Italy is high on the list of countries for European destination weddings – and with good reason. Its timeless elegance, natural beauty and vast array of majestic historic properties provide the perfect location for your special day. We’ve chosen these exquisite villas and castles from the Veneto to Lazio and from the edges of Lake Como to the hilltops of Tuscany where you’re guaranteed to have a happily-ever-after event.

borgo weddings

Photos on right by Simply Captivating

 Borgo Finocchieto, Tuscany

Celebrate your big day by taking over a whole Tuscan Hamlet at the Borgo Finocchieto. Surrounded by the rolling vineyards of Montalcino wine country, this small hilltop village features a cluster of recently restored medieval houses and graceful grounds, creating a perfectly private and enchanting wedding venue. The Borgo has already hosted a number of marvelous weddings:

“Thanks for an amazing experience! You helped make our wedding everything we had dreamed of. The Borgo is indeed a special place because of your hard work. We will have nothing but special memories of our time here. Hopefully it will be the first of many trips to Borgo Finocchieto.”  – Kristin and Tony Garcia, Miami, Florida

Special gathers were kept in mind during the Borgo’s restoration and thus its event facilities can manage weddings from small groups to up to 180 guests. Its team works with one of Italy’s top wedding planner, who is himself a star and television personality or guests can also hire their own wedding planners.

The ceremony can take place in its shady arcaded inner courtyard or on its expansive lawn giving way to the breathtaking views. The reception can be a more casual affair or on the outdoor dining terrace to the backdrop of the sunset or an elegant meal served in the formal dining room or ballroom, regardless, guests’ palates will be tantalized with Chef Daniele Ciofi’s special-occasion menus of classic Tuscan dishes and seasonal favorites paired with the perfect combination of local vintages.

The interior design was just as important as the structural restoration and the decor remains faithful to its heritage with a collection of beautiful furniture and artwork. Spread amongst the buildings are 22 suites which sleeps 44 people, additional guests can be accommodated nearby. The complex includes a high tech gym, a steam room, sauna, cold plunge pool, hot tub and pool.

Forge your own special memories at the Borgo Finocchieto at this link.

Isola Santa Cristina, Venetian Lagoon

Venice is the City of Love, and countless are those who travel there to celebrate their nuptials in style. Wedding destinations in Venice typically focus on luxury hotels on the Grand Canal – a place to see and be seen. But for those looking for privacy – for the kind of exclusive luxury that only space and a natural setting away from the tourist crowds can provide – a private island not twenty minutes from the city is the perfect choice.

Isola Santa Cristina is a 75-acre property with views over the famed Burano and Torcello Islands available through Siglinde Fischer / Charming Places. Set among organic fish farms, orchards, and a private lake, a nine-room villa brings contemporary comfort to an authentically Venetian environment.

“Walk down cypress-lined paths to an ancient brick chapel, or utter vows on the island’s charming peninsula as sea birds land on the distant marshlands and wild peacocks attend the ceremony,” suggests Allison Zurfluh of Isola Santa Cristina. “A pool area with teak decking sets the backdrop for a romantic outdoor reception, and two patios provide intimate nooks to mix and mingle.

“As the sun sets over the island and some of the guests catch private boats back to Venice or adjoining islands for the night, the villa’s rooftop altana with a panoramic view on the lagoon is an idyllic setting for newlyweds to wave them on their way.”

Make your wedding intimate and unique at Isola Santa Cristina by contacting the Siglinde Fischer / Charming Places team here.

Villa Passalaqua weddings

Photos by KEDA.Z Photography

Villa Passalacqua, Lake Como

A national monument and once the residence of composer Vincenzo Bellini, the lavish waterfront Villa Passalacqua is the perfect venue for a storybook on coveted and picturesque Lake Como.

Available through Villas and Apartments Abroad, its director Sylvia Delvaille Jones can work closely with couples to design a dream wedding in Italy. In fact, she’s already organized two weddings at this sublime villa.

