italy in one region
What more can you ask for in an Italian wedding than splendid mountains, historical monuments and a crystal-blue lake as far as the eye can see? Lombardia, they say, combines all of Italy in just one region. The perfect place to seal such an important commitment and feel, at the same time, you are right in the middle of the most romantic movie setting you’ll ever have the pleasure of being in. Both a well-known spot for destination weddings and honeymoons, Lombardia was made for walking around, holding hands, and appreciating the little things in life.
We have four amazing spots in the region which you cannot miss. ISOLA DEL GUARDA blends nature, history and soul in a fairytale setting that combines a majestic natural park, an imposing tower, the ancient walls of a monastery and great sunsets by the secluded shores of the lake. You’ll find 18th century frescoes, enjoy the quiet breeze amongst the rustling of the trees and labyrinth gardens with waves of sweet fragrances from roses and hydrangeas. With the same religious print, the CONVENTO DELL’ANNUNCIATA is a 15th century home set within the beautiful Italian countryside near Lake Garda. Both sophisticated and unpretentious, it’s ideal for stylish wedding celebrations immersed in nature.
With a totally different vibe, L’ALBERETA RELAIS & CHATEAUX is located just outside Milan in a secluded paradise surrounded by vineyards in the hills of Franciacorta Vineyards. Covered in greenery, with views of the countryside, the Alps and Lake Iseo, its exquisite interior and Michelin restaurant make this the perfect place for a wedding. Closing the Lombardia chapter, IL CASALE DENARI offers gentle hills, an ancient mansion and breathtaking views. A unique location that combines both historical features with the best that nature has to offer.
Why Umbria, you ask? Let’s start with the three essentials: rolling hills, sunflowers and castles. So many castles! The difficult part? Choosing only one of them. Reflections of a time we only get to read about in books, the historic monuments can be the perfect spot for the greatest day of your life. Umbria has so much more, though, like old chapels, villas and medieval towns. It may well be the number one spot for those who wish they could travel back in time and live in an era so different from their daily routines. The good news is Umbria is just waiting for you to make that decision.
And the decision may involve BADIA DI ORVIETO. Orvieto, the ancient land of the Etruscans, home of communication routes between Florence/Rome, crossroads of culture and traditions and thermal spas and baths. In this region, Badia di Orvieto is known as the oldest hotel in Italy, a four-star haven of peace and quiet immersed in the countryside. There’s no better place for a wedding than the abbey in this hotel that overlooks the courtyards filled with olive trees and rows of grapevines. Just 10 minutes away, we find CONVENTO SANTA CROCE, located in the medieval village of Sant’Anatolia di Narco. An exclusive wedding venue that dates as far back as the 14th century with beautiful frescoed rooms, arched doorways and a cozy garden.
If you have always dreamed about getting married in a castle, Umbria offers two great choices. CASTELLO DI MONTIGNANO gives you the possibility of saying “I do” surrounded by beautiful stone rooms and vaulted ceilings or in the olive tree park with spectacular views. The food is all local from bread to homemade pasta and each dish is served with wine from the best Umbrian and national wine cellars. CASTELLO PETRATA, on the other hand, is an ancient fortress of the 14th century carefully restored to guarantee an unforgettable stay. It includes a 50-hectare park, a refined restaurant, spa and unique views of Assisi and Perugia. From breakfast in a cave, lunch in the garden to a candlelight dinner, in the utmost silence, the Umbrian tradition will wow you with its elegant and refined atmosphere and you will relax like never before, immersed in history.
9. Umbria, travel back in time
A wedding on the beach? Look no further, you have found your destination! This island offers you enchanting beaches, crystal-clear water and sunny weather six months a year. Sardinia is full of dream-like settings and unspoiled locations, where nature flourishes gracefully in its white sand beaches and exotic dunes. Supported by its ancestral reflections and memories and the myth of Atlantis, Sardinia is the spot you didn’t even know you wanted… until now.
