The Best Countryside Venues for an Italian wedding
Rolling hills, far-stretching olive groves, the sound of chirping cicadas - this is the Italian countryside dream and it could tick every box for your authentic wedding vision. From Borgo to Villa, Castello to Masseria - these epic venues are guaranteed to bring that rustic charm, whether you opt for untouched beauty or a revamped modernised feel.
We’d love to say this list is going to make your decision easier, but if you’re anything like us, be prepared to fall in love with them all! And remember, pack a can of repellent for those pesky mosquitos!
1. Tenuta Bichi Borghesi
Where is it? 20 mins from Siena
Why is it good?
Day rental
Incredible views
Gorgeous building
Inside space
LL tip Have guests stay in Siena and the days logistics will flow easily. Consider the beautiful Abbadia a Isola for a Catholic wedding, just 10 mins down the road.
Check out Tenuta Bichi Borghesi
Consider Guest Amenities
What will be available locally for your guests? It’s always a nice touch to include suggestions in a Welcome note (or even guide!). If they are in remote self-catering accommodation, pinpoint their nearby supermarket and restaurant/bar.
It’s worth considering a delivery of food and drink to the site and a welcome hamper / stocked fridge in their accommodation. And do highlight which events will be catered.
2. Borgo Sant’Ambrogio
Where is it? Close to Pienza
Why it’s good?
A gorgeous private estate with great quality accommodation
On site services
Amazing views
LL tip The venue spaces must be used in a certain way, make sure you’re clear on this before booking. Be aware, large buses cannot reach the location.
Check out Borgo Sant’Ambrogio on La Lista
Photo credit: Kristine Grinvalde
3. Borgo Panicaglia
Where it is? Umbria
Why it’s good?
Lots of accommodation
Great modern interiors
A lovely restaurant and bar on site
Panicaglia has been created with weddings in mind and this really shows
LL tip There is only one option for wet weather on site, make sure you have your back ups in place for the other parts of your day. And try the homemade provisions - they’re amazing!
Check out Borgo Panicaglia on La Lista
Consider Transport Logistics
Think about the distance from the airport to the venue and ease of guests transport there; which you may well be organising - so consider this before booking!
You will need to consider the bus routes which will be used to pick up and drop off guests in a shuttle-style service. If guests are off site and roads are small, then larger buses/coaches be able to handle the road, so multiple smaller buses will need to be booked. These will cost more than 1 larger one.
4. Certosa di Pontignano
Where is it? Close to Siena
Why it’s good?
Sleeps a large amount of guests
Gorgeous cloisters and setting
Great in house team
Inspiring medieval church
LL Tip Consider the beautiful cloisters as the wet weather option.
Check out Certosa di Pontignano
What is a Venue Coordinator?
Countryside locations often offer venue coordinators - but they are not to be confused with wedding planners. A venue coordinator can’t/won’t do the job of a wedding planner. But, what they will do is to make sure that the wedding venue shines on your wedding day.
5. Masseria Villa Verde
Where is it? Fasano, Puglia
Why it’s good?
Well located for exploring some of the key areas in Puglia
A picture perfect Masseria as the backdrop of your wedding
Ideal spaces for an intimate wedding
The ethos is around slow living which means the pace of life is calm and relaxed, as it should be for your wedding!
LL tip Consider dinner in the lemon garden for a unique dining experience
Check out Masseria Villa Verde
6. Masseria Alchimia
Where is it? Close to Fasano
Why it’s good?
Surrounded by greenery, despite being close to the main town this feels like you’re really in the countryside
Contemporary art brings a real modern vibe
LL tip Get the room with the outdoor hot tub!!
Check out Masseria Alchimia on La Lista
Consider the Venue
Okay, this is pretty important…check the venue has good water and electricity provisions. Believe it or not during the summer months waterholes can dry up and pipes don’t usually make it out to remote venues. They tackle this problem by having water deliveries! Also worth confirming that the electrics can handle your event size (especially if you’re choosing a venue which isn’t always set up for events).
7. San Lorenzo Vecchio
Where it is? Umbria
Why it’s good?
If you love greenery, florals and a fabulous view – this is the venue for you
A stunning villa vista, a beautiful church on site, views and even a woodland space
LL tip We’d set dinner in front of the main building and the church – we’re dying to plan a wedding here!
Check out San Lorenzo Vecchio on La Lista
Consider Suppliers
If your vendors have to travel further to reach your venue, then they will charge for this! In 2023 almost every vendor has added travel costs to their quotes.
8. Tenuta di Forte Sorgnano
Where it is? Perugia
Why it’s good?
A 10th century castle high on a hilltop in the Umbrian countryside - this is a stand out location
Everything you need on site and more accommodation in the vicinity to sleep up to 60 guests in total
LL tip Perfect for a wedding of 50 or 60 in our eyes – on the terrace it will feel like your wedding is taking place on top of the world.
Check out Tenuta di Forte Sorgnano
9. Villa Catureglio
Where it is? 30 mins from Lucca
Why it’s good?
A real private escape – when at Catureglio you really feel like you’re closed off from the rest of the world in those mountains
We love the various spaces, buildings and character of the location, a truly stunning place with very caring owners
LL Tip Don’t try and fit too many people in to your wedding party here – use the plan B interior as a guide for your maximum guest number and things will work well.
Check out Villa Catureglio on La Lista
Photo credit: Matthew Moore Photography
Consider Accommodation
There may be less off site local accommodation options, so either prioritise venues with everyone on site or check out the local options when you’re on a venue finding trip. And remember, take note of the roads and tracks to and from for transport purposes!
10. Monastero Santa Margherita
Where is it? Todi, Umbria
Why it’s good?
An ancient monastery
Amazing views
Multiple ceremony options
LL tip Book yourselves into the Wellness Suite for a little pre or post wedding pamper!
Check out Monastero Santa Margherita
11. Villa Cetinale
Where is it? 20 mins from Siena
Why it’s good?
One of the most famous villas in Tuscany, if not the most!
A charming venue, with beautiful exterior and perfect gardens
LL tip The wet weather option is a tent, which will unfortunately block the view of this glorious villa. Really consider how to make the most of the spaces, should a plan B be required.
Check out Villa Cetinale
Photo credit: Jules Bower
Have you worked out what type of venue is a bit of you? Big decisions need research and we are totally here for that. Download our Venue Finding Ticklist to help you work out what your priorities are and those key factors to consider when choosing your wedding location.
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