“For the first I handled everything from caterer, music, sourcing the best wines from all over Italy using my wine expert with nose like a truffle pig sniffing out the best vintages throughout Italy and collectors in France,” explains Sylvia. “He has done this for me on a couple of occasions. This client was a true aficionado who knew what he wanted and we delivered as he asked.

“The second wedding was for Jay and Kendall Patry wedding in September 2016 (pictured above). It as a “Millennial” wedding with a stunning and sophisticated young couple with their quiet affluence.”

The well-manicured grounds feature fruit trees, roses, jasmine, and oleander as well as other lush vegetation and there’s even a 200-year old greenhouse found in the lake house. The stylish interior is decorated in Venetian chandeliers, historic paintings and period furniture. There are nice bedrooms and nine bathrooms, sleeping a total of 25. Guests can the billiards room, cinema room, workout room, music room, and grand-size swimming pool overlooking majestic Lake Como.

Make the most of Sylvia Delvaille Jones’s vast knowledge and attention to detail to plan the ideal wedding to represent your love by reaching out to her here.

Marchesa weddings

The Palazzo Marchesa, Tuscany

With its historic charm, aristocratic elegance and gorgeous grounds this 17th century palazzo, located in Ancaiano district near Siena and available through In Villas Veritas, provides a dramatic setting for a magical wedding.

Designed by Carlo Fontana, the Baroque villa was built in 1680 by Cardinal Flavio Chigi for Pope Alexander VII – Fabio Chigi. Its gardens are often considered to be some of the most beautiful in the whole country, dazzling any visitor with climbing roses, fragrant lilies, vibrant irises, and vine-covered pergolas. In the spring months the wisteria turns the villa walls and walkways into a sea of purple. The surrounding fields of poppies and wildflowers juxtapose the cypresses, olive trees and vineyards whereas geometrically shaped flowerbeds and groomed hedges frame the citrus garden. Indeed, the lawned allée leading to the citrus garden would be ideal for a wedding.

The villa sleeps 27 and can be rented along with a seven-bedroom Casale and another three-bedroom villa on the same estate for a total of 23 bedrooms. The refined interior features marble tables, antiques, statues, wooden beams and a toasty fireplace. Of the 13 bedrooms many have king or queen four-poster beds and en-suites with marble tubs. There is also a fully-equipped kitchen, cinema room, games room, pool and tennis court. The area offers a vast array of cultural, active and gastronomic activities to keep guests busy before or after the big day.

Step into the shoes of prince and princess for your big day at the Palazzo Marchesa by contacting In Villas Veritas at this link.

Villa Pietro, Lazio

Combine both your dreams of a medieval castle and a refined historic villa at the spectacular Villa Pietro. Situated near Cisterna and Cori and only a 50-minute drive southeast from Rome, the incredibly romantic 500-hectare estate features a late 17th-century aristocratic villa, a world-famous English Garden as well as the ruins of Roman structures, a medieval castle and a chapel – the ideal romantic setting for the perfect fairytale wedding.

The unique estate, available through Carpe Diem Luxury Travel, was restored by architect Gae Aulenti, the genius behind the conversion of Paris’ Musée d’Orsay from a train station into a museum. She succeeded at maintaining the property’s elegance and refinement while incorporating some architectural avant-garden. It is divided into the Villa (1,520 sq m) and the Castle/Dependence, home to four and three spacious bedrooms respectively.

Highlights of the Villa include a large vaulted entrance, a custom spiral staircase, designed by Gae Aulenti herself, and a beautifully decorated drawing room. There’s also a large kitchen, a breakfast-room and a dining room seating up to 14 which all open onto the garden. The Castle/Dependence also has its own kitchen and dining room, plus a living room and a vast library/media room with projector, which could be of use doing a wedding reception.

There are many lovely areas which could serve as the location of the ceremony, especially in the gardens, which were designed by landscape architects Dan Pearson and Stuart Barfoot and are famous throughout Italy. Both relaxed and refined, they feature colorful flower beds, rose gardens, wisteria and jasmine trellises, pergolas and private romantic nooks. The swimming pool shaded by a medieval tower and wall and a lake inhabited by swans are of particular note. There’s also an olive grove and a working farm which provides the villa with fresh fruit and vegetables and can be included in the excellent local dishes served during the wedding reception.

