wedding in Italy - Expressions Holidays

Transcription

Weddings
in Italy
THE ART OF INTELLIGENT TRAVEL ORGANISING
Palazzo Belmonte, Amalfi Coast
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Please call our wedding experts on 01752 878022 or visit www.expressionsholidays.co.uk
The Romance of Italy
Italy has a passion and style all of its own and some of the most beautifully
timeless landscapes on earth. From the rolling countryside in Tuscany, the
splendour of the northern Lakes or the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast;
each region has its own distinct character and flavour. Wherever you choose
as your wedding venue in Italy you can be assured of a sophisticated event
in a picturesque and romantic setting.
A wedding in Italy can be as traditional or as modern as you want to make
it and all the locations that we feature offer infinitely more atmosphere and
style than a similar venue might in the UK.
Legally recognised civil ceremonies usually take place in the local town hall,
which are nearly always ancient castles or Palazzi, reflecting a bygone era
when the purpose of the building was perhaps not as sedate as being the
venue for your nuptials. Fortified castles, Renaissance Palaces, glamourous
villas and even Franciscan monasteries are all possibilities, dotted around
this amazing country.
Receptions and celebrations in Italy are also a joy, with the freshest
ingredients, fabulous wines and exceptional service. The majority of the
top hotels offer superb venues for your reception, or if you are looking for
something a bit more intimate, local restaurants offering delicious regional
specialities are always an option. Italy has one of the widest ranges of
reception venues in Europe and you will certainly be spoiled for choice.
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Bespoke Italian weddings
With more than 22 years arranging holidays to Italy, visiting the many diverse
regions, their wonderful towns and cities and staying in some of the most beautiful
hotels; we know Italy intimately. We have discovered some of the most stylish
venues for your wedding and can offer you our recommendations on where to stay
and how to create a unique event to your exact requirements.
Our personalised service and flexible approach means that we can tailor-make
whatever type of ceremony and reception to match your budget. Our personal travel
consultants will go through all the detail with you and offer advice on venues, types
of receptions, sample menus and honeymoon options. From your initial enquiry, your
personal travel advisor will outline all the options available to you from where you
wish the ceremony to take place, how you get there, the costs involved and where
you want to honeymoon. Every detail from start to finish will be discussed with you
to ensure you create the perfect experience for your special day.
Whether it is a well known luxury hotel, a private villa or an intimate restaurant for a
smaller party, we have a wide range of options to suit your taste and budget in many
regions and towns in Italy and can organise all aspects of your wedding, from the
ceremony, the photographer and music, to table arrangements and flowers.
We aim to take the stress out of organising your wedding abroad and you will have
personal assistance all the way through the process, as well as during the lead up to
the wedding and on the day itself. We will provide you with the documentation you
require to get married in Italy, will talk you through the legalities and the processes
required prior to the wedding and will liaise directly with you to cover all aspects of
your wedding day.
All you have to do is decide where to tie the knot and what type of celebration you
would like!
The Expressions gift list
We offer a Gift List service where your friends and family can contribute to the cost
of your wedding or honeymoon, or can organise and pay for a specific item for your
wedding from the wedding bouquet to a spa treatment before the big day! Please
ask one of our specialists for details.
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The Benefits of our services
From the moment you call us, there will be many aspects to be taken into
consideration. One of our specialist consultants will go through your requirements
with you and will create a list of options and prices. However, it may be worthwhile
having a look at the checklist below in advance just to bear some practicalities in
mind.
Travel
We can organise all your transport requirements from BA Club Class flights to a
romantic trip on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Private transfers, water-taxis
in Venice, and car hire can all be arranged for you and your guests. We understand
that different members of your party will wish to travel on different days, at different
times and from different locations. We can, of course, organise a recce trip for you
should you wish to go and look at venues in person.
Hotel Danieli
Length of stay
With our completely flexible approach, we will quote for the wedding couple who
need to be in Italy in advance and may wish to stay on for a few days after the
wedding and for relatives who may wish to make the most of the occasion and have
a holiday after the celebration, to guests who may wish to fly in just for a couple
of days. Whatever the duration and however complex we can quote on separate
arrangements for all your guests.
Party size
Whether you are planning a small, intimate wedding for 10 guests or a larger, more
elaborate affair we will tailor-make our quotes for whatever party size you decide on.
What we include for a civil ceremony
The cost of the ceremony will vary, depending on the location, but we will include
• The civil ceremony in the town hall
Capri main square
• An interpreter
• Fees for two witnesses
• The marriage certificate
• British Consulate documents and fees
• Assistance prior to and during the ceremony
• Administration fees with the town hall and consulate
For any other type of ceremony, the costs will vary considerably and the options
are less straight forward and therefore will differ from region to region depending on
what you require.
Floral table arrangement
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Contents
• Lake Maggiore
• Lake Como
• Turin
THE LAKES
• Milan
THE VENETO
• Lake Iseo • Verona
• Lake Garda
LIGURIAN COAST
• Genoa
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Our wedding services
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Weddings and receptions in the Italian Lakes
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Weddings and receptions in Venice
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Weddings and receptions in Verona
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Weddings and receptions on the Amalfi Coast and Capri 18
• Venice
PIEMONTE
Wedding ceremonies
Weddings and receptions in Florence and Tuscany
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Weddings and receptions in Sicily
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Honeymoon choices
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EMILIA ROMAGNA
• Bologna
TUSCANY
• PIsa Lari • Florence
• San Gimignano
•
• Volterra Siena
•
• Cortona
Montepulciano
•
LE MARCHE
UMBRIA
LATIUM
ABRUZZO
• Rome
CAMPANIA
PUGLIA
• Naples
BASILICATA
• Ischia
• Sorrento
• Capri • Positano
• Amalfi
Ravello
THE AMALFI COAST•
SARDINIA
CALABRIA
• Palermo
• Taormina
SICILY
• Catania
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Wedding ceremonies in Italy
Due to the regional difference in Italy, some ceremonies are possible in certain
districts and some are more challenging to organise from a legal point of view.
We will, wherever possible aim to provide precisely what you wish for, but there
may be occasions where it is not possible for a UK National to marry in a certain
location.
Religious ceremonies
It is possible to hold a religious ceremony in Italy, but can be very complex and
costly, particularly if you are not a Roman Catholic, resident in Italy. We would be
happy to research the possibilities for you, as these differ dramatically from region
to region and even from church to church. Alternatively, you could look at holding
your religious ceremony here in the UK and hold a symbolic ceremony in a wide
variety of venues in Italy.
Wedding buttonhole
Symbolic ceremonies
These are not legally binding ceremonies, but can be an excellent option for those
who prefer to hold either a religious or a civil ceremony in the UK, but wish to
have the opportunity of holding a symbolic celebration in Italy, prior to a reception.
symbolic ceremonies can be held in a variety of hotels, gardens, private residences
and castles.
Civil wedding ceremonies
A Civil wedding is the most popular choice of ceremony for non Italian nationals
wishing to marry in Italy.
Often taking place in the architectural centrepiece of the town, Italian civil
weddings are non-religious but legally binding ceremonies. Civil weddings can
only take place in locations authorised by the local authorities and are usually
Castel Monastero, Tuscany
in specified rooms in a town hall, such as the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence,
The Palazzo Cavalli over looking the Grand Canal in Venice or the Villa Fondi in
Sorrento. Civil wedding ceremonies can either be used for your wedding with
guests present, or to complete the legalities in front of your two witnesses before a
symbolic ceremony or blessing can take place elsewhere.
