Planning an Italy Wedding? Complete 2026 Guide from a Destination Photographer

Dreaming of saying “I do” in Italy? Learning how to get married in Italy transforms your wedding from a single-day event into an unforgettable international experience. Italy offers couples a perfect blend of romance, history, and some of the most stunning wedding locations in the world. As a destination wedding photographer who has photographed beautiful Italian weddings, I’m here to guide you through everything you need to know about planning your dream wedding in Italy.

Why Choose Italy for Your Destination Wedding?

Here’s a surprising fact: While the average U.S. wedding costs $50,000+, you can host an unforgettable Italian celebration for similar or even lower costs. Plus, you’re not just getting a wedding – you’re giving your guests a vacation experience they’ll never forget.

Think about it: Instead of a one-day celebration at your local venue, you’re treating your loved ones to:

• Multiple days of celebration in a historic setting
• An immersive cultural experience
• Incredible food and wine
• Stunning photo opportunities
• A European vacation alongside your wedding

People take trips all the time. Why not make one of those trips a celebration of your special day? You will be surprised how many people will jump at that opportunity.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Italy?
(2026 Pricing Across Italian Regions)

Let’s break down what you can expect to spend in different regions:

• Amalfi Coast: $30,000 – $100,000
• Tuscany: $25,000 – $80,000
• Rome: $20,000 – $70,000
• Florence: $25,000 – $80,000
• Venice: $30,000 – $90,000
• Lake Como: $30,000 – $100,000

Remember: These ranges reflect 2025-2026 pricing for full wedding packages. Many couples choose to elope for less, while others invest over $100,000 for grand celebrations.

Legal Requirements: What Documents You Need to Get Married in Italy

If you’re wondering how to get married in Italy, one of the first things you need to know is the required documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Valid passports
2. Birth certificates with apostille
3. Nulla Osta (declaration of freedom to marry)
4. Previous marriage documentation (if applicable)

Pro tip: Many couples legally marry in their home state before their destination wedding to simplify paperwork.

Best Places to Get Married in Italy: Wedding Venues by Region

When considering how to get married in Italy, the first step is to choose the perfect venue. You’ll find a wide variety of options depending on the region of Italy you’re interested in. Below are a few of my favorite luxury venues in Italy.

Luxury Wedding Venues in Lake Como

• Villa d’Este: Historic luxury with a floating pool
• Villa Balbianello: Famous for film locations and terraced gardens
• Hotel Villa Cipressi: Stunning botanical gardens and lake views
• Villa Erba: Elegant 19th-century villa right on the water in Cernobbio

The Best Tuscany Wedding Venues

• Castello di Casole: 10th-century castle on vast grounds
• Villa La Foce: Renaissance gardens and historic charm
• Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco: Luxury wine estate
• Villa Mussio: Timeless style with a modern twist in the hilly countryside of Tuscany’s Maremma overlooking the sea

Amalfi Coast Wedding Venues

• Belmond Hotel Caruso: 11th-century palazzo with infinity pool
• Villa Cimbrone: Famous for its Infinity Terrace
• Villa Treville: Boutique hotel recognized for its cliffside setting and ultra-luxurious suites
• Hotel San Pietro: Private beach access

Wedding Venues in Rome

• Villa Miani: Hilltop villa overlooking Rome 
• Villa Aurelia: 17th-century villa with panoramic views 
• Castello di Tor Crescenza – Medieval castle just outside Rome 

Venice Wedding Venues

• Aman Venice – 16th-century palazzo on Grand Canal 
• Hotel Cipriani – Private island luxury resort 
• Palazzo Pisani Moretta – Gothic palace with Grand Canal views 
• Hotel Danieli – Former Doge’s residence near St. Mark’s 

Best Seasons for Weddings in Italy

As you figure out how to get married in Italy, keep in mind that seasons like spring and fall are ideal for outdoor ceremonies.

• Spring (March-May): Mild weather, blooming flowers, fewer tourists
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for outdoor celebrations, longest daylight
• Fall (September-November): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures
• Winter (December-February): Romantic atmosphere, ideal for intimate indoor venues

How to Get Married in Italy: Navigating Travel and Transportation

Traveling to Italy for your destination wedding doesn’t have to be complicated. Knowing how to get married in Italy goes hand-in-hand with understanding how to navigate the country’s transportation system. Whether you’re traveling to a remote Tuscan vineyard or a charming coastal venue, there are various options for getting around Italy.

