Italian wedding venues are famous for their romantic and timeless elegance. The country has a long history of beautiful and opulent settings for your special day. So whether you’re dreaming of an intimate indoor ceremony or a large outdoor celebration with family and friends, there are so many beautiful options to suit every style and budget. From Tuscan country estates and rustic farmhouses in the rolling hills of Umbria to modern luxury hotels or stunning private villas along the Amalfi or Sicilian coasts, there’s something spectacular for every style!
Find inspiration for your dream destination wedding in Italy with our selection of different types of Italian wedding venues.
1. Countryside Farmhouse or Borgo
A countryside farmhouse or borgo is ideal if you want something more intimate than a hotel or lavish setting. These venues are usually located at the center of small villages called hamlets, which included the homes of farmers who worked the surrounding lands. They can be anything from small, rustic cottages with just enough room for 20-30 people to stay overnight, to large villas with many bedrooms for a larger guestlist. And the best part is that you can often find some with stunning gardens, swimming pools and picturesque views.
Italian countryside farmhouses and borgos can be found all over the country and will provide you with a fantastic backdrop for your special day. Imagine a beautifully intimate celebration where your guests can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere as they sip on their Aperol spritz. In fact, the best part of a countryside farmhouse is the stunning Tuscan countryside. The breathtaking scenery of rolling hills and majestic mountains is known for its rustic charm and will guarantee you and your wedding guests an unforgettable experience.
2. Private Villa
A private Italian villa is the perfect place for a memorable destination wedding. It has all the character and charm of Italy without being too formal or strict about its use as an event space. A few people even rent out their own homes for their wedding celebrations! These villas can be found all around the country, with each having its own special charm. This type of venue will also be more cost-effective than renting out an entire hotel for your event. A private villa can give you the opportunity to use all its facilities such as swimming pools, gardens, and other amenities like tennis courts or horse stables.
Consider a villa with a rooftop terrace in Positano, a secluded hilltop villa in northern Italy, or a luxurious villa in Lake Como. Some of the most well-known villas include Villa d’Este in Tivoli, Villa Borghese in Rome, Villa Medici in Rome, and Villa Cimbrone on the Amalfi Coast.
3. Vineyard
If you’re looking for a traditional Italian wedding venue, then a vineyard is for you. Wine is a staple of Italian culture, and you can incorporate it into your ceremony and reception in many ways. These romantic venues are normally very private and intimate so that only those on your special list of guests will be in attendance. Most of them also offer fine in-house catering for your reception which makes it even more magical! It’s the perfect outdoor venue. The stunning scenery makes for an unforgettable experience for all your guests and the photos will be amazing! You can even include a wine tasting as a reception activity.
4. Beachside and Sea Views
For couples that dream of a wedding surrounded the sand and sea, look no further than the Italian coastlines and islands. You can choose from white sandy beaches or rocky coastlines with crystal clear waters. The country has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe – and even better, they’re gorgeous all year round. There are plenty of beautiful spots along the Mediterranean Coast including Ischia Island, Sicily’s Cefalu, and Sardinia’s La Maddalena Archipelago. One of the most popular beach destinations in Italy is the Amalfi Coast.
So if you have your heart set on getting married by the sea, choose a location that meets your needs in terms of space and location. For example, a beachside hotel or a private villa with a terrace overlooking the stunning sea view would be the perfect choice. Another option is renting out an entire beach resort. They usually have private beaches where you can host your ceremony and reception.
5. Luxury Hotel
Luxury hotels are another popular option for Italian wedding venues. They offer high-end accommodations for guests as well as exquisite gardens and event spaces for your ceremony and reception. Guests can stay in luxurious rooms while enjoying fine dining at the hotel’s restaurant or bar. And there’s plenty of space available for dancing at your after-party! Consider a cute boutique hotel, a grand luxury hotel, or an antique hotel with a historic charm to say ‘I do’.
6. Mountain Views
Italy is a beautiful country with many different regions, each one with its own unique characteristics. So it’s no surprise that there’s an endless list of options of venue styles to choose from. One of these is a charming chalet surrounded by impressive mountains and beautiful lakes. Chalets are another popular option for couples who want a rustic feel without sacrificing comfort. Chalets are located in picturesque settings and often feature hot tubs or pools on-site for post-wedding relaxation. If you prefer something more dramatic then why not consider having your ceremony at the top of a mountain? To enjoy an Italian mountain wedding, one of the most popular options is to head to the Dolomites for a one-of-a-kind celebration. The views will be incredible and there will be no shortage of photo opportunities!
7. Old Church
Churches offer another alternative to the traditional hotel wedding venue. These historical buildings date back centuries and hold a special place in many people’s hearts because of their strong cultural significance. If you prefer Italian wedding venues with an elegant yet rustic setting for your nuptials then an old church may be just what you’re looking for. They’re classically beautiful with high vaulted ceilings and narrow arched windows. They also come in many different sizes which means you should be able to find one that perfectly fits into your budget. The best thing about having an old church as your venue is that it already has its individual charm so you’ll have less to worry about when it comes to decoration.
8. Historic Castle
Italian castles are popular choices for weddings in Italy. Many of these were once owned by noble families who lived there for generations but have now been converted into luxurious hotels or private estates. They often come with an array of stunningly decorated rooms, large gardens, and even pools – perfect for a summer wedding! The best part about castles is that they often have plenty of space for dancing, so it’s ideal if you want to throw an epic party after the ceremony. Plus, many castles also offer great photo opportunities outside if you’re not interested in getting married indoors. You can find them all over Italy. For example, a castle overlooking a quaint Tuscan village, a lakeside castle in northern Italy, or a palace along the Grand Canal. The stunning architecture of castles and palaces makes them a truly fairytale setting for weddings.
It’s no surprise that so many couples choose to tie the knot in this beautiful country known for romance and historic beauty. If you need more inspiration for your Italian destination wedding head over to WedBoard where you can explore and connect with some of the most beautiful venues across Italy. You can also explore your favorite wedding vendors in Italy and find ideas, advice, and tips for all aspects of your special day including, The Cost of a Wedding on the Amalfi Coast, The Best Regions in Italy To Get Married, and How To Plan A Wedding In Italy.
Featured image: Photography: Thanos Asfis | Venue: Villa Cimbrone