This part of Lazio has many interesting natural and cultural attractions to keep your guests occupied before or after the wedding including beautiful beaches, the Roman and Medieval town of Cori, the gorgeous Gardens of Ninfa and the wilder Circeo National Park.

Make your special day a truly exceptional event at Villa Pietro by reaching out to Carpe Diem Luxury Travel here.

Limonaia

Limonaia di Celsa, Tuscany

As soon as you drive through the tall iron gate and down the treelined lane, you’ll be swept up in the entrancing ambiance of the Limonaia di Celsia. Arriving at the castle, you’ll be completely bewitched. With a history of over seven hundred years and a stunning setting overlooking mature woodlands, the bucolic Tuscan hills, Monte Amiata and even Siena’s famous bell tower and cathedral, the charms of this beautiful property will ensure you have a happily-ever-after wedding.

Owned by the descendants of the original castle built on the estate in the thirteenth century, the building was reconfigured in the 17th and again in the nineteenth centuries and is available through Homebase Abroad. The exterior, with its stoic tower and imposing stone walls, are proof of its impressive history. Its interiors are welcoming with high ceilings, large glass doors and windows casting plenty of natural light into its spacious rooms. The five bedrooms are decorated in light colors to maintain a bright feel and feature beautiful linens and luxurious baths. Guests enjoy getting their day off to a great start with a hearty breakfast in its country kitchen with seating for 10 and direct access to the garden.

The large private grounds include an Italianate boxwood garden, formal ‘alles’ leading to Baroque pools, a maze of pathways through woodland, lawns, a rose-covered pergola for outdoor dining, a pool, a tennis court, a fruit orchard and a vegetable garden which yields fresh produce for the guests.

Besides its elegance and natural splendor, the estate makes for the perfect venue for weddings thanks to its sixteenth century chapel, designed by Architect Baldassarre Peruzzi, who was born in the area. The lawn in front of the chapel is another excellent location for exchanging vows. The ceremony can be followed by a reception in the garden, the castle’s courtyard or in the barn that stores the lemon trees in winter, which can hold up to 180 guests.

At only 30 minutes from Siena, the estate is an fabulous base for exploring all the pleasures of Tuscany. Guests can enjoy the region’s many cultural and culinary pleasures or the bride and groom may want to commemorate their union on an early morning hot air balloon ride to take in the stunning views.

Prepare the Italian weddings of your dreams at the Limonaia di Celsia with the help of Homebase Abroad at this link.

The wedding venue is one of the most important considerations for any couple while planning their special day. The destination they choose will come to represent the couple’s eternal love and be forever engrained in the memories of all present on this very important occasion. Whether you’re looking for wild nature, stunning coastlines or soaring mountains, these exceptional locations for destination weddings will wow both you and your guests.

Samujana weddings

Koh Samui, Thailand

Heavenly Koh Samui island, located in the Gulf of Thailand is an ideal location for a wedding – big or small. On this island paradise, the exclusive and discreet luxury villa estate of Samujana offers guests’ uncompromised privacy surrounded by exquisite beauty.

The expansive estate boasts a prestigious hilltop location and is just a few minutes’ drive from Samui International Airport. Each villa has been individually designed and features a fabulous infinity pool, vast terraces and incredible sea views. Villas vary in size from three to eight bedroom and some include additional amenities like fully-equipped private gyms and home theaters.

For an intimate wedding, the wide terraces, with panoramas of the Gulf of Thailand and gorgeous sunsets, found at one of its private villas would be the ideal location. Medium to large weddings can be held at a dedicated event space, the Big Lawn and Little Lawn, a beautiful three-tiered landscaped area that cascades down to the seafront and which can host up to 200 guests for a banquet and 250 for cocktails. Another possibility is to hire the whole estate for the entire wedding party.

Whether you declare “I do” under a canopy of fragrant tropical flowers on the lawn or high above on a terrace facing the awe-inspiring vistas, the moment is bound to be extremely magical. A DJ, fire show or half day sunset cruise on luxury catamaran and many other options can be easily arranged to celebrate the occasion.

