How Much Does a Wedding in Italy Cost? (And How to Plan It)
- Olmo Roscini
- Mar 21
- 5 min read
One of the most common questions couples ask when planning their big day abroad is: How much does a wedding in Italy cost? If you’re dreaming of a romantic destination wedding surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and historic villages, Italy offers an unforgettable experience but costs can vary widely.
This guide explores real price estimates, regional differences and planning tips. Whether you’re organizing a luxurious celebration or an intimate event, here’s everything you need to know to manage your destination wedding budget in Italy.
Average Wedding Cost in Italy
I don't want to wste your time, so let’s break down typical Italian wedding costs:
Venue: €3,000 - €15,000
Catering: €120 - €250 per guest
Flowers and Decor: €2,000 - €6,000
Photographer: €2,000 - €5,000
Videographer: €2,000 - €5,000
Planner: €2,000 - €6,000
Music and Entertainment: €1,000 - €4,000
Hair and Makeup: €300 - €800
Legal Paperwork and Fees: €500 - €1,000
Keep in mind, prices vary by region and level of luxury. These numbers are general guidelines—depending on your priorities, style, and choices, it’s always possible to spend less in expensive areas or more in budget-friendly regions. It all depends on what you envision for your day.
Regional Differences: Where You Marry Affects the Budget
Italy offers a wide range of wedding experiences, and each region has its own charm, advantages, and costs. Here's a balanced comparison:
Tuscany: Known for rolling hills, historic villas, and excellent wine. It combines rustic elegance with luxury, but high demand drives up prices. Expect top-tier vendors and beautiful venues, but also higher costs and more tourists. Budget-friendly options exist in lesser-known countryside areas.
Lake Como: Ideal for a high-end wedding with dramatic scenery and exclusive villas. It’s one of the most luxurious destinations, and prices reflect that. The setting is extraordinary, but logistics can be tricky and costs among the highest. It's perfect for lavish celebrations but harder to keep budget-friendly.
Amalfi Coast: Breathtaking views, charming cliffside villages, and iconic towns like Positano and Ravello. It’s romantic and photogenic, but limited venue space, steep costs, and difficult accessibility may pose challenges. Elopements here can be more cost-efficient than full weddings.
Cinque Terre: A picturesque choice for small, intimate weddings. It offers a colorful coastal vibe but has limited accommodation, narrow streets, and higher vendor prices due to tourist saturation. Great for elopements but less ideal for large groups.
Rome: A grand and historic backdrop for couples who love architecture and art. You’ll find iconic churches and majestic venues, but the city can feel overwhelming, and navigating logistics can be complex. Costs can be high in the center but more reasonable outside the main districts.
Venice: Magical and dreamlike, perfect for couples wanting a one-of-a-kind celebration. However, prices are high, and the floating city poses unique logistical challenges for you and your guests. Elopements or micro weddings here can help manage costs while enjoying the beauty.
Umbria: Often referred to as Italy’s best-kept secret. It offers the charm of Tuscany without the inflated price tag. Venues are spacious and authentic, food and wine are outstanding, and the region feels untouched by mass tourism. You’ll still find quality vendors at more accessible rates. The slower pace and central location make it ideal for a relaxed yet elegant destination wedding. It's one of the best regions for balancing quality, beauty, and affordability. https://www.olmowedding.com/en/post/how-to-plan-a-destination-wedding-in-umbria-a-step-by-step-guide
Travel, Accommodation and Guest Costs
When planning your budget, don’t forget travel logistics:
Flights to Italy: Depending on the season, return flights from Europe average €150–€400; from the US €600–€1,200.
Guest Accommodation: Offer a mix of luxury villas, local B&Bs, and agriturismos (€80–€200 per night).
Transportation: Consider shuttle buses or group vans for guests, especially if the venue is rural. Private transfers in remote areas can raise costs quickly.
Umbria stands out as a region that combines quality with convenience: less tourist pressure, more authentic experiences, and easier logistics for you and your guests being in the center of Italy it can be reached by different airports like Florence, Rome and Pisa.
Planning Tips to Optimize Your Wedding Budget
Here’s how to keep your destination wedding in Italy beautiful, personalized, and cost-effective:
Opt for Off-Peak Seasons: Spring and early autumn offer perfect weather without the high season costs. April, early June, and September are ideal months.
Prioritize Your Guest List: A smaller, more intimate wedding reduces catering and accommodation costs and creates a more personal experience.
Book Early: Especially in popular regions like Tuscany or Lake Como, booking 12–18 months in advance can help you secure better rates and more vendor options.
Choose a Local Wedding Planner: Someone with regional knowledge and vendor relationships can help you avoid hidden costs, streamline logistics, and ensure you get the best service.
Bundle Services: Many venues offer all-inclusive packages with catering, accommodation, and coordination, which can save time and money.
Combine Wedding and Honeymoon: Stay in the same region to avoid extra travel expenses. Regions like Umbria offer enough beauty and diversity to make your entire trip unforgettable.
Invest in Photo and Video Services Wisely: It might be tempting to cut costs here, but high-quality photo and video are the best long-term investment. These are the memories that last a lifetime, make sure they’re captured beautifully by professionals you trust.
The Economic Value of Getting Married in Italy
Beyond beauty and romance, choosing Italy for your wedding can be a smart financial decision. The cost-to-value ratio is incredibly high, especially in less tourist-heavy regions like Umbria. Compared to luxury destinations in France, the US, or the UK, Italy often provides better service, more stunning venues, and higher guest satisfaction at a more reasonable price.
In regions like Umbria or parts of southern Italy, you can find breathtaking locations and world-class cuisine for a fraction of the cost you’d pay in more commercialized areas. Plus, your wedding becomes a full cultural experience, from the food to the scenery to the hospitality, all included in your budget.
Final Thoughts: Price Comparison by Region
Here’s an approximate estimate of average total wedding costs (50–80 guests) per region:
Lake Como: €70,000 – €120,000
Amalfi Coast: €60,000 – €100,000
Tuscany: €50,000 – €90,000
Venice: €50,000 – €85,000
Rome: €45,000 – €80,000
Cinque Terre: €40,000 – €70,000
Umbria: €30,000 – €60,000
For Elopements and Micro Weddings: Regional Cost Overview
If you're planning a micro wedding or elopement in Italy, your costs can be significantly reduced while maintaining an unforgettable experience. Here you can find my article on how to elope in Umbria (https://www.olmowedding.com/en/post/eloping-in-umbria-the-most-romantic-and-intimate-way-to-get-married). These intimate celebrations typically range between €8,000 and €25,000, depending on the region and services chosen. Here’s a regional breakdown:
Lake Como: €15,000 – €30,000
Amalfi Coast: €12,000 – €28,000
Tuscany: €10,000 – €25,000
Venice: €10,000 – €24,000
Rome: €9,000 – €22,000
Cinque Terre: €8,000 – €20,000
Umbria: €7,000 – €18,000
To optimize your budget:
Choose smaller venues or agriturismos
Limit floral installations and table setups
Book local musicians instead of full bands
Keep the guest list intimate
Focus on quality photo and video rather than quantity of services
Ready to start planning your intimate wedding or elopement in Italy? Let's talk about how we can help capture your story beautifully, with timeless cinematic videography that lets you relive every moment.
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