Palazzo Belmonte, Sta Maria di Castellabate
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To legally marry in a civil wedding
ceremony the requirements are
• You must be at least 18 years old and free to marry
• You must have at least two witnesses present and an
interpreter, (which we can supply)
• You must supply your own original documents to
Expressions (not copies), including your birth certificate,
a full British Passport, appropriate paperwork if divorced,
widowed, adopted, or have ever changed your name.
• You must obtain a certificate of Non Impediment from your
local registry office.
Wedding rings
• You must supply the passports (originals) of your two
witnesses.
• If divorced, the bride must wait at least 300 days before
she can remarry in Italy.
We recommend that you stay within easy reach of your
wedding venue for at least 3 working days before your
ceremony (4 on the Amalfi Coast), although if you can be
there 5 -7 days before the day itself, then all the better!
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Lake Como
A wedding toast
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Our wedding services
There are so many different elements that you need to take
into account when arranging your wedding, but here are just
a few of the services we can offer.
Catering and menus
There are numerous options in terms of catering and menus, but each
venue will offer sample menus for you to choose from and we will normally
quote a price based on a 3 or 4 course wedding menu. Some caterers
and restaurants can also provide a buffet menu for your reception, so if you
would prefer this option, please do ask us for details.
Wedding cakes
Many of the larger hotels have their own choice of wedding cakes. However,
if there is something really special you would like, please do not hesitate
to ask and we can source some excellent chefs with novel ideas who will
create whatever your heart desires from a special ‘piece montée’ with choux
buns piled on top of each other held together with a caramel mesh, to a
classic three or four tiered creation with different flavours for different tiers.
A floral wedding cake
Music
You will need to decide whether you would like music at the wedding
reception and what type, whether you choose a string quartet, a harp, or
background music, we can quote on whatever you prefer.
Photographer
Photographers are easy to arrange in Italy and usually charge a flat fee for
the day, including a preview service of the images and up to 100 prints.
Floral table arrangements
Hairdresser
Most hotels will have a hairdressing service and may even offer you a
complimentary spa treatment as the Bride. Alternatively, we can arrange for
a beautician/hairdresser to meet you at your hotel before the wedding day to
try out different styles and make up and agree what style she will create on
the day.
Decorations
Many reception venues include basic flowers and table decorations in the
price, but should you require anything specific, such as special celebratory
sugared almonds or sweets, please ask your personal travel consultant and
we can liaise with the venue as to costs.
Classic or vintage cars
We can organise a choice of different cars to take you to your wedding and
from the wedding to the reception. These range from luxury saloon cars, to
state of the art sports cars to a more sedate vintage car or even a horse and
carriage!
A classical accompaniment
Horse drawn carriage, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Lake Como
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A typical Venetian wedding day
Staying in the beautifully ornate Ca’ Sagredo Hotel, wake up to views of the
Grand Canal and the early morning bustle, which sees only the Venetians going
about their morning business and the market traders unloading their wares at
the Rialto market on the opposite side of the Canal.
A beautiful pre-wedding breakfast is brought to you in your room, following which the
personal hairdresser arrives to finalise the hairstyle of your choice. Then a full facial
and manicure is in order and one of the helpful beauticians arrives to pamper you
whilst the hairdresser sets to work on the Mother of the bride and your witness.
After a thoroughly relaxing facial and manicure it is time to get ready and you are left
alone to dress with only your mother popping in to see the final result and to help with
your make-up.
Once dressed, the hairdresser puts the finishing touches to your hairstyle before your
private motor launch arrives to whisk you to the Palazzo Cavalli for the ceremony.
Your wedding assistant meets you and your fiancé at the Palazzo and explains
again the order of ceremony and introduces you to your interpreter. The small family
party and your witnesses are waiting for you in the magnificent ceremonial room
and the windows open onto the Grand Canal. Once the ceremony is finalised the
photographer arrives and takes pictures of you on the balcony with the Rialto Bridge
in the background. You then proceed to the private landing station from where a
beautiful gondola takes you and your fiancé, (with the photographer) down the Grand
Canal to the Piazza San Marco. The Gondoliere kindly furnishes you with a glass of
fizz to start the proceedings.
Your wedding guests have meanwhile been transported by motor launch to the Piazza
San Marco and are waiting for you with confetti and more Prosecco to celebrate.
After a lively and informal photo shoot with all your guests it is time to board the motor
launch that will transport you to the beautiful island of Torcello, about half an hour
away. The motor launch glides across the Lagoon past the dramatic Cimitero island
and the glass blowing centre of Murano and on to Torcello. You are greeted, on arrival
by the owners of the celebrated Locanda Cipriani, who guide you and your guests
through to the beautiful garden where pre-lunch drinks are awaiting with a delicious
selection of canapés. The wedding table is beautifully laid out under large umbrellas to
offer shade from the midday sun.
The lunch is truly magnificent and the service friendly and relaxed. The musicians offer
a civilized and unobtrusive twist to the al fresco meal.
After a leisurely afternoon, it is finally time to say farewell to your guests and return to
your luxurious suite in the Ca’Sagredo, safe in the knowledge that they too will all be
returning to Venice for the night by private motor launch.
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The Italian Lakes
The beautiful scenery of the Italian lakes with its
spectacular mountains and renowned lakeside villas and
gardens provides a wonderful backdrop to the perfect
wedding. We offer weddings in a range of different
locations throughout Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake
Maggiore. Most of the principal towns around these
Hotel Villa Del Sogno, Lake Garda
lakes offer venues for a civil ceremony and we have
chosen just a few for their unique setting and proximity
to excellent reception venues. There are numerous
places to stay and a wide range of reception venues
which are both stylish and sophisticated. For a truly
unforgettable experience, why not have your wedding
photos taken on a private boat trip across the lake,
Hotel Bellevue San Lorenzo, Malcesine
before returning to greet your guests at a wonderful
reception location?
La Voglia restaurant, near Malcesine
The spectacular view from Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
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Weddings around Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and
offers many different locations to get married
in from the majestic castle at Malcesine to
a picturesque town hall in one of the pretty
squares in either of the popular lakeside
towns of Gardone or Sirmione.
Malcesine
Malcesine is famous for the Scaglieri castle
perched on a cliff overlooking the lake. The castle
is believed to have been built in 568 AD and the
pretty town of Malcesine has grown up over the
centuries around this stronghold, adding new
fortified walls that can still be admired today. A
maze of narrow, winding streets leads down to
the water’s edge, where you can take a boat to
your reception venue. The Castle can arrange
outdoor weddings on one of its terraces, (weather
permitting), which seats 40, with standing room
for another 40 people. In the case of inclement
weather, weddings can be held in one of the
impressive indoor rooms. Malcesine Castle has
one particular ceremony room that seats up to
35, offering spectacular views over the lake. The
beautiful grounds of the castle are the perfect
setting for your wedding photographs following
your Civil Ceremony. This location is not suitable
for people with walking difficulties due to the
cobbled streets that lead up to the castle and the
steps up to the ceremony room.
Sirmione
Sirmione is one of the best known resorts on
Lake Garda and is located at the far end of a
long, narrow peninsula. Sirmione is a bustling little
town with numerous shops and cafes, popular
with locals and visitors alike. The entrance to
the town is dominated by the majestic castle,
the Rocca Scagliera and a visit to the Villa and
‘Grottos’ of Catallus situated at the far end of the
peninsular are a must. Civil ceremonies are held in
the town hall, the Palazzo Callas. The ceremony
room is on the 3rd floor of this attractive building,
which is located on a pretty little square in the
centre of the town, just metres away from the
castle, its moat and other photogenic locations.
The ceremony room seats 80, with standing room
for a further 20 guests.
La Voglia Restaurant
near Malcesine, Lake Garda
The La Voglia restaurant is located in Val di
Sogno (Valley of Dreams) just 3km from the
centre of Malcesine on the shores of Lake Garda.
