The Top 5 Luxurious, Historical Destination Wedding Venues in Italy

When newly-engaged couples think of romantic destination venues, the first location to come to mind is usually France. Italy, a country known more for its delicious food and historic towns, probably wouldn’t be the first on your list of options. However, with a bit of research, you can easily discover some of the most beautiful venues that you won’t be able to find elsewhere. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the best destination wedding venues for your big celebration.

1. Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como

This gorgeous venue is home to some of the most elite weddings, luxurious fashion shoots, and the backdrop for famous films like James Bond and Star Wars. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, there’s also only one way to arrive at this villa: by boat. If you choose this location for your wedding, your guests will start creating some lifelong memories right as they start heading for your venue. Surrounded by this venue are unique lake views on all sides, meaning you’ll have the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos, no matter where your picture gets taken.

And this villa isn’t the only venue you can choose from. Lake Como has several options you can choose from. If you want an elegant, princess wedding in a castle, then Villa Sola Cabiati might be the one you’re looking for. This lavish building was built in the sixteenth century by Duke de Carretto, and it's been the home of different noble families ever since. Currently, the Serbelloni family owns this villa, and the family members have been since the eighteenth century. At its entrance, you’ll find a stunning Italian garden, the stone mooring, and a vast cast iron gate. Its garden is made up of four parterres, or ornamental flower beds, which overlook a lake. At this location, you could find yourself sipping beautifully-made cocktails while watching the movie-like sunset.

But if you want to be surrounded by the clear waters on your wedding day, then Villa del Balbianello is the one for you, especially if you need a venue that offers a large guest capacity. According to the website, this venue can accommodate 60 people for the Logalla Segre, and 150 for the lakeside terrace, so if you need a spot that can hold at least 200 people, you may want to consider this villa. However, it’s important to be aware of certain rules before deciding to book this venue. According to the most recent official rates, Saturday is a more expensive day of the week to book compared to other days, and prices get a bit steeper if you choose to have your ceremony on the days (or during the times) it’s closed. If you have more than 50 guests, including the bride and the groom, then ceremonies are only allowed when the villa is closed to the public, which usually costs more.

2. Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany

Borgo Santo Pietro is a five-star boutique hotel that’s centered at the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Here, nature meets luxury. You and your guests can relax and enjoy a five-sense immersion, where you can ease your mind, body, and spirit. If you want your destination wedding to feel like a quiet vacation away from home, this might be the place you’ll want it to be.

This venue is so passionate about its spa services and nature that it’s even created its own natural skincare line, called Seed to Skin. Using ingredients and resources right from its farm, their state-of-the-art laboratory creates products with a complete 360-degree approach to beauty and wellness. They even create amenity sets for their guests, providing a bundle of vitamins, minerals, and gently exfoliating lactic acids that will leave your skin soft and radiant. Their cure-all, raw honey is one of their key ingredients, which have been used for millennia for intensely moisturizing, soothing properties. It’s also gathered from their Borgo bees, who occupy their 300-acre organically cultivated estate.

One key attraction of this hotel is its Satori Yacht, which stands at 41.5 meters. It was built and designed in Bodrum, Turkey and has all the amenities of a world-class racing yacht. It features a free-standing walnut bathtub in the master bedroom and a hidden wine cellar beneath the stairs. If you want to spend hours of the day relaxing at the spa, in the beautiful hotel, or wandering around to see the different scenery, then you can easily do so here. However, if you want a mix of time to unwind and time to be festive, then you can have an exciting time with the Satori Yacht. However, like every boat, there’s a limited amount of space, so this could be the perfect spot to hold any pre-wedding traditions with a few important family members. There are three double bedrooms, a spa suite with en-suite steam room that can convert to a queen-sized bedroom. And best of all, there’s a master-sized suite that spans the width of the ship. Each bedroom has walnut paneling, orthopedic mattresses, sepia-tinted marble, en-suite bathroom, and expansive views of the gorgeous blue ocean. The ride you’ll enjoy is also ensured to be a smooth one. Beneath the deck lie sound-proofed engine rooms, promising safe sailing. Borgo Santo Pietro offers a unique location to have a calm, peaceful time in Italy.

3. Villa Cimbrone, Amalfi Coast

Throughout history, this venue has welcomed visitors from aristocracy with its elegant experiences and exceptional service. This villa preserves the rich history of Italy of the 11th century, when the first mentions of Villa Cimbrone can be found. Its halls are adorned with frescoed surfaces and rare artifacts and pieces of art. Not only do its halls showcase a story of Italy’s architectural past, but it also features 19 bedrooms that are both comfortable and luxurious. Their incredible staff also dedicate themselves to handle everything you need, giving you and your guests an unforgettable experience. If you’re worried about the condition of such a historic building, fear not. Thanks to the Vuillemier’s family, this villa has been restored to its former glory. Their commitment to recovering, conserving, and protecting the cultural heritages of this site are the reason why this venus is as gorgeous and unique as it is.

