Planning a destination wedding in Italy? First of all, great choice. Italy isn’t just beautiful. It’s ridiculously beautiful. Think rolling vineyards, cliffside views, olive groves, ancient villas, and sunsets that make you forget your phone exists.

But it’s not just about the scenery. A destination wedding in Italy gives you more than a one-day event. It creates a full weekend experience where you can slow down, gather your people, and soak up la dolce vita together. Picture aperol spritzes on the terrace, late-night dancing under the stars, and lazy mornings with espresso and fresh pastries. That’s the kind of celebration that stays with you.

Let’s walk through the key things to know before you dive into planning.

But first, hello! As full-service destination wedding planners in Italy and New England, we help you plan with purpose, not panic. From choosing the right region to managing guest experience and legal logistics, we take care of the big (and small) stuff so you can actually enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. No stress, no cookie-cutter plans. Just a weekend that feels personal, stunning, and completely you. Take a peek at our portfolio and let’s start planning your Italy wedding weekend.

Choosing the Right Region for Your Wedding Vision

Lake Como

If you’re going for chic, romantic, and ultra-scenic, Lake Como brings it. It’s all about villas on the water, boat arrivals, and garden ceremonies that look like a Vogue editorial. It’s definitely more high-end and logistically complex, but worth it for couples who want to wow.

Tuscany

Rustic villas, golden hour fields, long farm tables under string lights—Tuscany is ideal for that countryside escape with a side of red wine and Renaissance charm. Great for foodies, wine lovers, and anyone wanting a relaxed but beautiful setting.

Amalfi Coast (Positano, Ravello, Sorrento)

Dreamy cliffside views, lemon everything, and some of the most iconic coastlines in the world. The Amalfi Coast is gorgeous but can be more limited in space and accessibility. If you’re up for stairs, boat rides, and dramatic landscapes, this could be it.

Puglia

Still a bit under the radar, Puglia has whitewashed towns, olive groves, and masserias (fortified farmhouses turned chic venues). It’s a great option if you want something unique, with amazing food and fewer tourists.

Florence, Rome, Venice

If you want that “we got married in the Italy” moment, major cities like Florence or Rome offer history, architecture, and culture. They also come with more logistics, permits, and crowds, but they can be iconic if done right.

Here’s the truth: there’s no one “best” place to have a destination wedding in Italy. It comes down to your style, guest needs, and what kind of experience you want to create. And if you’re stuck between a few? That’s where a planner who knows the lay of the land (hi, it’s me) comes in.

Want to see how a destination wedding in Italy comes to life? Take a peek at this real wedding weekend itinerary.

Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies: What You Need to Know

One of the first things couples ask me when planning a destination wedding in Italy is, “Can we actually get legally married there?” And the answer is yes, but it’s not always the easiest path.

Here’s the deal: You’ve got two options, legal or symbolic. They’re both valid, but one is definitely more popular (and more practical).

A legal ceremony means your marriage will be officially recognized in Italy and your home country. But it requires:

• Paperwork in both places (often with certified translations)
• Appointments with the consulate and local town hall in Italy
• A government-approved officiant (no, your cousin can’t do it)
• A venue that’s licensed for civil ceremonies (usually a city hall)

It’s romantic in theory, but it can be time-consuming, expensive, and a little overwhelming if you’re not fluent in Italian bureaucracy. If you really want your wedding day to be your legal marriage date, it’s doable, just be ready for the logistics.

Now let’s talk about the option most couples choose: the symbolic ceremony. This means you legally marry at home (before or after your trip), then have your full celebration in Italy with vows, rings, tears, the whole thing, just without the red tape.

With a symbolic ceremony:

• You can get married literally anywhere; villa garden, vineyard, seaside cliff, you name it
• You can have a friend or family member officiate, or hire someone who gets your vibe
• You skip all the legal paperwork and just focus on the experience

It feels just as real. And most guests have no idea it’s not legally binding (nor do they care).