International and Domestic Flights

When traveling from the United States to Italy, there are several major international airports to consider: Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), and Venice Marco Polo (VCE). However, for some travelers, flying into a larger European hub like London Heathrow (LHR), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), or Frankfurt (FRA) may offer more affordable options.

Flight Tracking Tips for Your Destination Wedding in Italy

To stay on top of the best flight deals for your Italian wedding, tools like Google Flights, Going, and PanFlights are excellent resources. They help track prices, send notifications, and offer discounts on major airlines flying into Italy.

Traveling Within Italy

Once you’re in Italy, you’ll need a strategy for getting around. Here’s a quick rundown of transportation options:

• High-Speed Trains: The Frecciarossa and Italo trains connect major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples. These are a fast and comfortable way to travel, especially for couples planning a multi-city wedding itinerary.
• Regional Trains: For shorter trips and exploring smaller towns, regional trains offer scenic and affordable travel. You can easily book tickets through Trenitalia or Rail Europe.
• Domestic Flights: If you need to cover large distances within Italy quickly, consider domestic flights. Alitalia and Transavia are common choices for air travel between cities.

Exploring Italy by Car

If you prefer exploring Italy at your own pace, renting a car can be a great option. However, be mindful of ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) in cities like Florence and Rome. Additionally, you’ll need an International Driver’s Permit to legally drive in Italy. These can be obtained in your home country before your trip and typically cost between $20-$30.

Alternative Transportation Options

• Scooters and Motorcycles: Renting a scooter is a fun way to zip around cities like Rome or Florence. Be sure to have the proper license and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws.
• Boats and Ferries: If you’re planning a wedding on the coast, consider a boat ride. Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and Lake Como all offer scenic ferry and boat rentals.

Public Transportation

For getting around within cities, Italy has an efficient public transportation system, including metros, buses, and trams. Be sure to check the schedules for local transportation and buy tickets in advance to avoid fines.

Top Luxury Wedding Vendors in Italy

Once you’ve decided how to get married in Italy, the next step is to ensure every detail of your celebration is handled by the best professionals. Italy is known for its luxury wedding vendors who specialize in making your dream wedding come to life. Whether you’re planning an intimate affair or an extravagant celebration, these trusted vendors will provide you with the expertise and service needed to create an unforgettable experience.

Luxury Wedding Photographers & Videographers

Capturing your wedding day in Italy is an art, and choosing the right photographer and videographer is essential. Here are some top luxury wedding photographers and videographers that can help you preserve every magical moment of your destination wedding:

• Maggie Karanja Photography – Is a wedding photographer specializing in destination weddings and has experience capturing weddings in Italy’s breathtaking settings.
• Nova Film Co. – U.S.-based video team known for their cinematic approach to wedding videography, with a focus on capturing emotional and romantic moments.
• MDM Wedding Videography – Based in Italy, MDM specializes in fine art wedding cinematography.

Wedding Florists in Italy

The floral arrangements at your Italian wedding can make a significant impact on the overall atmosphere. These top florists can design everything from stunning bouquets to elaborate floral installations:

• Lake Como Florist  | Lada Fiori – Based in Lake Como
• Florist Amalfi Coast – Based in Amalfi Coast

Wedding Makeup Artists & Hairstylists 

Look your best on your wedding day with the help of Italy’s top makeup artists and hairstylists. Whether you want a natural look or a more dramatic style, these professionals will ensure you’re stunning for every photo:

• Beauty Livery – A renowned makeup artist and hairstylist based in Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
• BLBS Management – Operating out of Lake Como, they offer luxury beauty services for brides.
• SAMANTHA PRETTO – Based in Tuscany

Italy Wedding Planners & Coordinators

Planning a destination wedding in Italy can be challenging, especially if you’re organizing everything from abroad. The following wedding planners are experts in managing all aspects of your celebration:

• Tara Skinner Events – Based in the United States, they specialize in destination weddings, providing full-service planning and coordination to ensure everything runs smoothly.
• Marigiulia Sella Weddings – A premier Italian wedding planner based in Northern Italy.
• Exclusive Italy Weddings – With a vast network of vendors and locations across Italy, they offer comprehensive planning services to help you create a seamless wedding experience.

