Hello. My finacee and I would like to bring approx 10-20 family members and friends with us to Tuscany for our wedding in June, 2011. We are both in the food/service industry, so would ideally love to rent out a nice, beautiful, family owned/operated, NON-touristy, agriturisimo somewhere in Italy (ideally Tuscany, but open to anything great). What we do not want is a canned, cookie-cutter wedding, but rather a place we can rent out, have an officiant marry us in front of our friends/family and have a great 3-5 days all at the location. We're on a somewhat limited budget, so ANY help you guys can give me would be SO appreciated! Thanks!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Blaine, One comment that comes to mind is that weddings in Italy tend to be somewhat "complicated" due to the bureaucracy. A religious wedding may not be possible, but you should be able to arrange a civil ceremony. You might want to contact the Italian Consulate for all the details (I believe there's one in L.A.). Congratulations and good luck!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32835 posts
What Ken said - on steroids. If you search on the archives you will see other discussions on Italian weddings. It takes lots of planning and patience.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11346 posts
Blaine: While I have no personal experience getting married in Italy, I do know of a resource thanks to one of Rick Steves' interviews: Annie Adair in Volterra. You can check her website here: http://www.tuscantour.com for guidance. In boca al lupo! (Good luck!) Laurel
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ, USA
1035 posts
Ah, a destination wedding. Are you having to finance the 10-20 people or they are their own?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
You really should consider having a small civil ceremony in the US right before you leave - maybe even in a chapel at the airport - then hop and the plane and have a beautiful ceremonial ceremony (redundant much?) in Italy. Italians have perfected the art of bureaucracy, especially as it applies to foreigners.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
You should also consider renting a villa rather than looking to book up an agritourismo. I haven't done this yet but a friend always rents a Tuscan Villa for a week each summer and her family all come (from different corners of the US) and stay together. I also like the idea of a simple marriage first followed by renewing your vows for your family friends. Renewing your vows isn't nearly as complicated.
Posted by
Florence
362 posts
You may have difficulty finding a venue with that much room in June - it is possible no doubt but things by then are usually already booking up for a while. I will make one suggestion - Borgo Casa al Vento. They have the capacity, they can help (probably - as much or as little as you need) with the actual wedding, it is for the most part family owned and operated (with a small staff of course) and it is tucked away in some of the most beautiful of the Tuscan countryside you will find (plus - GREAT wine and good food). Close to Siena, a little further to Florence. Check out their website, send them an email, and tell them Anthony sent you :) http://www.borgocasaalvento.com/eng/default.html