FRONTEMARE is a beachfront restaurant with breathtaking views and tranquil waves in a relaxing romantic space. It stands out due to the authentic Sardinian seafood and classic Italian desserts that set the tone for the wedding of your dreams. Bride and groom can tie the knot standing on golden sands with the Gulf of the Angels serving as a natural background, punctuated with a warm Mediterranean breeze. The best moment? The cutting of the cake when the sun sets at sea while everyone sips cocktails and celebrates you, the happy couple.
Not looking for a beach wedding but definitely in love with Sardinia? We get you! Try VIGNE SURRAU, a landscape that extends over 120 acres where a contemporary wedding can take place amongst a sprawling vineyard. The enchanting structure combines the charm of ancient stonework with chic modern design. This architectural wonder with floor-to-ceiling windows and fine wooden elements blurs lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, including a contemporary art gallery, beautiful gardens and an elegant veranda, offering the possibility of a destination wedding that combines scenic quality with rural celebration.
8. Sardinia, white sand beaches and crystal-clear water
Although we could place Florence further down this list, as it is part of Tuscany, we chose to give it its own place because it is said to be the city in the world that offers the greatest number of wedding venues per square metre. Renaissance villas, medieval castles, Baroque and Rococo decorated hotels, former convents transformed, private palaces, theatres and museums and much more, are now available for private events. A city that welcomes people from all religions, with Protestant and Catholic churches, a synagogue and an Orthodox church. Ideal for weddings and elopements, it is elevated by the quality of its food and wine, maintaining a perfect balance of magnificence and romanticism.
We have to start our Florence tour with CASTELLO DI VINCIGLIATA. The most popular venue in Florence, it is built on the foundations of a property that dates back to 1031 located in the hills of Fiesole. The halls furnished with period furniture, the panoramic terrace, the courtyard and every corner of this evocative setting will help you make unforgettable memories. A wedding that takes place here is treated with the utmost attention to detail and it will certainly enchant every guest, even the most nonchalant ones. If the Castle is not the right option for you, please try the classical FOUR SEASONS HOTEL in Florence, located just a few steps from the Duomo and the most luxurious hotel of the region. Perfect for elopements and weddings, with a lovely chapel surrounded by frescoes and a secular garden.
The tour is not over yet. There are still a few villas that you must familiarize yourself with. VILLA DI MAIANO is located on the hillside overlooking the city. Its garden with an old big oak tree and the terrace with a spectacular view are some of its best features. VILLA CORA, on the other hand, stands right in the centre of Florence, a fantastic five-star hotel, with centenarian frescoes and Baroque decorations, perfect for elopements and intimate celebrations, as well as big weddings. Let’s end with VILLA LE FONTANELLE, located in northern Florence, which offers charming rooms and a massive tower with an unforgettable view. The property includes a church and secular trees all around, and dinners can be enjoyed under a canopy covered by the wisteria tree.
7. Florence, every venue you ever thought about
6. Puglia, masserias as far as the eye can see
A wedding in Puglia? You better count on amazing sea views, white masserias, luxury villas, lots of culture and tradition, top food and wine, as well as exceptional hospitality. Puglia sits on the “heel” of Italy and is known for its typical houses, centenary fields and Mediterranean coast. Puglia’s list of spots was one of the hardest to put together because the options were so many… and so good. We never back away from a challenge, though, so here’s our contribution for your wedding to be.
CHIOSTRO DEI DOMENICANI – DIMORA STORICA is the perfect spot for couples who love historical places. The stone walls and once upon a time vibe will give you the best wedding photos and memories. The four-star hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a terrace that will please all the guests. The quiet and relaxed environment is ideal for this kind of event. For the history lovers, there’s also CASTELLO MONACI, located in the heart of the Salento region of Puglia. If you ever dreamed about getting married in a castle, you should definitely check this one out. It offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, and the picturesque vineyards and gardens, the stunning pool and the magnificent patio will leave you speechless.
