Published on THE KNOT
The Insider’s Guide to Getting Married in Italy
Considering how to have a destination wedding in Italy or abroad? Look no further than quite possibly the most romantic country in the world—Italy. Italian “I dos” make for memorable destination weddings, rich with antiquity, delectable food, spectacular local wines and diverse locales, from the Tuscan countryside to the beaches of the Italian Riviera. Consider our favorites before you book and a few facts you can’t afford to miss when planning your Italian destination wedding.
Where to Wed in Italy
Take your guests to the Tuscan countryside for vineyard valley backdrops, and say yes to a destination wedding at Monteverdi Tuscany. This 11th-century village turned luxury boutique hotel is ideal for a buyout and comes complete with an Italian-American celebrity chef and an ancient church where you can wed.
For a completely different experience, head south to Rome and wed high above the city at Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts where your wedding views can be that of the Vatican as you dance the night away on the rooftop terrace or in the garden of your choosing. This hotel is as much a museum—with 1,000 pieces of art on display—as it is a place to party. No need for a lot of décor here when you have centuries of style surrounding you.
How to Maximize Your Wedding Photos
Italian-American destination wedding photographer Rochelle Cheever suggests incorporating the culture into your settings. “I think it’s nice to choose different types of backdrops for different regions. Each city or region is so different from the other. Tuscany is all about the rolling hills and Tuscan Cypress trees. Rome is all about architecture and, my personal favorite, ancient historical monuments. The Amalfi Coast is more quaint Mediterranean, pastel colors and lemons with monumental views of the Amalfi Coast and the mountains.” Cheever also encourages couples to fit their fashion in with the setting of their choosing. “It’s nice to blend with the environment. For instance, a long white gown in Rome doesn’t look nice. Why? Because all of Rome is about ochre and earth tones. Whenever possible, I always suggest wearing off-white or red, one of my favorite colors for Rome. It’s the color of passion, which is what Rome is all about.”