From Tuscan villas to seaside vows on the Amalfi Coast—here’s what you really need to know about planning the best Italian destination wedding.

There’s something about Italy that just feels like forever. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight hits a stone villa at golden hour. Maybe it’s the wine. Or the olive groves. Or the fact that time moves slower there, just enough to remind you what matters most.

If you’re dreaming about a destination wedding in Italy—first of all, I get it. This place isn’t just romantic… it’s soul-stirring. But planning a wedding across the ocean? Yeah, that takes some work. So let’s walk through this together.

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Whether you’re thinking about a countryside villa in Tuscany, a luxurious lakeside venue in Como, vows in Rome, or a cliffside elopement on the Amalfi Coast, here’s how to make it all happen—without losing your mind (or your passport).

5 Steps for Planning Your Italian Destination Wedding

Step One: Get Clear on Your Priorities (And Budget)

Start here. Ask yourself: What’s most important to us?

Is it having all your people together in one place? An intimate ceremony just the two of you? A gorgeous setting? A once-in-a-lifetime dinner? This question helps shape everything else—especially your budget.

Wedding Element	Cost Range
Venue Rental	€4,000–€15,000+
Full-Service Planner	€3,000–€10,000
Catering	€100–€180 per guest
Florals + Decor	€2,000–€8,000
Photography	€3,000–€8,000
Travel + Lodging (Couple)	€3,000–€6,000
Group Transportation	€500–€2,000
Legal Assistance (Optional)	€500–€1,500

It’s not cheap, but it can be intentional. A smaller guest list? Less fuss, more fun! All of my traveling packages are custom to what you’re dreaming up. Reach out here to share your vision! 

Step Two: Choose the Season (Weekday Weddings FOR THE WIN)

There truly is beauty in every season, but not all months (or days!) are created equal. 

Peak Season: June-August

Beautiful weather but higher prices and tourist crowds. 

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): 

This season is absolutely stunning! There are fewer crowds and often better deals for wedding planning this time of year! 

Off Season (November–March): 

Lower prices, but some venues close and the weather gets unpredictable.

My best tip: Consider a weekday wedding. Flights are cheaper. Hotel rates dip. And you’re more likely to snag that dream venue without competing with 17 other couples.

Step Three: Where Should You Get Married in Italy?

You’ve got options. And each one has its own vibe. Here’s the breakdown:

Tuscany – Rolling Hills and Romantic Villas

For couples who want: earthy elegance, long-table dinners, wine-fueled joy

Top Venues (with prices):

• Borgo Stomennano: From €12,000 / sleeps 38

An ivy-draped Tuscan estate with cobblestone paths, old-world charm, and enough space for your people to stay the weekend and never want to leave.

• Villa Cetinale: Ultra-luxury; inquire for pricing

This 17th-century baroque villa is the kind of place that makes you pause—think grand staircases, peaceful gardens, and movie-set vibes in real life.

• Villa Medicea di Lilliano: €8,000–€15,000 packages available

A real-deal vineyard with stunning views and a courtyard that basically begs for candlelit dinners, good wine, and dancing barefoot under string lights.

Stay on-site with your guests or nearby at local farmhouses (agriturismos). Bonus: you can turn the whole weekend into a wine-soaked retreat.

Lake Como – Luxury with a View

For couples who want: iconic beauty, cinematic energy, boats

But note: it’s a bit complex to reach. You’ll fly into Milan, travel to Como, then take a boat to your venue. Worth it? 100%.

Top Venues:

• Villa Balbiano: From €30,000+ (the definition of glam meets historical architecture)

If glam had a lake house, this would be it. Beautiful  interiors, massive gardens, and a front-row seat to the water—this place is made for a wedding that feels straight-up iconic.

• Villa Cipressi: From €6,000 for weekdays

Charming and a little more low-key, this villa gives you those classic Lake Como views without the ultra-lux price tag. Bonus: you can arrive by boat (yes, really).

• Villa Pizzo: €15,000–€20,000

Historic, romantic, and tucked right into the lakefront—Villa Pizzo has those quiet, storybook corners that somehow feel both grand and personal.

This area is best for small weddings or elopements. The luxury is unmatched—but so is the logistics.

Rome – Historic, Grand, and Surprisingly Accessible

For couples who want: ancient history, stunning city backdrops, a hint of chaos

Top Venues:

• Villa Aurelia: €10,000–€18,000

Located above the city with views of Rome in the distance, this villa feels tucked away in the best way—like you’re in your own little world, but still close to all the history.

• Castello della Castelluccia: From €8,000 (and it’s a literal castle)

Need I say more? From the stone towers to the spiral staircases, this italian wedding venue is truly breathtaking. But it still feels warm and inviting, like you could slow down, breathe, and simply enjoy your day with the love of your life.

Also!! Your guests can fly right into Rome—no transfers or ferries needed.

