Your Ultimate Guide To Planning A Destination Wedding In Italy

When You Should Have Your Italy Destination Wedding & How to Pick Your Date

One of the first decisions you will have to make is when you want to tie the knot. Italy has a pretty diverse climate, so it helps to know the general region where you want to celebrate. Around the coasts, it remains pretty tropical thanks to the Mediterranean Sea. This can lead to temperate winters and hot and humid summers. As you travel away from the coast, however, you get cooler weather as well as snowfall throughout the winter.

Here is what you can expect for a destination wedding through every season in Italy:

Winter: While coastal cities might be milder throughout this season, it can still be chilly with temperatures around 45 degrees Fahrenheit/7 degrees Celsius. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, I would recommend avoiding these months. However, if you are planning an indoor wedding and want to avoid the crowds, this can be a great season for you! It can also be a fantastic time in the subalpine regions since you will get some snowfall.

Spring: This is one of the best times of the year for weddings! Springs remain pretty mild across the region before the humidity of summer really starts to set in. From April through June, you get it all. Lush gardens, bright sunshine, and perfect weather. Plus, you’ll be able to ditch the summer rush.

Summer: From July through September, you can expect things to get hot! The Mediterranean coastal towns see average temps in the upper 80s F/low 30s C. Some spots, like the Amalfi Coast, tend to be milder, which often translates to more tourists. Getting married during this season is definitely doable, plus the views during this season? Positively divine! I would just make it a point to avoid August since many Italians take the month off. During these weeks, you will have far less availability when it comes to finding vendors.

Fall: Another perfect season across the country! Throughout the fall, the milder weather returns while the crowds start to wane. Late September through early November should be the ideal time for planning your outdoor wedding.

Italy Destination Wedding Locations

Now comes my favorite spot: getting to choose your location! This is your chance to go on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and bring along those closest to you. As a result, I always encourage my clients to choose a spot with gorgeous views as well as unforgettable experiences. If you could use some help choosing your spot, here are some to consider:

Tuscany: This region has become a destination for wine-lovers thanks to its storied vineyards. The views all across the area are positively gorgeous, offering rolling hills as well as lush vineyards and olive groves. They also have quite a few wedding venues that will give you a day you will never want to forget. Need some ideas? I have you covered!
Castello di Vicarello: This hotel feels more like a retreat. You can walk out of your room and take in jaw-dropping views of the surrounding 40 hectares of vineyards as well as olive groves dating back centuries. The food here is also exceptional!
Borgo Finocchieto: This private village offers open green lawns, architecture covered in ivy, and a castle that stands proudly in the backdrop. It feels so authentically European!
Borgo Stomannano: With tree-lined drives, stunning views, and high-end accommodations, this venue is ready to deliver your dream day. By the way, this spot was built upon ruins dating back to the 11th century, making it the perfect option for history lovers!
Amalfi: If you would prefer a coastal spot for a destination wedding, I think you are going to adore Amalfi, Italy. This spot is nestled near Naples, keeping you next to the most iconic spots in Italy while offering private luxury. Here are some venues to consider:
Belmond Hotel Caruso: There is not a single bad view at this hotel. Your wedding weekend will be spent taking in the coast, dining near the sea, and cooling off in the infinity pool.
Convento di Amalfi: This place offers authentic ruins alongside an NH Collection Grand Hotel. As you exchange your vows, you will have centuries-old architecture as your something old.
Lake Como: Lake Como is a spot so ethereal, it feels like something out of another world. This lake is surrounded by the foothills of the Alps, putting big, dramatic mountains right alongside the deep blue waters.
Villa Balbianello: While I think everyone can appreciate the hotel, this has become a favorite destination for film buffs. You can write the next chapter of your love story in the same spot where they filmed legendary franchises like Star Wars and James Bond.
Villa Balbiano: If you would prefer an intimate spot, this one is for you. This villa can hold up to 28 guests and will give you backdrops like lush gardens and stunning architecture. Your wedding will even include a boat ride to your wedding location!
Villa Bettoni: On the other hand, if you would prefer a grand celebration, you will love Villa Bettoni! This spot can host up to 300 guests and offers a garden courtyard with historic architecture accented by bright trailing flowers.
Sicily: Sicily combines Greek history with lush backdrops for an experience you will forever treasure. This is the destination wedding location of some of the most iconic Italy sites, including Mt. Etna and the Valley of the Temples. If you are the type of person who prefers a trip accompanied by a heavily footnoted guidebook, this spot is for you.
Tenuta Savoca: This place feels as though it is straight out of a storybook! The ceremony site will put you in the center of towering trees with chandeliers that appear to hang from the sky. The location is in the Piazza Armerina archaeological area.
Villa Tasca: This 18th-century mansion maintains much of the original details, giving you plenty of inside photo opportunities. Outside, you will have a 6-hectare park ideal for a garden wedding.
Tonnara Fodera di Magazzinazzi: This is a historic estate nestled against the picturesque seaside. It shines any time of day, but the sunsets here are particularly magnificent.
Venice: Spanning over 100 islands, Venice gives you seaside views alongside Renaissance-era castles. When people picture Italy, this is typically exactly what they’re thinking!
Castel Brando: If you want to celebrate inside one of those aforementioned castles, this is your place. You can celebrate amidst hand-painted walls and exterior gardens overlooking the mountains.
Aman Venice: This hotel is downright decadent with accents like glass chandeliers and stucco ornaments. Some of the paintings here date all the way back to the 16th century!
Belmond Hotel Cipriani: If you would prefer a spot near the water, you will love this option. You can get modern luxury alongside classic Italian views.

