Italy has a way of making everything feel cinematic.
The light, the architecture, the pace of life, the way dinner turns into a three-hour celebration without anyone checking the time.
And that’s exactly why couples from the US, Australia, and across Europe keep choosing Italy for their destination wedding.
But let’s be honest: planning a wedding in Italy from abroad can feel overwhelming at first. Venues, legal requirements, travel logistics, guest experience, timelines… it’s a lot.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — step by step — so you can plan your wedding in Italy with confidence, style, and intention.
This guide is written by George, owner of George Novac Studio. Feel free to explore our portfolio and get in touch with us if you love our work
Why Italy Is the Perfect Destination Wedding Location
A destination wedding in Italy isn’t just about the wedding day. It’s about the entire experience.
Italy offers something few places can replicate:
- iconic venues (villas, masserias, castles, luxury hotels)
- breathtaking landscapes (coastlines, vineyards, lakes, countryside)
- incredible food culture and wine
- effortless style and elegance
- a natural “wedding weekend” lifestyle
It’s not just beautiful — it’s emotional. And it’s built for celebrating with the people you love.
If you want your wedding to feel like a real chapter of your life, not just an event… Italy makes that easy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Wedding in Italy
Below is the exact planning structure I recommend to couples who want an elevated experience and a smooth process.
Step 1: Choose Your Region in Italy
Your location will shape everything: your venue options, guest experience, budget, and aesthetic.
Here are the most popular regions for destination weddings:
Amalfi Coast
Perfect for couples who want glamour, ocean views, luxury hotels, and iconic Italian summer energy.
(Explore my Amalfi Coast wedding resources here → internal link to Amalfi category page)
Puglia
Ideal for stylish couples who love earthy tones, Mediterranean textures, masserias, and a relaxed luxury vibe.
(Explore my Puglia venue guides here → internal link to Puglia category page)
Tuscany
The classic choice. Villas, vineyards, golden countryside light, long tables under olive trees.
(Explore Tuscany planning articles here → internal link to Tuscany category page)
Umbria
Often described as “Tuscany, but quieter.” Perfect for couples who value intimacy, authenticity, and privacy.
Lake Como
A fashion-inspired destination with timeless elegance, lake villas, and an old-money feel.
Venice
Romantic, artistic, and completely unique — perfect for an intimate wedding or elopement.
Tip:
If you’re torn between two destinations, choose based on the guest experience you want, not only the scenery.
Step 2: Define Your Wedding Style (Not Just Your Venue)
Before searching for venues, decide the vibe.
Ask yourself:
- Do we want it to feel like a villa weekend in the countryside?
- A chic seaside celebration?
- A minimal, editorial event with modern design?
- A relaxed Mediterranean dinner party that turns into a dance floor?
Your wedding style will guide every decision.
And it will prevent the most common mistake: booking a venue that looks stunning, but doesn’t match the atmosphere you want.
Step 3: Choose the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Italy
Italy is beautiful year-round, but the season matters a lot.
Spring (April–June)
Soft light, fresh landscapes, and fewer crowds.
One of the best seasons for weddings in Italy.
Summer (July–August)
Peak season. Hot, busy, expensive.
Perfect for coastal weddings, but not ideal for countryside ceremonies in full sun.
Early Fall (September–October)
Arguably the most luxurious time of year.
Golden tones, warm evenings, and a very “editorial” atmosphere.
Late Fall & Winter
A hidden gem for intimate weddings. Think candlelight, historic villas, elegant indoor receptions, and timeless mood.
Insider tip:
September is the sweet spot if you want the Amalfi Coast or Tuscany without the chaos of August.
Step 4: Set a Realistic Budget (Before You Fall in Love With Venues)
Budget is not just a number. It’s your planning freedom.
For destination weddings in Italy, couples typically invest in:
- venue rental + accommodation blocks
- catering (often priced per guest)
- planner and design team
- florals and styling
- live music and entertainment
- transportation
- photography and videography
- welcome dinner + day-after brunch
The more “weekend wedding” your vision is, the more your budget needs to reflect that.
Step 5: Decide If You Need a Wedding Planner
If you’re planning from abroad, a planner isn’t a luxury. It’s peace of mind.
A great wedding planner in Italy will:
- handle venue communication
- manage vendor sourcing
- coordinate timelines
- guide you through legal requirements
- protect your vision (and your budget)
If you want a wedding that feels effortless and elevated, a planner is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Step 6: Book Your Venue Early
Luxury venues in Italy book quickly — especially for:
- May
- June
- September
- early October
When selecting your venue, consider:
Guest accommodation
Can guests stay on-site or nearby?
Weather plan
Does it have a beautiful indoor space?
Logistics
How easy is it to reach? How far from airports?
Flow
Can you host multiple events (welcome dinner, pool party, brunch)?
Your venue should feel like a full experience, not just a pretty ceremony backdrop.
Step 7: Book Photography and Video (Earlier Than You Think)
Your photographer isn’t just someone who documents your wedding.