We cannot talk about Puglia without mentioning the Masserias, fortified farmhouses found in this region typically built in the 16th century. Let’s start with LA RESIDENZA MASSERIA PETTOLECCHIA, a wedding venue beautifully restored to cater for guests looking for a dreamy Italian wedding. With a swimming pool, an exclusive beach club and so many luxuries to comfort even the most extravagant desires, this is one of the places you must put on your list. MASSERIA POTENTI will win you over with its cuisine, accommodation and picturesque grounds. Perfect for a weekend wedding, the authenticity of the place is what guests love best, topped with the hospitality of the staff. For a more intimate wedding, we suggest MASSERIA ANGIULLI PICCOLO, a cozy spot in Puglia that will certainly give you home vibes but still remind you of the adventure of marrying in another country. Closing the chapter of this region, we must tell you about TENUTA TRESCA, a breathtaking spot with olive trees and a mouth-watering menu. The dining takes place in the square built around an old oak tree at the heart of the estate.
5. Verona, take a photo on Juliet’s balcony
Oh, Verona, we have all heard of you. Undoubtedly, one of the top locations for destination weddings. The city that became world-famous because of the greatest love story of all time: Romeo and Juliet. A charming city full of memorable monuments and eye-stopping architecture, with paved streets lined with the most sophisticated shops to spend an afternoon lost in precious pieces, not to mention the cozy restaurants and cafés, the imposing Arena and, of course, Juliet’s balcony, where a couple’s photo is mandatory. You can’t go wrong with this one.
And so we start with JULIET’S HOUSE. The most romantic wedding hall in front of the legendary balcony which is one of the greatest symbols of the city. The 13th century family home has always been a place of pilgrimage for lovers all over the world. Weddings are very similar to a fairytale: the bride will face the balcony waiting for her husband-to-be, when he comes they both enter the house through the romantic hall where the Mayor welcomes the couple and one of the guests reads a short poem. Afterwards, the moment is eternalized with a photo on the famous balcony.
However, there’s more to Verona than Juliet. LA FINESTRA SUL FIUME is an Italian mansion that is a true window over the river. The gentle rolling hills of the Italian countryside provide a chic celebration location for your intimate wedding. SPIAGGIA DEGLI OLIVI offers completely new, elegant and sophisticated premises and a surrounding lake, with ceremonies taking place on the beach or the terrace. Lastly, LA FONTE DEGLI DEI WINE RELAIS is a countryside venue with a stunning archway and extensive gardens filled with statues, fountains and water games for couples to gaze at while exchanging vows. Old-world charm combined with modern amenities.
4. Rome, get married in the eternal city
A true gift to yourself and your guests, a wedding in Rome comprises not only the fact that you are getting hitched in the Eternal City, but also that there will be so many things to do and see. Wandering through the streets and admiring the beautiful architecture, travelling through centuries of landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and tossing a coin over your shoulder by the Trevi Fountain. Lush gardens, birds perching on treetops and the most fabulous fountains spread along the city, Rome is a unique cradle of history and iconic treasures. One of the best places for a destination wedding.
So, let’s start sumptuously. VILLA D’ESTE is one of the symbols of the Italian Renaissance and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating as far back as 1550. Situated in Tivoli, the villa is a gem of architectural and landscape splendour. Famous all over the world for its fountains that collect the water directly from the River Aniene through a 600-metre underground canal, the complex extends for 4 hectares and includes a residential palace (Palazzo d’Este), a garden with trees and hedge-lined avenues, and a hundred fountains that are true masterpieces, including the Fontana del Bicchierone, a musical fountain. Also dating far back in history, IL CONVENTINO DI MENTANA is a convent built in the 1600s, being the first sanctuary of the Capuchin friars in Lazio. It offers a breathtaking setting for a wedding with modern amenities but maintaining the charm of the past. Dinners are served in medieval-style in the cavernous deconsecrated church surrounded by stone walls and an arched ceiling. The outdoors dazzle with the verdant lawn and its bistro lights draping romantically above.
