Destination Wedding Castelli Romani: Couples from Abroad

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Miriana and Angus: Destination Wedding at Villa Grazioli

Destination Wedding Castelli Romani : Francesco Russotto
Wedding photo shoot at Villa Grazioli
Wedding photographer Rome : Miriana and Angus

Location : Park Hotel Villa Grazioli, Grottaferrata
Civil ceremony : Pannini Gallery

Miriana, Italian, and Angus, Australian, live in London and chose Villa Grazioli for their destination wedding in Castelli Romani, with a civil ceremony in the Pannini Gallery on 5 September 2026. Family and friends from different countries and one of my favourite venues near Rome: this is their story. At the end of the page you will also find other couples from abroad who celebrated their wedding here, like Lauren and Kane from Scotland.

What you are about to see is my personal narrative, not all the photos but only a selection I chose to tell the story of the day from my point of view. You will not find many ceremony photos (especially those of the ceremony itself) because I consider that a private part of the event, just as I do not publish family group photos or generally the more “classic” photographic component of the wedding which is nevertheless always present and delivered to the couple. These photos you will see are more numerous than those typically included in a wedding album, demonstrating that every photo must communicate and be effective from beginning to end.

TO SEE THE PICTURES OF THE PHOTO SHOOTING IN CASTELLI ROMANI, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE. (I suggest watching the gallery while listening to the soundtrack below)

Destination wedding in Castelli Romani: Miriana and Angus at sunset at Villa Grazioli, Grottaferrata

Getting Ready: Angus, the Groom

Facade of Park Hotel Villa Grazioli in Grottaferrata under a blue sky on Miriana and Angus wedding day

Villa Grazioli, a few hours before the ceremony.

Tree-lined gravel avenue in the park of Villa Grazioli, Grottaferrata, on a sunny wedding morning

Groom Angus putting on his shoes, detail of red socks and gold watch at Villa Grazioli

Every groom has one detail that says who he is. For Angus, it was a pair of red socks.

Black and white photo of groom Angus smiling while a family member helps him with his shirt cuff

Groom Angus laughing with a family member while fixing his shirt cuffs in a frescoed room of Villa Grazioli

Groom Angus laughing while adjusting his shirt collar, wearing cufflinks and a gold watch, Villa Grazioli

More laughter than nerves, from the very first button.

Groom Angus and a family member reflected in an ornate gold mirror at Villa Grazioli

Groom and a family member standing by a tall window in a historic room of Villa Grazioli

Family member helping groom Angus with his tie while a woman in a green suit watches in the background

Black and white detail of groom Angus adjusting his patterned tie, with watch and cufflinks

Older man carefully fixing the shirt collar of groom Angus at Villa Grazioli

Woman in a green satin suit helping groom Angus put on his waistcoat at Villa Grazioli

Groom Angus smiling and adjusting his tie next to a carved wooden door at Villa Grazioli

Black and white photo of a woman buttoning the waistcoat of groom Angus, with a detail of the gold buttons

Groom Angus and a woman in a green satin suit laughing face to face at Villa Grazioli

A look that says more than any speech.

Smiling young woman helping groom Angus put on his navy jacket at Villa Grazioli

Groom Angus adjusting his pocket square with a young woman beside him at Villa Grazioli

Last adjustments, and plenty of smiles.

Groom Angus in a double-breasted navy suit adjusting his cuffs by a window at Villa Grazioli

Silhouette of groom Angus standing in front of a tall window in a dark historic room of Villa Grazioli

A quiet moment alone by the window, just before it all begins.

Groom Angus with family and friends in front of Villa Grazioli, and a friend fixing his boutonniere in the garden

Ready, surrounded by the people who matter most.

Groom Angus standing inside a large hollow tree trunk in the park of Villa Grazioli, Grottaferrata

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Getting Ready: Miriana, the Bride

Bride getting ready details: white bridal shoes by the window, champagne and slippers with the word Bride

Bride Miriana in a satin robe and a chair with a Bride sign during her wedding preparations

Bride on the chair, bride on the slippers. No doubt about whose day it is.

Bride Miriana in a white robe during hair and make-up, reflected in a mirror, with a woman smiling in the background

Hairstylist spraying the updo of bride Miriana, sitting in a satin robe by the window

Curls, hairspray and the first smile of the morning.

Bride Miriana in a robe with the word Bride on her back, preparing clothes and lifting her wedding dress

Black and white photo of the lace wedding dress hanging on a door while bride Miriana walks in the room

Bride Miriana looking at the camera during make-up, with details of her curled updo

Bride Miriana and the women getting ready with her raising champagne glasses in a toast

A toast before the dress.

Bride Miriana in a satin robe sipping champagne and looking out of the window

Bride Miriana holding a glass of champagne and gazing out of the window in soft light

A moment of calm, before everything speeds up.

