Couples all over the world dream of having a destination wedding in beautiful Italy, and nowadays, more and more couples are turning those dreams into a reality. Some choose among Italy’s cities and cultural hubs such as Milan, Rome or Florence, others look for a more rustic and gastronomic experience in the Tuscan hills and or in one of Italy’s gorgeous vineyards, while the country’s grand historic sights are also an attraction for timeless romance.
The reason that so many lovebirds choose to tie the knot in Italy is simple: there is so much variety, with beautiful spots to suit all different kinds of wedding styles. So we’ve made a list of the three most popular styles of destination weddings in Italy, with venue recommendations to match. All you need to do is consider the theme and essence of your dream wedding, and choose accordingly!
City elegance
If you’re a cosmopolitan couple that thrives off the glittering lights and glamour of cities, then Rome is most certainly for you. It’s a dynamic city that combines nearly 3,000 years of art and culture with the modern aesthetic of 21st century European life. With exquisite bridges, new high rise buildings, and the remnants of the ancient Roman empire, there will be loads for you and your guests to explore. Getting married with this varied cityscape as your backdrop will be simply magical.
Our top venue recommendation for this style of destination wedding is Baja Roma, based in the heart of the city on the bank of the River Tiber. This space is both a boat and a restaurant/cocktail bar, suitable for any event or wedding. With a central location, Baja still provides a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome, with high quality food, wine, cocktails and music, not o mention the enchanting river views.
Alternatively, if you’re looking at the incredibly romantic coastal city of Naples, check out Andris Hotel. With glamourous city views, it’s still immersed in the lush setting of the Vesuvius National Park. A quiet and reserved place that blends luxury with sophistication and innovation. Let you and your guests be pampered by the first class service, whilst indulging in delicious food and taking in the breathtaking views.
It’s not quite a city, but it’s a bustling Italian town packed full of culture and rich flavours. The Grand Hotel Portovenere overlooks the port and the ancient village of Porto Venere, just a few steps from the boats to the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of La Spezia that has inspired for its beauty poets such as Byron and Shelley. The 5-star boutique hotel enjoys spectacular panoramic views. The reception hall of the Palmaria Restaurant, dominated by large windows, opens out onto glistening waters. The historic building was born as a Convent of San Francesco in the seventeenth century, and has recently been completely renovated to be transformed into a decadent space, with views that will take your breath away.
Rural luxury
Italy is known worldwide for its delicious wines, so why not tie the knot in a lush green vineyard? This romantic option is perfect for couples that love to wine and dine, an experience that they can share with their awe-inspired guests. Tuscany is Italy’s main wine region, with rolling hills that overlook the stunning view of Florence. There are, however, numerous other wineries in gorgeous locations such as those surrounding Lake Garda.
Our favourite winery wedding venue is Fattoria la Striscia, among the vineyards of Colli Aretini, just 1 km from the historic centre of Arezzo, Tuscany. An exquisite farm venue that was established in 1500, expanded in 1700 and has since been restored into charming apartments and a luxury complex, with a swimming pool surrounded by vineyards. Their wedding venue, Alexandra Loft, caters for all events with seamless luxury. With an exclusive wine cellar on the farm, you can expect your tastebuds to be tantalised with exquisite Chianti wines.
Alternatively, how about a rural wedding surrounded by sparkling waters of a lake? On the shores of Lake Lesina, just a stone’s throw from the Adriatic waters, stands Parco della Laguna, an elegant and modern complex of 25,000 square meters. This modern structure was created with one thing in mind: hosting. With style and professionalism, this team caters for all kinds of wedding receptions and banquets. Say your vows, surrounded by the unspoilt nature of the Lesina lagoon, a few kilometers from the sea and Bosco Isola. Imagine charming gardens, elegant pools and gazebos for cocktails, buffets and aperitifs.
Another lakeside rural venue is Tenuta Variselle, which dominates a landscape of rare beauty, immersed in the green hills of the Serra Morenica and overlooking the enchanting panorama of Lake Viverone. The recently restored farmhouse has rustic elegance, chracterised by arches and barrel vaults, with a ballroom overlooking the beautiful panorama of the lake. This place has been designed with local tradition and architecture in mind, and you’ll undoubtedly feel immersed in a fairytale.
Another rural feature of Italy’s diverse landscapes is the magic of volcanoes. La Fucina di Vulcano, for example, is the ideal setting for hosting a wedding reception under the silhouette of Mt. Etna, with the most unforgettable views. Suspended on a splendid luxuriant garden awash with Sicilian colours and aromas, the venue is a setting of pure elegance: where a sleek modern structure meets the drama of a volcanic landscape. Celebrate indoors or outdoors with the help of 5 star chefs and an expert team, cut your cake with a volcano as your backdrop, and then dance the night away under the stars.