Still on the historical wagon, why not a castle? CASTELLO BRANCACIO is something right out of a fairytale. A 10th century building that has seen a wide range of culturally diverse weddings in present times. Located in the picturesque city of San Gregorio da Sassola, it includes dreamy stone staircases, intricate roof detailing and rich history inside, ready for a couple who wants to step back in time. The kitchen is prepared for every request and the wines are from its own vineyard. Speaking of idyllic, we must also mention HOTEL DE RUSSIE, labelled by Jean Cocteau ‘paradise on earth’. A luxury hotel situated between the Piazza del Polo and the Spanish Steps. It includes a lush green Secret Garden with roses bushes, orange trees and mature pines and a fine dining restaurant on the terrace of the Pincio Gardens. We couldn’t leave Rome without introducing you to PALAZZO MANFREDI, an exquisite palatial hotel that has an outstanding view of Rome’s most well-known sight: The Colosseum. One of the finest boutique hotels in the city, it redefines the limits of luxury portraying the royal lifestyle.
3. Lake como, the celebrity love affair
Lake Como… Isn’t it where George Clooney has a summer house? Yes, him and many other celebrities flee to Lake Como to rest and enjoy the romantic charm of this natural landscape, located so near to Milan and Switzerland. In the last years, getting married in Lake Como, bathed by a special light and surrounded by mountains, has become an exclusive luxury affair with the most elegant villas along the shores of the lake and sceneries that scream romance. Is there any bride who doesn’t start to dream and imagine herself with her wedding gown while looking at pictures of this place? We highly doubt it.
Four villas you must check out. VILLA LA CASSINELLA is secluded, private and picturesque. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it’s located on the western shores of Lake Como. With first-class amenities and furnished high-quality Italian antiques, one of its most striking features is its infinity edge swimming pool covered in gold tiles. VILLA BALBIANO is a 18th century mansion, the largest private residence located on a wooden promontory on Lake Como, that has hosted writers, scholars and travellers, becoming known as a legendary wedding venue and conquering awards for its astonishing garden. Inside, frescoes, art and furniture from Sotheby’s and Christie’s.
VILLA REGINA TEODOLINDA, the ultimate location for a fairytale wedding, used to be the home of Queen Teodolinda. Located in Laglio, a small Italian village, it stands in the narrowest point of the lake where the opposite shore is closer than it is at any other point in Lake Como. A villa that exudes charm with is quaint backyard pool for those guests that stay the night, after arriving by private boat and experiencing the magic in Villa Regina Teodolinda as soon as they step off the dock. And we close with VILLA ERBA, and 18th century villa surrounded by an English garden with century-old plants facing the lake. A famous movie was shot here, want to guess? If you said Ocean’s Twelve, you got it right! Villa Erba is a palace decorated in fine Italian style perfect for timeless events.
You know the postcards, right? With the rocks, the clear water and the colourful cars? Yes, that’s right, the Amalfi Coast is comprised of places like Capri, Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, all of which have beauty beyond compare. Together with Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular Italian locations for destination weddings due to its unprecedented views from any spot you stand on. A vibrant coastline with surreal clifftop resorts, century-old hotels and jaw-dropping castles that give a charm of its own to this city perched in the middle of the mountains and sea. And let’s not forget about the friendly and welcoming locals, enhancing the experience of a stay in this spot. They were the ones that turned this steep stretch of land, devoid of any agricultural and rural opportunities, into the paradise we see today, having received UNESCO’s recognition as a World Heritage Site.
Let’s start with CASA ANGELINA. On the top of the cliffs, sits this luxury spot known for the minimalist philosophy of its ambience. The hotel serves as a sanctuary bearing a fresh white-washed aesthetic that accentuates every space, from the azure sea and sky. Contemporary artworks are displayed inside with a sense of understate chic and subtle details. Everything reminds you of nature. With equally amazing views, HOTEL SANTA CATERINA was built in 1880 into the hillside in the town of Amalfi. A stunning luxury wedding venue at the water’s edge that offers an unique experience mixing chic accommodations with the natural environment. The photographs on the open veranda with the coast as a backdrop… trust us, just check it out.