Silhouettes of two people sitting by a bright window in a dark room during the bride preparations

Bride Miriana with bridesmaids in orange satin dresses and a woman in a green dress getting ready

Black and white photo of a man in a tuxedo walking away down a long corridor

Black and white photo of a man in a tuxedo walking towards the camera along a long corridor

A long corridor, a few steps, and a door about to open.

Bride Miriana in her strapless lace wedding dress while a bridesmaid and a woman in green fasten her jewellery

Close-up of a bridesmaid with a white rose wrist corsage putting an earring on bride Miriana

The last details, one earring at a time.

Black and white details of the lace wedding dress of Miriana and its long train on the floor

Bride Miriana wiping a tear after putting on her veil, with a bridesmaid in an orange dress beside her

The veil goes on, and the first tears come.

Bride Miriana with a woman in a green dress and with her three bridesmaids in orange satin dresses

Detail of the bridal bouquet of white roses and baby breath held by Miriana against her lace dress

Portrait of bride Miriana with veil and white rose bouquet, looking out of the window in natural light

Black and white profile portrait of bride Miriana in her veil, holding her bouquet by the window

Backlit bride Miriana with veil and bouquet standing in front of an open window

Black and white full-length portrait of bride Miriana framed through a half-open door

Sequence of a man in a tuxedo opening a door and seeing bride Miriana for the first time

The door opens, and for a second nobody speaks.

Smiling bride Miriana with bouquet standing next to a man in a tuxedo before the ceremony

Black and white photo of a man in a tuxedo looking at the bride, seen through her veil

Black and white photo of bride Miriana with veil and bouquet walking along a corridor towards the ceremony

And now, it is time.

The Civil Ceremony in the Pannini Gallery at Villa Grazioli

Bridesmaids in orange dresses, a woman in green and groom Angus walking down the red aisle of the Pannini Gallery at Villa Grazioli

The Pannini Gallery fills up, and one by one everyone takes their place.

Groom Angus in a double-breasted suit taking a deep breath while waiting for the bride at Villa Grazioli

One deep breath. Then another.

Bride Miriana walking in on the arm of a man in a tuxedo while guests stand and film at Villa Grazioli

Guests and bridesmaids seated in the Pannini Gallery turning to watch the bride arrive

Smiling bride Miriana walking down the red aisle of the frescoed Pannini Gallery at Villa Grazioli

Groom Angus smiling as bride Miriana reaches him at the end of the aisle in the Pannini Gallery

After all the planning from London, here they are.

Wide view of the civil ceremony of Miriana and Angus under the frescoed ceiling of the Pannini Gallery, Villa Grazioli

Miriana and Angus standing in front of the officiant with flowers and frescoes of the Pannini Gallery around them

Officiant reading the civil ceremony while Miriana and Angus listen in the Pannini Gallery at Villa Grazioli

Guests seated along the red aisle of the Pannini Gallery during the civil ceremony at Villa Grazioli

Bride Miriana wiping away a tear while holding hands with groom Angus during the civil ceremony

Some words are harder to say than others.

Black and white photo of bride Miriana reading her vows to Angus in the Pannini Gallery

Emotional groom Angus placing the wedding ring on the finger of bride Miriana at Villa Grazioli

A ring, and Angus is the one with tears in his eyes this time.

Miriana and Angus sharing their first kiss as husband and wife while guests applaud in the Pannini Gallery

Married. And the whole gallery applauds.

Newlyweds Miriana and Angus walking back down the aisle of the Pannini Gallery among smiling guests

Miriana and Angus kissing framed by a doorway in a historic room of Villa Grazioli

Black and white photo of Angus and Miriana signing the marriage register after the civil ceremony

Miriana and Angus walking out in front of the facade of Villa Grazioli while guests cheer and celebrate

Out into the sun, as husband and wife.

Miriana and Angus: the Couple Photo Shoot in Castelli Romani

Miriana and Angus kissing against the setting sun on the terrace of Villa Grazioli, with a warm lens flare

The sun going down over the Roman countryside, and the two of them, finally alone.

Miriana and Angus holding glasses of champagne on the terrace of Villa Grazioli in golden light

Angus kissing Miriana in the golden hour light on the terrace of Villa Grazioli, Castelli Romani

Black and white photo of Miriana and Angus smiling face to face with champagne and bouquet on the terrace

Bride Miriana smiling at Angus, seen over his shoulder, on the sunny terrace of Villa Grazioli

That look, the one no pose can ever recreate.

Groom Angus leaning on the terrace wall at sunset, with Miriana out of focus in the foreground

Black and white photo of Miriana kissing laughing Angus on the cheek, her veil blowing in the wind

The wind takes the veil, and Angus cannot stop laughing.

