With her wedding in Sicily, Dua Lipa is the latest celebrity to spotlight Italy as one of the world’s most coveted destinations for luxury and romantic weddings. But the singer is far from the only celebrity to fall in love with the country as a wedding destination. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, and Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are among the high-profile couples who chose Italy to celebrate their unions.
The trend is reflected in the numbers. According to research conducted by the Center of Tourist Studies of Florence, more than 15,000 international couples got married in Italy in 2024—a 64% increase compared to 2019, the year before the pandemic. American couples accounted for nearly one-third of all foreign weddings in the country, driving much of this growth.
The economic impact is equally significant. In 2024, destination weddings in Italy generated approximately 2.2 million tourist overnight stays and an estimated €660 million in revenue. The continued rise of wedding tourism has become an important driver for local economies in some of Italy’s most sought-after regions.
For wedding planner Muriel Saldalamacchia, large-scale destination weddings function almost like a “micro-economy.”
“It drives substantial revenue across hotels, venues, catering, boats and drivers, florists, artisans, rentals and production companies, entertainment, security, beauty teams, and local staffing—in addition to creating meaningful indirect benefits for restaurants and local commerce,” says Saldalamacchia.
“And the long-term impact is real: global exposure strengthens the destination’s appeal and elevates local vendors into an even higher international tier.”
Why Is Italy So Popular Among Couples?
According to Muriel Saldalamacchia, Italian weddings are among the most glamorous and enchanting in the world.
“When couples contact us to plan their dream wedding in Italy, it’s because they want the certainty of a deeply romantic experience,” says the founder of destination wedding planning agency The International Wedding Planner.
“Italians, much like the French, are globally associated with romance. But beyond that, couples are searching for the complete Italian experience: breathtaking landscapes, beautiful weather, rich history, incredible cuisine, and the timeless elegance of la dolce vita.”
The Best Places for a Destination Wedding in Italy
From north to south, Italy offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and wedding venues.
Among Muriel Saldalamacchia’s favorite destinations are Lake Como in northern Italy, as well as Capri and the Amalfi Coast in the south.
“Tuscany remains one of the most iconic choices, but Puglia is also very close to my heart,” she says. “It feels raw, authentic, and unexpectedly beautiful — a true hidden gem.”
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Italy’s Most Coveted Destinations?
A sophisticated destination wedding in Italy spanning two to three days for 80 to 120 guests typically starts at around €200,000. For couples envisioning a more elevated, highly curated, design-driven or experience-focused celebration, budgets from €250,000 upward allow for a seamless execution without compromises.
Guest travel and accommodation are generally not included in the wedding budget, as these expenses are handled individually by attendees. Only the couple’s own travel and accommodations are factored into the overall investment.
“In the end, wedding budgets are not simply about numbers,” says wedding planner Muriel Saldalamacchia. “They reflect intention, emotion, and the desire to create unforgettable moments. The greatest investment is not a line item—it’s the memories that remain long after the wedding weekend ends.”
Saldalamacchia also recommends reserving an additional contingency budget of 10% to 15% to account for currency fluctuations, weather-related adjustments, and last-minute upgrades.
“Luxury celebrations require flexibility,” she explains. “And very often, couples decide they don’t want to say no to fireworks, an extra Champagne moment, or an unforgettable guest experience.”
Is It Possible to Have a Legal Civil Wedding in Italy?
Yes — foreign couples can legally marry in Italy through a civil ceremony.
For European citizens, the paperwork process tends to be relatively straightforward. Couples from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Australia may need to complete additional legal steps.
“For example, couples may need to visit their embassy in Italy before the wedding to confirm documentation and prove the legitimacy of the marriage,” explains Saldalamacchia. “After the ceremony, they may also need to meet with a local notary or lawyer so the marriage can be officially recognized in their home country.”
According to the wedding planner, the process is similar for Middle Eastern couples.
For this reason, hiring a destination wedding planner can make the experience much smoother. While planners cannot legally complete official paperwork on behalf of couples, they can guide them through every step according to their nationality and legal requirements.
“It’s not complicated once you understand the process,” says Saldalamacchia. “We know exactly how it works and how to guide couples through it. And for those who prefer to avoid bureaucracy altogether, another option is to legally marry in their home country and hold a symbolic ceremony in Italy instead.”
About Contributing Author: Muriel Saldalamacchia
Muriel Saldalamacchia is one of France’s leading luxury wedding planners, known for creating bespoke celebrations across Southern France, the French Riviera, and Lake Como. With over 18 years of experience and budgets ranging from €250,000 to €1 million, she is recognized for her refined aesthetic, creativity, and highly personalized approach.
Named among the world’s Top 100 Luxury Wedding Planners (2022–2025) and featured in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Elle, and WedLuxe, she brings together destination expertise, multicultural insight, and a passion for travel and romance to design celebrations that are anything but ordinary.
