Don’t be confused. Be excited.
A destination wedding in Italy comes with SO many questions! Where do you go? When do you go? When should you start planning? What kind of ceremony should you have? How much does it cost? How do you choose a photographer? What if it rains?!
You’re planning the biggest weekend of your lives…in a foreign country…with no one to ask, and no experience to go on. Of course it’s confusing.
But it should be fun, right?! You should be scrolling through Pinterest and getting excited. Not doomscrolling Google and getting confused.
So as a destination wedding photographer in Italy, I thought I’d help you out.
Here are 12 of your frequently asked questions, answered.
1. Where’s the best place to get married in Italy?
There is no ‘best’ place! It all depends on what kind of destination wedding you want- the experience you’re after, the landscapes, the photos, the food. The options are genuinely endless, but here are my favourite four:
Lake Como
Dramatic mountains, and sparkling water. Effortless elegance, and jaw-dropping style.
The weather is warm, but mild. The cuisine is exceptional- with fresh fish, risotto, and incredible local wines. You can get married on one shore, and take a boat across the water to your reception. And overlooking the lake- some of the most iconic luxury villas in Italy.
If you’re dreaming of classic Italian style, Lake Como is the place.
Lake Garda
Think Lake Como… but with a little more breathing room.
The same timeless villas, the same crystal-clear water, the same unmistakable Italian elegance. But with a wider choice of venues, charming lakeside towns, and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.
I might be biased—I spent a month here studying Italian, and completely fell in love with the area. Every morning I’d run past Villa Bettoni, one of the most breathtaking wedding venues on the lake, secretly hoping I’d one day return to photograph a wedding there. (Wedding gods…I’m still waiting. 🤍)
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, stretching across Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino. From historic villas and olive groves to colourful harbours, mountain views, and incredible food, it offers everything couples dream of—without feeling quite as crowded as its famous neighbour.
If you’re looking for that effortlessly luxurious Italian feel, but with a little more variety and a little more space to make it your own, Lake Garda deserves a place at the very top of your list.
One last thing? It’s wonderfully practical. Your guests can fly into Verona, just under an hour away, or choose from Bergamo, Milan, and Venice—making it one of the easiest destination wedding locations in Italy to reach, without sacrificing an ounce of beauty. ✨
PRO TIP: if you’re looking for something even quieter, don’t overlook Lake Maggiore. Italy’s second-largest lake is home to the stunning Borromean Islands, elegant historic villas, and a slower, more understated kind of luxury.
Tuscany
Tuscany is a daydream of rustic Italian charm; idyllic peace, and rolling countryside.
The food is delicious- pappardelle, pecorino, and Chianti. Vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages give you a beautiful backdrop for your photos. While the warm Mediterranean weather is perfect for lazy-morning breakfasts, and dinner under the stars.
If you’re after a more relaxed, intimate, traditional Italian wedding, Tuscany is hard to beat.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast gives you a colourful slice of coastal Italy. Stunning scenery, epic sea views, and vibrant villages tumbling to the sea.
It’s glamorous, sunny, and warm. There’s fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and their famous limoncello. You can take wine tours inland, or take a boat out onto the sea.
And the luxury wedding venues? *Chef’s kiss*
Puglia
Authentic Italian charm; history, culture, and laid-back luxury…as a destination wedding photographer in Italy, Puglia is quite possibly my favourite!
There’s whitewashed towns, ancient olive groves, and beautiful beaches. The days are long, and warm; the light is flawless. You can feast on burrata, and fresh seafood; there’s handmade pasta, and local primitivo.
It’s intimate, and affordable, and just the perfect place for a romantic destination wedding in Italy.
If you’d like to have a look at the 5 best wedding venues in Puglia, check out my blog.
2. What is the best month to get married in Italy?
Italy is a long, mountainous, coastal country. So the weather changes a lot throughout the year, depending on where you are.
For a better idea of what to expect, check out Weather Spark. This gives you a great overview of all the different areas, average temperatures, rainfall, clear skies etc., so you can make an informed choice of when (and where) to go.
You don’t want rain (obviously!) But you also don’t want it to be too hot either. The Italian sun can be a bit much in July/August, especially in the south. And it’s not a fun day if everyone’s sweaty and uncomfortable.
I’d recommend the Goldilocks months: May, June, September, and early October.
You’ll get those long sunny days, and that beautiful ‘golden hour’ light- without the harsh midday heat of summer.
3. How many hours of photography coverage do we need for an Italian destination wedding?
For a full wedding day, I’d say 10-12 hours. And here’s why…
When you look through your album, you’ll want to remember everything. The whole day, the whole story.
The slow morning getting ready; the nerves, the excitement. Maybe a first look, or a first touch. Strolling through the grounds to your ceremony; vows, and confetti, and drinks in the sun.
The meal, the millefoglie, the energy of the dancefloor. Cocktails at midnight, and stumbles into bed.
It’s going to be one of the best days of your lives! And you’ll want to look back on all of it. Not just the 8 hours in the middle.
4. Should we book our wedding photographer for a welcome dinner or day-after brunch?
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!
A destination wedding in Italy is all about the experience. It’s the welcome drinks the night before- “Thank you for coming!” hugs, and “This place is amazing!”. It’s orange juice, pastries, and foggy-headed breakfasts. Barbecues, pizza parties, and catch-ups by the pool.
It’s not just the wedding- it’s all of it.
So if you’re having a multi-day celebration, I’d recommend having at least one of those extra days captured.
It’ll give you an entirely different set of images to your wedding photos- different memories, spaces, outfits, and backdrops; a different feel, a different vibe.