How to Get an Italian Marriage License

Once you have your destination wedding location, it’s time to start figuring out all the legalities in Italy! The Consulate General of Italy recommends contacting the Civil Registrar of the City Hall as soon as possible so you can make sure you have everything you need ahead of time. You will need to appear in person in the city where your wedding will take place, so if you leave something at home, you probably won’t be able to just hop on a jet and go grab it real quick.

If you are planning to have a religious ceremony, they recommend first reaching out to your officiant. They will give you all the information you will need so you can be ready for your wedding day.

If you are planning on holding a secular ceremony, you and your partner will need the following items:

A valid United States passport.
A certified copy of your birth certificate. This must be in “long form,” which will include the names of both parents. The form must be legalized, showing where your birth took place. Most importantly, it must be accurately translated into Italian and have an apostille (you can hire a translator to do this and sign a certificate of accuracy).
A final decree of divorce or a certificate of death of a previous spouse. This is only applicable if this is not your first marriage. Like with your birth certificate, it must be translated into Italian.
A signed Nulla Osta. This will be a document signed by the authorities within the Consulate office showing that you are free to marry.
Dichiarazione Giurata. This is an affidavit that you will swear before a U.S. consular office in Italy that states there are no impediments to your marriage.

Following your wedding, it is advised that you request a copy of your marriage certificate from the City Hall and have it legalized with an Apostille at the local Prefettura before you leave the country.

Things to Consider for Your Destination Wedding In Italy

Hiring an Italian Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding is hard work. Planning a wedding half a world away is even harder. This is why I always encourage my clients to hire an Italian wedding planner to help them plan their celebration. You want someone who is familiar with all the laws and customs while ensuring your vision can still become a reality. There are a lot of experts out there who will say they will work around the globe, and while they are undoubtedly doing incredible work, I always suggest hiring an expert who has experience working in the country, particularly in the region you wish to use for your celebration.

By choosing someone who specializes in Italy destination weddings, you are going to have a friend who knows how to help you navigate the entire planning process. The first thing they are going to be able to do is work with you to find your dream venue. You can chat with them in-depth about what you want for your wedding day, and they are going to help you find the exact spot you’ve been picturing. They can assist you in figuring out your ideal date so you can enjoy the perfect weather throughout. Additionally, they have experience working with different vendors in the area. They will know how to handle all communication, reaching across language barriers to ensure you are fully understood throughout the entire process. This experience will also ensure they know how to find the local businesses that will suit your day best!

Experience Matters

The next thing they will be able to do is help you figure out the legalities. Again, they are going to have years of experience working with Americans to help them plan their destination weddings. You will be able to work with them to make sure you have everything in place before you hop onto the plane. Trust me, as you get closer to your wedding day, you are going to have a few moments of panic when you need reassurance that you’ve done everything you need to do. Your planner is going to be the person you call to talk you through it!

Finally, they are going to work with you to figure out how to give you and your guests the trip of a lifetime! They are going to know all the best hotels, the top local restaurants, and the best way to get around. You can work with them to build itineraries for your guests so you can create experiences you will never forget.

Guest Count

One of the hardest things about planning a destination wedding is figuring out the guest count. There are so many people you will want to be by your side as you share this moment. At the same time, attending a destination wedding can be a commitment, and a lot of people simply won’t be able to join you for your adventure. That’s okay. You are ultimately choosing a way to celebrate your love, and you need a setting that feels authentic to you.

Usually, the couple will not be responsible for paying for things like airfare, food, and lodging (I do always recommend booking a room block for convenience). As a result, you might find that your guest count naturally gets smaller than you originally expected. Yes, it might be sad, but it will give you more flexibility. You can pick from a wider range of venues while trimming back some of the costs. Most destination weddings in Italy wind up with an average of 70 guests.

Other Costs

When you are building your budget for your destination wedding, you will need to plan what your week will look like beyond just your ceremony in Italy. Your planner will help you work out all of the details, but it’s nice to have a general idea before you start diving in. Here is everything you need to consider when planning the costs:

Accommodations: The price of your hotel is going to range widely based on factors like the location and the season. Most couples can plan to spend anywhere from $200-$800+ per night.
Travel: Outside of your plane ticket (average cost around $900), you will need to consider how you will get around while you are here. Italy does tend to be far more walkable than the States, giving you more freedom to get where you need without renting a car. Some couples will choose to do shuttles that will take their guests to and from the wedding location. This can cost around $500-$1000.
Experiences: As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do! Your possibilities for experiences are endless. You can go to museums, take a cooking class, and even rent a boat so you can get the very best views of the sea. The price will vary based on the season and the excursion.
Food: This one is a must! Be sure to build in plenty of extra money so you can try all the flavors of Italy!

Hiring an Italian Wedding Photographer

One of the most important things to consider when building your budget will be your photographer. When you plan a destination wedding in Italy, you are choosing an adventure in a backdrop that people come from all across the globe to see. You need an Italy wedding photographer with experience showcasing this country in all its glory while keeping your love story at the center.

I have been lucky enough to work across 3 continents in 20 countries, helping couples celebrate. I adore getting to help them iron out all of the details to ensure they have a day that is custom-made for them! If you want to see whether I’m the one for your wedding day, we can start out with a conversation so you can learn more about my style. From there, we can work together to figure out what you want for your photography coverage so I can document every second. The result? Breathtaking pictures that feel effortless and authentic!

Your Dream Destination Wedding In Italy Is Easier Than You May Think

If you have been considering booking a destination wedding in Italy, I really hope this guide helped you out! Now, all you have to do is reach out and decide if I’m the photographer for you. Let’s chat soon!