The restaurant has recently re-opened after
refurbishment and is only used for events and
weddings. The reception can either take place
outside on the covered terrace over looking
the lake, or inside in the event of poor weather.
The restaurant can easily be reached by boat
from Malcesine, or we can organise taxis and
minibuses to transfer your guests by road. The
maximum seating for the restaurant is 80 people.
The restaurant has a variety of options to choose
from with several choices of dishes.
Hotel Villa Del Sogno
Gardone Riviera, Lake Garda
The Hotel Villa Del Sogno is perched above
Lake Garda, in its own parkland of classic Italain
cypress and olive trees, palms and pines. The
hotel offers comfortable accommodation in
attractive surroundings and is happy to organise
wedding receptions for around 40 people at
lunchtime. There are traditionally decorated
rooms in the main villa and more modern rooms
with balconies built into the hillside beneath the
hotel. The hotel offers the service of providing a
wedding cake from a nearby ‘pasticceria’ in Salo
for an additional charge and a range of flower
arrangements and bouquets. It is also possible to
have a symbolic blessing in the charming gazebo,
in the grounds of the hotel.
Sample menu
The hotel offers an inclusive reception menu with
Prosecco, non alcoholic cocktails and canapés.
Starter
Carpaccio of meat with rocket and Parmesan
cheese flakes
Pasta or rice course (Primo piatto)
Risotto with Barolo wine flavoured with
rosemary and crispy bacon.
Main course (Secondo piatto)
Steamed monkfish with fresh Mediterranean
sauce (tomato, capers and olives)
Dessert
Volcano of dark chocolate and vanilla ice
cream.
Sample menu
Starter
Octopus carpaccio with Mediterranean sauce
Garganelli with basil sauce and tomatoes
Whitefish fillets with bacon and white beans
sauce with vegetables
Wedding cake
Dessert
Thin slices of pineapple with vanilla ice cream
Sample prices
Prices for a wedding and reception in Lake Garda start
from approximately £3500, which includes:
The Wedding Ceremony at Malcesine, including all the
administration fees, the interpreter and the wedding
certificate, a river boat transfer to La Voglia Restaurant
and a four course meal for 10 people with drinks.
Please note these prices are intended as a guide only
and will depend on what extra services you require and
how many people are in your party.
Sample prices
Prices for a wedding and reception at the Villa Del
Sogno start from approximately £3200, which includes:
The Wedding Ceremony at Gardone Riviera town hall,
including all the administration fees, the interpreter
and the wedding certificate, a four course meal for 10
people. For a reception for 20 people, the price would
start from £4400.
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the Villa Del Sogno costs from
£980 per person in a Superior Double room
with lake view, including flights, transfers and
accommodation with breakfast.
3 nights at the Palace Hotel Villa Cortine, in
Sirmione costs from £820 per person in a double
room with balcony, including flights car hire and
3 nights at the Hotel Bellevue San Lorenzo, in
Malcesine costs from £520 per person in a double
room side lake view, including flights, car hire and
It is also possible to get married in Garda,
Bardolino, Torri Del Benaco and Saló, please ask
for more details
Receptions around Lake Garda
There are numerous places you can hold
receptions around the lake, from a lovely hotel
to an intimate restaurant for a smaller party.
Hotel Villa Cortine, Sirmione
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Weddings around Lake Como
Lake Como is absolutely perfect for a
wedding, with stylish towns like Bellagio
offering great venues for ceremonies and
receptions. The quality of hotels here is
outstanding and they provide a superb
backdrop to an exclusive event.
Bellagio
Bellagio is arguably the prettiest town on Lake
Como to get married in and with several well
known hotels around the lake providing beautiful
wedding venues, is the perfect setting for a
luxurious wedding. Civil ceremonies take place
in the library of the town hall in the historic centre
of the old town. The town hall is an attractive
villa-style building, set in picturesque gardens with
views over the lake and a short walk to the shore,
where you can take a boat to your wedding
reception venue.
Receptions around Lake Como
With many well known celebrities owning
properties around Lake Como, the hotels
and restaurants are well-versed in organising
lavish celebrations, but should you wish for a
more low key option, we would be happy to
recommend a selection of restaurants.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni,
Bellagio, Lake Como
Situated in the picturesque town of Bellagio, the
five star Villa Serbelloni provides a sophisticated,
yet relaxed atmosphere in which to hold your
wedding reception.
From the Boat House Terrace where drinks
can be served for up to 120 people to the
Sala Tivano where a sit down banquet can be
served for up to 80 people, each venue offers
an elegant environment in which to celebrate
with your guests. The hotel has beautifully lush
gardens of palms and mature shrubs, providing a
spectacular back drop for your wedding photos.
As one would expect from a five star hotel, there
are numerous facilities from two indoor swimming
pools and an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a
beauty centre, a Turkish Bath and Sauna. With 81
bedrooms, all your guests can be accommodated
within the hotel, or we can recommend other
hotels nearby. The hotel offers a range of extra
services including a ‘his and her’ spa treatment, a
hairdressing service and numerous music options
for your reception.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio
Castadiva Resort, Blevio
Sample menu
Starter
Marinated scallops with small vegetables
catalana,
citrus fruits, sprouts and botargo mayonnaise
Home made ravioli filled with pumpkin
Parmesan cream and black truffle
Fish course
Sauteed wild sea bass fillet
with spinach timbale and mashed potatoes
Palette cleanser
Lime and basil sorbet
Roast suckling pig with potato salad
Dried tomatoes and onions
Wedding cake
Coffee
Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace
Hotel guide prices
Sample prices
Prices for a wedding in Bellagio with a reception for 20
guests in the Villa Serbelloni start from £4700 including
the wedding ceremony at the Town Hall, including all
the administration fees, the interpreter and the wedding
certificate, transfer to the Villa Serbelloni and a reception
for 20 guests. A wedding with a reception for 30 guests
would cost from £5750.
3 nights at the Villa Serbelloni in a Deluxe Double
lake view room costs from £1140 per person,
including flights, transfers and accommodation with
breakfast.
3 nights at the Castadiva Resort in Blevio on
Lake Como in a Deluxe Double lake view room
costs from £885 per person including flights, hire
car and accommodation with breakfast.
3 nights at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace
in a Classic Park View double room costs from
£595 per person including flights, hire car and
Arriving at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio
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Weddings around
Lake Maggiore
Crossing two regions and indeed two
countries, Lake Maggiore is the second
largest of the Italian lakes and has a
fascinating and intricate history. The lake is
punctuated with the pretty Borromean islands,
which are easily visited by boat excursion
from a number of the picturesque towns
around the lake. Weddings can be arranged in
the town halls in Stresa and Pallanza, or in the
magnificent Castello Dal Pozzo which is near
Arona to the south of the lake.
Receptions around
Lake Maggiore
There are some lovely hotels around the lake
which offer sumptuous wedding receptions,
but for the ultimate in luxury, why not have
your reception in a castle?
Castello dal Pozzo
Near Arona, Lake Maggiore
The Castello dal Pozzo is a remarkable NeoGothic building dating back to the 19th Century,
built on the site of the original 11th Century
castle. Its terrace with spectacular views over the
Lake, the elegant reception rooms, long galleries
and wide-sweeping lawns provide the ultimate
setting for a superb wedding. The Castello offers
a choice of locations in which the Civil Ceremony
can be performed. You may choose between the
beautiful Library with its William Morris ceiling,
the Armorial Courtyard with a tranquil fountain,
the spacious front lawn or the spectacular
terrace overlooking the Lake. The reception is
held in the elegant ballroom of the 17th Century
Palazzo across the road, decorated with stunning
Swarovski crystal glass chandeliers and luxurious
patterned walls.