Here’s my take: Unless you’re really set on making it official in Italy, go symbolic. It’s easier, more flexible, and lets you focus on what really matters, being present, celebrating with your people, and soaking up every second of your wedding weekend.

Budgeting for Your Destination Wedding in Italy: What Impacts Cost the Most

Let’s clear something up: getting married in Italy isn’t automatically “more affordable.” Sure, some things (like catering or florals) might cost less than in the U.S. But travel, vendor logistics, and hosting multiple events over several days can add up quickly. The goal isn’t to spend less, it’s to spend intentionally.

The biggest factor? Guest count. The more people you host, the more you’re investing in everything from welcome dinners to villa transfers to espresso martinis on repeat. Smaller weddings mean more space (and budget) for elevated design, one-of-a-kind experiences, and unforgettable moments. Italy is made for intimate, high-impact celebrations where every guest feels like a VIP.

Location matters too. Iconic spots like Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast are jaw-dropping (and yes, they price accordingly). Want the same beauty and vibe with more flexibility? Look to places like Puglia, Umbria, or the quieter corners of Tuscany. Still breathtaking. Still wildly special. Just with a little more room to play.

And then there’s timing. Peak season runs May through September, and with it comes higher pricing and heavier tourist crowds. Hosting your celebration in April or October? Same stunning experience, softer light, and often more breathing room with your vendors and venues.

Bottom line: Italy offers incredible range. With the right team guiding the logistics, you can craft a wedding weekend that’s stylish, deeply personal, and worth every euro.

Getting ready for your Italy wedding weekend? Don’t miss this destination wedding packing list, everything you actually need.

Guest Experience: The Most Overlooked (But Crucial) Piece

Your guests are traveling a long way to celebrate with you, so their experience should be a top priority. A destination wedding in Italy isn’t just one day. It’s a full weekend, and how your guests feel throughout it shapes the entire vibe.

This starts with clear communication. Think travel tips, hotel info, dress codes, and an easy-to-follow schedule. Then, add a few moments for connection, like a welcome aperitivo or casual group lunch. These touches make your guests feel considered, relaxed, and part of the experience, not just along for the ride.

When your people feel taken care of, they show up fully. They’re more present, more connected, and they remember your wedding as something truly special.

Curious what’s trending for 2025? This wedding trends guide covers what’s in, what’s out, and what’s worth your time.

Why Full-Service Destination Planning is Non-Negotiable for Italy

A destination wedding in Italy is stunning, but it’s not simple to plan alone. Here’s why full-service planning isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary.

You’re planning in a different country. That means:

• A new language and time zone
• Local vendors who may not speak English
• Regional rules, permits, and legal differences
• Cultural norms that affect how things get done

Without a planner, you’re stuck handling:

• Contracts, timelines, and logistics from afar
• Back-and-forth emails with dozens of vendors
• Guest travel coordination
• Ceremony details, vendor payments, and design cohesion

With full-service planning, you get:

• One expert point of contact who handles everything
• Trusted local vendor recommendations
• Budget guidance based on real pricing
• Design direction that brings your vision to life
• A smooth, thoughtful guest experience from arrival to farewell

This is about more than avoiding stress. It’s about making sure your wedding feels intentional, personal, and seamless. A planner makes that possible.

Ready to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Italy the Right Way?

Planning a destination wedding in Italy should feel exciting and inspiring, not overwhelming. Whether you picture a cliffside ceremony in Positano, a long-table dinner in a Tuscan vineyard, or a full wedding weekend in Puglia, you deserve a celebration that reflects your relationship and feels effortless from start to finish.

Full-service planning gives you the freedom to enjoy the process while every detail is handled with care, creativity, and experience. If you’re ready to create something meaningful and personal, I’m here to bring your vision to life and make it feel effortless. Want to see more of what that looks like in action? Come hang out on Instagram for behind-the-scenes peeks, wedding weekends, and all the Italy inspiration.