Bride Miriana in her lace wedding dress and veil, backlit by the sunset on the terrace of Villa Grazioli

Bride Miriana standing on the terrace of Villa Grazioli with the sun setting behind her

Groom Angus in a double-breasted suit looking at the sunset from the terrace of Villa Grazioli

Bride Miriana looking at the sunset over the countryside from the terrace of Villa Grazioli

Silhouette of Miriana and Angus kissing as the sun sets on the horizon behind Villa Grazioli terrace

Black and white backlit photo of Angus and Miriana kissing with her bouquet between them

The last light of 5 September.

Miriana and Angus walking hand in hand across the terrace of Villa Grazioli at dusk

Miriana and Angus smiling and holding hands on the balustrade terrace of Villa Grazioli

Black and white photo of bride Miriana walking down a curved staircase holding her dress and bouquet

Miriana and Angus kissing under the frescoed ceiling of the Pannini Gallery at Villa Grazioli

Back in the gallery, now empty and only theirs.

Portraits of bride Miriana in black and white and groom Angus in colour by a window of Villa Grazioli

Silhouette of Miriana and Angus facing each other in an open window of Villa Grazioli at dusk

Miriana and Angus embracing in the light of a tall window in a dark frescoed room of Villa Grazioli

Black and white view down a spiral staircase at Villa Grazioli with Miriana and Angus at the bottom

Down the stairs, and on to the party.

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The Wedding Reception and Party at Villa Grazioli

Miriana and Angus with guests and live musicians on the lawn in front of Villa Grazioli at sunset

Music on the lawn, and the villa turning gold.

Black and white photo of Miriana and Angus kissing under a wall lantern at Villa Grazioli

Miriana raising her bouquet as she and Angus make their entrance by the fountain of Villa Grazioli at night

Bouquet in the air: the party can start.

Guests and newlyweds Miriana and Angus waving white napkins in the air during the wedding dinner

Black and white photo of Miriana dancing with a man in a tuxedo and Angus dancing with a woman in a satin suit

Smiling Miriana dancing with a man in a bow tie while Angus dances with a woman in a green satin suit

Groom Angus dancing forehead to forehead with a woman in a green satin suit and hugging her tightly

Some hugs last longer than a song.

Black and white photo of Miriana and Angus sharing their first dance under string lights

Angus spinning Miriana during their first dance at the wedding reception

Black and white photo of Miriana and Angus laughing face to face during their first dance

Miriana smiling over the shoulder of Angus as they dance close under warm lights

London can wait. Tonight they dance.

Black and white photo of Angus lifting Miriana high during their first dance

Miriana and Angus kissing in a tight embrace on the dance floor surrounded by guests

Miriana feeding a piece of wedding cake to Angus with a playful smile

The first bite, with a little challenge in her eyes.

Guests and bride Miriana dancing and having fun at the wedding party

Bridesmaids and guests dancing with raised hands and sunglasses at the wedding party

Sunglasses on, shoes optional.

Guests laughing, toasting and dancing with arms in the air during the wedding party

Black and white silhouette of Miriana and Angus raising their glasses by the wedding cake with sparkler fountains

One last toast, in a shower of sparks.

Wedding rings of Miriana and Angus resting on stone in a pool of light

Two rings, one day, and a story that starts here.

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Why Couples Living Abroad Choose Castelli Romani

The Castelli Romani are the towns on the Alban Hills, south-east of Rome: Frascati, Grottaferrata, Marino, Castel Gandolfo, Ariccia and others. For a couple who lives in London, Geneva or Amsterdam they solve a simple problem: guests fly into Rome, but the wedding takes place in a historic villa surrounded by greenery, with a slower rhythm than the city.

From my experience with couples coming from abroad, the reasons are almost always the same:

Rome is close: Grottaferrata is about 20 km from the city centre, so guests can combine the wedding with a few days in Rome.
Easy flights: Rome Ciampino airport is a short drive away, and Fiumicino connects with almost every country.
Historic villas: frescoed halls and gardens where the ceremony, the aperitif and the party can all happen in one place.
Food, wine and weather: the local wine tradition and the mild climate for most of the year are a big part of the choice.
A link with Italy: often one of the two is Italian, or has Italian family, and the wedding becomes a way to bring everyone “home”.

Villa Grazioli: a Venue I Know Well

Park Hotel Villa Grazioli is in Grottaferrata, in the heart of the Castelli Romani. I have photographed many weddings here and it is one of the venues foreign couples ask me about most. Civil ceremonies are held in the Pannini Gallery, the hall frescoed by Giovanni Paolo Pannini, while getting ready, portraits and the reception can all take place inside the villa and its park.

For couples organising everything from another country, having ceremony, photos and dinner in the same place means fewer transfers for guests and a calmer day. If you are still comparing photographers for this area, read my guide on how to choose the best wedding photographer in Castelli Romani.