Mountainous terrain also features as a magnificent element of our next venue recommendation. In a geographic context of great beauty, Mountain Palace La Schera is located in Corleone, in the province of Palermo. Here, a recently renovated restaurant opens its doors out to a charming, lush green setting, romantically lit by twinkling lights. The venue is extremely versatile too, suitable for hosting events of any style, yet all provide the delicious Sicilian cuisine that will delight every guest’s tastebuds.
Within your pursuit of a rural-chic wedding in the rolling Italian hills, have you thought about the ceremony arch and alter? Because the historic stone arches, adorned with blooming foliage, at Masseria Appidè, are a sight to behold. This rural restaurant venue also has several rooms for your beloved guests, while you can spend your first night as newlyweds in a romantic suite with a jacuzzi. The team here are second to none, with passion, dedication and an attentive service.
Or, if you’re looking for even more history, Borgo San Pietro Aquaeortus was born as a place of worship and fortress of faith for almost seven hundred years and then transformed into a medieval village – saved by a tragic destiny of degradation and destruction to be reborn to new life. The large internal square, overlooking the valley below, is the heart of the Borgo the ideal space for weddings and events. The hotel has a restaurant, a wine bar and a conference room. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor wellness center with a small seawater pool for thalassotherapy, a Turkish bath and a fully equipped gym!
Remote and rural can also mean a beach setting – one of the most popular options for destination wedding couples in Italy. So let us introduce you to one of our favourites: Nabilah is the perfect romantic setting where you can turn dreams into reality. Just picture the scene, walking out onto the sand at sunset, to meet your loved one at the altar – a wooden gazebo adorned with ethereal flowers. For the reception, an elegant white marquee with a unique structure will house your guests and be the memorable spot for your emotional first dance.
Historic villa
Italy is also famous for its historic dwellings: castles, villas, palaces, old convents, farms. Among these, grand Italian-style villas are simply perfect for a fairy-tale style wedding. Think Romeo and Juliet in Verona, think timeless romance, and imagine your special day surrounded by years of charming cultural heritage. These villas were built for the aristocracy, to welcome illustrious guests and to hold prestigious events… they now stand as beautiful as ever, waiting to be the receptacle of your wedding guests.
Villa Piceni is all of the above, and more. An authentic and grand rose-coloured structure, built in 1872. It is located in Verbania, a beautiful town on Lake Maggiore, benefiting from the serenity of its waters. The villa’s expansive lounges and ballrooms are used for banquets, while the courtyard is perfect for alfresco aperitifs or canapés. Enjoy exclusive access to enchanting landscaped gardens and lake views.
In Tuscany, nestled in a small valley surrounded by beautiful hills, lies an oasis of tranquility that makes another perfect venue option for your destination wedding. Relais La Corte dei Papi is an ancient manor house dating back to the 18th century where ancient traditions and luxury come together to offer our guests a wonderful experience of wellness and relaxation. The villa is surrounded by a large park, full of flowers, olive trees and pine trees, and inside you’ll be able to host a grand reception in an elegant ballroom.
You could also opt for the province of Treviso for an elegant and exclusive setting. Hotel Villa Condulmer is of eighteenth-century origin, with an atmosphere full of charm. Even just the photos of the venue in this article will blow your mind. There are numerous spaces to choose from: the interior rooms, the barchessa, the magnificent gardens, which in the summer can be set up for a civil ceremony and wedding banquet. The staff of Hotel Villa Condulmer can guarantee impeccable service and a friendly help along the way to achieving your dream wedding day.
Another top destination for historic venues is Puglia, with the typical Apulian style of architecture feeling like a medieval Disneyland. At Luoghi di Puglia, Ostuni, you can experience just that. There are large outdoor spaces enriched with ornamental plants that make the whole environment simply enchanting. On site there’s also a suite for newlyweds and some accommodation for guests, with any extra breakfast, lunch and dinner services. This venue is synonymous with elegance and style.
On the other hand, Villa Ormaneto is an ancient residence completely restored in the romantic province of Verona, where the charm of an ancient noble country residence is linked to an elegant and hospitable atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery. Old trees and well-kept green lawns offer an enchanting and ideal location for your wedding. Villa Ormaneto offers truly astounding Italian cuisine, always in keeping with globally loved gastronomic traditions, but with fresh seasonal ingredients.
So what will it be? Are you a cosmopolitan couple seeking a city centre location in Rome? Or would you prefer the romance and authenticity of a Tuscan vineyard? Alternatively, pick one of Italy’s historical villa venues for the fairytale day you’ve always dreamed of.
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