So, you’re dreaming of a wedding in Italy? Sipping Chianti in a Tuscan vineyard, exchanging vows on a sun-drenched Amalfi terrace, or saying “I do” with the canals of Venice as your backdrop? Italy is the ultimate fairytale wedding destination—but when should you actually book everything to make it happen?
The short answer: the sooner, the better—especially if you want a prime location during peak season. But let’s get into the nitty-gritty details, so you don’t end up scrambling for last-minute availability like a tourist trying to get a table in Rome without a reservation.
Best Time to Book a Wedding in Italy (General Timeline)
Peak Season (May – September): Book 12-18 Months in Advance
🔹 Why? It’s the most popular time for destination weddings, meaning the best venues, photographers, and vendors get booked fast.
Off-Peak Season (October – April): Book 6-12 Months in Advance
🔹 Why? Fewer weddings mean more availability, better rates, and a more relaxed planning process.
Booking Timeline for Different Italian Wedding Locations
Not all locations book up at the same speed. Here’s a guide based on the most sought-after wedding destinations in Italy:
🌿 Tuscany (Florence, Siena, Cortona, Montepulciano, Lucca, San Gimignano) – Book 12-18 months ahead for vineyard or countryside venues. Dreaming of a medieval castle? Do it even earlier.
🏝 Amalfi Coast (Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Amalfi) – 18+ months ahead, especially for cliffside hotels and villas. Amalfi is one of the most competitive wedding locations in the world.
🌊 Lake Como (Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Como) – 15-18 months ahead if you want a luxury villa or lakeside hotel. Want George Clooney as your wedding crasher? Book even earlier.
🎭 Venice – 12-18 months ahead for iconic palaces and private terraces. Gondola rides? They’re always available—just not always for weddings.
🏛 Rome & Verona – 12-16 months ahead, especially for historic villas and rooftop terraces.
🌸 Portofino – 12-18 months ahead if you’re eyeing a luxury resort.
📌 Helpful Resources:
What to Book First? The Ultimate Italian Wedding Checklist
📌 1. Venue – 12 to 18 Months in Advance
Your venue sets the tone for everything else. Don’t wait too long—you’ll be competing with other couples, local Italian weddings, and high-end travelers.
📷 2. Photographer & Videographer – 12 to 18 Months in Advance
📸 Shameless plug: Amazing wedding photography matters! If you want golden-hour portraits in Tuscany or cinematic drone shots in Positano, book early. (Psst… I know a guy—Your Happy Moments 😉).
🍷 3. Caterer & Cake – 9 to 12 Months in Advance
Italy’s food scene is legendary. Whether you want a five-course feast with handmade pasta or a classic millefoglie wedding cake, your caterer needs time to curate the perfect menu.
💐 4. Florist & Decor – 9 to 12 Months in Advance
Want a floral arch of olive branches, lemons, and wisteria? Book your florist early, especially for peak season.
💄 5. Hair & Makeup Artist – 6 to 9 Months in Advance
Humidity-proof makeup for the Amalfi Coast? Wind-resistant hairstyles for Lake Como? You’ll need an expert—book one early.
📜 6. Officiant & Legal Documents – 6 to 12 Months in Advance
If you’re planning a symbolic ceremony, you’re flexible. But for legal weddings, Italy’s bureaucracy can take time. Start your paperwork early!
💡 Check official wedding requirements here: Italy’s Government Website
🏨 7. Guest Accommodations – 10 to 12 Months in Advance
Italian boutique hotels are charming but small. Block out rooms early, so your guests aren’t stuck Airbnb-ing it 40 miles away.
How to Pick the Best Time to Get Married in Italy?
✅ Spring (April – June) – Blooming landscapes, mild weather, fewer tourists than summer.
✅ Summer (July – September) – The peak of wedding season, but also peak heat & crowds.
✅ Fall (October – November) – Gorgeous autumn vibes, lower prices, and fewer tourists.
✅ Winter (December – March) – Best for cozy, intimate weddings in historic villas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Wedding in Italy
🚨 Waiting too long to book top vendors – They go FAST.
🚨 Assuming all venues allow legal weddings – Many Italian venues only allow symbolic ceremonies.
🚨 Forgetting about Plan B – If your venue is outdoors, have a backup in case of rain.
🚨 Underestimating Italy’s “relaxed” timeline – Italian time is real! Expect some delays when planning.
People Also Ask: Quick FAQ
💬 How much does a wedding in Italy cost?
➡️ On average: €20,000 – €50,000, but you can go luxury or budget-friendly depending on location and guest count.
💬 Can foreigners legally get married in Italy?
➡️ Yes, but you’ll need specific documents and may need to visit your consulate.
💬 What’s the cheapest month to get married in Italy?
➡️ November – March (off-season = lower venue & vendor costs).
Final Thoughts: When to Book Your Dream Italian Wedding?
✨ The magic number: 12-18 months in advance.
✨ Flexibility = More venue & vendor options.
✨ Start planning early, and your Italian wedding will be the dream you always imagined!
And if you need a wedding photographer who gets the golden light just right, captures real emotions, and makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera? Let’s chat!
📸 Check out my work: Your Happy Moments Blog
📷 See my wedding packages: Investment
📩 Let’s make magic happen: Contact Me
✨ Can’t wait to capture your love story in Italy! 🍷💍
