Getting married in Italy is a dream for so many couples around the world. And honestly, it’s easy to see why. Our country has it all: breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable food, rich history, art, culture. But there’s something else that makes Italy truly special for a wedding—the atmosphere. That unique, almost magical feeling you get walking through a Tuscan village at sunset, toasting with a glass of wine under fairy lights on the Amalfi Coast, or exchanging vows with the Colosseum as your backdrop.
As a professional wedding photographer in Rome, I’ve worked with couples from all over the world. Some spoke English, others French, German, Portuguese. But they all shared the same love for Italy and the same desire to live an unforgettable experience. This article is inspired by them—their stories, their emotions, but also the challenges they faced while planning a destination wedding here.
So here are my best tips for anyone thinking of getting married in Italy, written from the heart and the lens of someone who lives this job every day, with a camera in hand and passion in every shot.
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Planning your dream wedding in Italy?
Italy is a beautiful country, but it’s different from others in terms of timing and organization. If you’re coming from London, New York, or Berlin, you might find certain dynamics a bit slow… or poetic. Emails may go unanswered for days, some vendors give confirmation only “by word,” and schedules can be, let’s say, flexible. It’s not disorganization—it’s culture. And honestly, it’s part of the charm of getting married here.
My advice? Hire a local wedding planner who knows the area and how things really work. Someone who can mediate between your expectations and the Italian way of doing things. There are plenty of amazing planners with international experience and a truly Italian eye for detail.
Best time for wedding in Italy
Italy is gorgeous all year round, but some seasons are better for weddings, especially if you want to avoid extreme heat or rain. Spring and early autumn are ideal—April, May, September, and October. In Rome, for example, the light is magical during these months and the weather is perfect for an outdoor ceremony.
If you can, avoid August. It’s hot, crowded, and many vendors take time off. Winter weddings can be charming too, especially in cities like Rome, but many countryside or seaside venues may be closed or less active during that time.
As a wedding photographer in Rome, I can say this without hesitation: this city is a dream come true. Every corner tells a story. Every alley has a unique light. From the majestic Colosseum to the rooftops of Gianicolo, from Trastevere’s charm to the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum—Rome offers a raw, cinematic beauty that’s perfect for a wedding.
If you’re thinking about Rome for your destination wedding, know that it’s the perfect choice for couples who want a blend of elegance, history, and that unmistakable Italian energy. And it’s not just about the Eternal City—the nearby areas like Tivoli, Bracciano, and the Castelli Romani are full of beautiful venues surrounded by nature, just minutes from the city.
Best tips for a wedding in Italy
When choosing your wedding photographer in Italy, don’t just look at the portfolio. Look for someone who really listens, who understands your emotions and your needs. Someone who has already worked with international couples and knows how to handle a destination wedding smoothly.
I’ve developed my own reportage style—authentic, spontaneous, full of raw emotion. I don’t believe in stiff posing. I prefer to tell the story of the day as it unfolds, with honesty and heart. I also speak English well enough to coordinate with you and your guests, even in the most hectic moments.
One of the most beautiful things about getting married in Italy is how easily you can blend the traditional and the modern. You can choose a religious ceremony in a centuries-old church or go for a civil or symbolic ceremony in a lemon garden, on a seaside terrace, or inside an ancient Roman villa.
Either way, try to embrace at least a little of the local traditions without compromising your culture. Italians love international guests, and they feel honored when someone chooses their country to celebrate something so meaningful.
Wedding Photographer Tabiano Castello 2017
Italian food at your wedding
Let’s be honest—one of the main reasons couples choose a destination wedding in Italy is the food. And who could blame them? Italian cuisine isn’t just delicious—it’s part of the celebration, a true love language. A wedding here isn’t just about saying “I do,” it’s about sharing a long, joyful meal with the people you love, under the stars, with the scent of basil and lemons in the air.
If you’re planning your Italian wedding reception, take time to design a menu that reflects the region you’re getting married in. Every part of Italy has its own culinary identity. In Rome, think about incorporating traditional dishes like cacio e pepe, carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes), or saltimbocca alla romana. Your guests will not only be well-fed—they’ll remember every bite.
Here are a few tips to make your wedding menu unforgettable:
Go local and seasonal. Italian ingredients are best when fresh and simple. Ask your caterer to use seasonal produce and local specialties. Your guests will appreciate the authenticity.
Offer multiple courses—but pace it well. Italian weddings often have a generous flow of antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolci. That’s part of the charm! But work with your caterer to make sure everything is well-timed and enjoyable, especially for guests unfamiliar with a traditional Italian meal.
Consider a live cooking station. Pasta made in front of your guests? A wood-fired pizza corner? A risotto station with a local chef stirring in a giant Parmesan wheel? It’s not just food—it becomes entertainment.
Don’t skip the wine pairings. Italy is home to some of the world’s finest wines. Ask your caterer or sommelier to suggest local pairings for each course. A white Frascati for a Roman fish dish, or a bold Chianti for your main? It adds a refined touch.
Think beyond the cake. Traditional wedding cakes in Italy tend to be millefoglie-style (crispy pastry layered with cream and fruit), but don’t be afraid to add something fun like a gelato cart, a dessert buffet with cannoli, tiramisu, or even an espresso bar with small pastries.
Let your guests experience the culture. Include a printed menu with translations or explanations of each course—people love to know what they’re eating. It turns the meal into a cultural moment, not just a dinner.
Food in Italy brings people together. It’s not just about filling plates—it’s about creating memories around the table. I’ve seen so many emotional moments happen during the meal: toasts, laughs, quiet glances, tears. As your wedding photographer in Rome, I’ll be there capturing those small, intimate moments that happen between bites and clinks of glasses. Because that’s when the magic unfolds.
Paperwork for your wedding in Italy
One of the biggest concerns for foreign couples is the legal side of things. But don’t worry—it’s way easier than it used to be. With a bit of patience and the right translations, everything can be sorted out.
Many couples opt to handle the legal part in their home country and then have a symbolic ceremony in Italy. It’s a great way to avoid bureaucracy and fully enjoy your day. But if you want a civil or religious wedding that’s legally recognized, just start a bit earlier and work with a professional who knows the process.
If you’re feeling lost, here’s my comprehensive guide on How to get married in Italy
My most important piece of advice, and maybe the hardest to follow: enjoy your wedding day. Let go of control. Forget the clock. Trust the professionals you’ve chosen. Breathe. Hug. Laugh. Let the moments surprise you.
I’ll be there, with my camera, capturing it all. Not interrupting, not forcing anything. Just telling your story through honest eyes and a full heart, in one of the most beautiful countries on Earth.
If you’re planning your destination wedding in Italy and my photography style speaks to you, let’s connect. I’d love to hear your story, understand your vision, and help you bring it to life with real, meaningful images. Reach out to me here or email me at info@francescorussotto.it. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Francesco Russotto
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Wedding photographer Rome prices 2025 My name is Francesco Russotto and I have always been involved in photography and imagery. I am a reportage-style wedding photographer, I work in Frosinone but I move easily throughout the province, in Italy and also abroad. If you are looking for a wedding photographer based in Rome, Lazio or the rest of Italy, in Real Wedding style, do not hesitate to contact me to make a free appointment online, without obligation. We will have a nice chat, you will meet me and decide if I am the right wedding photographer for your wedding. Wedding photographer Rome prices 2025.
How to Get Married in Italy: A Comprehensive Guide