Finding a Wedding Venue in Italy
While there are many wonderful hotels in Italy offering wedding packages, a more popular option for many couples is to rent a villa for both the wedding and reception and quite often the honeymoon too.
It is quite possible for couples to organise both the villa rental and the wedding themselves, but it often makes more sense to employ local assistance, and there are many companies offering services of this kind.
Hotel Gladiatori, Rome
There can be no better view in Rome than the magnificent sight of the Collosseum from the roof garden of the Gladiatori. Magnificent by day, it is even more stunning when lit up against the night sky.
A 15th century hunting lodge, the hotel has been restored to provide comfortable and elegant accommodation. There is an excellent menu, many churches within easy reach and the hotel staff are very friendly and eager to assist couples planning their Roman wedding.
Villa La Massa, Florence
A 16th century Medici villa on the banks of the Arno river close to Florence, which has been beautifully restored and offers exceptional accommodation and service. Luxurious individually decorated bedrooms, with Carera marble bathrooms, overlook the surrounding Tuscan hills and there is a pool and a beauty centre on site.
In addition to providing assistance with holding civil weddings, the Villa has a small private chapel on site where Catholic weddings can be celebrated. This is a sister property to theVille d'Este by Lake Como, which was the location of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's wedding.
Laconda dell'Amorosa, Siena
Literally the "Inn of Loving", this is not just a building but an entire traditional Tuscan village that has been turned into a luxury hotel. The traditional nature of the old buildings has been retained while providing an exceptionally high level of service and comfort for guests. The 25 bedrooms are all large and most beautifully decorated and the food has a deserved reputation for excellence.
There is one significant issue when considering it as a venue for a wedding - you must rent the entire hotel. This means it is best suited to events with 40-50 guests and needs to be booked well in advance but there can be no more romantic place.
Castello di Velona, Montalcino
A perfect and magical location, perched on a hill overlooking the Tuscan countryside, this is all old castle on the outside and all modern luxury within. There are 24 bedrooms, most of them suites and each individually and beautifully decorated and furnished.
Weddings can be held in the courtyard or on a terrace with magnificent views, with the option for larger parties to rent the whole castle privately. An in-house planner is availble to assist couples and the nearby Montalcino, one of the prettiest towns in Tuscany, has several lovely churches and the Palazzo dei Priori, the town hall, is a wonderful location for civil weddings.
Borgo Iesolano, Arezzo
Lot's of surprises await guests here, all pleasant. This is a working farm, surrounded by vines and olive groves, with buildings grouped around a courtyard. There are several separate apartments, all old and traditional on the outside but with interiors decorated in to the highest standards of cool, sophisticated and modern Italian design.
The apartments can accommodate up to 50 people and weddings can be held in the winebar (where you can taste the Borga's own wine and olive oils), in a small reception room or outside. The nearby village of Bucine is has a lovely church and both Florence and Sienna are within easy reach. The staff are particularly friendly and very helpful to couples organising weddings.
Grand Hotel Liberty, Lake Garda
In a wonderful location overlooking beautiful Lake Garda, this family run 4 star hotel has a lot of experience in organising weddings for foreign nationals.
There is an English speaking priest at the pretty church in nearby Limone, or a civil wedding can be organised in the local registry office. The in-house wedding coordinator also speaks English and is extremely helpful in assisting especially with cutting through the famous Italian red tape.
The building dates from the early 20th century but looks much older. It is beautifully maintained, with lots of antique furniture, well decorated and spacious bedrooms and a selection of restaurants and bars. There is both an indoor and outdoor pool and a well appointed spa on the premises.
Pallazzo Sasso, Ravello
This 12th century Italian villa on the Amalfi Coast is perched high on the cliffs overlooking the sea and with views of picturesque fishing villages and distant hills. Most room have either sea or mountain views and they are large, wonderfully furnished and luxurious. The restaurant has two Michelin stars and there is a peaceful Spa with a pool overlooking the sea.
The hotel can host weddings with up to 70 guests and assistance is available with making arrangements locally. It certainly is not a budget option, but the location, luxury and all-round excellence of service make it very good one for a really special day in a special place. Closed from November to March.
Villa Catureglio , Lucca
Located in a secluded and beautiful valley about an hour and a half from Florence, this is a very traditional Italian villa outside, and inside has been restored to provide great comfort and luxury without losing its original character
In addition to the main villa there are a number of other lovely old building on the estate which have been converted to 'cottages'. In all, up to 36 people can be accommodated in four buildings, sharing a pool and garden.
There is a private chapel in the grounds and the owners are most helpful in assisting overseas couples with their planning.
Villa Luciana, Londo
A typical Florantine villa with large terraced gardens and a pool, the Villa Luciana is just 45 minutes from Florence overlooking the lakeside town of Londa. Beautifully furnished and decorated, the villa can sleep 14 and there is plenty of accommodation locally for any additional guests.
Weddings can be held indoors or outside and be formal or casual. The food is terrific, really Italian country cooking, much of it done over an open fire. The family who own the villa are extremely helpful with making preparations for the wedding