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Dreaming of a destination wedding in Italy? We certainly don’t blame you. From opulent villas on Lake Como to rustic farmhouses serving farm-to-table food, there are countless Italian wedding venues for every taste and budget. Plus, no matter where you decide to wed, you can be sure that your guests will have plenty to do. To help you narrow down the infinite choices, we compiled this expert curated list of the best wedding venues in Italy.
Best Wedding Venues in Italy
Final Verdict
From Piedmont in the north to Sicily in the South, there are some truly incredible wedding venues in Italy. Ready to splurge on the dream wedding of a lifetime? The iconic Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como, Villa Aurelia in Rome, Villa Cimbrone on the Amalfi Coast, or Aman Venice will fulfill all your glamorous fantasies. Looking for something a bit more down to earth? Madonnella Agricola or the Tonnara di Scopello exude laid-back rustic charm. Wherever you decide to celebrate your nuptials, you can be sure to have a wedding you—and your guests—will never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign citizens legally get married in Italy?
- Yes, but there’s quite a bit of bureaucracy involved, so if you don’t speak Italian, you will need to hire a wedding planner who does or at the very least an interpreter.
What is the difference between a civil ceremony, a religious ceremony, and a symbolic ceremony in Italy?
- In Italy, a civil ceremony is a legally binding marriage ceremony that usually takes place at a city hall or certain approved locations. Religious ceremonies usually take place in a Catholic church and are only an option if both the bride and groom are Catholic and meet certain conditions (i.e. neither can be divorced). If you don’t want a religious ceremony and don’t want to choose from one of the approved places for a civil ceremony, you can have a symbolic ceremony just about anywhere. Symbolic ceremonies are not legally binding, so you’ll need to take care of the legal aspect in a separate ceremony at a city hall in Italy or your hometown.
How does the cost of weddings in Italy compare to the U.S.?
- The cost of a wedding in Italy varies greatly depending on the venue and vendors you choose. That said, weddings in Italy generally cost less than they do in the U.S. Just make sure to factor in the cost of your flights and accommodations when budgeting for a destination wedding in Italy.
What are some Italian wedding traditions?
- Right after the ceremony, guests toss rice at the couple as they are exiting the church or city hall. Italian wedding receptions tend to be very food-focused, whether couples opt for a buffet or sit-down meal. The couple usually offers a small party favor called bomboniere to all the guests as well as confetti, which is not confetti in the English sense of the word but the Italian word for candy-coated almonds.
How to Choose Wedding Venues in Italy
We looked at a wide variety of wedding venues in Italy, including hotels, villas, vineyards, farmhouses, and event spaces. We consulted with locals who have gotten married or attended weddings in Italy to learn about their favorite venues. We looked at wedding planning services, blogs, and reviews for the various venues. We tried to find a range of options for various budgets, both with and without in-house planners. We considered the location, amenities, chefs, accommodations, quality of service, significant architecture or interior design and historic elements of each venue. All the venues provide something unique, whether it’s a Baroque villa, a vineyard with a historic wine cellar, or a rustic farmhouse.