Luxury Wedding Rentals & Decor

From lavish wedding rentals to high-end decor, these companies provide everything needed to transform your Italian wedding venue into a luxurious dream setting:

• Tableset Luxury Rentals – Located in Northern Italy, they offer a selection of fine tableware, linens, and furniture to elevate your wedding’s aesthetic.
• Wedding Chairs & Co. – Based on the Amalfi Coast, they specialize in elegant wedding rentals, providing seating and furniture.
• Italian Wedding Designer – Known for their stylish decor, they provide an array of luxury rental items, including decor, lighting, and seating.

Boat Rentals for Your Italian Wedding

If your wedding is taking place by the water, consider adding a boat rental for an unforgettable experience. These services offer luxury boats and yachts for your pre- or post-wedding celebrations:

• Cantiere Nautico Cadenazzi – Specializing in boat rentals on Lake Como, they offer a variety of luxury yachts for a stylish, memorable wedding experience.
• Positano Boats – Located on the Amalfi Coast, they provide boat rentals for couples looking to cruise the Mediterranean in style.

Choosing Your Wedding Photographer: What to Consider for Your Destination Italian Wedding

One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your Italian destination wedding is selecting your photographer. Your wedding photos are one of the few tangible keepsakes you’ll have long after your celebration ends, so this choice deserves careful consideration.

Understanding Your Options

Many talented photographers work throughout Italy, offering distinct advantages—intimate venue knowledge, established vendor relationships, and no travel expenses. However, couples planning from abroad often face unexpected challenges: language barriers during complex planning, cultural differences in photography styles and wedding flow, and time zone coordination across 6-9 hours that can slow down crucial decisions.

Why Many Couples Choose U.S.-Based Photographers

After photographing numerous Italian weddings, I’ve learned what couples value most about traveling with a photographer from home:

Seamless Communication
Communicate in your native language from your first inquiry through final gallery delivery. Hop on calls during your workday, get quick responses to time-sensitive questions, and discuss your vision in detail without anything getting lost in translation.

Shared Cultural Understanding
A U.S.-based photographer understands American wedding traditions, family dynamics, and celebration flow while embracing the magic of your Italian setting. They anticipate the moments that matter most to you and your guests.

Relationship Building
Meet in person before your wedding (if schedules allow), schedule engagement sessions to build comfort in front of the camera, and feel confident with someone you’ve built a relationship with before your big day.

Destination Wedding Expertise
Photographers who regularly travel for weddings professionally handle logistics, work seamlessly with international vendors despite language differences, and troubleshoot unexpected situations abroad.

What to Look For

Whether you choose a U.S.-based or Italian photographer, prioritize these essentials:

• Proven experience photographing weddings specifically in Italy
• Portfolio showcasing Italian venues and lighting that resonates with your vision
• Clear, responsive communication style that makes you feel confident
• Transparent pricing that accounts for all considerations
• Personality and approach aligned with how you want to feel on your wedding day

The right photographer isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about finding someone who understands your vision, communicates effortlessly, and makes you feel completely comfortable.

Destination Client Review

“Maggie became so much more than our photographer—she was an invaluable resource throughout our entire journey. From months of planning to the wedding day itself, she generously shared her expertise and collaborated seamlessly with our team in Italy. She handled every aspect of destination wedding photography with total professionalism, and her photos? They captured not just moments, but the exact magic we felt. They’re time capsules of pure emotion we’ll treasure forever.”

Chederli + Jordan

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in Italy

Is it cheaper to have a wedding in Italy?

It can be! While the average U.S. wedding costs $50,000+, you can host an unforgettable Italian celebration for similar or even lower costs. The key difference? Destination weddings naturally have smaller guest counts—typically 50 guests or fewer—which significantly reduces catering, rental, and venue costs. Instead of hosting 150+ guests at home, you’re creating an intimate celebration abroad. When you factor in that your guests are getting a vacation experience alongside your wedding, the value becomes even clearer. Plus, you’re combining your wedding and honeymoon in one incredible trip.

