Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Italy

Italy is renowned for its iconic wedding venues, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the romantic shores of Lake Como. But for couples looking for something off the beaten path, Italy also offers hidden gems that exude exclusivity, charm, and authenticity. These unique venues are perfect for intimate celebrations and offer an unforgettable backdrop for your special day.

1. Isola del Garda, Lake Garda

Located on a private island in Lake Garda, Isola del Garda is an enchanting venue that feels like stepping into a fairytale. With its historic palace, lush gardens, and panoramic lake views, this hidden gem is perfect for couples seeking exclusivity.

• Capacity: Up to 80 guests.

• Highlights: Private boat access, a stunning Venetian-style villa, and romantic garden ceremonies.

• Photo Opportunities: Lakeside vistas, historic archways, and vibrant Italian gardens.

2. Borgo della Marmotta, Umbria

For a rustic yet refined wedding experience, Borgo della Marmotta offers the charm of a boutique Italian village. Nestled in the Umbrian countryside, this venue combines historic architecture with modern amenities.

• Capacity: Up to 120 guests.

• Highlights: Stone buildings, olive groves, and farm-to-table dining.

• Photo Opportunities: Rolling hills, quaint courtyards, and golden-hour sunsets.

3. Castello di Reschio, Umbria

This restored 10th-century castle is a true hidden gem, blending history with contemporary luxury. Surrounded by private woodland and vineyards, Castello di Reschio offers a secluded and sophisticated setting for your wedding.

• Capacity: Up to 50 guests for intimate gatherings.

• Highlights: Lavish interiors, an on-site winery, and a serene infinity pool.

• Photo Opportunities: Dramatic castle backdrops, vineyard panoramas, and candlelit interiors.

4. Locanda Rosa Rosae, Veneto

For couples seeking a venue that feels like a secret hideaway, Locanda Rosa Rosae is a dreamy choice. This 1570s water mill has been transformed into a romantic retreat, offering a cozy yet elegant atmosphere.

• Capacity: Up to 60 guests.

• Highlights: Rustic-chic interiors, candlelit dinners, and an intimate setting.

• Photo Opportunities: Weathered stone walls, ivy-covered exteriors, and softly lit interiors.

5. Masseria Moroseta, Puglia

Puglia is known for its whitewashed buildings and coastal charm, and Masseria Moroseta is no exception. This boutique farmhouse offers a modern yet minimalist vibe, perfect for couples looking for understated elegance.

• Capacity: Up to 100 guests.

• Highlights: Mediterranean gardens, olive groves, and a serene poolside area.

• Photo Opportunities: Coastal sunsets, minimalist interiors, and lush olive orchards.

6. Tenuta di Canonica, Umbria

This former watchtower turned boutique villa offers breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside. Tenuta di Canonica is ideal for couples who want a quiet, picturesque setting steeped in history.

• Capacity: Up to 80 guests.

• Highlights: Hilltop location, traditional Italian cuisine, and elegant accommodations.

• Photo Opportunities: Panoramic views, rustic architecture, and lavender-filled gardens.

7. Abbazia San Pietro in Valle, Umbria

A former Benedictine abbey, Abbazia San Pietro in Valle is a venue like no other. Surrounded by dense forests, this venue offers a tranquil and spiritual setting for your wedding.

• Capacity: Up to 100 guests.

• Highlights: Historic frescoes, a peaceful courtyard, and panoramic views of the Nera Valley.

• Photo Opportunities: Ancient stone walls, forested paths, and intimate candlelit spaces.

Why Choose a Hidden Gem Venue?

• Exclusivity: Many of these venues offer complete privacy, ensuring your wedding feels truly personal.

• Unique Atmosphere: From historic castles to boutique farmhouses, these venues have character and charm you won’t find elsewhere.

• Intimate Settings: Perfect for smaller guest lists, these venues create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your celebration.

Planning Your Hidden Gem Wedding in Italy

When planning a wedding at a lesser-known venue, it’s essential to work with experienced vendors who understand the logistics and unique character of the location. As a destination wedding photographer based in Italy, I specialize in capturing the beauty and authenticity of hidden gem venues, ensuring your memories are as unique as your venue.

Let’s Discover Your Perfect Venue Together

Ready to say “I do” in a hidden gem of Italy? Explore my portfolio and inquire today to start planning a wedding that’s as unique as your love story.

Thrilled to Announce My Fearless Photographers Award!

I’m beyond excited to share some incredible news—I’ve won my very first Fearless Photographers Award in Collection 58! This is an extraordinary milestone in my photography journey, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Fearless Photographers is one of the most prestigious wedding photography communities in the world. Each year, they celebrate the most innovative, emotional, and artistic wedding photos through their Fearless Awards. To give you an idea of how special this is: fewer than 1% of the 15,000 images submitted to this collection were selected, with only 251 awards given in total.

Being recognized among such an inspiring and talented group of photographers is a true honor. I’ve always admired the Fearless community for their dedication to storytelling, creative excellence, and redefining what wedding photography can be. To now have my work showcased alongside these incredible artists is a dream come true.

Winning this award isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s also a testament to the trust my couples place in me to capture their most intimate and meaningful moments. It’s their love stories that inspire me to push boundaries and create images that are as unique as their relationships.