Sample menu
Reception aperitif
Prosecco , non-alcoholic cocktail, fruit juices
and water
A selection of canapés and appetizers
Risotto with saffron and creamy gorgonzola
Beef tossed in a thyme and wine marinade
served with a selection of raw summer
vegetables
Sorbet
Wedding cake
Coffee
The menu includes
Fizzy or flat water
Wines (red and white) served with the meal
Prosecco served for the aperitif
Spumanti served with the cake
Grand Hotel Majestic
Pallanza, Lake Maggiore
The Grand Hotel Majestic is a firm favourite with
our clients and the hotel is very well positioned
for the most picturesque reception. The well-kept
lawns and gardens lead down to the waterfront
where you can arrive by boat onto the hotel’s
private jetty. The hotel has four banqueting rooms
for different party sizes from 70 people through
to 240 guests. All are elegantly decorated, with
views of the lake and the mountains behind.
Sample menu
Reception alcoholic and non alcoholic aperitif
with assorted canapés
Starter
Salad of bass slightly marinated with herbs and
grapefruit
with vinaigrette of anchovies from Cantabrico
Risotto with saffron and lobster stew
Veal medallion with potatoes purée and
mustard seeds sauce
Dessert
Fruit sorbet
Wedding cake
Coffee D.O.C. wines
Sample prices
A wedding in Pallanza, with a reception for 20 people
at the Grand Hotel Majestic will cost from around
£4300. This includes the wedding ceremony and all
the administrative fees, full assistance throughout, an
interpreter and a wedding reception for 20 people as per
the above sample menu. A wedding with a reception for
30 people would cost from £5400.
Please note these prices are only a guide and will
depend very much on which extra services you will
require.
Sample prices
A wedding at the Castello dal Pozzo with a reception for
30 people will cost from around £6300. This includes
the wedding ceremony and all the administrative fees,
full assistance throughout, an interpreter and a wedding
reception for 30 people as per the above sample menu.
A wedding with a reception for 40 people would cost
from £7740, including the ceremony at the Castello.
require.
Grand Hotel Majestic, Pallanza
Villa Aminta, Stresa
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the Grand Hotel Majestic in a Superior
Double lake view room costs from £950 per person,
breakfast.
3 nights at the Villa Aminta in Stresa, in a Double
garden view room costs from £750 per person,
including flights, hire car and accommodation with
breakfast.
3 nights at the Hotel Cannero Lakeside resort in
a Garden Double room, costs from £560 per person
breakfast.
These are just a few of the venues we can offer.
All the hotels that we feature on the Lakes offer
wedding receptions and we would be delighted to
tailor-make a quote for you for any venue of your
choosing.
Hotel Cannero Lakeside Resort, Cannero Riviera
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Weddings in Venice
One of Italy’s most romantic destinations,
Venice is a timeless setting for a wedding.
The 16th Century Renaissance Palazzo
Cavalli, overlooking the Grand Canal, is a
suitably grand location for the civil ceremony,
with views of the Rialto Bridge. From here you
can either take a short stroll to your reception,
or, for the ultimate in romanticism, take a
gondola ride!
The Hotel Ca Sagredo 5* Deluxe
Venice
This beautiful, historic Palazzo situated in the
Grand Canal, dates back to the 15th Century.
The palazzo was fully restored in 2007 and
work on the hotel uncovered some important
architectural features and some magnificent
frescoes. There are grand marble staircases and
beautiful frescoed public spaces, which provide
the perfect back drop to a wedding reception.
The Locanda Cipriani
Torcello, Venetian Lagoon
A small, intimate inn, still owned and run by the
famous Cipriani family, founders of the Hotel
Cipriani and Harry’s Bar in Venice. The restaurant
offers exceptional food and service, in a truly
unique setting on the island of Torcello, in the
north of the Venetian lagoon.
Sample menu
Receptions in Venice
There is a huge range of venues in Venice
from a private residence to an amazing
restaurant on the island of Torcello in the
Venetian Lagoon, the possibilities are endless.
Our expert wedding planners will be able to
advise the best options for your budget.
Sample menu
Starter
Salad of lagoon artichokes and Parmesan
cheese with white tomato mousse flavoured
with basil and sashimi of Nebraska beef
Risotto with wild greens and veal carpaccio
Tranche of Nebraska beef with duo of
asparagus and morel sauce
Dessert
Sorbet with a spring perfume
Wedding cake
Chocolate cake Valrhona
Coffee and dolci
Sample prices
A reception at Hotel Ca’ Sagredo
Locanda Cipriani, island of Torcello
St Mark’s Square at dusk
14
A wedding in Venice, with a reception for 20 people
at the Ca’ Sagredo will cost from around £4500. This
includes the wedding ceremony and all the administrative
fees, full assistance throughout and an interpreter and
a wedding reception for 20 with a transfer from the
Palazzo Cavalli to the hotel. A wedding with a reception
for 30 people would cost from around £5950.
require.
The Locanda has several menus to choose
from and the menu ‘Burano’ gives a good idea
of what they can offer:
Aperitif ‘Bellini’ on arrival with hot and cold
canapés
Starter
Mixed Venetian sea food
Homemade tagliatelle with shellfish
Filet of sea bream with scampi tails ‘alla
Carlina’ with fresh tomatoes and capers
Mixed seasonal salad
Dessert
Lemon sorbet
Wedding Cake
Or
Fresh fruit gateau
Coffee
Alternatively, you can have a combination of a
cold buffet for the starters and then a sit down
main meal.
Sample prices
A wedding in Venice, with a reception for 30 people at
the Locanda Cipriani will cost from around £7000. This
a wedding reception for 30 with a transfer across the
lagoon.
require.
Bellini cocktails
Restaurant Antico Martini
Venice
Situated right in the heart of Venice, close to La
Fenice, this restaurant dates back to 1720, when
it first opened as the Caffè San Fantin. When
La Fenice opened in 1792, it soon became the
preferred haunt of artists and musicians alike.
There are three dining rooms, all different in
size and style, which can be hired for wedding
receptions and a pretty courtyard, which can also
accommodate a wedding party. The restaurant
has a wide range of menus from the very simple
to the suitably lavish and so can accommodate
most tastes and budgets.
Sample menu
The Palazzo Nani Bernardo
Venice
This extraordinary 17th Century private Palazzo
on the Grand Canal caters for the most lavish of
receptions on its ‘piano nobile’. Four reception
rooms and a beautiful dining room are available
to hire for your reception, with views out onto the
Grand Canal. The palazzo has its own private
landing stage, so guests may arrive by private
motor launch as well as on foot. The most
extraordinary aspect of this grand venue when
you bear in mind that you are in the centre of a
lagoon, is its private garden, which was created
in the mid 18th Century and is home to Venice’s
tallest palm tree!
Exterior of Hotel Danieli
Sample prices
Starter
Home smoked salmon served with bread
flavoured with fennel seeds
Thin tagliatelle with lobster sauce
Second course (Secondo piatto)
Fillet of sea bass in a basil crust
Dessert
Tiramisù
A wedding in Venice with the hire of the Palazzo and
catering for a party of 30 guests would cost from
approximately £11,200. This includes the wedding
ceremony and all the administrative fees, full assistance
throughout with an interpreter, rental of the Palazzo for
the day and catering for 30 guests.
require.
Exterior of Hotel Londra Palace
Sample prices
A wedding in Venice with an intimate meal for 10 people
costs from approximately £2400.This includes the
wedding ceremony and all the administrative fees, full
assistance throughout, an interpreter, and a meal at the
Antico Martini for 10 people. A reception for 20 guests
would cost from £3250, including the wedding as before.
require.
