Why choose Tuscany, Italy for your European Destination Wedding

Tuscany is one of the most famous for its glorious sceneries, cities of art and its cuisine, making it a perfect setting for a wedding. It is abundant in passion and romance, a truly intriguing and cultural city. Some of the world’s biggest celebrities have chosen to marry their partners here for those very reasons.

So, why choose Tuscany?

I have had the privilege of working with some of the most sought-after venues in the UK and could write endless amounts about those wonderful locations. However, for this week’s blog, I wanted to explore one of my favourite European destinations, that being one of the most desirable…Tuscany.

Most brides to be will have envisioned their dream wedding long before they have gotten engaged. That idyllic location, possibly on a glistening sandy beach, next to the sea, where you can hear the crashing of the waves adding a sense of peace and calm or that beautifully designed, rustic barn offering  a sense of comfort
and simplicity. Your wedding is an opportunity to bring those visions to life and celebrate in a way that reflects your personality and style.

Tuscany has everything you need for inviting your guests to live a full wedding experience. There is good food, the best wines (and so lots of wineries!), breath-taking historical sites to visit (some of which are protected by UNESCO such as Val d’Orcia, Florence centre or the Medicean Villas and Gardens), there are venues for every taste: villas, medieval castles and charming farmhouses which you can choose to spend a weekend or an entire week making the most of what the area has to offer. There are countryside’s, beaches, and historical cities at short distances one from the other and I could go on with the list. In a few words the perfect ingredients for the perfect celebration all in one region.

Although difficult, as there are many striking locations to recommend, together with the assistance of the wonderful Olivia from Olivia Sodi Wedding and Events, we have compiled a list of our favourite venues, Olivia says “I always look for places with soul, what I would call ‘sapore’ (which translates to taste) and that is exactly why we have chosen the following Venues to share with you.

The first venue we want to share is Borgo Stomennano – Monteriggioni – province of Siena.

Originally built on Roman and Etruscan ruins, the Borgo (little village) has the most beautiful entrance which provides the most flawless photo-opportunity. It has been restored by using the original techniques and materials meaning it is full of character, providing the most relaxing atmosphere. The owners, the Grassi family, are always present and available to assist, welcoming guests as family rather than tourists on holiday. https://stomennano.it/

Locanda in Tuscany – Castiglione d’Orcia  province of Siena

If you have in mind, a postcard from the Tuscan countryside, it was likely shot in the surroundings of this venue. The breath-taking landscape, the charm of the bedrooms and… that pool! It offers in abundance; all you could dream of on a Tuscan summer’s day. https://www.locandaintuscany.it/

Villa Medicea di Lilliano – Florence

A spectacular setting for a wedding. This venue truly offers a variety of ways to celebrate your day, you can get married overlooking the Duomo of Florence accompanied by a string quartet, enjoy a sunset dinner in the Medicean garden and dance the night away at the Limonaia courtyard. Originally belonging to the Florentine Medici Family in the 11th century, this venue presents an array of solutions from small family gatherings to larger groups, you’ll find stunning accommodation on site and it is just 15 minute drive from downtown. https://www.medicivilla.com/

Villa di Geggiano – Siena

Located just a few kilometres from Siena, Villa di Geggiano has been the family home and winery of the
Bianchi Bandinelli family since 1527. The Villa has been declared a National Heritage site of outstanding beauty and you can easily appreciate it looking at the gardens and at the interiors, specifically created in all their details for that site. A small celestial chapel is also available on site. http://www.villadigeggiano.com/home/

Villa Gamberaia – Florence

Located on the Florence hills, this villa is so amazing because of its gardens including an unforgettable entrance surrounded with cypress trees, the gardens have been curated in every single detail and available for events of any kind. The villa can be rented entirety for both leisure stays and guest’s events, so perfect for Brides and Grooms who would like to host a private event. https://www.villagamberaia.com/en/

So, now you have seen just a glimpse of what this beautiful region boasts. Let’s talk about the need to knows of travelling. Travelling from the UK to Tuscany is simple, there are many flights available starting as low as £100 or so, these connect with Florence, Pisa (perfect for reaching Florence and the coast), Bologna (out of Tuscany but is only a 1 hour drive from Florence) or Rome (good for reaching all the southern areas such as the Valdorcia for example). These flights are also fairly short at only 2/3h of flight + trains/ coaches or, you could choose to rent a car and drive (which we would absolutely recommend as its one of the best way to visit Tuscany since distances between the different sites are quite short.

Spring and Summer are certainly the ‘safest’ periods, particularly if you are looking for an outdoor celebration. Think June to September, this is when you will be likely to have the best weather, however this is also the most popular time and so booking ahead is essential. If, however, you like to think creatively and want to enjoy the cities with no crowds, autumn and winter are perfect! Prices might be a slightly lower around these off-peak times and there are beautiful venues which offer stunning interiors for a celebration, sometimes even better than certain outdoors!

Hopefully, this has now given you a great insight into what a destination wedding in Tuscany, Italy can bring if you choose to celebrate your wedding this way. Want to delve deeper? I highly recommend speaking with the fantastic Olivia (who I mentioned earlier), she runs a bespoke Wedding and Events Agency in Florence, Tuscany. Olivia and her team can help their clients on every aspect of their wedding journey, from A to Z, starting from venue research, working on the styling and the décor, finding the best suppliers to suit you as a couple, right up to coordination of your big day. Olivia Sodi Wedding and Events has over 6 years experience, in which she has tested a large range of fabulous venues and reliable vendors, they have established an extensive network of trusted suppliers that can work alongside them and their couples to cover every need.

Olivia specialises in Destination Weddings in Tuscany but are certainly not limited to, happily taking on projects everywhere else in Italy and beyond.

Contact Olivia and her team

Website: oliviasodi.com

Phone: +39 348 5838807

Instagram: @oliviasodi_wed

Contact Stephanie Alexandra Makeup Artist

Phone: +44 7852545238

Instagram: @stephaniealexandrabridal