If you're planning a destination wedding in Italy, "How much does a wedding in Italy cost?" is a question on every couple's mind. So in this guide, we'll share the cost for a Destination Wedding in Italy, plus some tips you'll definitely find useful.

We'll share the latest figures based on the weddings we are planning for the season 2025-2026.
So let's dive into it!

1. Italy Wedding Venue Rental Costs - £3.000-50.000

The venue is often the most significant expense for your Italian wedding, ranging from £3,000 to £50,000 for just the rental space (without accommodation). This wide range reflects the variety of locations and settings available.

Here's the breakdown to help you navigate this cost:

• Budget-Conscious Options: Many stunning venues offer rental fees between £3,000 and £6,000, sometimes even including a night's stay for the happy couple.
• Luxury Venues: Popular destinations like Tonnara di Scopello in Sicily can start at £26,000 for both the venue and accommodations. However, don't despair! Italy boasts hidden gems just as captivating at a more wallet-friendly price.

The beauty of Italy is that it offers a wealth of unexplored gems beyond the well-known hotspots.

Since online resources might not cover them all, we highly recommend consulting a local wedding planner. Their expertise can unlock these hidden treasures, ensuring your wedding unfolds in a venue that perfectly reflects your dreams (and your budget!).

2. Italy Wedding Catering Costs - £100-£200 per guest

Food is a major highlight of any wedding in Italy!

Expect to pay £100-£200 per guest for a multi-course meal with wine and champagne.

Italians take their food seriously, so when you think you're full, you'll realise that was just the starter.

Here's a breakdown of a typical Italian wedding dinner structure (£100-200):

• Antipasti Aisles: Imagine an abundance of freshly prepared local delicacies displayed beautifully. Seafood, cured meats, cheeses, fresh bread, pizzas, and more – a buffet offering a delightful mix-and-match experience for your guests.
• 1 or 2 Pastas / Risottos carefully chosen from the menu and served at the table.
• 1 or 2 Second Courses featuring your choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian options, presented elegantly at the table.
• Wine Throughout the Meal: Most caterers include a set amount of wine with the meal, ensuring your guests can enjoy delicious pairings throughout the courses.
• Sweet Endings: Indulge in a finale of fresh seasonal fruits and a delectable dessert buffet (separate from the wedding cake, of course!).

This cost can vary depending on the menu you choose, any special requests, and if there are dietary restrictions to accommodate. One thing is for sure: there will be more abundance than you've ever seen!

3. Cost of Beverages in Italian Weddings: £50-£100 per guest

The cost of an open bar typically ranges from £50 to £100 per person. This price depends on the types of drinks you offer and the duration of the service. Typically, an open bar starts after the meal service is complete and continues until the end of the wedding festivities.

Be sure to clarify the specific open bar hours with your caterer to ensure everything aligns with your vision for the celebration.

4. Cost of hiring a Wedding Planner in Italy - £3.000 - £10.000 +

The costs of hiring a wedding planner in Italy typically range from €3,000 to €10,000+ depending on the complexity of your wedding and the level of service you require.

While the initial cost might seem significant, hiring a wedding planner can be a game-changer, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. They'll navigate the myriad of details involved in planning, offering valuable experience and expertise. They can spark creative ideas or help you bring your existing vision to life within your budget.

Wedding planners can often secure discounts of up to 20% from vendors compared to couples requesting quotes directly. This can lead to substantial savings! Typically, pay for a wedding planner about the 10-15% of your total budget. Not only they will save you money, they'll take care of everything for you!

5. Flowers & Décor costs:  £6,500 to £12,000

The total cost for flowers, lights, and decorations can range from £6,500 to £12,000 depending on your specific wedding vision. Here's a breakdown of these expenses:

• Flowers: (£4,500 - £12,000) The cost of flowers depends on several factors: the size of your wedding spaces, the quantity of flowers you need, and your personal flower preferences.
• Lights: (£2,000 - £9,000) Renting lighting equipment can significantly impact the overall ambiance. The price will vary depending on how dramatic or elaborate you want your lighting to be.
• Decorations: (£1,000 - £4,000) Decorations are a key element in creating your wedding theme and atmosphere. Whether you choose a specific theme or a more personalized approach, expect to invest in customized signage (like "tableau mariage" - wedding signs), table settings, decorative elements for the tables, and anything else that helps tell your unique wedding story.

Remember: The actual cost will depend on your specific choices and the complexity of your vision.

6. Photography & Videography costs in Italy: £3000-12.000

Expect to pay £3,000 – £12,000 for a photographer and videographer. Rates will vary depending on experience, the number of photographers/videographers, and how long they will be covering the event.

7. Cost of Entertainment in Italian Weddings: £3,000 to £20,000

Live music, a DJ, strings, or live entertainment can range between £3,000 to £20,000, depending on the type of entertainment, length of performance, and their popularity.

-Ceremony: string quartet or live music during ceremony: £500-£2000

-Dinner: live music during dinner: £1000-£2000
-After Dinner: live Entertainment, performers or DJ for after dinner: £1000-£9000

8. Other smaller costs to factor:

Stationery

• Wedding invitations, save-the-dates, menus, and other printed materials can cost £500 to £2,000.

Wedding Favors

• These small gifts for your guests can range from £10 to £50 per person.

Attire

• This includes the bride's gown and accessories, groom's suit, and attire for the wedding party. Costs will vary depending on the style and designer you choose.

Hair & Makeup

• Expect to pay £300 to £1,600 for bridal hair and makeup with a trial. There may be additional costs for hair and makeup for bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom.

Celebrant

• The celebrant who performs the ceremony can cost £500 to £800.

Transportation

• This could include transportation for the couple, wedding party, or guests between locations. Costs can vary depending on the distance and mode of transportation.

Permits & legalities

• There may be fees associated with getting married in Italy, such as paperwork translation and legal documents.

Honeymoon

• While not technically a wedding expense, factor in the cost of your honeymoon in Italy when creating your overall budget.

Other potential costs

• There may be other miscellaneous costs to consider, such as wedding cake, rentals (linen, chairs, etc.), and insurance.
  

So, what's the total cost for a wedding in Italy? We'll sum it up for you:

1. Italy Wedding Venue Rental Costs - £3.000-50.000

2. Wedding Catering Italy Costs - £100-£200 per guest

3. Italy Wedding Beverages Costs: £50-£100 per guest

4. Hiring a Wedding Planner in Italy - £3.000 - £10.000+

5. Flowers & Décor costs: £6,500 to £12,000

6. Photography & Videography costs in Italy: £3000-12.000

7. Cost of Entertainment in Italian Weddings: £3,000 to £20,000

8. Other costs: £3,000-£5,000

Total for a wedding of 70 guests: £35,000 to £70,000

Conclusion

As you embark on your wedding planning journey, remember that you are the artists, and your love story is the masterpiece waiting to be unveiled. Embrace your creativity, personalise every detail, and let your dreams guide you towards a wedding celebration that reflects your love, style, and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We wish you all the joy and happiness as you embark on this exciting new chapter together.

And you, how do you imagine your Wedding in Sicily?

If you have any questions, you can have a free wedding consultation to explore the possibility of getting married in Sicily. It's a no-committment, no-salesy conversation, where you can share your idea and I'll share with you a plan on how to make it happen.

Leave your details below and we will be in touch to organise the call!