The courtyard at the Hotel Flora
Hotel guide prices
3 nights staying at the Hotel Danieli in a Garden
Deluxe double room, costs from £990 per person
breakfast.
3 nights staying at the Hotel Londra Palace
in a Classic Double city view, costs from £865
per person including flights, transfers and
3 nights at the Hotel Flora in a Classic Double
room costs from £650 per person including flights,
transfers and accommodation with breakfast.
Gondolas in the lagoon
15
Weddings in Verona
The setting for Shakespeare’s most romantic
play, Verona offers the opportunity to marry in
the former residence of the Cappello family,
thought to be the home of the Capulets in
the famous play of Romeo and Juliet. After
your ceremony, there is the opportunity to be
photographed on Juliet’s infamous balcony.
Verona is also within easy reach of Lake
Garda or Venice for a honeymoon.
There are a number of places where civil
ceremonies are held in Verona and it depends on
the day you wish to marry whether it is possible
to hold the ceremony in a specific location. The
most popular venue is the Casa di Giulietta,
which is only open for weddings on a Monday
morning, so early booking is essential. This 14th
Century building, thought to be the seat of the
famous Capulet family, was fully restored in the
1930’s and even has a beautiful balcony from
where, it is thought, Juliet called for her Romeo.
Other possible venues are
The Sala Guarienti situated in a 13th century
monastery, the room is elaborately decorated in
beautiful frescos and the cloisters and gardens of
the monastery offer the perfect location for postwedding photos. The Sala is open for weddings
on Thursday mornings, Saturdays (morning and
afternoon) and Sunday mornings.
The Sala Arazzi di Palazzo Barbieri is situated
on the main floor of the City Hall, the Palazzo
Barbieri, overlooking the central ‘Piazza Bra’.
The room is called the Tapestry Room due to
the impressive 16th Century tapestries hanging
at either end of the hall. This venue is ideal for a
larger wedding party. The Sala Arazzi is only open
for weddings on the first Saturday and Sunday
morning of every month.
Juliet’s Balcony and Statue
Set in the former City Hall, the Cappella dei Notai
is a unique venue, reached by an elaborate stone
staircase. The interior has magnificent vaulted,
frescoed ceilings embellished with gold and old
wood-panelled walls. The Cappella is only open
for weddings on the 3rd and 4th Saturday and
Sunday of each month.
Receptions in Verona
Wedding receptions can be held in many
of the excellent hotels in Verona, or in an
intimate restaurant. You can even combine
a wedding in Verona with a reception on the
shores of Lake Garda.
A Veronese Palazzo
16
Due Torri Hotel
Verona
Just a few minutes walk from Juliet’s House, this
five star hotel is beautifully decorated in a 19th
Century style, reminiscent of when it was host
to many a famous guest, such as the Emporer
Franz Josef and Garibaldi. The Due Torri is a
grand venue for a wedding reception and has
a beautiful restaurant, L’Aquila which serves a
range of different menu options and a beautiful
courtyard where drinks can be served in elegant
surroundings.
Sample menu
Reception cocktail with canapes
Starter
Traditional assortment of cured meats, warm
Flat breads
Rice or pasta course (Primo piatto)
Pralines of salt cod and potatoes, tomatoes
with Ligurian olives
Leg of veal flambe and green vegetables
Wedding cake
Dessert
Caramel pears with Moscato egg-nog
Dried fruits
Mineral water, wine and coffee
The terrace at the Due Torri
Sample prices
A wedding in Verona, with a reception for 20 people at
the Due Torri Hotel will cost from around £3900. This
a wedding reception for 20 people at the hotel. For a
reception for 30 guests the price would be fro £4800,
including the wedding as before.
require.
Outdoor dining at the Grand Hotel
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the Due Torri Hotel in a Classic double
room costs from £580 per person, including flights,
3 nights at the Grand Hotel in a Classic Double
There are numerous other options near Verona in
the countryside or indeed near Lake Garda, within
easy distance of Verona. Please call our experts for
more details.
Exterior Due Torri Hotel
The Grand Hotel entrance
17
The Amalfi Coast
The dramatic coastline of the Costa Amalfitana is
arguably Italy’s most popular wedding destination.
There is a choice of pretty town halls for the civil
ceremony with spectacular views across the
Mediterranean and some magnificent hotels with
truly breathtaking vistas offering sumptuous wedding
receptions. Alternatively, for the ultimate in luxury, you
The spectacular Amalfi Coastline
can choose to get married on the exclusive island of
Capri, far out in the Bay of Naples.
View from the Grand Hotel Cocumella terrace
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Positano
18
Weddings in Sorrento
Sorrento is a small town built on dramatic
cliffs overlooking the sea and the bay of
Naples. It is arguably the most popular
wedding destination on the Amalfi Coast due
to the delightful civil ceremony venues of the
Villa Fondi and the Cloisters of San Francesco
and its superb choice of luxury hotels as
wedding venues.
The Cloisters of San Francesco are in the
centre of Sorrento and are part of a mediaeval
monastery dating back to the 14th Century.
The surroundings are magical with the ancient
arches and porticoes of the monastery and its
ornamental gardens providing the perfect back
drop to an elegant wedding. The Villa Fondi is
situated just outside Sorrento and is an 18th
Century Villa where civil ceremonies have been
held for many years. You can choose to either
marry in the ornate ceremonial room or outside in
the beautiful gardens with spectacular views out
to sea.
Receptions in Sorrento
There is a wealth of excellent hotels in
Sorrento, all offering sophisticated reception
venues with excellent food, such as the
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, but there are
also some more unusual venues which offer
fabulous food and exceptional service, with
some spectacular views.
Relais Blu
Punta Campanela, near Sorrento
The Relais Blu is a charming 4 star boutique
hotel, right in the heart of the Marine Reserve of
Punta Campanela, between the Amalfi Coast
and the Sorrento Peninsula, about half an hour’s
drive from the centre of Sorrento. The hotel is
bright and modern and has been built to optimize
its situation high above the sea. The panoramic
views from the terrace are to die for. There are 11
rooms furnished in a very contemporary style, all
with the same wonderful views of the coast and
the sea beyond, providing a superbly romantic
setting. Wedding receptions can be arranged for
a maximum of 100 people and if all 11 rooms
are booked by the wedding party, then the whole
hotel is at your disposal and it will give you more
flexibility in terms of music and dancing for your
reception.
The hotel offers a reception with drinks included
and transport to and from Sorrento. The menu
includes Prosecco aperitif on arrival or white
and red wines as well as soft drinks and drinks
throughout the meal.
Marameo Beach Restaurant
Sorrento
The Marameo Beach Restaurant is located
directly on the sea , close to the cloisters of San
Francesco and the main town square. Following
your wedding ceremony, you can access the
restaurant through the public gardens next to the
cloister on foot or by direct lift down to the sea
front. The restaurant serves a range of menus
from the formal to a buffet meal and can organise
a full reception with live music and dancing, with
superb views out over the Gulf of Naples.
Sample prices
A wedding in Sorrento, with a reception for 20 people
at the Marameo Beach Restaurant will cost from around
£2890. This includes the wedding ceremony and all the
administrative fees, full assistance throughout and an
interpreter and a wedding reception for 20 people at
the restaurant. For a reception for 30 people the cost
would be from £3600, including the wedding ceremony
as above.
Please note these prices are only a guide and will depend
very much on which extra services you will require.
Sample menu
Starter
Dried beef with parmesan
Pasta with shrimps and tomatoes
Filet of sea bass with courgette and potatoes
Dessert
Fresh fruit sliced
Wedding cake
Exterior of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Sample prices
A wedding in Sorrento, with a reception for 20 people at
the Relais Blu will cost from around £4400. This includes
the wedding ceremony and all the administrative fees,
full assistance throughout, an interpreter and a wedding
reception for 20 with a transfer to the hotel Relais Blu. A
reception for 30 people would cost from around £5400,
require.