Amalfi Coast – Bold, Colorful, and Clifftop Iconic

For couples who want: ocean views, lemon everything, charming chaos

This area has smaller venues, winding roads, and some stairs (okay, a lot of stairs). Keep the guest list light, and plan transport in advance.

Top Venues:

• Villa Cimbrone (Ravello): €10,000–€25,000

This place feels like a secret garden in the sky—with stone paths, quiet archways, and views that honestly don’t feel real.

• Hotel Marincanto (Positano): From €4,000

Right in the heart of Positano, this spot gives you that classic cliffside magic—bright, colorful, and close enough to the beach you’ll hear the waves during dinner.

• Belmond Hotel Caruso: Price on request (bring your best outfit)

This spot literally feels like you’re floating above the coastline with infinity pool views and candlelit terraces—it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to slow dance barefoot all night long. 

What About Seaside Wedding Venues?

If you’re set on getting married by the sea, here are a few stunners:

• Casa Angelina – Praiano: F&B from €300/person, venue pricing upon request

Minimal and modern in the dreamiest way—this cliffside hotel feels like a peaceful escape with ocean views that stretch forever. Best for smaller weddings where every detail feels truly intentional.

• Villa Eliana – Sorrento: Pricing upon request

Bright, breezy, and full of that laid-back coastal charm. With views from Capri to Mount Vesuvius, this spot is perfect for a sunset ceremony followed by a long dinner and a few spritzes on the terrace.

• Relais Blu – Massa Lubrense: From ~€8,000 for 20 guests

This boutique hideaway comes with beautiful views of Capri and a Michelin-starred kitchen—yes, really. It’s ideal if you want something intimate, stylish, and centered around food and connection.

• Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea – Taormina, Sicily: Menus from €210/person, pricing upon request

This one’s for you if your dream day includes waves in the background and toes in the sand by dinner.

Most of these are best suited for intimate weddings. And every single one offers a front-row seat to a Mediterranean sunset—it’s one of the most gorgeous views you’ll ever see. 

Step Four: Find Your Venue (ASAP)

This is the anchor of your wedding vision—and the sooner you book it, the better.

Should You Hire a Local Planner?

Short answer: Yes.

A local planner knows the language, the vendors, the logistics. They can recommend venues you’ve never seen online. They’ll help you navigate legal paperwork. They’ll save you hours of Googling and possibly a few international meltdowns. I also love helping my couples through the planning process.

Should You Book a Wedding Package in Italy?

Many venues offer destination wedding packages that include:

• Ceremony setup
  
• On-site planner or coordinator
  
• Florals
  
• Officiant
  
• Photography
  
• Catering
  
• Accommodations
  

But read the fine print. Ask:

• Does this include legal wedding support?
  
• Do we have flexibility with vendors?
  
• Is the photography included customizable?
  

Sometimes it’s easier (and more meaningful) to handpick your own dream team. Hi, I’d love to photograph your wedding! 

Step Five: Legal Marriage Requirements in Italy (Do You Need Them?)

Getting legally married in Italy is possible—but it’s not simple. You’ll need:

• Valid passports
  
• Birth certificates (translated + apostilled)
  
• “Nulla Osta” (proof you’re free to marry)
  
• Atto Notorio (sworn declaration)
  
• Interpreter (if not fluent in Italian)
  
• Two witnesses

For more information, head to this website!

Honestly though? Most couples get legally married at home first—at the courthouse or in a backyard ceremony—and do a symbolic wedding in Italy. No paperwork. No stress. Just love.

Don’t Forget About Guest Logistics

If you’re inviting friends and family:

• Where will they stay? On-site in the villa? Nearby hotel? Airbnb?
  
• How will they get there? Share travel guides or hire a shuttle.
  
• How many days should they stay? Give them a loose itinerary (welcome dinner, wedding, beach day, etc.)
  

They’re traveling a long way—help them feel taken care of. And make time to just be with them.

This Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect. Just True to You.

It’s easy to get caught up in the dream of it all. The jaw-dropping views, the vintage Vespa, the five-course meal. But at the end of the day? This is about you two. And the life you’re building.

Let this be a joyful experience. One rooted in presence, intention, and a little dolce vita magic.

Thinking about planning an Italian destination wedding?

I’d love to document the whole experience—from espresso in the morning to gelato on the beach after your ceremony.

Italy Destination Wedding Photographer | Keri Lindekugel

I’m Keri, a North Georgia-based wedding and couples photographer with a deep love for travel and telling stories that feel like you. Whether we’re wandering cobblestone streets in Rome or watching the sun dip behind the hills of Tuscany, I’m here to capture the in-between moments—the real ones—that make your love story unforgettable.

If you’re dreaming of getting married in Italy, I’d be so honored to be part of your Italian destination wedding! Check out my services and let’s see if I’m available for your date.

Oh, and if you want some engagement photos in Italy, check out this blog for inspo!