destination weddings

Planning a Wedding in Italy: Tips from a Luxury Destination Wedding Photographer

April 18, 2023

a couple in positano planning a wedding in italy

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a couple planning an italy wedding

Planning a wedding in Italy? Don’t know where to start? Look no further babe. Italy is a dream destination for couples who want to celebrate their love amidst breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and romantic atmosphere. As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve captured countless couples’ love stories in around the globe and I’m here to share my tips on how to plan your dream wedding in my favorite place.

1. Choose the Perfect Location

Planning a wedding in Italy gives you access to incredible venues with rich history, breath taking views and the best food. From the picturesque Amalfi Coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany, the options are ENDLESS. When choosing the perfect location for your wedding, consider your budget, the number of guests, and the type of wedding you want. Do you want a seaside ceremony or a countryside wedding? Would you prefer a historic villa or a modern venue? Click here for a list of my favorite venues in Italy. Once you have made that decision, then the fun of hiring vendors begins.

2. Hire A Local Planner

This is going to be the best advice I can give during your destination planning process. This is applicable for any destination, not just Italy! A local wedding planner can be your best friend when planning a destination wedding in Italy (or anywhere.) They know the local wedding industry, can recommend the best vendors, and can help you navigate any language or cultural barriers. They can also handle all the logistical details, such as securing the venue, hiring vendors, and coordinating transportation and accommodations for you and your guests.

3. Book Your Vendors Early

In Italy, wedding vendors, especially those in popular destinations like Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, book up quickly. That’s why it’s important to book your vendors, including your photographer, caterer, florist, and musician, as early as possible. This ensures that you get the vendors you want and reduces stress during the planning process.

4. Consider the Legal Requirements

Getting married in Italy requires some paperwork, including a certificate of no impediment, which proves that you’re free to marry. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to have your documents translated and legalized. Make sure to research the legal requirements for getting married in Italy and plan accordingly.

5. Embrace the Italian Culture

One of the best things about getting married in Italy is the opportunity to embrace the local culture. Consider incorporating Italian traditions into your wedding, such as serving local cuisine, having an Italian band play during the reception, or incorporating Italian elements into your decor. This not only adds a unique touch to your wedding but also creates a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Final Thoughts

Planning a destination wedding in Italy can be a magical experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these tips and working with experienced vendors, you can create the wedding of your dreams and make memories that will last a lifetime. As a professional destination wedding photographer, I would be honored to capture your love story in this beautiful country. As an added bonus, I speak a bit of Italian and can read and write it fairly well 😉 Contact me to learn more about my services and how I can help make all of your Italian wedding dreams come true.

positano at sunset

xoxo

Arielle

Click here to inquire today.

  1. […] married abroad, it is a little easier to get legally married in your place of residence beforehand (less paperwork and translation needed) so they decided to elope by themselves in Chicago on a chilly Friday […]

  2. […] Museum has been on my Midwest bucket list for wedding photos for quite awhile. After ruling out an Italy wedding for Connor and I, we looked at having a local wedding at this gorgeous Italian Arts Museum. […]

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BEHIND THE LENS

hi, i'm ARIELLE.

You can usually find me home with my golden retriever or day dreaming of my next trip to Italy.

I am a firm believer in living life with purpose and never missing the opportunity to experience something new. The Meyers-Briggs test says I am an INFJ with ESFJ qualities (an introverted extrovert, IYKYK), and my friends say I am the person they come to when they need comfort, advice, or fresh baked goods. I consider myself an empath, so special moments you share with your loved ones will likely get me all teary eyed and sentimental. I am not here to pretend life is picture perfect, but to capture genuine emotion and create timeless pieces of art to decorate your home. I’m constantly striving for perfection, but have a calming personality and am relatively easy going. 

When the camera is not around my neck, I am a big home body. I love hanging on the couch with my dog, making pasta, breads and desserts from scratch, squatting 400+ pounds in the gym, or plotting my next trip outside of the US. As a direct descendant of Italian immigrants, I feel most at home in Italy (and speak a bit of Italian, too.)

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Arielle has photographed over 175 weddings across 12 states, 5 countries, and 3 continents. While her heart beats for coastal and countryside Italian weddings, she is willing to travel anywhere and everywhere to document your day.

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