Grand Hotel Cocumella, terrace and view
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
in Sorrento in a Classic Double garden view costs
from £865 per person including flights, hire car and
3 nights at the Grand Hotel Cocumella
in Sorrento in a Classic Double room costs
from£690 per person including flights, hire car and
Marameo Beach restaurant terrace
19
The small town of Positano is ideal for those
who wish to have access to the beach, but
still benefitting from the beautiful views of
the Aamlfi coast and the excellent venues
available. Civil weddings are performed in
the town hall, which is situated at one of the
highest points of the town. The ceremony itself
is normally performed outside on the terrace,
with spectacular views out to sea.
Hotel Poseidon
Positano
The Hotel Poseidon is one of our favourite hotels
and boasts an excellent restaurant serving regional
cuisine and an excellent selection of wines. The
views from the terrace are outstanding and the
service relaxed and friendly. The hotel is ideal for
honeymooners and the owners will even take you
out in their own motor launch for an unforgettable
excursion along this beautiful coastline.
Receptions in Positano
Sample prices
Weddings in Positano
There are numerous hotels in Positano, such
as the Hotel Le Sirenuse or the Hotel San
Pietro, which offer wedding receptions and
some notable restaurants, which offer a range
of menus to suit all budgets.
The pool and terrace at the Hotel Poseidon
A wedding in Positano, with a reception for 20 people
at the Hotel Poseidon will cost from around £2900. This
fees, full assistance throughout, an interpreter and a
wedding reception for 20 guests. For a wedding with a
reception for 30 guests the cost would be from around
£4060, including the ceremony.
Please note these prices are only a guide and will depend
very much on which extra services you will require.
Exterior and terrace, Hotel le Sirenuse
Ristorante Le Terrazze
Positano
A popular venue for wedding receptions, this well
known restaurant in Positano has a commanding
position over the beach with a pretty terrace and
exceptional views. The restaurant offers a wide
selection of menus from a ‘3 star’ meat or fish
4 course menu, to a ‘5 star’ meat or fish menu,
inclusive of drinks.
Interior hall Hotel San PIetro
Sample menu
Welcome aperitif: canapés and Italian prosecco
Starter
‘Fiocchetto d’ Agerola’ prosciutto with
mozzarella cheese
Ravioli stuffed with ricotta and cherry tomatoes
Pork fillet with seasonal vegetables
Dessert
Little ricotta cheese cake and pears
Sample prices
A wedding in Positano, with a reception for 30 people
at the Le Terrazze restaurant will cost from around
interpreter and a wedding reception for 30 guests
require.
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the Hotel Poseidon in a standard
double room costs from £680 per person, including
flights, hire car and accommodation with breakfast.
3 nights at the Hotel Le Sirenuse in a standard
double costs from £865 per person, including
3 nights at the Hotel San Pietro in a standard
double, sea view with private terrace costs from
£990 per person, including flights, hire car and
Terrace and view from Hotel le Sirenuse
20
Weddings in Amalfi
Amalfi’s origins date back to the 1st Century
when wealthy Romans built luxurious villas
here to escape the heat of Pompei. Perched
high up on the coastal cliffs, the views
are simply superb and provide a stunning
backdrop to your wedding photos. Civil
ceremonies take place in the Salone Morelli in
the 12th Centruy Palazzo that is the Town Hall.
Once a Benedictine Monastery, the Palazzo is
considered one of the oldest wedding venues
on the Amalfi Coast.
Receptions in Amalfi
Receptions can be as grand or as intimate
as you like with a range of superb venues to
choose from, all with spectacular views.
Hotel Santa Caterina
Amalfi
The Hotel Santa Caterina is situated about ten
minutes’ walk from the centre of Amalfi. Perched
high on the cliff, the hotel has wonderful views,
made all the more glorious by the flower filled
gardens and luxuriant bougainvillea that adorn
the terraces below the hotel. The hotel is well
versed in organising wedding receptions and can
arrange either indoor or outdoor dining with a
range of reasonably priced menus. The staff are
friendly and helpful and are more than happy to
oblige with any special requests. The hotel has its
own man-made beach and swimming pool by the
sea, reached by a lift from the hotel. The rooms
are comfortable and the deluxe rooms have a sea
facing balcony making the most of the stunning
views.
Sample menu
Mixed aperitifs with canapés and snacks
Starter
Sea food hors d’oeuvre
Past or rice course (Primo piatto)
Risotto with shrimps and rocket salad
Baked fresh grouper with lemon sauce with
Mixed salad or mixed vegetables
Dessert
Sliced mixed fruit
Wedding cake
Coffee
Sample prices
A wedding in Amalfi, with a reception for 20 people
at the Hotel Santa Caterina will cost from around
interpreter and a wedding reception for 20 at the Hotel
Santa Caterina.
require.
Ristorante Eolo
Amalfi
The Eolo Restaurant is located on the sea front
in Amalfi and is a typical restaurant of the region,
serving excellent food with locally sourced
produce and boasting an impressive wine cellar.
Furnished in a sober and elegant style and
decorated with typical ceramics from Vietri sul
Mare, the Eolo Restaurant has a large lounge
that can accommodate up to 32 guests and a
romantic terrace overlooking the sea, which is a
magical setting for a wedding reception.
Sample menu
Starter
Ricotta flan with courgette cream
Lasagne with porcinin mushroom gratinata
Braised veal with grilled polenta
Dessert
Sorbet
Wedding cake
The menu includes
A glass of prosecco witht he starter, half a
bottle of wine per person with the meal, and
mineral water.
Sample prices
A wedding in Amalfi, with a reception for 20 people at
the Eolo Restaurant will cost from around £4060. This
fees, full assistance throughout, an interpreter and a
wedding reception for 20 at the restaurant. A wedding
ceremony and reception for 30 guests will cost from
around £5310.
require.
View of the terraces and pool, Hotel Santa Caterina
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the Hotel Santa Caterina in a double
hire car and accommodation with breakfast.
View of the gardens and exterior of the Hotel Santa Caterina
21
Weddings in Ravello
The lovely hillside town of Ravello has some
of the best views on the Amalfi Coast and
has been described as ‘halfway between
the sky and the sea’. The beauty of Ravello
has been charming travellers, and artists of
all nationalities for centuries, and the pretty
Town Hall with its charming gardens and
impressive ceremonial hall are testament to
that beauty.
Receptions in Ravello
Ravello has a smaller choice of restaurants
which offer wedding receptions, but this is
made up by the outstanding quality of the
hotels and the beautiful receptions that they
can organise.
Palazzo Sasso
Ravello
Situated in the heart of Ravello, this beautiful
hotel occupying a 12th Century Palace offers
a luxurious venue for a wedding reception and
is very popular with locals and visitors alike,
so early booking is recommended. The two
Michelin-starred Rossellinis restaurant at the hotel
provides outstanding food in a superb location
and due to its popularity, the restaurant can
only accommodate wedding parties for lunch,
as it is so booked up for dinner in the evening.
Alternatively, for a less formal reception, the
Belvedere Terrace at the hotel can accommodate
a small group of guests for lunch or early dinner.
Palazzo Sasso exterior
Sample menu
Rice or pasta course (Primo piatto)
Risotto with courgettes cream, saffron
marinated turbot and edible flower salad
Chicken fricassèe served with potato puree,
red onion, herb fritters
Dessert
White chocolate gateau with fresh wild berries,
saffron ice cream
Coffee and petit fours
Outdoor dining at the Hotel Caruso
Sample prices
Weddings in Ravello start from around £4600, which
includes the wedding ceremony with full assistance,
administrative fees, the marriage certificate, an
interpreter and a wedding reception for 30 people at the
Palazzo Sasso.