And when you look through your gallery, you’ll get to remember everything. That feeling of being there with the people you love- relaxed and happy, away from the world.
5. What is the difference between a legally-binding and a symbolic wedding ceremony in Italy?
In short…
Legally binding: Legal (you’d actually get married during the ceremony), but it’s a nightmare to sort out, and it’s super-strict.
Symbolic: Not an official proceeding, not legal, but you get to make it yours.
A legally-binding ceremony in Italy is a logistical swamp! You’ll need (*deep breath*)…
Birth certificates, passports, a CNI (from your local registrar), as well as any death certificates/final divorce certificates from previous marriages- all of which need to be legalised with an Apostille, or authenticated by the Italian consulate in your country.
A few days before the wedding, you’ll need to visit the local town hall in Italy, and sign your legal intent to marry. Civil ceremonies must be conducted by the mayor; religious ceremonies by a Catholic priest.
It is not a simple process.
A lot of couples prefer to sort out all the legal stuff separately in their home country, and make their wedding in Italy a symbolic one.
Firstly, because it’s remarkably easier! But also because it means you can build your ceremony around you- your relationship, your love story. Have personal vows, and readings; have your friend do the ceremony.
An Italian ceremony is set in stone (and spoken in Italian!) And although it’s legal, it might not feel very you.
6. What should we look for when choosing a destination wedding photographer in Italy?
There are lots of things to consider. Some things are super-handy, some things are essential…
Super-handy
You want someone who knows their way around– who knows the people, the customs, the culture. Someone you can lean on for advice- suppliers, timelines, and local hidden gems. Someone who’ll guide you, and support you from the moment you book.
Ideally, you want someone who speaks the language- who can chat to your guests in English, and talk to the venue in Italian. Who can jump in a cab with you and just…take care of it.
And you want someone who can do the beauty of your day justice. The way the light falls, the architecture, the scenery, the details; those raw-and-real moments in-between.
I’ve shot weddings all across Italy, and spent every summer in Venice for as long as I can remember. I know the light, the people, the culture…this place is a home away from home.
All those ‘super-handy’ things you’re looking for? That’s me!
Essential
You need someone who makes it feel effortless. Who’ll put you at ease, and bring out the best in you. Who’ll join you in the adventure, be part of the fun, and give you space to enjoy it.
You need someone who feels like an old friend. Someone who gets you– who you just *click* with from your very first call.
And you need someone whose work you LOVE. Who’ll tell your story how you want it to be told- whose work you’ll still love in 50 years’ time.
If you love my work, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today for a chat, and let’s see if we click.
7. What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Wet weather is always a possibility (even for a destination wedding in Italy!)
Get married in Palermo in July, and you’d be incredibly unlucky to get rain. But a 2% chance is still a chance…
So plan accordingly.
When you’re looking at venues, look at the indoor spaces as well. Have a wet weather plan in place, write it down, and communicate it to everyone- your photographer, your venue, your wedding party. So if the rain does come, it’s no big deal.
But honestly? Don’t stress too much.
I’ve been doing this for years, all over the world, in all kinds of weather. You are going to have an amazing time, and get beautiful photos no matter what.
8. Can you help us choose the best locations for our wedding photos?
Absolutely.
One advantage of working with an experienced destination wedding photographer in Italy is local knowledge. I’ll recommend stunning photo spots around your venue, hidden-gem locations, romantic streets, olive groves, vineyards, shorelines, or dramatic coastal settings…
We’ll have a chat beforehand about the kind of experience- and the kind of photos- you want. And when your day comes, you can just follow my lead.
Switch off, enjoy it, and focus on each other.
9. How far in advance should we start planning a wedding in Italy?
Today. Yesterday!
Destination weddings in Italy require extensive planning. And the more time you give yourselves, the easier it’ll be.
Your ‘invited Vs attending’ numbers will likely be very different. So it’s best to get your RSVPs back before you start booking everything else. Then you’ve got travel and transfers to arrange; your venue, your local suppliers. And the closer you get to your date, the less options you’ll have.
So sidestep the stress, and give yourselves tons of time.
As a wedding photographer in Italy, most of my couples book me 12–18 months in advance, especially for weddings between May and October.
If you love my work- if you think I’m the one– get in touch today for a chat and let’s see if we’re a good fit.
10. Should we book an engagement shoot in Italy?
Definitely! If you’re visiting Italy during the planning process, it’s a great idea to have an engagement session while you’re here.
It gives us a chance to get to know each other properly face-to-face. And if you are a little bit camera shy, it lets you get camera-confident before your wedding weekend!
You could also have a pre-wedding couple’s session- either on the day before, or the day after your wedding. Choose some vibey outfits, go exploring, and have some time to yourselves away from the crowds.
11. How much does a destination wedding photographer in Italy cost?
I planned my own wedding recently. And I found it so frustrating when I couldn’t see how much people cost!
So to make things easier, I’ve created three packages for destination wedding photography in Italy. They all have travel included (again, to make things easier). The main difference is just the number of hours/days.
We’ll have a no-strings chat before you book, and chat through what you’re hoping for, the experience you’d like, the kind of wedding album you’ll love. And I’ll give you an honest recommendation around which package I think would suit you best.
Check out my packages here. If you’d rather just chat, get in touch.
12. How do we book you as our destination wedding photographer in Italy?
Just fill out the enquiry form!
I’ll get back to you within 24 hours, and confirm my availability. We’ll chat over Zoom, get to know each other properly, and see if we’re a good fit. And if you love me and I love you, I’ll send you across a contract and we’ll go from there.
If you think I might be the one, I’d genuinely love to hear from you.
Get in touch today for a chat, and let’s see if we hit it off.
