Planning a destination wedding in Italy can seem overwhelming! You will be faced with the task of choosing the perfect venue in which to celebrate your love with those who have traveled across the seas to join you! So we wanted help guide you by shining a light on some of the hidden gems that Italy has to offer, particularly when it comes to that fairytale-like venue for your dream wedding. We’ve decided to begin our journey with the enchanting estate of Villa Valmarana ai Nani, located in the romantic countryside of the Veneto region.
With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history and delicious food, it’s no surprise that the Veneto region has become one of the most sought-after locations for a beautiful destination wedding in Italy. Embedded within the surrounding beauty of Veneto is Villa Valmarana ai Nani, a family-run villa that has been owned by the Valmarana family for the last 300 years, and currently managed by Giulio Valmarana.
The Villa History
Villa Valmarana ai Nani is the most famous of the 4,000 Palladian villas in the Veneto region. Though located just outside of Vicenza city center (about a 10 minute drive) and less than an hour’s drive from the city of Venice, it is fully immersed in the countryside and carries the style of a historical place, one that is rich in art and culture.
It consists of three buildings: the “Palazzina” (Little Palace), the “Foresteria” (Guesthouse) and the “Scuderia” (Stable).
“Ai Nani” means “of the dwarfs”, and relates to the sculptures shaped like deformed dwarfs dotting the villa’s breathtaking gardens. Fun fact: these carved stones used to represent the different social classes of the time!
The villa’s high status is mainly due to the role played by the Valmarana family in the Vicenza area. Having Tiepolo fresco cycles from 1757 within its interior walls also helps! The villa boasts more than 800 sqm of frescoes, which “makes the setting very bucolic and peaceful”, comments Giulio Valmarana.
In addition, Villa Valmarana ai Nani has hosted some of the most distinguished VIPs in the world! The United Kingdom’s Queen Mother, the Royal Dutch family, the Royal Belgian family, and even world-renowned artists such as crooner Frank Sinatra and director Federico Fellini have all enjoyed their stay at this Venetian jewel!
Wedding Style, Ceremony and Details
The versatility of Villa Valmarana allows for the organization of perfectly tailored weddings up to 180-200 guests. Depending on your specific preferences, you can even rent the entire villa’s compound or only a section of it. And the best part of it all, you can even celebrate your civil wedding ceremony right at the venue as the estate has the legal authority to have civil weddings organized on site!
In terms of wedding style, couples have a wide array of options to choose from. However way they see their happy day unfolding, they can make it happen at the villa. It can vary from the very classical-type wedding that would go beautifully with the location’s aesthetics, to the very outrageously original one that is tailor-made to the couple’s likes and taste!
Now let’s tackle the logistical aspect for your destination wedding at Villa Valmarana ai Nani!
Guest Accommodation
At the moment, Villa Valmarana ai Nani doesn’t have a huge hospitality capacity as most apartments are occupied by long-term tenants so they’re rarely available. (Which we find completely understandable! Why live elsewhere if you could reside at such a stunning location?). But as distinguished hosts and historical promoters of the Vicenza area, the Villa cooperates closely with bed and breakfasts and hotels in the region, as most of them are located close to the villa. However, Villa Valmarana’s support doesn’t end there! They can also assist international clients with securing airline tickets, transfers, and on-ground experiences so that you can rest easy knowing your wedding guests are taken care of!
Guest Activities
Villa Valmarana ai Nani provides different services, both on the wedding day and the days leading up to your celebration. Parents can hire baby-sitters for their toddlers to enjoy the evening among adults or can organize treasure hunts for their older children. As for the post-wedding activities, guests can delight in wine tours and tastings, museum visits in the town of Vicenza and its surroundings, and so much more. Since the city center is only 1.5 km away from the villa, your guests can also easily jump to the city and appreciate a shopping spree or a more bubbly nightlife!
What makes Villa Valmarana ai Nani such a special venue for a destination wedding is the combination of its rich heritage, the historical beauty of its estate grounds, and the unique charm of a venue that has maintained its warm hospitality and desire to make sure your dream wedding becomes reality.
Curious to explore this venue further and connect directly with them? Just visit Villa Valmarana ai Nani’s profile and start chatting!
If you enjoyed reading this article, check our Destination Wedding Guide to Veneto’s Countryside article.