The prices are a guide only and will vary tremendously
according to the number of people in your party and
what other services you require.
Palazzo Sasso exterior
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the Palazzo Sasso in a King
Size Double sea view room costs from £1150
per person, including flights, hire car and
3 nights at the Hotel Caruso in a standard double
village view costs from £1220 per person including
Hotel Caruso exterior
22
Weddings in Capri
Just off the coast of Naples and Sorrento, the
dramatic island of Capri offers an exclusive
setting for any wedding. Access is by boat
from either Sorrento or Naples and the
wedding ceremony is usually held in the
simple, but charming town hall in the central
Piazzetta.
Receptions in Capri
Capri has a superb array of excellent hotels
which can host recptions from the most lavish
to a smaller, more intiate affair. Alternatively,
a restaurant, such as La Capannina can offer
a wonderful atmosphere with delicious food.
La Capannina
Capri
The La Capannina restaurant opened in 1931
and is situated just 100 metres from the Piazzetta
where the civil ceremonies are held. This
authentic restaurant has been host to numerous
celebrities and VIP’s over the years, including
Aristotle Onassis, Dustin Hoffmman, Marcello
Mastoiani and Zucchero. The convivial family
atmosphere created by owners Antonio and
Aurelia de Angelis is the perfect ambience in
which to celebrate your wedding. La Capannina's
menu features a tempting selection of local
specialities, including ravioli alla caprese, seafood
scialatelli, stuffed calamari, and fresh fish,
according to the catch of the day.
Hotel Quisisana
Capri
The Quisi is the Hotel Quisisana's main
restaurant, an exclusive location which perfectly
reflects the elegant style of this exceptional
hotel. Situated about 5 minutes on foot from
the main Piazzetta in Capri, the hotel is perfectly
located for a wedding reception. The hotel
offers a number of special arrangements for
wedding couples, including a special wedding
cake selection, menu choices and the ultimate in
pre-wedding spa treatments with the luxurious
‘La Prairie’ products. Guests enjoy the very finest
Mediterranean cuisine, selecting from a menu
featuring deliciously light versions of traditional
local dishes, all of which are prepared using only
the very finest of locally sourced ingredients and
are exquisitely presented. The Quisi also has
an extensive wine list featuring the most highly
acclaimed Italian, European and International
wines as well as a superb selection of
Champagnes. During the warm summer months,
meals are served outside, on the beautifully
furnished terrace.
Hotel Quisisana pool
Casa Morgano terrace
Sample prices
Weddings in Capri start from around £4500, which
interpreter and a wedding reception for 20 people at the
Hotel Quisisana. A reception for 30 people would cost
from £5860, including the wedding as before.
Hotel Luna exterior
Sample prices
Weddings in Capri start from around £4380, which
interpreter and a wedding reception for 20 people at
the restaurant La Capannina. A reception for 30 people
would cost from £5740, including the wedding as before.
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the Hotel Quisisana in a standard
double room costs from £975 per person,
breakfast.
3 nights at the Casa Morgano in a standard
double without sea view costs from £915
per person, including flights, transfers and
3 nights at the Hotel Luna in a classic double
room without sea view costs from £950
per person, including flights, transfers and
Hotel Luna terrace and view
23
Weddings in Florence
The centre of Renaissance art and culture,
Florence offers a majestic destination for your
wedding. From the much sought after ‘Sala
Rossa’ in the Palazzo Vecchio as the wedding
venue, to the numerous restaurants and
sophisticated hotels providing outstanding
service and food for your reception, your
wedding can be as grand or as intimate as
you would like. The elaborate Sala Rossa
in the central Palazzo Vecchio is one of the
most sought after venues to get married in
throughout Italy. This magnificent building was
completed in the early 1400’s and was home
to Cosimo de Medici from 1450 – 1459. It has
been the seat of the Mayor of Florence since
1872 and is now predominantly a museum,
but is still the main seat of local government.
Receptions in Florence
With so many restaurants and hotels to
choose from, you are truly spoilt for choice.
However, the Hotel Helvetia and Bristol
is possibly one of the more convenient of
venues, being situated literally a few minutes
walk away from the Palazzo Vecchio.
The Hotel Helvetia & Bristol
Florence
The Helvetia & Bristol is a well established hotel in
the centre of Florence. With its magnificent winter
garden, a beautiful room under a dramatic stained
glass roof and its famous Hostaria Bibendum
restaurant, the hotel is well practiced in wedding
receptions and offers a wide selection of menus
which can be tailored to suit your tastes.
Luxurious furnishings at the Hotel Helvetia and Bristol
Sample menu
Sparkling wine with canapes
Starter
Selection of raw fish
(tuna fish with onion sauce, anchovy with
buffalo’s milk mozzarella, squid salad with
lemon sauce, octopus with celery and olives,
sea bream with basil, tomato and fennel)
Saffron risotto with clams and squid
Grilled tuna fish with black pinot sauce, frosted
carrots and mustard ice cream
Wedding cake
Coffee with petits fours
Hotel Savoy room with a view
Sample prices
Weddings in Florence start from around £4850, which
includes the wedding ceremony in The Sala Rossa,
with full assistance, administrative fees, the marriage
certificate, an interpreter and a wedding reception for 10
people at the Hotel Helvetia and Bristol. A wedding and
reception at the Helvetia and Bristol for 20 guests would
cost around £6160, including the ceremony as before.
Bernini Palace Hotel lounge
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the Hotel Helvetia & Bristol in a
standard double room costs from £705 per person,
breakfast.
3 nights at the Hotel Savoy in a Classic Double
3 nights at the Bernini Palace in a Classic Double
costs from £820 per person including flights,
Florentine fountain
24
Tuscany
The range of wedding venues in Tuscany is beyond comparison, from a wine
estate in the Maremma region to a small, intimate hotel near Cortona, you
can be assured of some of the best food and wine this region has to offer.
The gentle rural scenery and a magical Renaissance town hall venue for your
civil ceremony will provide endless memories in years to come.
San Gimignano
Sometimes named the ‘Manhatten of Tuscany’,
this truly remarkable hill top town boasts more
towers than any other in the region. Dating back
to the 10th century, San Gimignano prospered
greatly throughout the 12th and 13th centuries
due to being situated on an important trading
route. The town is rich in many renaissance art
works and weddings take place in the ‘Sala di
Dante’ which is adorned with beautiful frescoes,
including a 14th century Madonna and child.
The ‘Sala di Dante’ is housed in the Palazzo
Communale, the seat of local government since
the early 1300’s, in the main square overlooking
the dramatic Duomo. The Palazzo boasts the
tallest tower in San Gimignano, the Torre Grossa,
from which there are breathtaking views of the
gentle Tuscan countryside.
Cortona
Perched high on a hillside between Siena and
Arezzo, Cortona looks out over the sweeping
Valdichiana valley, in Tuscany. The town is a
maze of steep mediaeval streets and a mixture
of renaissance and medieaval architecture.
Weddings take place in the 14th century Palazzo
Communale which has a majestic bell tower and
sweeping steps up to the entrance.
Volterra
Set in a spectacular hilltop position, the Etruscan
town of Volterra has had a turbulent history
witnessed by its significant 1st century BC
Roman amphitheatre. Civil ceremonies take place
in the 13th century Palazzo dei Priori, one of the
oldest town halls in Tuscany, in an ornate, vaulted
room decorated with numerous coats of arms
and frescoed walls.
