THE 10 MOST ROMANTIC PLACES TO GET MARRIED IN ITALY

Are you planning a destination wedding in Italy? Perhaps a sophisticated, formal event in a medieval castle in Umbria, a romantic stately affair in a 16th Renaissance villa in Tuscany, or maybe a more casual affair in a farm-to-table agriturismo in Puglia? Whatever you choose for your big day, you can find it in Italy. Here is my list of the 10 most romantic places to get married in Italy.

Not only is Italy one of the most beautiful countries in the world but it features some of the best food and wine the world has to offer. It’s also relatively easy for non-residents to get married there. Anyone can have a civil wedding in a location that has been approved by the Italian authorities such as many villas, castles, large hotels, town halls, and public gardens. Catholic church weddings are legally recognized in Italy but couples of different religions will need proof of civil marriage before they can celebrate in a church. Or if you have already had a legal ceremony you can choose almost any location to hold a symbolic wedding ceremony to celebrate your union. There are a few steps to go through such as notifying the town hall in the area you plan on marrying, but a good Italian wedding planner will be able to guide you through the process. Most good hotels will also have someone on staff who can assist in making your special day fulfill all your dreams. Here are a few of the most romantic locations I’ve found that will be sure to make your special day unforgettable.

Vignamaggio, Tuscany  

Located in the famous Chianti region, halfway between Florence and Sienna, Vignamaggio is thought to be the birthplace of the Monna Lisa and is one of the most beautiful estates in the area. It might look familiar as it was also the setting for the movie “Much Ado About Nothing” featuring Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson. The property has been a vineyard for hundreds of years and now features upscale accommodations for up to 40 guests. Larger groups can be accommodated for receptions. Named, Monna Lisa, the restaurant serves top-notch cuisine featuring produce grown right there on the estate. Vignamaggio specializes in romantic garden weddings and can help organize everything needed to help make your special day go smoothly.

Villa Regina Teodolinda, Lake Como

The Villa Regina Teodolinda is close to my heart.  I had the pleasure of staying here a few years ago and I can honestly say that it was a truly memorable experience. Set in the enchanting town of Laglio (think George Clooney), about 15 minutes north of the village of Como it is about an hour’s drive from Milan airport. The characteristic villa sits directly on the lake so getting to and from the villa by water or car is easy. The in-house concierge at the Teodolinda specializes in helping to organize exquisite weddings and events down to the smallest detail. The boutique hotel offers a small number of suites all with beautiful lake views. When I had the pleasure of staying here our 2 bedroom suite rivalled even the top luxury hotels.

Villa La Vedetta, Florence

(Update; Villa La Vedetta appears to have closed). The incredible views from the Villa La Vedetta boutique hotel are just one of the reasons it makes my list of the 10 most romantic places to get married in Italy.  Villa La Vedetta is a romantic neo-renaissance 5-star hotel that overlooks the city of Florence and the Duomo. Ceremonies and receptions can be held on the grounds or the entire hotel can be rented out privately for your big day. They can help you organize every detail for your special day or collaborate with your private wedding planner.

Villa Cora, Florence

Located inside a centuries-old park overlooking Florence’s Boboli Gardens, Villa Cora was transformed into an exclusive and grand hotel late in 1960. It was extensively renovated again in 2010 and is frequently used for exclusive one-of-a-kind events such as wedding celebrations. In the main building, there are 45 rooms and suites while the two adjacent buildings can accommodate a larger number of staying and more for receptions. If you get married here you can choose between several beautiful halls in which to celebrate such as the majestic Baroque-style Mirror Room. Alternatively, you could hold your reception in the gardens or on the large rooftop terrace. The hotel would be happy to assist you with all the details.

Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice

Located on Guidecca Island a 5-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square, the Belmond Hotel Cipriani is pure old-world glamour combining romantic elegance with modern glamour. Hold your ceremony in the gardens where Casanova used to hold court, followed by a reception for up to 300 of your closest friends in the grand Longhi Ballroom. The hotel’s chefs will serve up Michelin-starred gastronomy while your guests enjoy stunning views of Venice. Hotel staff is available to coordinate every detail for you.

Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Ravello is the highest point on the Amalfi Coast and as such the views are breathtaking.  As are the medieval-style Villa Cimbrone estate and its gardens making it the perfect backdrop to hold a romantic wedding that won’t soon be forgotten. The villa features numerous locations available for your celebrations like the events hall that can hold 150 guests. The entire hotel can also be reserved for events upon request. Imagine having a sunset cocktail reception on the stunning Terrace of Infinity. The hotel staff is available to help you coordinate every detail from hair and makeup to bodyguard and helicopter service should you require it. Great care is also taken over the menu details offering fresh, organic ingredients from the villa’s gardens.

Isola Del Garda, Lake Garda

If you’ve been dreaming of a fairytale wedding in a truly grand location then this is it. Owned by the Borghese Cavazza family, the majestic Isola Del Garda villa is set in a stately natural park on a private island. The villa features formal Italian-style gardens and numerous terraces including the hanging gardens. Hold your wedding overlooking the lake and let your guests enjoy the breathtaking scenery (or fireworks over the lake?). The maximum capacity at the villa is 80 people with the use of the loggia with its 18th-century frescoes and dining room. The villa’s high-class catering department can help organize all the details to make your dream wedding a reality.

Il Borro Relais, Tuscany

If you’re looking for an impressive estate that can accommodate a lot of staying guests Il Boro Relais is it.  Owned by the Ferragamo family, Il Borro is a high-end Relais & Chateaux estate in Tuscany not far from Arezzo. The Borgo (small village) consists of the main castle and smaller villas that can accommodate up to 160 of your closest family and friends. Rent the entire borgo out and you’ll have your own private Tuscan village to celebrate in. Both indoors and outdoors, Il Borro has numerous unique ceremony and reception locations including the grand Ferragamo Villa itself or, for a truly unique experience, the impressive amphitheatre.

Masseria Montenapoleone, Puglia

I had the pleasure of visiting this Masseria last year and can honestly say that if romantic country farm-to-table chic is your thing then the historic Masseria Montenapoleone farm in the heart of Puglia might just be the perfect location for your dream wedding. Exquisite, tranquil, and romantic, this family-run farm is surrounded by almond, citrus, and olive trees. It features numerous areas to hold your reception including the restaurant, sea view terrace, decorative veranda, and a charming winter garden. The organic farm focuses on small-scale production and sustainability to serve guests only the freshest of products. Up to 65, staying guests can be accommodated with extra rooms available nearby. It’s also possible to rent the entire place out for your celebrations. The reception capacity is 180 people and there is no music time limit so you and your guests can dance till dawn.

Castello Lanza Braciforte of Tabia, Sicily

If you’re looking for a place with a dream setting that can host up to 400 people for the reception then Castello Lanza in Sicily is for you. The vast estate is elegant and luxurious and hosts numerous location options for your wedding. Welcome your guests in its ancient courtyard, hold your ceremony in the gardens, and then party the night away on the terrace overlooking the sea. The Castle’s team of professionals are able to assist to make sure your day goes off without a hitch, with the exception of getting hitched of course 🙂

These are my picks for the 10 most romantic places to get married in Italy. If you’re considering Italy, I hope I’ve given you some good options to think about. However, if are looking for locations that are more budget-friendly I will have a post in the near future with some great options so stay tuned for that. But whether you go high or low, wherever you choose to get married in Italy, you’re bound to have a day you will remember forever.

Please Leave A Comment

If you like this post I would be so grateful if you left a comment! Comments help other people find my posts so they can enjoy them too. Thanks! I appreciate your support!

For more posts on Italy, check out A Guide to Rome Restaurants and 6 Things You Absolutely Must Do On The Amalfi Coast.