Sicily is having a moment
Photo: Benjamin Wheeler | Venue: Tonnara di Scopello
Did the White Lotus series have you lusting after this ‘it’ island for your Italian wedding? Or perhaps sensational beaches, rustic charm and unbelievable food have hooked you in. We are here to tell you that Sicily is having a moment (if you didn’t already know) and why so many are considering it for their wedding destination.
Ever transparent with advice, we highlight what you also must watch out for when planning in this region, plus we caught up with Sicily-pro, Ksenia from Sicilian Wedding Lab to highlight the key must-knows!
When to get married there?
April, May, June and October are always wonderful months to have a wedding. The temperature is cooler, plus suppliers tend to have more availability and travel into Sicily is cheaper during these months.
Ksenia from Sicilian Wedding Lab stresses her weather warning: “Many couples would like to start the ceremony around 2 or 3 pm, but that is absolutely impossible due to really hot temperatures in summer months. Normally an outdoor ceremony in Sicily would start around 5:30-6:00 p.m., when the sun starts to go down, giving the best light for the photos and a comfortable atmosphere for you and your guests.”
How does Sicily operate for weddings?
Venues are commonly rented for the popular 3 days of wedding celebrations, with many having on-site accommodation options. Post-wedding beach days are big, whether that’s hosting at your waterside venue or going for a more casual vibe at a Beach Club. We are big fans of boat parties - so grab your bridesmaids or groomsmen and get some sea air pre-wedding day!
Why do we love Sicilian weddings?
Sicily is graced with incredible traditional charm, a slow paced warmth and truly breathtaking landscape; but when you fuse authenticity with the modern twists put forward by the destination couples - it is honestly MAGICAL!
“This island is still relatively unexplored and preserves many authentic places that are far from touristic routes. Choosing Sicily for a destination wedding will always mean having delicious food made with fresh local ingredients! Unique Mediterranean recipes with meat, vegetables, fish and seafood. And not to mention desserts and pastries!” Ksenia, Sicilian Wedding Lab.
Not all rental properties make good wedding venues, so we recommend always booking with a trusted venue. Don’t worry we have some stunning suggestions for you over on our Venue Directory.
1. Abbazia Santa Anastasia
Where is it? Castelbuono
Airport Palermo 1hr30
Size? Perfect for maximum 120 guests
Why we love it
Sleeps 70 of your friends and family on-site
It has it all - close to the sea, mountainous scenery, surrounded by vineyards
Magical courtyard for reception meal and stunning gardens for aperitif
Local wine from the surrounding vineyards
Check out Abbazia Santa Anastasia on La Lista
Photo: Fotograficart
2. La Chiusa Country House
Where is it? Rosolini, between Noto and Modica
Airport Catania 1hr30
Size? Ideal for 100, with accommodation for 8 guests on-site
Why we love it
Can host symbolic ceremonies on-site and a country church within 800m for religious ceremonies
Possible to exclusively hire for 1 day and additional days as you wish
Historic building set within beautiful Sicilian countryside
Accommodation options for more guests are closeby
Check out La Chiusa Country House
3. Borgo Del Carato
Where is it? Solarino
Airport Catania 1hr
Size? Perfect for 140, with accommodation for 55 guests
Why we love it
Old-world Sicily. A truly traditional building and features, with a luxe modernisation
Civil ceremony on-site with nearby church for religious ceremonies
Be inspired by Tanya + Michael’s stylish Sicilian wedding hosted here
Check out Borgo Del Carato
Photo: Leonardo Tornabene
4. Tonnara di Scopello
Where is it? Scopello
Airport Palermo 1hr
Size? Up to 250, perfect for 120. With accommodation in 14 apartments
Why we love it
Have your own shoreline, epic historic venue and a wealth of options on where to host your ceremony, aperitif and meal. With a captivating courtyard to set the traditional Italian scene and secret cave for the after party, leading onto a private cove beach. Are you ready to take the title - Best Ever Wedding!
Check out Tonnara di Scopello
Photo: Benjamin Wheeler
Need-to-know when planning a Sicilian wedding
Hiring a planner who is experienced in this region really is the most sensible decision you will make
Arrive at least 2 days before your wedding
Distance from airport to venue tends to be further in Sicily
The old-world charm of this region can become less charming when the pace to organise a wedding is more on the slow side. Obviously this is a big generalisation, but stresses the importance using a trusted vendor team to deliver for you
Flight days and times can be restrictive - check airline options, which change seasonally
It can get seriously HOT in summer!
If you’re hiring a car, the main driver needs to have made the booking with their credit card. They do not take debit cards as form of payment at airport collection
Check with your venue about events around your wedding day (whether these are casual or more formal), venues can be strict on who is ‘catering’ these gatherings
How to bring the Sicilian culture into the wedding day?
Ksenia suggests “to include Sicilian folk music at some point of the wedding day: it’s fun, cheerful and so authentic!
Also, Sicily is famous for its street food; you can include some live cooking corners, like boiled or grilled octopus, or deep-fried rice balls / cheese / zucchini flowers and sage!
Sicilian ceramics and maiolica are also very distinctive; use pieces to decorate your wedding tables or introduce into your stationery. The best thing would be giving your guests some ceramic objects as your wedding favours, so that everyone can bring home a piece of Sicily!”
Want to see some insanely weddings in sensational Sicily? Head to our Real Weddings to be inspired and hear tips from the real brides and grooms who pulled off these unforgettable celebrations.
Categories
PLANNING | REAL WEDDING | BUSINESS | SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT | INSPIRATION | WANDERLUST
