Which venue type is for you?
Venue: Villa Malfatti
We all know Italy for its incredible regions from the rolling Tuscan hills to the Amalfi coast, Puglia’s rustic landscape and coastline through to the mountainous Lakes. Italy really has a location for everyone. But what about the venues themselves? Each region boasts a range of venue types which we know can often get confusing when starting your venue search online. .
So let’s break it down:
BORGO
Borgo means hamlet so it is traditionally a group of buildings together. This usually means lots of accommodation and space for guests, with individual apartments or cottages as well as self-catering facilities.
Borgo’s can have churches or chapels on site and often have quaint little streets, perfect for an imperial table.
Check out: Borgo Finocchieto and Borgo Pietraffita
Photo: Borgo Pietraffita
FARMHOUSE
AKA Fattoria. Farmhouses usually have lots of expansive spaces and views, with a more rustic feel. Think lovely stone wall backdrops and acres of land. You will find lots of farmhouse venues in Tuscany and they are often surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and other crops. In the middle of the beautiful Italian countryside, often with stunning views you will be feel relaxed and totally secluded. There is a growing trend for farmhouses that have luxe + modern interiors like La Pescaia and Pancolina.
Check out our La Lista recommended farmhouse venues here.
Photo: La Pescaia
MASSERIA
A masseria is an ancient farmhouse or estate. These impressive rural buildings used to serve as farms within which the owners and peasants lived together with their families. They have now been restored into boutique hotels, bed & breakfasts or restaurants. Masseria styles range from rustic to luxurious, and most have a swimming pool, a garden and a central scenic courtyard. The architecture typically has a clean and modern aesthetic; they are often square buildings with flat roofs with minimalist and stripped back colour schemes. Although the buildings have a lot of history they look impressively modern and are a popular venue choice in Puglia where they are surrounded by ancient olive groves and deep red soil.
Check out: Masseria Salamina and Masseria Torre Cocaro
Photo: Masseria Torre Cocaro
GRAND VILLA
These are historic houses with gorgeous grand interiors and impressive facades. They can be found across Italy from North to South and typically offer a number of rooms for guests to stay as well as great indoor spaces as wet weather options (think grand dining rooms and ballrooms).
Check out: Villa Malfatti in Piedmont and Villa Carminati on Lake Como.
Photo: Villa Carminati
CASTELLO
And of course Italy is full of castles! You can find a castle in almost every corner of Italy from top to toe. Castle’s tend to be a little more gothic in style, with traditionally styled rooms and spaces. Many castles host lots of accommodation and have renovated other outbuildings in modern styles, to house more guests. Castles often have lots of land, are perched up high with incredible views and have wonderful courtyards.
Check out: Castello il Palaggio and Castello San Sebastiano di Po
Photo by Lenny Pellico at Castello San Sebastiano di Po
HOTEL
Of course Italy-wide you also have hotels as wedding venue options. Some rent exclusively, others are day rental only. In Amalfi for example, most hotels are rented as wedding venues by day, with certain spaces allocated to the wedding.
Check out: Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi
ABBEYS AND OLD MONASTERIES
Italy boasts a wealth of history and some of the most amazing venues are converted churches, abbeys and monasteries. Take Abbazia San Faustino for example, a venue quietly tucked away in the Umbrian hills, completely transformed into beautiful accommodations but in keeping with the history.
Check out: San Galgano abbey
Photo: Abbazia San Faustino
BEACH CLUB OR LIDO
Along Italy’s coastline and Lakes there are many beach clubs that host weddings and events. These are often rented exclusively for the day with expansive spaces and wonderful coastal catering.
Check out: Lido di Lenno and Pettolecchia Il Lido
Photo: Pettolecchia Il Lido
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 venue-viewing tick list.
Not sure which region of Italy suits your style and budget? Check out our Regional Spotlight Series for all of need-to-know information from our expert members.
Written by Lucy White, Founder of La Lista & Wiskow & White, with over 5 years and 150 weddings worth of experience.