Outside, you can also find a scenic botanical garden, creating perfect spring wedding photos. It contains a variety of beautiful flowers and is considered among the most important and must-see attractions of the area. It showcases a combination of English landscape and the botany culture of South Europe. Here, you can celebrate with your friends, family members, and loved ones while surrounded by an array of colorful flowers.

If this garden doesn’t capture your interest, then the Terrace of Infinity might. Here, you can take an exceptional, matchless wedding-day photo. Lined with marble, it features a backdrop of the Mediterranean waters below. However, you should be prepared for how far down the drop is below. Looming more than 1200 feet above the sea, the look downward may not be for the faint of heart. However, the views may be worth the hair-raising experience. In the distance, you can see the outline of the Cilento Mountains and the area where the ancient city of Paestrum was built. Your wedding photos will showcase the beauty of both your promise towards your partner and the scenic and historic views of your backdrop.

4. Villa Aurelia, Rome

On the crest of Janiculum Hill, Villa Aurelia has been a property of the American Academy in Rome since 1909. After three years of extensive restoration, it was reopened to feature a beautiful and historic landmark in June 2022. Here, you’ll soon discover its dedication to exclusive, top-of-the-line services. It is only open for one event per day, allowing for their sole attention to be focused on you and your guests. And if you’re worried that your venue won’t give you a wedding package that fits your needs? Fear not! This will not be an issue here, since you’ll have the freedom to choose any catering company, florists, musicians, and any other service you might want for your wedding. Whether you want to include local elements and businesses or to fly your favorite makeup artist or photographer, here you have full independence to choose what you want.

Its staff are not only dedicated to you and your guests, but they’re also committed to taking care of the splendid gardens, elegant interiors, and every other aspect of the hotel on a daily basis. The hotel prides itself to its attention to detail and careful management. It’s become the point of reference among locations in Rome in the world of private, public, or corporate events. And with 95 spacious rooms, they offer a variety of extra services for a relaxing time spent within walking distance to the heart of Rome. With a capacity for 200 guests inside and 300 outside, you won’t have to worry about finding enough space if you have a long guest list. Their beautiful assortment of both indoor and outdoor spaces are perfect if you’re searching for an elegant Italian wedding among gardens and panoramic terraces.

5. Villa Erba, Lake Como

If you want luxury, then you’ll easily be able to find it at Villa Erba. As soon as you see the front of the building, you and your guests will be blown away by its radiance of prestige and royalty. This venue also lets you take a deep dive into Italy’s history. It is believed to have been built in 966. Its name is thought to derive from the ancient Cluniac monastery of the Benedictine nuns dedicated to St. Marcy from around this time period. In 1815, this building then transformed into a villa when it was bought by Generate Count Domenico Pino. Celebrated for its prestige and historical importance, it won the FCE Awards in 2017. Since 2010, it has become a first-level national association that carries out any kind of event, establishing itself as a leader in the luxurious venue world.

Villa Erba's location on the shores of Lake Como provides endless opportunities for pre- and post-wedding activities, including boat cruises, water sports, scenic hikes, and exploring charming nearby towns. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or embark on adventurous excursions, Lake Como offers something for every couple and their guests to enjoy.

Italy offers a treasure trove of unconventional destination wedding venues that cater to couples seeking a wedding experience that is as unique as their love story. From historic villas and castles to rustic farmhouses and seaside retreats, the options are endless for couples looking to celebrate their special day in style. Whether you're drawn to the romance of Lake Como or the charm of Tuscany, Italy's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage provide the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable wedding celebration. By choosing an unconventional destination wedding venue in Italy, couples can create cherished memories that will last a lifetime, surrounded by the beauty, elegance, and romance of one of the world's most enchanting destinations, Italy's renowned hospitality and rich cultural heritage ensure that every aspect of your destination wedding experience is nothing short of extraordinary. With a variety of top-notch vendors, planners, and services available to assist you every step of the way, planning a destination wedding in Italy is a seamless and stress-free experience that allows couples to focus on what truly matters: celebrating their love surrounded by their nearest and dearest in a magical and unforgettable setting. In the end, whether you choose a historic villa, a charming farmhouse, or a secluded seaside retreat, an unconventional destination wedding in Italy promises to be an experience like no other, filled with romance, beauty, and endless possibilities.

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