best wedding villas in Tuscany and Umbria

FOUR BEAUTIFUL WEDDING VILLAS IN TUSCANY AND UMBRIA

There are so many beautiful and stunning locations in Tuscany and Umbria to get married it seems daunting to even start to narrow down your search. Have you ever thought about what makes the perfect wedding venue? If not, don’t worry! I have you covered in this article where I outline my top favorite wedding venues in Tuscany and Umbria and WHY I love each of them. From size of the accommodations and perfectly restored buildings to romantic gardens and scenic overlooks, together let’s take a look at my favorite wedding venues in Tuscany & Umbria. 

VILLA LE FONTANELLE

Villa Le Fontanelle, located in the rolling hills just outside of Florence, has quite humble beginnings, as the main villa was built originally a small farm (“fattoria”). However, in the15th century, it was gifted by Cosimo de Medici to Marsilio Ficino, one of the most influential humanist philosophers of the early Italian Renaissance. It is here that Ficino began the long and arduous task of translating the Platonic Codes. He eventually transformed the villa into the Platonic Academy and you can still find unique architectural features from this time, such as the whimsical mermaid inside the marble pool in the Italian garden.

Because of its close proximity to several international airports (Florence, Pisa, Perugia, etc) travel to and from the villa is a breeze and travel by train is only a short taxi ride away, as well. The villa offers seven suites, making it perfect to house all or part of your wedding party and guests. There are many options for celebration locations inside and out, making this the ideal for a small – medium size wedding. 

Villa Le Fontanelle is a beautiful property that offers visitors and guests many possibilities. The spectacular main villa has seven spacious suites and rooms, capable of housing up to 21 people, for an unforgettable stay. Nearby you will find the fortino (or “little fortress”), which is ideal for getting away from it all the hustle and bustle of life and immersing yourself in the splendid views overlooking Florence. On the property, you will find a small, quaint chapel that can host symbolic or religious ceremonies (except for the Catholic rite). The greenhouse is a fully restored iron and glass structure that offers a quiet spot for a good book and/or for an afternoon tea. The citrarium holds the onsite restaurant, catering to all of your needs, making it easy to just kick back and relax. 

The gardens that surround the villa are simply amazing, housing over 30,000 different species of plants. The Romantic/ Gothic-inspired gardens also host a pond that is the perfect backdrop for an event or photoshoot. On-site you will find a swimming pool that was designed and built by one of the greatest landscape architects of the last century, Pietro Porcinai. Adjacent to the pool is the sun terrace, which offers guests the perfect spot for an apertivo, barbeque or pizza party.

WHY IT’S PERFECT FOR A WEDDING?: Villa Le Fontanelle is perfect for a small to medium size wedding. The view overlooking Florence is simply stunning! There are lots of overlooks and quiet spots perfect for outdoor ceremonies, apertivos, and dinners on this 3.5 hectare property. Everywhere you look you can see and feel the history of generations past. 

VILLA CATIGNANO

Photo credit: Laura Barbera

Villa Catignano is a breathtaking 17th century villa is nestled in the heart of the Chianti Classico winemaking region, amongst 600 acres of manicured gardens, lush vineyards and olive groves. Located just 8km north east of Siena, it is close to the Pisa and Florence international airports, making it relatively easy to get to. The estate boasts two manor houses/ villas, three different themed gardens, a farm, limonaia (or orangery to overwinter citrus and temperamental plants), swimming pool and a private chapel. The classic beauty of Catignano combined with its history, art, and idyllic countryside setting create the perfect backdrop for a Tuscan wedding.

The country manor residential space is broken into two buildings, the Villa and the Fattoria (or farm). In the past, the Villa was exclusively used by the noble family Sergardi as their home, and boasts marvelous frescoes and priceless paintings, reflecting their rich art history. The Fattoria was a ‘real’ farmhouse devoted to farming and agricultural activity, mostly for the production of wine and extra virgin olive oil, and offers guests a more rustic, cozy stay. Onsite you will also find a beautiful rustic chapel, perfect for small, symbolic ceremonies.

Villa Catignano is framed by the formal Giardino all’Italiana (a traditional Italian Renaissance garden) and features magnificently manicured Bosco all’Inglese (English boxwoods). And between the olive groves, the vineyards, the iconic Tuscan Cypress, you will find the swimming pool, where a beautiful view of Siena and its surroundings makes a postcard perfect view as well as several charming overlooks.

WHY IT IS PERFECT FOR A WEDDING: Not only can you house nearly all your family and friends at Villa Catignano, they offer a wide array of spaces to ensure the perfect wedding! Inside, they offer several lush spaces for up to 120 for a sit-down dinner as well as several smaller halls, perfect for an apertivo, rehearsal dinner, brunch or cocktail reception. Outside, they offer use of all three different garden spaces as well as an ample space for dining and dancing under the stars.

TERRE DI NANO

Photo credit: Asha Bailey Photography

Terre di Nano, the relative new kid on the block, dates back to the late 18th century, The 50-hectare property, nestled in the rolling hills between Pienza and Montepulciano, became an Unesco World Heritage Site in 2004 and boasts rich architectural details, stunning views and some of the region’s most sought-after red wine and olive oil. They offer ample accommodations and have several beautiful gardens and overlooks for ceremonies as well as beautifully restored indoor spaces for seated dinners and/ or late-night dancing and music.

Terre di Nano is made up of a large villa and three smaller self-sufficient houses. They can accommodate up to 30 people, making it perfect for medium-sized destination weddings. They have two large indoor spaces for seated dinners for up to 80 people and a smaller space that is ideal for a dance party or inclimate weather locale. 

Terre di Nano has one of the most breathtaking views in all of Tuscany, overlooking the valleys of Pienza, Montepulciano and Mount Amiata, in my opinion. The property is in the heart of the olive oil and wine-making region and offers beautiful outdoor spaces in the rose garden, olive grove, vineyards, scenic overlook, panoramic pool, ample terraces, lawns and much more.

WHY IT IS PERFECT FOR A WEDDING: The villa and the grounds offer so many different options for events, it seems like every wedding I plan there has a completely different layout and design. The villa, apartments and sprawling grounds offer almost unlimited possibilities for event space. Whether you decide to dine under the stars or in the high-peaked, renovated farm buildings, no matter the situation (or weather) Terra di Nano has you covered! In addition to the infrastructure, the staff is simply amazing. 

CASTELLO DI PETRATA

Photo credit: Giuseppe Giovannelli

Castello di Petrata is an ancient and enchanting castle located just over the border of Tuscany, into Umbria. Construction began on the castle in 1340 and over the years, it was fortified into a true fortress and eventually into the charming manor house you see today. The latest phase of the construction project led to the birth of the modern Relais, a swimming pool, restaurant, banquet halls and wellness center, sprawling gardens and farm a complex, close to nature and just 5 km from Assisi.

The castle has 20 rooms including classic, junior suites and suites, each one different from the other and each with its own particularity. In total, they can accommodate 60 people but for higher numbers they collaborate with two agriturismo near the castle that can accommodate another 70 people together, making it the perfect location for a small, medium or large celebration. In addition, there are banquet halls, a restaurant, farm, spa and wellness center and much more!

Today, the property hosts many gardens, a swimming pool, sports facilities, spa and wellness center, solarium and a 50-hectare park. There is also a large farm onsite that supplies the restaurant with fruits, vegetables, truffles, fresh pork and charcuterie, in addition to olive oil and house-labeled wines. With so many options, no matter the size of your wedding, your dreams can be realized inside or out.  

WHY IT IS PERFECT FOR A WEDDING: This location is perfect for large weddings because of its ability to house 60 people on site and up to 130 when joined with two nearby agritourismos. The sprawling outdoor spaces offer many different options for celebration sites and the banquet halls and restaurant offer the perfect options for indoor events. The spa and wellness center, large park and farm offers guests a unique and wide array of activities to occupy the day, so you hardly need to ever leave the estate. 

In conclusion, Tuscany and Umbria are full of countless beautiful and fantastic wedding venues and these are just a few of my favorites. I invite you to please contact me and together we can discuss and choose the most suitable option for your celebration. 

 

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