How Much Does a Destination Wedding in Italy Cost? Here’s What to Expect

So, you’re ready to get married in Italy—congrats!
But how much will your destination wedding in Italy cost?

We reached out to our expert Italian wedding and event planner Elisa Feder to share some exclusive insider tips with you on crafting a realistic budget for the wedding of your dreams.

While you should plan to spend approximately €20,000 euros, the overall average cost of a destination wedding in Italy can range from €25,000 – €35,000.

This is just an average cost as there are a few varying factors to keep in mind as you finalise your destination wedding budget:

• Size of your wedding party and guest list
• Seasonality
• Location
• Additional costs like travel, transportation and regional taxes

While every Italian wedding planner works differently, you should expect to pay on average anywhere from €2,000 – €8,000. This fee will usually be set based upon the overall price and budget costs related to the total wedding cost and price structure.

While you may be tempted to skip this cost, it’s important to understand that the benefits of working with a local wedding planner far outweigh the challenges of planning a destination wedding on your own. You’ll save time, keep stress to a minimum, receive insider expertise on the best locations and vendors and lower the overall cost of your wedding in Italy. 

Every Italian region offers a different experience, from landscape and weather to food and culture. The key is finding an Italian wedding venue that will fit your budget, which could range anywhere from €2,000 to €15,000.

Elisa suggests focusing on regions like Lake Garda, Verona, Tuscany, Puglia and Umbria if you're looking for more budget wedding venues. That’s not to say that those locations do not have incredible and even luxury venues, they just tend to be more affordable than the wedding venues in Lake Como, Venice and the Amalfi Coast.

“It’s important to remember that the cost of your Italian wedding venue and your reception will often make up at least 50% of your total budget, including rental fees and catering service costs.”

Plan to pay anywhere from €250 to €900 for civil and religious fees related to your ceremony. Elisa recommends selecting a civil venue outside of a larger city if you're looking to save money. “Smaller venues located in the countryside tend to have lower rental fees,” she says.

Once you’ve landed on the right wedding venue in Italy, it’s time to plan an event with just the right ambiance—complete with an Italian wedding spread fit for the gods!

“Flowers, lights, and equipment will give a certain atmosphere and charm that will determine the style of your wedding,” explains Elisa. To help you stick to your budget on floral decor, she advises staying within seasonal flower selections.

Wedding decor costs can range from simple to extravagant. Expect to spend on average between €4,000 to €20,000.

Food is an essential part of Italian culture, and the culinary experience should offer no exception for you and your guests during your destination wedding in Italy.

“Usually, a 5-course meal that includes wine, drink and wedding cake costs from €100 to €170 per person,” says Elisa.

Music for your Italian wedding will further set your reception's mood, tone and vibe. A DJ with sound and music will cost around €500-€1,500. Prefer a band or live music? Expect to spend anywhere up to €10,000 for a single evening.

Great wedding photo and videos are an essential part of celebrating and memorialising one of the most important days of your life.

According to Elisa, prices vary and generally range from €1,000-€4,000. This price variation will depend on the expertise, the length of service needed and whether or not albums are included. Head over to our directory and reach out to your favourite Italian wedding photographer for a quote and their availability.

Don’t forget the all-important wedding attire and bling! There are costs associated with putting a ring on it. Make sure to include room in your budget for your wedding gown or tuxedo, rings, flights and of course your wedding hair and make up.

“You may want to customise the experience with special touches like fireworks, shows, tastings, transportation and activities for your guests,” adds Elisa.

Elisa Feder is the founder of Scelta di Classe weddings and events, located in Verona, Italy. She and her team of creative experts are ready to help you organise a memorable destination wedding in top locations such as Lake Garda, Lake Como, Verona, and Venice.

Ready to plan your destination wedding in Italy? Reach out to Elisa at Scelta di Classe or search our directory to find your ideal Italian Wedding planner.