Plan a Tuscany Wedding You’ll Toast to for Decades

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Rome may be the capital of Italy, but Tuscany makes a strong case for being the country's most romantic region. The rolling hills, replete with vineyards and olive groves, are rivaled only by its Medieval architecture and world-class art, cobblestone streets and gelato. A Tuscany wedding is truly a treat for all senses.

The art, culture, views and food—and we haven't even talked about the renowned wine—are some of the top reasons couples dream of getting married in Italy. But weddings in Tuscany can blend all of those features in one incredible day (or several days). It's no wonder the region is regularly celebrated as one of the world's best destination wedding locations.

As charming as a Tuscany destination wedding can be, planning a wedding in Europe requires couples to take some extra steps. For instance, you'll likely need to interview and book vendors, and getting a marriage license in Tuscany requires significant legwork (arguably more than climbing to the top of the Duomo). A Tuscany wedding planner can help you navigate all these waters and more. To help you dip your toes into planning, we've put together a comprehensive guide to the dreamiest Tuscany, Italy wedding, including locations and venues to consider. Planners also shared ways to save without skimping.

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Tuscany Wedding Planning Tips in this Article:

• Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love Tuscany Weddings
• The Best Wedding Locations in Tuscany
• Top Tuscany Wedding Venues
• Tuscany Wedding Legal Requirements
• Tuscany Wedding Planning Tips

Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love Tuscany Weddings

It is challenging to give an overview of why choosing Tuscany as a wedding destination is a delight for couples and their guests. The diverse region perfectly mixes art, culture, food, wine and architecture while providing a backdrop that feels straight out of a fairy tale.

"Of all the destinations that we've been to, Tuscany is by far one of my favorites," says Kay Northrup, the founder and CEO of Kay Northrup Events, specializing in destination wedding planning. "There is a lot for your guests to do so they won't feel like they're trapped in the middle of nowhere—a common fear of couples getting married abroad."

Northrup loves that couples can turn a Tuscany wedding into a compound, three-day intimate getaway. She notes that the wedding locations Tuscany offers let guests stay on the property together, beginning the weekend with a pizza party welcome dinner, rolling into a wedding day with vineyard views and recovering with a pool party all in one venue.

You'll likely get a taste of arts and culture at any wedding destination in Tuscany. However, Emi Carletti, an Elsewhere by Lonely Planet local in Italy, says pairs who adore art are often drawn to Florence, Pisa, Siena or Lucca. While group trips to museums can help people learn about inspirations for generational artists, the menus also draw from local muses. "The rich tradition of this marvelous land offers endless inspiration for your wedding menu," Carletti says.

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace for Tuscany wedding expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

The Best Wedding Locations in Tuscany

Photo: Dainela / Getty

As a wedding destination, Tuscany offers a long list of selling points. And you're bound to have mouthwatering views and food at any venue you choose. Yet, understanding the differences between the wedding destinations in Tuscany will get you on the (cobblestone) path to choosing your dream venue. Like the wines in Chianti, each area of Tuscany offers a distinct character.

Florence Wedding

A wedding in the Tuscan capital goes heavy on the region's—and, frankly, the country's—greatest hits. The wine and gelato are like nothing you've ever tasted, and the who's who of artists featured in the museums brings high school history books to life. Carletti explains that you can organize religious ceremonies in famous churches, like the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo). Civil or intimate symbolic nuptials can come with a side of historical monument vistas. Between parties, there's no shortage of things to do. A few ideas: a chauffeured wine-tasting excursion, a trip to see Michelangelo's The David at Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze or sipping a cappuccino on a café patio in one of the numerous piazzas.

Val d'Orcia Wedding

A stunning ninety-minute to two-hour drive from the bustle of Florence, Val D'Orcia feels like stepping into another place and time. The steep hills dotted with vines as far as the eye can see make the countryside seem endless. Once you step off the bus, you'll notice that the Medieval architecture sets an Old World scene—it's no wonder Val d'Orcia was named a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The villages of Montalcino and Montepulciano are hailed for their toast-worthy wine, which you can sip at wineries that host weddings and underground cellars that make ideal settings for welcome drinks.

Lucca Wedding

A true haven for the arts, Lucca's annual summer music festival draws flocks of people each year. Its charming tree-lined cobblestone streets and Renaissance architecture provide seasonless whimsical charm at every turn. Combined, Lucca is an idyllic backdrop for a fairy-tale-come-true wedding. It's a popular pick for art lovers and dreamers alike, Carletti says. When you're not toasting with local vinos to new beginnings, travel back in time at cultural sites like Puccini Museum, the renowned opera composer Giacomo Puccini's birthplace, or take a guided tour through the Le Mura di Lucca (the walls of Lucca that are considered among the best-preserved Renaissance structures in Europe).