Real Destination Weddings in Castelli Romani

These are real weddings of couples who came from abroad to celebrate their wedding at Villa Grazioli. Each story is different, but all of them started from the same wish: to celebrate in Italy, close to Rome.

Lauren and Kane, from Scotland

A young couple living in Scotland, with a civil ceremony in the Pannini Gallery and a warm, sunny day from the getting ready to the party. See the full story: Luxury Scottish Wedding at Villa Grazioli.

Nikki and Aurel, from Geneva

Aurel was born in Geneva to a Swiss-Italian mother, Nikki was born in the Philippines and moved to Geneva, where they met. They found Villa Grazioli almost by chance and fell in love with it at first sight. See the full story: Nikki and Aurel’s destination wedding in Italy.

Brooke and Russell, from New Zealand to the Netherlands

They were supposed to get married in New Zealand, then work took them to the Netherlands. Since their guests would have to travel anyway, they chose Italy for the food, the people, the wine and the weather, with a civil ceremony at the villa. See the full story: Brooke and Russell, from New Zealand to Italy.

Alyona and Aaron, from Siberia and the United States

A Siberian bride and an American groom who chose the Castelli Romani for an international celebration near Rome. See the full story: Alyona and Aaron at Villa Grazioli.

A Dutch and Italian couple, from the Netherlands

The bride and groom got ready in Piazza Barberini, in central Rome, and then drove to Villa Grazioli (about 50 minutes) for the civil ceremony in the Pannini Gallery. See the full story: Italy Holland wedding at Villa Grazioli.

Chiara and James, from London

Like Miriana and Angus, they live in London. They chose Rome, Chiara’s hometown, with a church ceremony at the Basilica of San Marco Evangelista al Campidoglio and the reception at Villa Grazioli. See the full story (in Italian): Chiara and James at Villa Grazioli.

Planning a Castelli Romani Wedding from Abroad

Getting ready in Rome or at the villa

Some couples stay in a hotel in central Rome and get ready there, then reach the villa by car: in my experience it takes around 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Others prefer to get ready directly at Villa Grazioli, which avoids transfers and leaves more time for photos. Both work well, it only needs to be planned in the timeline.

Documents for foreign couples

Getting married in Italy as a foreign citizen requires specific documents, which change depending on your nationality. Start early and read my guides on what documents are needed to get married in Italy and how to get married in Italy.

Choosing a photographer who speaks your language

When you organise a wedding from another country, most decisions happen by email and video call. As a wedding photographer for foreign couples I work in English with many couples from abroad, and my approach is documentary: I tell the day as it happens, without forced poses. If you are planning your wedding in the Castelli Romani, ask me for a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do couples living abroad choose Castelli Romani for their wedding?

Because it is close to Rome but far from the crowds of the city. Guests fly into Rome, while the wedding takes place in a historic villa on the Alban Hills, with good food, local wine and a mild climate for most of the year.

How far is Villa Grazioli from Rome?

Villa Grazioli is in Grottaferrata, about 20 km south-east of central Rome. By car it takes around 50 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic, and Rome Ciampino airport is a short drive away.

Can foreign couples have a civil ceremony at Villa Grazioli?

Yes. Several of the couples from abroad I have photographed at Villa Grazioli had their civil ceremony in the Pannini Gallery. The documents required depend on your nationality, so start the paperwork early.

Can we get ready in Rome and get married in Castelli Romani?

Yes. Some couples get ready in a hotel in central Rome and then drive to the villa. It just needs to be planned in the timeline, leaving enough time for the transfer.

Do you photograph destination weddings in English?

Yes. I work with many foreign couples in English, from the first contact to the wedding day, with a documentary style and no forced poses.

Francesco Russotto

Fotoreporter Matrimonio – In the TOP TEN of the best wedding photographers in the world for the Prowed Awards 2025

My name is Francesco Russotto, and I’ve always worked in photography and imagery. I’m a reportage-style wedding photographer based in Rome, but I travel easily throughout the province, Italy, and even abroad. I offer wedding photography services, pre-weddings, engagements, and bachelorette and stag parties in a variety of styles. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Rome and the province or Lazio with a reportage style, real wedding, urban wedding, or even a Trash the Dress style, don’t hesitate to contact me to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll have a nice chat, get to know me, and decide if I’m the right photographer for your wedding.

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1 Comment

Angus Napier on 19 September 2026 at 10:28

Francesco è stato un fotografo eccezionale per il nostro matrimonio. Sempre professionale, con una conoscenza perfetta della location e dei punti migliori in cui immortalare ogni momento. Siamo davvero entusiasti del risultato finale: le foto sono splendide, naturali e ricche di emozione.

Non possiamo ringraziare abbastanza Francesco e il suo team per essere stati una parte fondamentale della nostra giornata e per averci regalato ricordi che dureranno per molti anni.

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