It’s no secret that Italy is one of the most romantic destinations. The intoxicating wine, unrivaled culture and top-notch cuisine make Italy and its stunning vistas an ethereal destination wedding locale. Couples looking for postcard-perfect scenery and a glamorous, amorous feel will be captivated by Italy’s charm and warmth.
“Italy is a truly wonderful, romantic destination for weddings,” says Monica Balli, owner of Monica Balli Events. “We have it all: turquoise waters, rolling hills and countryside, white snowy mountains and wonderful historic villas.”
Among its many jewels, two regions stand out: Lake Como for its magical setting and luxurious villas and the Amalfi Coast with its spectacular cliffside resorts.
In northern Italy and just about forty miles from Milan, Lake Como is a dreamy world unto itself. The thirty-mile-long, inverted Y-shaped lake is ringed by grand villas, waterfalls and lush vegetation that reflect off its shimmering surface. Visitors to Lake Como will fall in love with the region’s food, wine, culture and the world-class spas.
Your fairytale romance deserves a fairytale setting, and the 16th-century Villa d’Este is about as fantastical as it gets. The 25 acres of lushly landscaped gardens, award-winning cuisine and best in class service will ensure that you have a flawless event. Hailed as one of the best hotels in the world, Villa d’Este offers 152 rooms, all renovated and updated but still full of old-world charm.
Rent out the nine villas that make up CastaDiva Resort & Spa, a five-star luxury resort on the east side of Lake Como. Ceremony locations range from the large lawn directly on the lake to the cozier Giardino dei Sapori banquet room overlooking the water. The Sala Aida with its lake view and beautiful décor is the perfect late-night reception spot. Or host the party on the floating pool, which, after sunset, is transformed into a dancing fountain “suspended” over the lake’s surface. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, in the heart of Lake Como, epitomizes Italian glamour. The Art Nouveau palace features period décor
inviting salons and a tranquil, magnolia-filled park. For your weekend, the Tremezzo’s wedding team is at your complete disposal, and whether you choose to marry in Villa Carlotta’s sumptuous gardens or on T Beach facing the floating pool and lake, they are dedicated to making your wedding day dreams come true.
The Amalfi Coast is an equally stunning Italian wedding destination, and with its boats, beaches and limoncello, there’s plenty to do. One of Amalfi’s most luxurious and picturesque spots is Il San Pietro di Positano. This boutique hotel boasts breathtaking Mediterranean views and two upscale restaurants, and is Positano’s only hotel with direct access to the sea. An elevator carved into the cliff takes you from the stunning hotel lobby to the crystal clear water in seconds. It’s truly an oasis, and no wonder that privacy-seeking celebrities frequent this chic setting.
“There is so much to do, see, taste and experience,” Balli says. “Who wouldn’t want to come over?”
> Written By: Allyson Reedy
Photography: Villa d’Este, Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy