Kirstin: Hi Carmen, thanks so much for your time to tell me more about weddings in Italy! You’ve put together some incredible weddings in Italy. So, who are you and what do you do? 

Carmen: I’m a destination wedding planner based in the Italian Riviera, running Italian Smart Wedding since 2009. We’re a boutique agency of three people providing bespoke services for exclusive weddings throughout Italy. I’ve been planning destination weddings across Italy since 2009. We’re a team of three based in the Italian Riviera, providing bespoke services for exclusive weddings.

How much does a destination wedding Italy cost…. Talking budgets

What’s your first step with couples interested in an Italian wedding? 

First, I need to know three things: when they want to get married, their preferred region in Italy if they have one, and their budget. These basics help me guide them toward suitable venues and vendors. Our starting rate is €4,000 for partial planning and €5,000 for full planning.

Choosing the right wedding location in Italy

How do you help couples choose a location?

 If they’re undecided, I suggest areas based on their vision and budget. For example, if they love the Amalfi Coast style but want something less crowded and more affordable, I might suggest the Italian Riviera. We have similar views and atmosphere, but it’s more intimate and better connected to airports.

What makes a wedding in Italy authentic?

How would you describe an authentic Italian wedding compared to what we see on social media today?

Today’s Instagram trends favor opulent, extravagant celebrations, but that’s not truly Italian style. Real Italian elegance – what we call “La Dolce Vita” – is actually more understated and refined. Some of my high-end clients specifically seek out lesser-known venues because they want this authenticity rather than just a popular backdrop for photos.

Authentic Italian wedding locations

Can you give an example of how this plays out with your clients?

Even couples with substantial budgets often choose these more authentic settings. They might pick a hidden gem that isn’t all over social media but offers an intimate, genuine experience. Luxury in Italy isn’t about being extravagant – it’s about quality, intimacy, and timeless style. This extends through everything – the venue, the food, the atmosphere. Many popular venues are beautiful but have lost some authenticity due to overexposure. That’s why I often guide couples to lesser-known places that still maintain that true Italian character.

Real Italian Dolce Vita Vibe

What makes these authentic venues special?

They’re often family-run properties that have maintained their original character while offering high-end service. You might find a historic villa that’s been in the same family for generations, or a beautifully restored masseria in Puglia. These places tell a story, and that’s what creates the real Italian wedding experience – not just how many Instagram photos you can take there.

Alternative locations to Amalfi coast and Lake Como

You mentioned some alternatives to popular spots like Amalfi Coast and Lake Como. They are overly touristy and expensive. Can you tell me more about that?

Lake Como has become incredibly expensive, but Lake Garda offers similar beauty at more reasonable prices. There’s a stunning private island resort called Isola del Garda that’s really special. Near Lake Garda, there’s also El Convento della Nunciata in the woods – it’s completely different but absolutely magical.

What about alternatives to the Amalfi Coast? 

The Italian Riviera, where I’m based, offers a similar atmosphere but with better accessibility and less crowded. We have beautiful sea views and historic venues, plus we’re just 90 minutes from Milan’s airport. The region of Liguria has some hidden gems like Zoali, with its beautiful seaside castle. It’s perfect for couples wanting an authentic experience with a medium budget.

Hidden wedding gems in Puglia

You mentioned Puglia as well? 

Yes, Puglia is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. It’s in the south and offers venues that can host larger groups at much more reasonable prices than Amalfi or Lake Como. Places like Masseria San Nicola and Villa Cenci have incredible charm. I recently organized a wedding there for 70 guests from New York City – they had the entire venue to themselves for three days and were amazed by the authenticity and beauty. The weather is beautiful, and it has a completely different vibe from Tuscany with its unique colors and architecture.

Why do whole Weekend weddings for destination weddings

Why do you recommend weekend weddings for destination celebrations? 

For destination weddings, having multiple days is ideal. Most guests travel long distances, often from overseas, so it makes sense to extend beyond just one day. The travel is expensive and challenging, so you want to make it worth their while.

How you could plan your weekend wedding

What does a typical wedding weekend look like? 

We usually start with a welcome event the night before – maybe a pizza party or casual barbecue. Then you have the wedding day itself, followed by a relaxed farewell gathering like a pool party or brunch. It gives guests time to laugh about the wedding memories and say proper goodbyes.

How does this format benefit the overall experience? 

It transforms the wedding from a single event into a real Italian experience. When I organize weekends at places like Villa Cenci in Puglia, couples can have the entire venue to themselves for all three days. The group becomes more intimate, people really get to know each other, and everyone can actually relax and enjoy Italy. Plus, many venues offer better rates for multi-day bookings, and you’re saving on transportation since everyone stays in one place.

Logistical benefits of weekend weddings

Any logistical benefits? 

Absolutely. Having everyone together for multiple days eliminates the stress of coordinating arrivals and departures on a single day. If someone’s flight is delayed, they might miss a cocktail hour but not the whole celebration. It also gives the couple time to actually talk with all their guests, which can be hard to do in just one evening.

Italian Riviera weddings

What makes the Italian Riviera special for weddings?

We’re strategically located – one hour from Tuscany, two hours from Lake Como, with easy access to international airports. The region offers stunning sea-view venues and hillside locations for more rustic celebrations. It’s less crowded than popular destinations like Amalfi Coast, offering more authentic experiences.

Hidden Gems in Italy to get married

What are your favourite hidden gems in Italy? 

Puglia in southern Italy is a real gem – it has venues for larger groups at more affordable prices than Lake Como or Amalfi Coast. Masseria San Nicola and Villa Cenci are particularly charming. In Lake Garda, Isola del Garda is stunning – it’s a private island with a resort. Near Portofino, Castello Brown offers magical views, though guests need to walk uphill for 10 minutes to reach it.

What’s your ideal wedding format? 

Weekend weddings work best for destination celebrations. With guests traveling from overseas, I recommend at least two nights at the same venue. Typically this includes a welcome event like a pizza party, the wedding day, and a relaxed farewell gathering like a pool party or brunch.

What services do you offer beyond full planning? 

We offer venue scouting services, which is popular for couples unsure about hiring a full planner. They can work with us to find their venue, then decide whether to continue with full planning or proceed independently. If they continue with us, the scouting fee becomes a deposit toward the full package.

Booking an Italian Wedding with Carmen

What’s your advice for couples considering an Italian wedding and booking with you?

1. Know your key details: guest count, date/season, and budget
2. Research multiple planners – have calls, not just emails
3. Verify professionals by checking their partita IVA (tax code)
4. Request references from previous couples
5. Review their online presence and portfolio

Thanks so much for telling me all about real Italian weddings. It was lovely to meet you and hopefully see you again sometime!

If you’re looking to plan a wedding in Italy, I can highly recommend Carmen – she has a lot of experience in planning beautiful multi day weddings in Italy. Get in touch with her here.

Italian Smart Wedding Website – Location Recommendations

Their Instagram