If you'd like to see the award-winning image and explore the other breathtaking works from Collection 58, you can view them here on the Fearless Photographers website.

Thank you to my couples, peers, and the Fearless Photographers community for your continued support. I’m excited to carry this momentum forward and create even more unforgettable images in the future!

How to Create a Perfect Wedding Timeline for Your Italian Wedding

Planning a wedding in Italy is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. From selecting the right venue to managing your guest list, every decision contributes to the overall flow of the day. A well-structured wedding day timeline is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly, so you can enjoy your special day to the fullest.

As a wedding photographer specializing in Italian destination weddings, I’ve seen firsthand how the right planning makes all the difference. Below, I’ll guide you through creating the perfect timeline for your Italian wedding, with helpful insights and tips that I regularly share with my clients.

1. Getting Ready (3-4 Hours Before the Ceremony)

The morning of your wedding should be a time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones as you prepare for the big day. A key part of your wedding day timeline is ensuring there’s enough time for hair, makeup, and those all-important details shots, like your dress, rings, and invitations.

Client Tip:

• First Look or Not? Some couples opt for a “first look” before the ceremony, while others prefer to wait until the ceremony for that big reveal. There’s no right or wrong answer, but a first look can save time and allow for a 45-minute window for romantic portraits. About half of my couples choose this route for a more relaxed experience.

• What to Consider: Allow for at least 3-4 hours for the bride and her party to get ready. The groom typically needs about 1.5-2 hours for preparation.

2. First Look and Couple’s Portraits (1 Hour Before the Ceremony)

A first look is a personal, intimate moment for the couple to share before the ceremony. It’s also a great way to get some early portraits in a private setting. Plus, this allows your photographer to capture the beautiful candid moments, setting the tone for the rest of your wedding day.

Client Tip:

• Family Formals: Keep family formal portraits brief. I suggest limiting the formal shots to 15 minutes right after the ceremony when everyone is already together. We will make a clear list of groupings before the wedding day to make sure everything is as efficient as possible. It helps to assign a contact person who can gather everyone and keep things organized.

3. Ceremony (30-60 Minutes)

The ceremony is the most important part of the wedding day. Whether you're getting married in a stunning Tuscan villa or at a historical church in Rome, be sure to allocate enough time for the ceremony itself, as well as any rituals, readings, or personal vows you’d like to include.

Client Tip:

• Communicate with Your Officiant: If you want to ensure your family stays for family portraits, ask your officiant to make a brief announcement at the end of the ceremony. This allows for an efficient transition into formal group photos.

4. Aperitivo (1 Hour After the Ceremony)

After the ceremony, the aperitivo (Italian cocktail hour) is a time for guests to mingle, sip on prosecco, and enjoy some local bites. This is also the perfect time for your photographer to capture candid moments of your guests interacting, along with the details of your reception.

Client Tip:

• Documenting the Reception: Your wedding reception and ceremony décor are an important part of your big day. I recommend scheduling about 15-20 minutes for my team to capture the details of your venue before your guests enter. Make sure the area is closed off until the aperitivo begins so we can get clear shots of the décor.

5. Wedding Reception (3-4 Hours)

The reception is where the celebration really kicks off! Plan for about 2-3 hours for dinner and speeches, followed by dancing and entertainment. The atmosphere at an Italian wedding is lively, and your reception will likely be the highlight of your day.

Client Tip:

• Dinner & Breaks for the Photographers: The best time for us to take a quick break is when you’re eating dinner. We’ll eat when you do, so we’re ready to be fully present and capture the candid moments as you interact with your guests. We also try to avoid interruptions when guests are enjoying their meal.

6. Golden Hour Photos (30 Minutes Before Sunset)

Golden hour is the magical time just before sunset when the light softens, creating the perfect backdrop for romantic photos. Make sure to schedule this time into your timeline to get the best shots of you and your partner.

Client Tip:

• Ideal Time for Golden Hour Photos: This typically happens 30 minutes before sunset, so make sure your photographer has time to get the most out of the light. If you want to have portraits in scenic spots, it’s best to plan for this time before your reception starts.

7. Cake Cutting and Dancing (2-3 Hours After Dinner)

The cake cutting and first dance are a perfect transition into the evening’s festivities. This is when the fun starts!

Client Tip:

• Dancing & Surprises: If you have special surprises planned (such as a performance or a surprise guest), let your photographer know so we can be ready to capture these moments. I love documenting special surprises—just make sure to keep them a secret from the rest of your guests!

8. Finalizing Your Wedding Timeline

A few key tips to ensure everything goes smoothly on your wedding day:

• Buffer Time: Always include buffer time between major events to avoid feeling rushed.

• Stay Flexible: Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay! It’s important to stay relaxed and enjoy the moment.

• Work Closely with Your Planner & Photographer: Communicating your timeline with your wedding planner and photographer ensures everything flows as smoothly as possible.

Let’s Capture Your Perfect Italian Wedding

Planning your Italian wedding day timeline is one of the most important steps to ensure everything flows effortlessly. As an experienced destination wedding photographer, I’ll work with you every step of the way to document every moment—from the first look to the final dance. Let’s create timeless images that you’ll cherish forever.

Ready to start planning your dream Italian wedding? Explore my portfolio, and get in touch today to begin creating memories that will last a lifetime.