Pro tip: As you consider Tuscany wedding locations, don't forget about your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing Tuscany honeymoon, too, with our complete guide.

Top Tuscany Wedding Venues

Photo: Il Salviatino

Once you've pinpointed a location for your Tuscany destination wedding—not an easy task—you'll want to narrow down your list of wedding venues in Tuscany. "Narrow" is a misleading term, as you'll have many stunning choices. The best spot for you and yours will depend on your budget, your connection with the staff and what you're looking for (packages? a la carte?). These three wedding venues in Tuscany, Italy, are worthy of consideration.

Borgo San Felice Resort Relais & Châteaux

Not only can you gain exclusive access to this five-star resort in the lauded Chianti region when you book a wedding, but you can also rent out an entire historic village. Found on a 685-acre estate with a winery and on-site spa, Borgo San Felice Resort Relais & Châteaux has 29 rooms, 30 suites and a private villa that sleeps 18 guests. It can host parties of up to 120 guests. Say "I do" in a 19th-century chapel or among the vines in the vineyard. Wine experts and chefs at the Michelin-star restaurant will walk you through offerings as you curate your dream menu. There's plenty of entertainment for you and guests in between events, like e-bikes, tennis courts and cooking classes.

Il Salviatino

Found in a restored 15th-century villa nestled among the hills, Il Salviatino Firenze lets you start your future in a space that epitomizes Florence's history. A Tuscany wedding venue 15 minutes from Florence, Il Salviatino can accommodate a range of headcounts. A secluded terrace can host an intimate affair of 25 guests, while the sprawling Terrazza fits 200 guests. A team of Tuscany wedding planners will help you design everything from the look to the menu of your big day. An on-site spa and pool invite relaxation, and the venue is not far from popular attractions like the Uffizi Galleries. Loved ones will delight in rooms with views of the cityscape or countryside.

Tenuta Torciano

Tenuta Torciano is a favorite of Carletti's, who calls it "Poetic, romantic and original...a real gem." Carletti loves the natural backdrop, saying it's perfect for pairs passionate about nature and wine. Start the day exchanging vows by the vineyard and end it with the grandest of finales: a fireworks display. A gentler and au natural soundtrack can play during your ceremony—think a soft breeze blowing through the vines. Mother Nature is a pro, but so are staff members at Tenuta Torciano. Planners will help arrange accents and set your dream vibe, like a romantic candlelit dinner. Tastemaking chefs will help you curate a menu that guests will talk about when social media reminds them it's your anniversary for years to come.

Tuscany Wedding Legal Requirements

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Weddings in Tuscany are a beautiful adventure. However, you'll want to ensure that your adventure includes a legally binding ceremony. Getting a marriage license in Tuscany is challenging but not impossible to navigate. You can also skip the red tape and opt for a symbolic ceremony. The US Embassy has insights on the steps you'll need to take, and a seasoned Tuscany wedding planner can assist. Here's what to know about getting legally married before—or during—your Tuscany destination wedding.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

Couples can choose to have a legal or symbolic wedding in Tuscany. "[A symbolic] wedding is not legally binding, and spouses have the freedom to personalize the ceremony in such a way that it completely reflects their values ​​and beliefs," Carletti says.

Pairs who opt for a symbolic ceremony get married in their local town, city or village in the US before jetting off to Tuscany for a destination wedding with family and friends. Legal ceremonies are binding, but Italy has strict rules about what qualifies.

"There are only two legally recognized ceremonies: civil or the Catholic church," Carletti says. "Under Italian law, the only people who can perform a wedding are Catholic priests and the relevant officials at the local town hall."

Required Legal Documents

Couples must present numerous legal documents to ensure their "I do's" are bound by law. The US Embassy notes that you may need:

• A valid passport or military ID for active-duty members of the US Armed Forces
• A birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• A dichiarazione giurata that certifies there is no legal reason preventing you from getting married. According to the US Embassy, this document must be "sworn to before a US consular officer accredited in Italy" and notarized
• An atto notorio signed by two witnesses that says you can legally wed

Additionally, some couples may need to present:

• Documents certifying the prior marriage is legally terminated (divorce decree or death certificate of the previous spouse)
• Baptismal and confirmation certificate (Catholic weddings only)
• A waiver certifying medical evidence you aren't pregnant from the Italian District Attorney's Office in the city you intend to hold a legal wedding (strictly for females whose legal marriages ended within the last 300 days)

To be considered legal in Italy, all of these documents must have an apostille from the secretary of state in the state where they were first distributed.