They influence:
- your timeline
- how you experience the day
- the flow of portraits
- the mood of the final memories
If you love imagery that feels editorial, timeless, and emotional, book early. Many of the best destination wedding photographers in Italy book 12–18 months in advance.
Tip:
Choose a photographer who understands how to guide you — not someone who only “captures moments.”
Your wedding should feel relaxed, but your photos should still look iconic.
Step 8: Plan the Guest Experience (This Is What Makes It Luxury)
High-end destination weddings aren’t about expensive details.
They’re about how the experience feels.
Think about what you want your guests to remember:
- the aperitivo atmosphere
- the way dinner felt like a celebration of family
- slow mornings in the villa
- wine tasting in Tuscany
- sunset cocktails overlooking the sea
The most memorable weddings in Italy feel like a vacation, a reunion, and a love story all in one.
That’s why wedding weekends are the gold standard.
Step 9: Choose Between Civil and Symbolic Ceremony
This is one of the biggest questions couples have.
Symbolic ceremony
- easiest option
- no legal paperwork in Italy
- most popular for international couples
Civil ceremony
- legally recognized
- requires documents and official steps
- can be more time-consuming
Many couples choose to legally marry at home, then have a symbolic ceremony in Italy with all the emotion and beauty, without the stress.
Step 10: Create a Wedding Weekend Timeline
This is where destination weddings become unforgettable.
Here’s the classic structure:
Day 1: Welcome Dinner
A relaxed aperitivo, long table dinner, speeches, and golden hour.
Day 2: Wedding Day
Ceremony, cocktails, reception, dancing.
Day 3: Day-After Brunch
A poolside brunch, beach club day, or farewell lunch.
This structure creates connection. Guests bond. The energy builds naturally. And your wedding feels like a real story.
You’ll also get better photos because everything feels unhurried.
What Luxury Couples Do Differently (The Wedding Weekend Mindset)
Couples who create truly elevated weddings in Italy do a few things differently:
- they prioritize experience over decoration
- they invest in vendors who understand atmosphere
- they allow time for real moments
- they choose quality over quantity
- they build a weekend, not a “one day event”
The result is a wedding that feels natural, stylish, emotional, and unforgettable.
And that’s exactly what Italy does best.
Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Wedding in Italy
Here are the biggest mistakes I see couples make:
1. Booking the venue before understanding the guest flow
A venue can be stunning, but if it’s logistically complicated, the weekend becomes stressful.
2. Underestimating transportation
Italy is not always “easy” to navigate. You need a transport plan, especially for guests.
3. Planning a timeline that is too tight
Italian weddings are slow, emotional, and social. That’s the magic.
4. Not planning for the heat
Especially in July and August. Ceremony timing matters.
5. Treating photography like a “last-minute” decision
Your photos will outlive everything else.
The flowers fade. The dress gets stored.
But your images become the story your family remembers.
The Most Popular Italian Wedding Destinations
If you’re still choosing your location, here’s a quick overview:
- Amalfi Coast: glamorous, iconic, dramatic views
- Puglia: masseria charm, Mediterranean design, relaxed luxury
- Tuscany: vineyards, timeless villas, countryside romance
- Umbria: quieter, intimate, refined, authentic
- Lake Como: fashion energy, old-money elegance
- Venice: romantic, artistic, one-of-a-kind atmosphere
Final Checklist Before You Fly to Italy
Here’s a simple checklist that keeps everything smooth:
✅ confirm all vendor contracts
✅ create a realistic wedding day timeline
✅ confirm transport schedule for guests
✅ prepare a weather backup plan
✅ finalize ceremony details + music
✅ prepare guest welcome bags (optional but lovely)
✅ schedule hair/makeup trials if possible
✅ confirm dinner seating plan
✅ plan time for portraits without rushing
✅ take a breath — you’re getting married in Italy
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Wedding in Italy Should Feel Exciting, Not Stressful
Italy rewards couples who plan with intention.
If you focus on experience, atmosphere, and the people you love, your wedding will naturally become everything you hoped for — and more.
Because the best destination weddings aren’t about perfection.
They’re about feeling.
And Italy knows how to make everything feel unforgettable.
Planning a Wedding in Italy?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding weekend in Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Puglia, or Umbria — and you want photography that feels timeless, editorial, and deeply real…
FAQ
How far in advance should I plan a destination wedding in Italy?
Ideally 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak months like June and September.
Is it expensive to get married in Italy?
It depends on the region, guest count, and venue style. Amalfi Coast and Lake Como are typically the most expensive, while Umbria offers more value for luxury.
Do I need a wedding planner in Italy?
If you’re planning from abroad, a planner is highly recommended for vendor coordination, timelines, and logistics.
What is the best month to get married in Italy?
May, June, September, and early October are the most popular months for weather, light, and atmosphere.
Can foreigners legally get married in Italy?
Yes, but the process depends on nationality and requires official paperwork. Many couples choose a symbolic ceremony instead.