Once you’ve celebrated your big day, the island is also the perfect place to enjoy a romantic honeymoon. Their helpful team can assist in all the details for the wedding and for activities before and after for your group. Start planning with them here.

Touch of Spice Weddings Wanaka


Wanaka Wonders (left), Whare Kea (right)

New Zealand Lakeside, Wanaka

If snowy mountains, fireside cocktails and the great outdoors are your idea of heaven, Wanaka is the natural wedding destination for you. Our experts at Touch of Spice have the perfect villas in the area for the perfect special day in this spectacular part of New Zealand.

“A magical paradise surrounded by untouched scenery and landscapes that look like paintings, it offers breath-taking ceremony backdrops with both lake and mountain views,” tempts Touch of Spice’s Marketing Manager Kelcey Radford.

“With all the comforts of a luxury destination, you are spoilt for choice for boutique accommodation. A stunning riverside estate situated on 17 acres, the Wanaka Wonder estate is available exclusively and is the perfect blank canvas for designing your dream wedding. The property can sleep up to 12 guests in two luxury villas and features manicured lawns and gardens, huge outdoor entertaining areas, a tennis court, swimming pool, steam room, hot tub and pétanque court.

“Alternatively, if a luxury lodge is more your style look no further than Whare Kea Lodge, one of the first luxury lodges in New Zealand. Strikingly designed in timber and glass, it appears to float on the edge of Lake Wanaka against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps. With two master suites and four deluxe suites, each with a veranda and en-suite bathroom, along with comfortable, spacious living and dining areas with open fire and bar, it’s the perfect venue for intimate weddings and accommodations for up to 12 guests.”

Celebrate the magnitude of your love in one of the world’s most stunning settings with Touch of Spice at this link.

Grenadines weddings

Canouan, The Grenadines

A total buyout of a chic island resort in the Grenadines, would make the ultimate venue for a destination wedding in a Caribbean oasis with family and friends. Of the 32 island’s of the Grenadines, picturesque Canouan is ringed with beautiful beaches, coves and bays, dense in lush forest and features amazing sea views. This fabulous natural setting, combined with the elegance of the Il Sogno estate by Villas and Apartments Abroad, provide couples with an immensely idyllic setting for their special day.

The beautiful island is abundant in tropical flowers from purple Petunias to the flaming red Flamboyant trees, set against steep green mountains. It benefits from a perfect climate all year round  thanks to the gentle trade winds that blow and sunny days as the norm. In the evenings witness beautiful sunsets along with the ever so gentle fragrance from the gardens, caressing the soul through all the senses.

Set on a hill overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean the Southern Grenadine Islands, Mount Royal, and the Canouan golf course is the lovely 4.2-acre Il Sogno estate. It consists of four one-bedroom cottages, each with a bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and a large verandah, the perfect base for the wedding party with additional guests accommodated nearby. Guests can gather in the Great Room with walls that slide open onto a large verandah, an 18-meter long infinity pool, sun deck, two-story gazebo and outdoor bar and grill. The gorgeous grounds themselves could be the setting of the wedding with their flowers, palms and fruit trees designed to bloom in every season.

“Nearby the estate, there are various special spots to exchange vows,”  explains Sylvia Delvaille Jones, director of Villas and Apartments Abroad. “Such as the beautiful 17th century non-denominational limestone church located at the resort. For those seeking an authentic local wedding, can arrange this in the village  where churches and rum bars coexist side by side – you’re bound to have many well wishers and plenty of cheers.

“The beach is the ultimate venue, the dream choice of so many couples. Some take it a little further, diving together into the blue Caribbean sea decked out in Vera Wong gown and Ralph Lauren suit for that first underwater kiss. A waiter is ready to serve the prize couple that glass of champagne once they have emerged.

“For the golfers, the island’s 18-hole PGA Jim Fazio designed course beats all other venues. The ceremony can be arranged at the 13th hole, known by golfers to be one of the most challenging, which prides itself on being at the most prominent spot on the course. It’s also the spot with the most brilliant sunset, painting the most amazing backdrop just for the occasion. The party can carry on with celebratory fireworks, flowing bubbly, delicious hors d’oeuvres and a lively calypso band that’ll have everyone dancing till dawn!”

