There’s something magical about saying “I do” under the Tuscan sun, surrounded by rolling vineyards and centuries-old stone villas. If you’re dreaming of how to plan a destination wedding in Italy, you’ve come to the right place.
We recently captured an intimate celebration at Villa La Selva in Tuscany, and the experience reminded us why Italy remains one of the most romantic and sought-after destinations for a wedding in Italy.
Whether you’re imagining a symbolic ceremony in a medieval town square or an elaborate celebration in a Amalfi Coast villa, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your Italian wedding dreams a reality.
How To Plan a Destination Wedding in Italy
Set Your Budget for an Italian Destination Wedding
Before you fall completely in love with that Villa with a view, let’s first confirm it’s in your budget! How much is a destination wedding in Italy? Well… The answer depends largely on your vision, guest count, and season.
An average cost of a destination wedding in Italy will vary significantly based on your specific vision, how many guests are attending, and the location. Here’s a general guideline on what to budget for when planning a destination wedding in Italy:
- Venue rental (varies widely depending on exclusivity and location)
- Catering and food service
- Photography and videography
- Florals and decor
- Transportation and accommodations for your team
- Permits, legal documents, and administrative fees
Pro tip: A symbolic wedding (legally married in the States, ceremonial exchange in Italy) is often more budget-friendly and eliminates the administrative headaches. We recommend getting connected with a destination wedding planner who can provide you with accurate quotes and pricing based on your specific vision and timeline.
Choose The Perfect Season and Region
Italy is stunning all year round, but timing and location can make or break your experience for an Italian destination wedding.
Spring (April–May): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, fewer crowds. Perfect for outdoor celebrations with that Instagram-worthy backdrop. Prices are moderate, and vendors are typically available.
Summer (June–August): Peak season means peak prices, but the weather is reliably warm and long days give you flexibility with timing. We shot a beautiful Tuscany wedding in June and the golden hour light was absolutely unmatched. Just know that it can get hot, and your guests might prefer shaded venues and evening celebrations.
Fall (September–October): Harvest season brings stunning colors, cooler temperatures, and a romantic atmosphere. Fewer tourists mean better vendor availability and sometimes lower rates.
Winter (November–February): Budget-friendly, but many restaurants, attractions, and even some vendors close down. If you’re considering an intimate elopement-style celebration, this could work beautifully, just plan ahead.
As for regions, some of the top wedding destinations in Italy include:
- Tuscany: Rolling hills, vineyard estates, medieval villages. Romantic and timeless.
- Amalfi Coast: Dramatic cliffs, Mediterranean views, luxury vibes. Expect prices to reflect the glamour.
- Lake Como: Alpine scenery, elegant villas, perfect for sophisticated celebrations.
- Sicily: Baroque architecture, vibrant culture, unique Italian charm.
- Umbria: Hidden gem status, charming towns, fewer crowds than Tuscany.
Consider Hiring a Destination Wedding Planner
Here’s an honest but hard truth: planning a destination wedding in Italy from afar can be challenging. Time zones, language barriers, vendor communication; it adds up fast. A destination wedding planner with Italian expertise will quickly become your best friend.
A destination wedding planner helps take an enormous pressure off your shoulders and will make the whole process a lot less stressful.
A good planner will:
- Scout venues that match your vision and budget
- Handle all vendor communication in Italian (and English)
- Manage timelines and logistics
- Navigate legal requirements (more on that below)
- Provide day-of coordination so you can actually enjoy your celebration
- Have established relationships with trusted vendors
If you’re the DIY type or working with a smaller guest list, you can absolutely handle much of this yourself. Just build in extra time and patience for communication delays.
Book Your Venue and Vendors
Once you’ve narrowed down your region and season, it’s time to lock in your Italian destination wedding vision. Most popular venues book 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak season.
When selecting a venue, think about:
- Ceremony and reception spaces (are they separate or combined?)
- Accommodation for your vendors and close family
- Weather backup plans (indoor spaces for rainy scenarios)
- Parking and accessibility
- Kitchen facilities and catering options
- Flexibility with outside vendors vs. in-house requirements
Next, book your photography and videography team early. We may be biased, but documentary-style coverage captures the authentic moments you’ll cherish forever. The quiet laugh, the tears during vows, the genuine joy rather than posed perfection. Look for vendors who understand your ideal aesthetic and can handle the unique lighting and logistics of your chosen venue.
Round out your vendor team with florals, catering (if not included), rentals, and transportation as needed. Ask for referrals from your planner and check vendor portfolios and reviews thoroughly.
What You’ll Need as a U.S. Citizen to Get Married Legally in Italy
Here’s where the paperwork comes in. If you’re planning to legally marry in Italy, prepare yourself for some paperwork logistics. You’ll need:
- Valid U.S. passport (Active duty military members can present military ID)
- Original or certified birth certificate
- Evidence of termination of any previous marriages (final divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate of former spouse). Note: If you’re a female whose previous marriage ended within 300 days, you’ll need a waiver from the Italian District Attorney’s Office proving you’re not pregnant.
- Dichiarazione Giurata: An affidavit sworn before a U.S. consular officer in Italy stating there’s no legal impediment to your marriage under U.S. state law
- Atto Notorio: An additional declaration confirming no obstacles exist according to U.S. law
All documents need apostille certification and may require Italian translation. If you have more questions on this we recommend visiting https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/marriage/ for a full breakdown of everything.
A pro tip that we’ve learned is that most couples opt for a symbolic wedding instead. You legally marry in your home state before traveling to Italy, then hold a beautiful ceremonial exchange abroad. This eliminates months of paperwork, consulate appointments, and potential complications. And it’s usually significantly less expensive. You get the romance of a destination celebration without the administrative nightmare.
Italian Destination Wedding Travel Logistics
Logistics matter when you’re coordinating with vendors and guests across an ocean.
Flying in: Direct flights are available from major U.S. hubs into Milan and Rome. From there, train travel is genuinely the best way to get around Italy. It’s efficient, scenic, and reliable, plus your guests will enjoy the experience.
Timing consideration: Account for jet lag when scheduling your wedding. We recommend arriving 3–5 days early to acclimate, scout your venue one final time, and finish last minute paperwork logistics.
Weather reality: Italy summers are hot, we’re talking 85–95°F consistently. Winters are cooler and rainy. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures (60–75°F). Plan your timeline, venue setup, and guest comfort accordingly.
One more heads up: Many restaurants and attractions close from November through February for the season, so if you’re planning a winter celebration, coordinate closely with your planner to ensure all vendors and guest amenities are available.
Let’s Capture Your Italian Destination Wedding
Planning a destination wedding in Italy requires thoughtful preparation, but the payoff is extraordinary. You’ll exchange vows in one of the world’s most beautiful settings, surrounded by the people you love most, with authentic moments captured that you’ll treasure forever.
Start by setting realistic expectations around budget and timeline. Choose a region and season that align with your vision. Seriously consider hiring a destination wedding planner. Handle your legal requirements early (or opt for a symbolic ceremony). Book your venue and trusted vendors. Then, breathe, and trust the process.
The most important thing? Remember that your Italian destination wedding is about the two of you committing to a lifetime together. Everything else (the venue, the flowers, the food) is just a beautiful backdrop for your real story.Ready to capture your destination wedding in Italy? Contact us today and let’s discuss your vision and love story!