Can Americans legally get married in Italy?

Yes, Americans can legally get married in Italy, though the paperwork can be complex. You’ll need specific documents including a Declaration of Impediment (Nulla Osta), passport copies, birth certificates, and potentially divorce or death certificates if applicable. All documents must be translated into Italian by a certified translator and apostilled. Because of these requirements, many couples choose to legally marry in their home state before their Italian celebration, then have a symbolic ceremony in Italy. This simplifies the paperwork significantly while still allowing you to exchange vows in your dream Italian setting.

How long does it take to plan a wedding in Italy?

Most couples need 12-18 months to plan an Italy destination wedding. This timeline allows you to:

• Secure your preferred venue and top vendors (many book 12+ months in advance)
• Navigate the legal documentation process if having a legal ceremony
• Give guests adequate notice to request time off work and book travel
• Handle logistics like accommodations, transportation, and activities
• Work through details across time zones without feeling rushed

While shorter timelines are possible, especially for elopements or smaller celebrations, the 12-18 month window ensures you have access to the best vendors and venues for your preferred date.

Do you need a wedding planner for an Italy wedding?

While not legally required, hiring a wedding planner for your Italy wedding is highly recommended—and honestly, essential for most couples. Here’s why: coordinating across an 8-9 hour time difference makes communication challenging, and you need someone on the ground in Italy who can handle vendor coordination, navigate language barriers, troubleshoot day-of logistics, and ensure every detail is executed flawlessly.

Trying to plan an international wedding yourself while managing work and daily life back home creates unnecessary stress. A professional planner with Italian connections and local expertise is worth every penny for peace of mind. Even if you wouldn’t hire a planner for a hometown wedding, the complexities of destination weddings make them invaluable.

What is the best region in Italy for a wedding?

The “best” region depends on your vision, but each offers something magical:

Lake Como is my personal favorite (and yes, I’m biased as a photographer!). The lakes create the most stunning natural lighting—there’s always a perfect amount of cloud cover that produces absolutely dreamy, soft light for photos. The dramatic mountain backdrop and elegant villas make every shot breathtaking.

Tuscany offers rolling hills, vineyard views, and that classic Italian countryside romance. It’s perfect for couples wanting a rustic-elegant aesthetic.

Amalfi Coast delivers dramatic cliffside views, Mediterranean vibes, and vibrant coastal colors. Ideal for couples wanting a beachy, colorful celebration.

Florence and Rome provide rich history, iconic architecture, and urban sophistication for couples wanting a city wedding with cultural depth.

Consider your aesthetic preferences, season (some regions are better in certain months), and guest accessibility when choosing. Each region has distinct beauty that photographs gorgeously.

How many guests attend Italy destination weddings?

Most Italy destination weddings host between 30-60 guests, with 50 or fewer being the sweet spot. This intimate size is one of the major advantages of destination weddings—you’re celebrating with your absolute closest family and friends who are willing to travel internationally for your special day.

Smaller guest counts mean:

• More quality time with each guest throughout the weekend
• Lower costs for catering, rentals, and venue minimums
• Easier logistics for group transportation and activities
• A more relaxed, intimate celebration atmosphere
• The ability to splurge on elevated experiences (nicer venue, better food, premium photographer)

Some couples elope with just the two of them or host micro-weddings with 10-20 guests, while others invite up to 100. The right number is whatever feels meaningful to you, but expect about 60-70% of invited guests to attend due to travel considerations.

How to Get Married in Italy with Ease: Next Steps

Now that you know how to get married in Italy and how to travel around the country, you’re one step closer to making your dream wedding a reality. From determining your guest count to choosing the best transportation options, these tips will help ensure a smooth and memorable experience. 

As a wedding photographer, I am always ready to help couples capture the magic of their Italian wedding, whether it’s an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration.Want to learn more about how to get married in Italy and preserve your memories through stunning photography? Let’s chat today about how I can help you capture your beautiful wedding in Italy.

Photography Note: The majority of images featured in this guide are from weddings I’ve personally photographed in Italy. A few venue images have been sourced from the properties themselves to showcase venues I recommend but have not yet had the opportunity to photograph.