Legal Marriage Timeline

Getting legally married in Italy takes keen attention to detail—and time. To be safe, budget around two months to get everything squared away. The good news? Marriage licenses in Tuscany are valid for six months. The atto notorio alone can take four to 10 days to process. However, an expedited copy can be available that day for additional costs.

With the required documents in hand, head to the town hall of the city where you wish to marry and submit a Declaration of Intention to Marry. An interpreter is required if either member of the couple doesn't speak Italian. Once this process is done, there's a two-week waiting period (which must include two Sundays) before you can host a legally-binding wedding in Tuscany.

When the wait is over, you can legally say "I do" in a ceremony at a town hall (performed by a mayor or deputy) or Catholic church. You'll need two witnesses, plus an interpreter if one or both members of the couple don't speak Italian.

Legal Marriage Cost

The atto notorio requires three revenue stamps, which cost around $44 USD. However, you can get this document the day you submit the request for about $66 USD. The cost of civil ceremonies runs from $500 USD to nearly $9,500 USD. Interpretation services might also tack on fees.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your Tuscany wedding location, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guests can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

Tuscany Wedding Planning Tips

The legal component of a Tuscany destination wedding is but one practicality. You'll also want to consider transportation for yourself and guests, timing and budget. Plus, there's the matter of choosing vendors from across the Atlantic. The last part? It's the fun part of planning—assembling your dream team who will bring your Pinterest board to life. Tuscany destination wedding planning experts shared top tips.

How to Get to Tuscany

Couples traveling from the US will likely fly into Florence. Couples traveling from Los Angeles will have a trek—around 17 hours with a layover. The trip is shorter for East Coast couples and guests, who can touch down in Florence in around 11 hours with one layover. Once there, rental cars, buses and trains are common ways to explore Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Best Months to Marry in Tuscany

Shoulder-season travel will get you the best and mildest weather—think May, September and October. June, July and August bring sweltering heat and summer crowds. Italy is home to four seasons, so expect foliage in autumn, blooms in spring and summer and cold temperatures (and potentially snow and ice) in the winter.

Tuscany Wedding Venue and Vendors

Technology has made locating vendors and venues that meet your vision easier. You can see spaces and portfolios online. Northrup suggests searching Instagram tags, Pinterest and, once you have a venue, their preferred list as a starting point. Then, "vet the heck out of them," she says. Online reviews can provide insights into what it's like to work with pros.

Remember that Italy is in a different time zone than the US. When it's 7 p.m. in New York or 4 p.m. in California, it's 1 a.m. in Florence, so give the pro some grace by not expecting an immediate response. "Just going in expecting this can help ease some stress," Northrup says.

If you need help finding prospective Tuscany wedding venues and vendors, peruse The Knot Vendor Marketplace for a comprehensive list of travel specialists with expertise in destination weddings.

Budgeting Tips

It's tough to give a black-and-white number for the destination wedding cost of a Tuscan soiree. "In Tuscany, there are many choices based also on the budget of the spouses," Carletti says. Carletti has seen venues cost €10,000 (or around $10,200) and more but says factors like location, catering, entertainment and set-up all factor into the final price tag.

"We've seen destination weddings in Tuscany for as low as $30,000 to as high as $150,000. It depends on their expectations, the guest count, the cost of the venue and whether or not their guests are paying for their rooms on-site at their venue," Northrup echoes, saying the cost is reasonable and potentially a bit lower than what you'd find in the US.

As Carletti noted, Italy uses the Euro, which is worth a smidge more than the US dollar. "While fluctuations aren't a significant concern right now, it's worth noting that prices for accommodations and other travel expenses in Europe have risen," Carletti says. "Travelers may feel the impact of inflation more than currency exchange rates. To make the most of their money, couples should consider using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and exchange small amounts of cash before their trip for incidental expenses."

Northrup suggests booking a venue that lets guests stay the night and having them foot the bill for the room—just as most would if using a room block at a wedding in your hometown. "We have had couples save $20,000 to $30,000 using this strategy," Northrup says.

Carletti says that picking a venue within your budget and embracing Tuscany's natural beauty instead of going heavy on decor can also lower costs.

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details, including your Tuscany wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.