The best venues for an intimate wedding in Italy
Photo: Sonya Lalla
Intimate weddings are becoming more and more popular, especially where destination weddings are concerned. Whether this is because people are planning more cautiously (bearing in mind the ever-changing Covid rules and regulations) or because this ‘new-normal’ has given people the permission to just invite who the hell they want…we’re here for it.
Having a smaller guest list opens up a lot more venue options, and gives couples the opportunity to get more creative with their planning , wedding design and decor. Although having more venue options is of course a huge win, it can be a little overwhelming when looking online for that dream location. So, with that in mind we’ve created an edit of some of the best venues for an intimate wedding in Italy.
SEXTANTIO LE GROTTE DELLA CIVITA, MATERA, BASILICATA
The vibe: historical stone settlement, with candlelit caves, rock-hewn churches and a completely unique atmosphere.
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Sassi di Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site; a completely unique preservation project that has become a completely unique setting for intimate weddings and special events. The Sassi (stone settlement) dates back to the stone and bronze age, in the middle ages boasting several monastic communities and later becoming a vibrant farming centre. The rocky caves have now been turned into 18 romantic boutique bedrooms (each with over 100 sqm of space) which are simply furnished, candlelit and calming. There is room for up to 40 guests to stay and each of the 18 caves overlook the Murgia Natural Park which hosts over 140 rock-hewn churches.
You can arrange a blessing ceremony in their XIII Century Rock Church, a truly magical and historical space for such an important life moment. Your wedding reception can also take place in the church (up to 25 people) or outside on the beautiful terrace (for up to 60 people).
For more details and full image gallery click here.
GUARDASTELLE, SAN GIMIGNANO, TUSCANY
The Vibe: authentically restored Tuscan farmhouse, nestled amongst vineyards with spectacular views of San Gimignano.
Guardastelle has one main building and other small apartments that gives it this property an intimate Borgo type feel. The lawn boasts one of the best views of San Gimignano that you’ll find and in just 20 minutes you can walk from Guardastelle to San Gimignano along a single dirt track.
Guardastelle is also a working vineyard and the cantina is on site. Enjoy the venue’s wine products, incorporate them into your wedding meal or have a wine tasting as one of your other events. Dine alfresco amongst the vineyards for a seriously dreamy vibe.
For more details and full image gallery click here.
Photo: Sebastian Bonacci
SANTA MARIA LUXURY VILLA, AMALFI COAST
The vibe: stunning villa with killer views of the breathtaking Amalfi coastline. Dolce vita style heaven.
Santa Maria Luxury Villa is a stunning private Villa in a truly unique setting just outside of Amalfi, on one of the world’s most breathtaking coastlines. Set amongst fragrant maritime pines, olive trees and tropical plants, with panoramic views where the sky blends seamlessly into the sea, you feel completely secluded in your own private oasis.
With various terraces including Terrazza Santa Maria that offers the most uninterrupted sea views, it offers a dynamic and unforgettable space for an intimate wedding.
Not only that but with its own private dock and beach, you can jet off by boat for lunch at a local beach side restaurant and dive into the crystalline waters in your own slice of Amalfi Coast paradise.
For more details and full image gallery click here.
Photo: Elias Kordelakos
VILLA BUONVISI, LUCCA, TUSCANY
The vibe: grand villa in a private oasis surrounded by olive groves. Old-school Italian opulence with so much charm.
With exclusive hire of the whole estate you and your nearest and dearest can enjoy not only the villa but the beautiful gardens (over 20 hectares of land), swimming pool and tennis court. The villa has 11 well-sized rooms and 11 bathrooms for a maximum of 34 guests.
The vineyards located in front of the villa consist mainly of the grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Trebbiano and Chardonnay. Up on the hills behind the Villa you’ll find their beautiful olive grove with up to 1000 olive trees. As well as producing their own wine and olive oil, they also make limoncello and arancello from citrus trees that grow in the garden. Yes please!
Dine alfresco with your guests out on the olive groves on a long banquet table for some serious wedding goals.
For more details check their website.
Photo: Martina Ruffini
TENUTA DI PAPENA, CHIUSDINO, TUSCANY
The vibe: fabulous farmhouse with 360-views and a charming courtyard.
Tenuta di Papena is a stunning farmhouse in Tuscany ideal for an intimate wedding. Dating back to the 13th century the property is an old Cistercian Monastery which has now been lovingly converted. It has some amazing outdoor spaces for entertaining your guests including a beautiful courtyard for al fresco dining and a stunning infinity pool.
The property has six self-catering apartments and can host up to 20 adults + 4 children.
Tenuta di Papena, and it is only a short distance away from the awe-inspiring Abbey of San Galgano where you can hold your ceremony. For an intimate and authentic Italian celebration, Tenuta di Papena really has it all!
For more details and full image gallery click here.
We hope this has been useful for any of you couples looking for an intimate wedding venue in beautiful Italia. If you have any specific wedding venue or wedding planning questions for us, join our private Facebook community where you will also find hundreds of other couples in the same boat.
Just started your venue search and not sure where to start? Check out our top article How to Find Your Wedding Venue and download our free venue-viewing check list.
Want to feel totally awesome and organised? Check out our Italian Wedding Tracker - the spreadsheet of all spreadsheets that will save you time and money! Designed by Italian Wedding planners, the Italian Wedding Tracker is the tool you need to get organised and enjoy faff-free planning.
Written by Beth Butler, marketing person and lover of all things weddings; with a particular passion for beautiful photography, muted florals and a good cup of tea.