Tap into the local knowledge and creativity of Sylvia Delvaille Jones to help you plan an original wedding on the splendid island. Contact her here.

Majordomo Weddings

Eagles Nest (left), Annandale (right)

New Zealand Coastline, Bay of Islands & Banks Peninsula

In addition to having fabulous lakeside locations, New Zealand’s spectacular coastline offers incredible settings for an elegant and breathtaking wedding. Our experts at Majordomo have two exquisite, unforgettable venues with jaw-dropping coastal views.

Located in the beautiful Bay of Islands, off the north coast of North Island, Eagles Nest offers a truly unique ocean side location. Whether it’s a small, intimate wedding or a larger celebration with a seated gala banquet, there are up to five luxurious villas at Eagles Nest that can be tailored perfectly for you.

Your unique wedding day will be seamlessly put together by Eagles Nest’s dedicated wedding concierge who can also assist with celebrants, photographers, live music, wedding cakes, flowers, luxury transport, catering and more.

Over on the east coast of South Island, Annandale promises an outstanding and unique venue. Located on a farm overlooking the sea on Banks Peninsula, you will enjoy privacy and seclusion with incredible views.

Annandale offers a choice of venues, from the stately elegance of the homestead which can cater weddings for up to 40 people, to a more intimate affair at Seascape in a private bay right on the sea. There is also the option of taking over the entire property. The team at Annandale can create a bespoke package for your wedding, allowing you to do as much or as little decision-making as you like.

The farm at Annandale offers outstanding backdrops for your photographer to capture too: the elegant gardens at the homestead, breathtaking views over the coast at The Point, where the sunlight sparkles on the water like countless diamonds, or the strikingly contemporary and private setting of Seascape. It’s a dream setting for your most special occasion.

Experience the most memorable days of your life by organizing your wedding in either of these sublime locations with MajorDomo here.

Cottars Wedding

Masai Mara, Kenya

Adventurous couples can have a truly unique wedding at one of the most astoundingly beautiful places in Africa, Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp and Bush Villa.  Situated on the Olderikesi conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve and just one kilometer Tanzania Serengeti game reserve, this historic and award-winning safari camp can host small and medium-sized weddings with African spirit and originality.

“Cottars has had the pleasure of organizing many beautiful blessings for our guests – from small, simple ceremonies involving a champagne celebration at the end of a game drive, to larger three day events with over 60 guests. We have become the hottest emerging destination for blessings in the African bush!” explains Cottar’s Director Calvin Cottar.

“A stylishly simple ceremony, led by a Maasai elder, coupled with the vibrant colours of Maasai dancing and celebrations away from the crowds yet amidst the herds! This requires very little paperwork and no official certificates are supplied.

“The ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ are both adorned in traditional Maasai regalia and the entire village joins in your celebration! The traditional ceremony is complete with gourmet dinner and a mouth-watering cake of your choice.”

Guests can be accommodated in the luxurious main camp, whereas the wedding party, or just the bride and groom, can stay in their gorgeous, intimate Bush Villa. Built using indigenous and eco-friendly materials, the villa is over 10,000 square feet and has a large living room, dining room, viewing deck, and five en-suite bedrooms. It has its own private 25-meter pool, though its guests also have access to the Cottar’s 1920s Camp swimming pool, shop and other facilities.

Add a touch of wild to your wedding with Cottar’s. Reach out to them here to begin exploring your options.

One of the most dreamt of wedding destinations is certainly a fairytale castle, an enchanting and especially romantic venue to seal the bond of a couple’s love. Castle weddings are not merely in storybooks; you too can waltz like a princess in a glamorous ballroom, sip champagne on a terrace overlooking vineyards, dine on the finest gastronomy in a gilded grand salon or enjoy luxurious surroundings fit for a king – and queen! Make your wedding dreams come true at one of these breathtaking castles in France, Spain, England, Ireland and the Czech Republic.

(more…)