How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Italy

Why Couples Choose Italy for Destination Weddings

Planning a destination wedding in Italy is a dream for many couples around the world — and for good reason. From romantic villas on Lake Como to sun-soaked vineyards in Tuscany and dramatic Amalfi Coast cliffs, Italy offers some of the most iconic wedding locations on earth.

As a destination wedding photographer who has documented weddings all across Italy, we have seen firsthand what makes a destination wedding here truly magical — and what can make planning feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your Italian destination wedding with confidence, clarity, and zero unnecessary stress.

✔ Romantic landscapes ✔ World-class food & wine ✔ Timeless architecture ✔ Luxury venues ✔ Incredible photography locations ✔ Emotional storytelling atmosphere

Italy isn’t just a location — it’s a feeling.

Step 1: Choose the Right Region in Italy for Your Wedding

How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Italy (Step-by-Step Guide)

Italy is incredibly diverse, and each region offers a completely different atmosphere for your wedding day.

Here are some of the most popular destination wedding locations in Italy:

Lake Como

Perfect for luxury, elegance, and timeless romance. Think grand villas, mountain backdrops, and boat arrivals.

Best for: Luxury weddings, intimate elopements, stylish editorial-style weddings.

Tuscany

Rolling hills, vineyards, stone villas, and golden sunsets. Tuscany is ideal for relaxed, multi-day wedding experiences.

Best for: Vineyard weddings, rustic-chic celebrations, large guest lists.

Amalfi Coast

Dramatic cliffside views, colorful towns, and breathtaking sea views.

Best for: High-impact scenery, glamorous coastal weddings.

Rome, Florence & Venice

Historic cities with iconic architecture and deep cultural atmosphere.

Best for: Couples who want art, history, and city elegance.

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget for Your Destination Wedding

One of the most common questions couples ask is: “Is getting married in Italy expensive?”

The honest answer: It depends — but Italy offers a wide range of options.

Typical destination wedding budgets in Italy:

• Intimate elopement: €5,000 — €15,000

• Small wedding (20–40 guests): €15,000 — €35,000

• Medium wedding (50–80 guests): €30,000 — €60,000

• Luxury wedding (100+ guests): €60,000 — €150,000+

Your biggest cost factors will be:

• Venue rental

• Catering & open bar

• Accommodation

• Wedding planner

• Photography & video

• Floral & décor

• Travel & logistics

Step 3: Hire a Local Wedding Planner in Italy

This is one of the most important decisions you will make.

A local Italian wedding planner will:

• Handle legal paperwork

• Communicate with Italian vendors

• Negotiate contracts

• Manage timelines & logistics

• Solve problems before you even know they exist

From a photographer’s perspective, weddings with a great local planner always run smoother — and result in better photos because couples are more relaxed.

Step 4: Understand the Legal Requirements

Italy has specific legal requirements for foreign couples.

You have two main options:

Civil or Catholic Wedding (Legally Binding)

This requires:

• Birth certificates

• Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment)

• Translations & apostilles

• Time in Italy before the wedding

Symbolic Ceremony (Most Popular)

No legal paperwork required. You get legally married at home, then have a symbolic ceremony in Italy.

Most international couples choose symbolic ceremonies for simplicity and flexibility.

Step 5: Choose the Perfect Italian Wedding Venue

Popular venue types in Italy:

• Luxury villas

• Historic castles

• Wine estates & vineyards

• Boutique hotels

• Private estates

• Seaside terraces

• Agriturismos

When choosing a venue, consider:

• Guest capacity

• Accommodation on-site

• Noise restrictions

• Plan B for bad weather

• Accessibility for guests

Your venue will define the entire look and feel of your wedding.

Step 6: Book Your Destination Wedding Photographer Early

High-end destination wedding photographers in Italy are often booked 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak season (May–September).

Your photographer is one of the few vendors who will be with you throughout the entire day — from getting ready to the party.

When choosing your destination wedding photographer, look for someone who:

• Knows Italian venues & light conditions

• Has experience with timelines & logistics

• Can guide you naturally (not just pose you)

• Understands international couples

From experience, this makes a huge difference in how relaxed and natural your wedding photos feel.

Step 7: Plan a Multi-Day Wedding Experience

One of the biggest advantages of a destination wedding is that it’s not just one day — it’s a full experience.

Many couples plan:

• Welcome pizza or aperitivo night

• Pool party or boat day

• Wine tasting in Tuscany

• Farewell brunch

These extra moments create incredible memories — and amazing storytelling opportunities in your wedding photography.

Step 8: Pick the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Italy

The most popular wedding months in Italy:

May — June

Warm weather, green landscapes, high demand.

July — August

Very hot, very busy, higher prices (especially coastal areas).

September — October

Golden light, harvest season, perfect temperatures.

April & November

Lower prices, fewer tourists, but higher weather risk.

Italy is beautiful — but weather planning is essential:

Indoor backup spaces
Tents
Covered terraces
Flexible ceremony timing

Always plan for a Plan B.

Step 9: Travel & Guest Logistics

Make it easy for your guests by:

• Creating a wedding website

• Recommending hotels & transport

• Organizing group transfers

• Sharing local travel tips

Destination weddings feel more relaxed when guests feel well-informed.

Step 10: Enjoy the Process (and Trust Your Team)

Planning a destination wedding in Italy should feel exciting — not overwhelming.

When you choose the right planner, photographer, and local vendors, your job becomes simple:

Show up. Be present. Enjoy Italy. Get married.

Final Thoughts: Is Italy Right for Your Destination Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of:

• World-class scenery

• Incredible food & wine

• Timeless architecture

• Warm hospitality

• Editorial-level wedding photos

Then Italy is one of the best destination wedding locations in the world.

And when planned right, it’s not just a wedding — it’s an unforgettable experience for you and everyone you love.

A destination wedding in Italy isn’t about perfection — it’s about experience, emotion, and connection. With the right planning, the right team, and the right location, your wedding becomes more than an event — it becomes a memory that lives forever.

If you’re planning your destination wedding in Italy and looking for a photographer who understands light, storytelling, travel logistics, and authentic moments — you’re already in the right place.