8 Dream Wedding Venues in Italy

As a destination wedding photographer, I travel often to many different cities and countries to capture beautiful wedding weekend experiences. Italy has long been my European home base. After traveling the country extensively, and developing an understanding of the language and culture, these are just a few of the gorgeous venues I recommend for your destination wedding weekend in Italy.

La Foce

La Foce is located among the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia in Tuscany, just outside of Montepulciano. The Val d’Orcia is included among the World Heritage sites of UNESCO. The renowned gardens were designed by an English architect for the family that lived there in the 1920s. Today, it is a stunning villa and breath taking garden space for your wedding weekend events, ceremony, and outdoor reception.

Villa Pizzo

Villa Pizzo is our first mention of many stunning villas along Lake Como, just north Milan. This area is popular for destination weddings, and rightly so – the stunning lake, boat rides at sunset, gorgeous historic architecture, and manicured gardens make for a perfect outdoor Italian wedding weekend celebration. Lake Como is home to so many incredible wedding venues in Italy.

Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello is seated on a peninsula of sorts, its property jutting out into Lake Como. It’s most famous for its appearance in movies such as James Bond and Star Wars, but the stunning grounds speak for themselves. It is accessible only by boat or by foot, making it a true Lake Como destination experience for your guests. Ceremonies are typically held underneath the gorgeous archways.

Monteverdi Tuscany

Monteverdi Tuscany proves to be a Tuscan dream, tucked away among the Val d’Orcia hills. The hotel is American owned, and was reconstructed from an old Tuscan village. With remarkable views (especially at sunset), a charming piazza perfect for a ceremony space, a restored church, and so many unique angles and corners, this venue proves to be such a special experience. As it’s tucked away on the hillside, there is an intimacy that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Combine that with amazing cocktails, an attentive staff, and the accommodations options for your guests, Monteverdi Tuscany is truly a favorite for that authentic Tuscan countryside experience without sacrificing any luxury.

Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel

Located in Taormina, Sicily, the Grand Hotel Timeo is an iconic landmark. Taormina may be most recently known as the setting for the tv show The White Lotus. Just 60km from Catania, Taormina and your experience at the Grand Hotel Timeo make for the perfect setting for a destination wedding. Host your welcome dinner in many of the posh restaurants with stunning views in the town center. Schedule your ceremony on one of their terraces overlooking the sea and Mt. Etna. Curate an epic reception design amidst the colorful gardens.

Villa Sola Cabiati

Villa Sola Cabiati is another one of our favorite villas along Lake Como. It instantly captures your attention along the lake with its Belle Époque architecture, elaborate halls, and stunning interior frescos. Hold your ceremony in the open gardens overlooking the lake and the town of Bellagio in the distance.

Villa d’Este and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo are also two of my favorite venues on Lake Como. Villa d’Este features a gorgeous, show stopping tiled wall within their gardens and is perfect for a welcome dinner, outdoor wedding ceremony in the gardens, or a pre-wedding portrait session. GHT (Grand Hotel Tremezzo) is perfect for an epic welcome dinner. Guests can arrive via boat across the lake to the amazing view of the hotel. The gardens along the back of the hotel provide the perfect spot for your outdoor dinner with stunning views of Lake Como.

Grand Hotel Excelsior

The Grand Hotel Excelsior is a favorite wedding venue in Sorrento, Italy. Located in the same region as the Amalfi Coast, this venue provides amazing access for your guests to the rest of the region as it is much more accessible than the rest of the coast. The venue boasts stunning venues of Mt. Vesuvius on its terrace and private access to the marina below. Multiple villas are located on the property, making it a perfect location to host your guests for your destination wedding. Villa Astor is another venue I highly recommend. There is nothing quite like it along the coast. The villa boasts unique interiors, multiple terraces, and is located directly on the cliffs of Sorrento, making for a truly epic visual.

Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel

Florence is our home base in Italy. Villa San Michele (A Belmond Hotel) is located just outside of the city in Fiesole. Located high up on the hill, it boasts incredible views of Florence, with the Duomo centered in the view. As with any Belmond hotel, the service is impeccable and the gardens are immaculate.

Looking for a photographer for your destination wedding in Italy? Contact us here.