Most couples dream that their wedding day will feel like a fairytale, longing to enact the love story of happily ever after. While every couple has unique tastes and preferences that make the day special to them, some couples go the extra mile. What screams the extra mile more than a Tuscany castle wedding in one of the world’s most artistic and architecturally breathtaking countries?

Within Italy, Tuscany is a hub of extravagance. It was the heart of the Italian Renaissance and has a reputation for excellence and high-quality living. Across the vast countryside, there are countless historical buildings, vineyards, olive trees, valleys, and hidden gems. Most importantly, there are many castles rich in cultural heritage, built in the Middle Ages, and now ready and waiting to be the backdrop to your fairytale romance.

To honor what Tuscany has to offer for couples wanting to say “I do” in style, I’ve put together a list of my top choices. Italians say: “L’amore è un viaggio non una destinazione” (love is a journey, not a destination.) While that’s true, these destinations will ensure celebrating your love will be an unforgettable experience.

Can You Get Married In A Castle In Italy?

Before we take a look at the top venues for your Italian castle wedding, what are the practicalities? Much has changed in the thousands of years since these castles were built. In years gone by they were the home to nobility, but now, the majority of venues have been transformed specifically into luxurious event spaces. The typical cost ranges between €20,000 to €50,000, depending on guests and catering.

The good news is that there are few restrictions, and the Italian government makes destination weddings accessible to foreigners. Once you’ve sorted out your permit, and gathered the appropriate paperwork, keep in mind that each venue may have periods of unavailability when open to the public. On-site, a civil wedding ceremony or symbolic ceremony is the preferred choice for a Tuscany castle wedding, but make sure to check each location for details.

The Most Romantic Castle Wedding Venues In Tuscany

Practicalities out of the way, now it’s time to dream about luxury wedding locations in Tuscany. It’s fair to say there’s no wrong choice. Each of these venues is a work of art, guaranteed to ignite the romance and create jaw-dropping moments of beauty. With a buffet of options, the next step is finding the right destination for your taste.

1. Castello Di Ristonchi

For over 1,000 years, Castello Di Ristonchi has been elevated high on the hilltop in the commune of Pelago, 20 kilometers from Florence. It has an on-site farm, making it eco-friendly, and holds accommodation for up to 80 guests. The staff do remind visitors that, due to the age of the site, to expect historical charm rather than modern indulgence. That’s not to say there’s any compromise on wealth, though, with world-class food, wine, and service.

The site has a look of options to choose from. The Tower has 10 rooms for 35 guests. The Farm has space for up to 25 guests, while the slightly secluded Villa Borghetto has 7 apartments for 20 guests. There’s a banquet hall catering for 70 guests, a bar, a terrace, and even a rave cave for those of you who like to party the night away. 

And then there’s the large pool, hiking trails, and activities, including pasta and pizza making and meditation. Ceremonies can be held inside the chapel (70 guests) or in the outdoor space (120 guests).

2. Castello Di Vicarello

Between Rome and Florence, in the Maremma countryside in Southern Florence, lies Castello Di Vicarello. Civil ceremonies can be hosted on-site, with a nearby church for couples who wish for a catholic service. 

Embedded within the 40 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and farmland, the nine suites are sensational. They’ve maintained the heritage whilst making refined and stylish upgrades, including marble bathrooms, secluded balconies, and coastline views.

The award-winning staff have hosted weddings at Castello Di Vicarello for 15 years, and know what it takes to make sure the day goes smoothly, whether intimate or extravagant. Their gardens, which have appeared on the pages of Vogue, have lots of options for outdoor celebrations. 

Keep in mind that for any event with more than 20 guests, the entire villa will have to be booked for a minimum of three nights, with a starting budget of €140,000. This venue is as prestigious as it gets.

3. Castello di Velona

This majestic resort sits proudly on the hilltops of Val d'Orcia — a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a world-renowned wine label, thermal baths, and, of course, unforgettable wedding celebrations. 

Although many options on this list have wellness and spa options, Castello di Velona is particularly special. It’s the only castle in the world with natural springs, with interconnected pools all throughout the property. Covering 1,500 square feet are five treatment rooms with Turkish baths, saunas and ice fountains. Plus, rooms have direct access to the warm thermal water.

If you’re looking for something extra special in the middle of pampering and relaxation, this restored fortress specializes in extravagant weddings. There are 45 rooms available, five restaurants (including one Michelin-starred), and the surrounding vineyard is perfect for wedding photography in Tuscany. 

The terraces are an outdoor option, or, to add an even more special touch, the 9th century Sant’Antimo Abbey is only five minutes away. The space is suitable for intimate occasions and big celebrations of up to 300 guests.

4. Castello Di Celsa

This 13th century castle in Sovicille, Siena, is another of Tuscany’s remarkable medieval wedding venues. Up to 10 people can stay at the on-site accommodation, the “Limonaia,” which gets its name due to its use in protecting nearby lemon trees, the scent of which adds a special aroma to the surroundings. 

Castello Di Celsa provides three spaces for wedding ceremonies, depending on the size and your personal requirements: the Chapel, the Courtyard, or the Barn. The Barn is the biggest, with two large rooms offering space for up to 180 guests.

The immaculate gardens are a standout landmark, in addition to the renovations that have taken place over the years. Initially built in 1245, it was refurbished and transformed into a country house in the 16th century, destroyed under the command of Charles V in the Sack of Rome. 

Eventually, in the 19th century it was restored to the state it remains in today, by a prestigious Italian architect, Mariani.

5. Castello Di Meleto

This castle is the centerpiece of a wine resort in Gaiole in Chianti, dating all the way back to 1256. The grounds of Castello Di Meleto are surrounded by 1,000 hectares of eco-friendly agriculture, from which a local wine is produced, and has been since its original conception. 

Located 30 kilometers from Siena, and 60 kilometers from Florence, the venue has doubled as a space for weddings for hundreds of years, including royalty, making it a historical landmark for saying “I do.”

The small private chapel has around 20 seats for smaller celebrations, with options within the castle and the garden, each for symbolic ceremonies. Accommodation is available with 30 rooms spread across the farmhouses and watchtower, plus two pools to access for some much-needed relaxation. 

6. Castello Di Spaltenna

Another venue set in the famous Chianti hills, Castello Di Spaltenna is a five-star hotel with a touch of class. Within the complex is the La Terrazza Restaurant and the Michelin-starred Il Pievano. For couples looking to indulge in spa treatments before and after their wedding, La Pieve Spa includes saunas, Turkish baths, and swimming pools. 

Weddings at Castello Di Spaltenna cater for up to 90 guests, and for additional privacy, group sizes over 35 will by default book the entire hotel for two days. There are a number of options for symbolic ceremonies and the rare opportunity for an on-site Catholic wedding at the chapel.

7. Castello Di Rosciano

If ancient and enchanted romance is what you’re looking for when you get married in a castle in Italy, look no further — Castello Di Rosciano is almost 2,000 years old and is recognized as a national historical monument. 

Symbolic and civil ceremonies take place in the garden, while the on-site former Benedictine church is a serene backdrop for religious ceremonies, amplified by the sacred nature of Assisi as a Catholic pilgrimage site. There are flexible options for group sizes, from 40 to 300 guests, with accommodation for up to 80.

Ready To Make Your Castle Wedding Dream A Reality?

These overviews offer a good starting point in your journey of making the fairytale come to life. As a destination wedding photographer in Tuscany, I’m experienced in capturing your special day with a focus on classy, refined photographs that will create a legacy. 

I know choosing a location is a big decision, so don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss how I can help support your journey — I’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you have.