How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Italy: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

So, you said yes and have a dream of getting married in Italy. Now what?

If you're ready to plan a wedding in Italy — complete with sunshine-soaked vows, flowing limoncello, and a romantic soundtrack in the background — you're in the right place.

Planning a destination wedding can feel like a full-time job, but don't worry: this is your step-by-step guide to getting it right. Whether you're dreaming of a Tuscan vineyard or cliffside Amalfi views, we’ll walk you through every key decision — minus the overwhelm.

Step 1: Choose Your Date (and Think Like a Local)

Italy is gorgeous year-round, but timing is everything when you're planning a destination wedding. Consider:

Spring (April–June): Mild weather, flowers in bloom, fewer crowds. A dream season.
Summer (July–August): Sunny and festive — but also peak tourist season, specially by the sea, and hot-hot.
Autumn (Sept–October): Golden light, grape harvests, warm evenings. Stunning.
Winter (Nov–March): Off-season, cold-ish, romantic, budget-friendly (plus: fewer booking battles).

Our tip: popular venues in Italy book up fast — often 12–15 months in advance. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed trying to narrow it down, our venue scouting service can help you figure out which region fits your vibe and your guest list.

Step 2: Pick the Right Region for You

Italy is a country of very different flavors — choosing where to get married is like picking your favorite gelato: it’s not easy, but you can’t go wrong.

Tuscany: Think rolling hills, golden light, and rustic-chic villas. A timeless favorite.
Amalfi Coast: Dramatic views, colorful cliffside villages, glamorous vibes.
Lake Como: Elegant, exclusive, and utterly photogenic. Perfect for intimate weddings.
Puglia: Less international tourism, more local. Full of charm, and great value. Whitewashed masserie and olive groves await.
Rome, Venice, Florence: For art lovers, romantics, and fans of grand, historic backdrops or lovers of confortable flight connections.

Need help deciding? Our vendor and venue scouting service was made for this exact moment. We’ll match you with the most compatible spaces — including hidden gems most international couples never find on Google.

Step 3: Book the Venue Before the Planner

Let’s bust a common myth: you don’t need to hire a wedding planner before choosing your venue. In fact, it’s often smarter to do the opposite.

Why? Many Italian venues include in-house planners or work with trusted local professionals. That means:

No extra travel or accommodation fees
They know the space inside out
You save money if planning is included
Less back-and-forth, more simplicity

Once you’ve locked in your location, then decide if you want an independent planner — especially if you’re planning something bespoke, multi-day, or multi-location.

Not sure where to begin? Book a free discovery call with us (use code MEET101) — you’ll get tailored advice, insider tips, and answers to all your “how do Italian weddings even work?” questions.

Step 4: Understand the Legal Side

Yes, you can legally get married in Italy — and no, it’s not as easy as just showing up with your passport.

You’ll need:

Valid passports
Birth certificates
A “Nulla Osta” (a sworn declaration of no legal impediment)
Legal translations, sometimes an Apostille

You'll find the detailed process of getting the legal requirements to marry in Italy in this article of our blog. Sound like a lot? Many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in Italy after legally marrying at home. It looks and feels the same — and spares you the paperwork drama.

Step 5: Budget Smart (and Keep a Little Extra for Wine)

When you plan a wedding in Italy, you’re not just booking a venue — you’re creating an experience. Your budget should reflect that, and it should also include a cushion for unexpected currency fluctuations, travel, and delicious upgrades (like extra gelato carts — trust us, worth it).

For 50–80 guests, expect to spend between €25,000 and €60,000 depending on location and style.
Elopements or micro-weddings can be much more budget-friendly.
Consider off-season discounts, weekday weddings, and all-inclusive packages from certain venues.

Want a clearer idea of what’s realistic in your favorite region? Ask us during your free call — we’ll walk you through average prices and where it’s smart to splurge or save.

Step 6: Give Guests a Heads-Up (and Some Travel Tips)

Destination weddings require planning — not just from you, but from your guests.

As soon as you've booked your venue, send the save-the-dates (at least 8–12 months in advance), and include:

Nearest airports and transport tips
Hotel and Airbnb suggestions
Optional group activities (wine tour, cooking class, boat day…)

Create a wedding website or digital invite with all this info in one place. Bonus points if it includes a local phrasebook (“aperitivo” is key).

Step 7: Book Local Vendors Who Get the Vibe

Here’s the thing: not all Italian vendors speak English fluently — and not all international planners understand Italian timelines.

That’s why local, vetted professionals are your golden ticket. Our vendor scouting service connects you to:

Stylists, makeup artists, and florists who know what works in the Italian climate
Photographers with that soft, sunlit style everyone loves
Caterers who go beyond pasta and tiramisù (though, those stay too)

Need help choosing? That’s literally what we do. Vendor scouting = less guesswork, more gorgeous results.

Step 8: Create the Timeline — plan Italian Style for a Wedding in Italy

Weddings in Italy follow a relaxed, luxurious rhythm. Forget rigid schedules — here’s how most days flow:

4:00 PM — Ceremony (golden hour hits just right)
5:00 PM — Aperitivo (prosecco + local bites = bliss)
6:30 PM — Al fresco dinner
9:00 PM — First dance under fairy lights
10:00 PM — Dancing, cake cutting, limoncello shots

It’s a full evening experience, with room for romance and that one uncle who dances too hard.

Step 9: Soak Up the Magic

You’re not just planning a wedding — you’re curating a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for you and your favorite people.

Say yes to:

The long dinner tables under olive trees
The group photo in front of the villa
The laughter echoing off ancient stone walls
The moment it all hits you: this is real

We’re here to help make it effortless, beautiful, and totally you.

Ready to make it official (no pressure)?🎯 Book a Free Discovery Call with code MEET101 and ask us anything — from best venues for small weddings to “wait, do I really need a plan B for rain?”