A destination wedding in Sicily is a dream for couples seeking Mediterranean luxury as well, with historic villas, fine dining, and bespoke experiences to enjoy with your wedding guests!
Sicily is a completely unique escape and the perfect choice for a destination wedding with elegance and style. This large island, just south of the Italian peninsula, is a diverse mix of Greek, Italian, and Arab influence with rich culture, world-class cuisine, and white sandy beaches.
Here’s how to plan a luxury wedding in Sicily — stress-free — that will incorporate the culture and traditions of the island.
Select From One Of The Many Elegant Wedding Venues In Sicily
Start by researching potential wedding venues, as the right location is key when bringing your wedding vision to life! You’ll find many historic hotels and luxury villas in Sicily for an elegant wedding, ideal for romantic and memorable celebrations.
*** A few of the best include: ***
Tonnara di Scopello
This gorgeous soft pink hotel, on a private bay, was originally a tuna factory that dates back to the 13th century. Today, it’s a stunning resort and wedding venue featuring Mediterranean gardens, ancient stonework, and relaxed beachfront views. With gorgeous rock formations, a chic but understated style, and a restaurant offering Sicilian fine dining, this venue is one you won’t want to miss.
Villa Igiea
This 19th-century palazzo is just so glamorous, ideal for high-end weddings. As your destination wedding photographer in Sicily, we’ll capture the ornate marble, soaring columns, and Belle Epoque designs in your images. Your Villa Igiea wedding images will be so romantic, with the elegance of the venue contrasted against its seaside backdrop.
Palazzo Vecchio Taormina
Offering dramatic beauty, this venue is a former noble residence built within a 16th-century city wall. It’s now a five-star boutique hotel, with 12 well-appointed rooms, so a hotel buyout could be perfect for a small elopement in Sicily. It’s also perfectly placed in the center of Taormina, within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, and bars.
Other Luxury Hotels And Villas For Weddings In Sicily That I Love:
- Braccialieri – 18th century residence with eco-villas surrounded by nature.
- Commenda di San Calogero – historic villa with lush gardens, orange and olives groves, and views of the sea and Mount Etna.
- Baglio Strafalcello – 19th century estate nestled in the countryside with panoramic views of vineyards and the Mediterranean Sea.
- La Chiusa Country House – authentic stone farmhouse in a tranquil setting surrounded by pomegranate and carob trees.
Connect With A Specialized Wedding Planner Who Knows Sicily Well
One of my top Sicily wedding planning tips is to work with a local expert.
By hiring an experienced local wedding planner, you’ll have access to a wealth of insider information — vital if you’re not an Italian speaker. Your wedding planner knows the wedding landscape inside and out and can recommend the most trusted vendors, the best times of year to visit, and can assist with your styling and decor.
It’s best to find a planner with a focus on luxury destination weddings, as that way, you’ll have someone local to help with arranging accommodation blocks, booking activities, and ensuring your guests have the best possible time in Sicily. If you book me as your photographer, I’d be happy to suggest my top wedding planners in Sicily!
Arrange Gourmet Dining & Luxury Accommodation
Next, think about where your guests will stay. Sicily has many luxury options, so once you have an idea of guest numbers, reserve a block of hotel rooms so they’re saved for them. You might want to surprise them with a small gift in their rooms on arrival, such as a fresh fruit platter and a bottle of Marsala, a locally made fortified wine that’s always popular.
You can also incorporate local food and wine into your romantic reception, ensuring your guests can sample the finest delicacies of the island. Thanks to the island’s diverse history, there are so many amazing dishes to enjoy here, including red prawns, sardine pasta and baked swordfish, finished with Sicily’s famously sweet cannoli, a fun alternative to a tiered wedding cake.
To add more Sicilian culture to your event, you could hire a local folk band to play music during your cocktail hour, with beautiful melodies to set the tempo for the rest of the evening.
Plan Exclusive Activities To Enjoy During Your Sicily Destination Wedding
The beauty of a destination wedding is having quality time to connect and relax with your guests, so consider planning a few activities that everyone can enjoy together. A private wine tasting or winery tour or a sunset yacht cruise, with canapes and prosecco, are always winners.
Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, and the Valley of the Temples, beautifully preserved ancient Greek ruins, are also unique Sicilian activities that shouldn’t be missed.
Of course, sometimes the best way to celebrate is by doing nothing at all, so be sure to enjoy one of Sicily’s best beaches, including San Vito Lo Capo and Mondello.
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The magic of Sicily, paired with your beautiful romance, will create such a gorgeous destination wedding! Please get in touch to book your candid, elegant, and unforgettable wedding photography on the island of Sicily.