Let’s head now to the villas, beginning with PALAZZO AVINO. A 12th century private villa of a noble Italian family converted into a deluxe five-star hotel. It is considered one of the world’s finest hotels for intimate weddings on the hillside terrace. Situated in the mountains, 100 feet above sea level, it offers a Michelin-star dining experience, spa, limousine and helicopter service and spectacular views of the coast. In Sorrento, we find VILLA ASTOR, originally bought by William Waldorf Astor in 1905. Set on the edge of a cliff above the Bay of Naples, the majestic property is the epitome of luxury with opulent marble bathrooms, an iconic 20 thousand square metre botanical garden with 1000 species of plants, a natural grotto carved into a cliff for guests to swim in and breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Mount Vesuvius. Along the Amalfi Coast, you can also find: VILLA EVA, a wedding venue decorated in the Italian Art Noveau style on the early 1900’s, placed at the highest point of Ravello and surrounded by a 3000 square metre park, centenary trees and a vine covered terrace; and VILLA TREVILLE, famous among A-listers, sits close to the shore amidst lush foliage, with an air of laidback opulence and an elegantly serene and tranquil environment.
2. Amalfi coast, Italy’s best kept secret
1. Tuscany, the dream wedding
And we finally arrive at the number one chosen spot: Tuscany. Oh the Tuscany style… A relaxed al fresco dinner with the setting arranged to look like summer in an Italian farmhouse. Tuscany has the largest and most diverse concentration of wedding venues in Italy, no other region offers this choice of castles, resorts, villas, farmhouses and unusual locations. If you want guarantees, look no further: Tuscany all the way!
A beautifully restored medieval village and monastery? Sign us up! CASTEL MONASTERO is a five-star resort in Tuscany that offers one of the most beautiful stretches of countryside in Italy, among Chianti wines, corn fields, chestnut forests and long rows of Cypress trees. Within the thousand-year-old walls, this true Tuscan retreat exudes a feeling of simple refinement and pure elegance with its contemporary rustic chic style. Just close your eyes and inhale the warmth of nature all around you. LA SELVA GIARDINO DEL BELVEDERE, on the other hand, is a private Tuscan villa with salt-water swimming pools in the Chianti Hills, located between Florence, Siena and Arezzo. Charming, beautiful and unique, it includes a large natural garden with contemporary art sculptures and a stone amphitheater.
There are so many options in Tuscany. ROSEWOOD CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO recreates the look of an authentic Tuscan village with the comfort of the 21st century. Founded by Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo, the property is a Tuscan home away from home with a superb cuisine, a private gold club and a leading winery. MONTEVERDI CASTIGLIONCELLO DEL TRINORO believes that all events talking place there must be flawlessly tailored. A unique touch in planning, curating and executing creates the most special moments in this spot with luxury accommodations and views of the Tuscan rolling hills. Getting to the end of this list, it would be a sin to leave out two villas. VILLA MONTANARE dates back to 1640. Perched on a beautiful hill, it is the ultimate spot for a wedding or elopement with the silence and peace of the authentic Tuscan gardens filled with a variety of olives, cypresses, pines, figs, fruit trees, rosemary bushes, lavender and so much more. Hear the crickets chirp, watch the butterflies dancing around and at night the natural show of fireflies will delight you against the milky way of stars. VILLA CETINALE is an architectural marvel with a world-famous garden, its own chapel and holy wood, that has been the centre of pilgrimages. The original villa was once owned by Fabio Chigi, who later became Pope Alexander VII. The park in the premises contains seven votive chapels dedicated to the Virgin Mary and 16 statues, including one of Hercules. Villa Cetinale is grand, built in the Roman Baroque style, yet unpretentious.
How about it?
Have you made your choice yet? Or did we leave you even more confused?Italy has so many great spots for a memorable wedding that the difficult part is choosing only one!
Oh, if only we could get married to the same person every year to try all of these amazing places…