Castellina in Chianti
If a wedding in the heart of the wine growing
region of Chianti is what you are looking for,
the charming town of Castellina in Chianti has
arguably the most impressive wedding venue,
‘La Rocca’, or ancient castle, with a fortified 14th
century tower and an impressive mediaeval ‘Sala’
where the ceremony takes place.
Lari
Lari is a small mediaeval town situated only
30kms from the Tuscan coast with a beautiful
Castle, once the strategic viewing point over
the River Arno, now a dramatic venue for civil
ceremonies
Civil ceremonies are also possible in the
medieaval towns of Siena, Montalcino,
Montepulciano, Radda in Chianti, Greve in
Chiantia and Pienza.
A Tuscan landscape at dawn
25
Weddings in Tuscany
From majestic castles to wonderful hotels
and private estates, the choice and different
possibilities for wedding functions is
seemingly endless. Many of our hotels offer
wedding reception services and you can
either book all the rooms in the hotel or
simply use the garden and restaurant for the
reception. Please be aware that the venues
get booked up a long time in advance, so it is
crucial to plan ahead.
Castello del Nero
Tavernelle, Tuscany
Nestling in the hills to the south of Florence, this
five star luxury boutique hotel has been lavishly
but tastefully refurbished from an ancient fortified
manor house dating back to the 12th Century.
The hotel is well versed in wedding receptions
and there is even the private Chapel where a
blessing may take place with the consent of the
priest. The hotel offers numerous different options
for different party sizes, so please do ask us for
details.
Receptions in Tuscany
Tuscany has a superb range of reception
venues from the most lavish of historic
castles to sophisticated hotels and small,
atmospheric restaurants. Whatever your
budget, rest assured that we will find you the
perfect setting for your celebration.
Sample prices
Weddings in Siena start from around £6450, which
includes the wedding ceremony in Siena, with full
assistance, administrative fees, the marriage certificate,
an interpreter and a transfer by vintage car to the
Castello del Nero with a wedding reception for 20
people. Should you wish to have a reception for 30
people the cost will be approximately £7945, including
the wedding ceremony.
Relais La Corte dei Papi
Near Cortona, Tuscany
La Corte dei Papi is a traditional manor house
dating back to the end of 18th Century,
surrounded by gently rolling Tuscan hills. The
restaurant is situated in the old wine cellars of
the house and the chef personally prepares
traditional Tuscan dishes (including his own bread
and pasta), with locally sourced fish, meat and
vegetables. There is a wide selection of regional
wines to accompany the wedding menu. In the
summer months, the reception can be laid out
under elegant gazebos surrounding the large
swimming pool. With just 8 beautifully furnished
rooms, this is a perfect option for a small, intimate
wedding reception.
Sample prices
A wedding at the Corte dei Papi costs from around
£8100, which includes the wedding ceremony in
Cortona, with full assistance, administrative fees,
the marriage certificate, an interpreter and a transfer
by vintage car to the Relais la Corte dei Papi with
a wedding reception for 16 people and overnight
accommodation for all guests with breakfast the
following morning.
Relais La Corte dei Papi exterior
Castello del Nero aerial view
26
Hotel Relais Il Faconiere
Near Cortona, Tuscany
Once the home of the poet Antonio Guadagnoli,
the main Palazzo dates back to the 1600’s
and many original features have been carefully
preserved. The hotel is set in beautiful gardens
with carefully tended lawns, tall cypress trees and
horse-chestnuts and has views of the verdant
Val di Chiana valley. Being situated just outside
Cortona makes it an ideal venue for a wedding
and the Michelin-starred restaurant produces
some of the best food in the area and offers
seasonal wedding menus using produce of the
region. The rooms are charming and elegantly
furnished and are either situated in the main
Palazzo, or in a small villa within the grounds
about 150 metres away.
Sample menu
Marinated scampi with ginger sauce with peach
and cucumber
Rice or pasta course (Prio piatto)
Lasagna with summer vegetables, aromatic
herbs and truffle
or
Tagliatelle with pork sauce and zucchini
flowers
Cockerel stuffed with red radicchio with red
beets and hazelnuts
Dessert galletto farcito con radicchio rosso,
salsa al mandarino e borragine
millefeuille with Chantilly cream and fruit berries
Castello di Oliveto
Near Castelfiorentino, Tuscany
This magnificent castle, built in the 15th century
by the dei Pucci Family is now a magnificent
setting for wedding receptions. The Grand Hall,
the courtyard and all the ground floor are at
your disposal, with magnificent grounds and an
impressive fortified back drop. The castle can be
rented by the day for the reception and guests
may stay at a small agriturismo nearby, which has
10 apartments, accommodating between 2 and
6 people. Wine tasting and cookery courses can
also be arranged either before the wedding or as
a post wedding activity.
Relais Il Falconiere at night
Sample prices
A wedding at the Castello di Oliveto would cost from
around £12,450, including the ceremony in Certaldo
Town Hall with full assistance, administrative fees, the
marriage certificate, an interpreter a vintage car transfer
and a wedding reception for 40 people at the Castello
di Oliveto A wedding reception for 30 people would cost
from £10,980, including the wedding as before.
Hotel le Renaie gardens
Hotel Borgo San Felice pool
Sample prices
Weddings in Cortona start from around £5300, which
includes the wedding ceremony in Cortona, with full
an interpreter and a wedding reception for 20 people at
the Hotel Relais Il Falconiere. A wedding reception for 30
people would cost from £6450, including the wedding
as before.
Castello di Oliveto exterior
Castello del Nero pool
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the Relais Il Falconiere in a Classic
Double room costs from £740 per person including
flights, car hire and accommodation with breakfast.
3 nights at the Hotel Le Renaie near San
GImignano in a Classic Double costs from
£530 per person, including flights, hire care and
accommodation on Half Board basis.
3 nights at the Hotel Borgo San Felice in a
Classic Double room costs from £765 per person
breakfast.
3 nights at the Castello del Nero Hotel and
Spa in a Classic Double room costs from
£795 per person including flights, hire car and
Hotel Borgo San Felice
27
Weddings in Taormina
Sicily
The history and development of Sicily is possibly
one of the most dramatic of any European
civilization. Having been invaded and ruled by the
Greeks, the Byzantines, the Arabs and of course,
the Romans, the architecture and culture of this
extraordinary island is as varied as it is large.
We can organise weddings in the historic town
The Civil ceremony takes place in a beautiful
17th century Palazzo in the fashionable
Corso Umberto. The ceremonial hall, the
Sala del Consiglio, is elegant and light, with
wood panelling and a large coat of arms,
representing the town of Taormina, at one
end. There is room for approximately 45
people with seating for 15. The town hall is
open all year round, but only one ceremony
is performed each day, in the morning, so it is
essential to book early.
of Taormina, perched high on cliffs overlooking
Receptions in Taormina
the Ionian Sea and over-shadowed by the ever
There are many suitable hotels to choose from
in Taormina and some superb restaurants.
The key is deciding what type of reception
you would like from the traditional to a slightly
less formal affair. We can arrange transfers
from the town hall to any of the venues, so
you do not have to worry about how near or
far the venues may be.
present Mount Etna. The outstanding hotels and
breathtaking views of this very beautiful town make
for a truly memorable experience.
Hotel San Domenico Palace with Mount Etna in the background
28
San Domenico Palace
Taormina
Originally a 15th Century Monastery, the San
Domenico Hotel was converted into an hotel in
the late 1800’s. Its superb position, in the heart
of Taormina, means it is convenient to get to after
your wedding ceremony. The hotel’s magnificent
gardens provide the perfect backdrop to your
wedding photos and perhaps the ideal location
for a pre-reception glass of bubbly. The hotel has
a range of venues for a reception, from the ornate
banqueting room, or the Sala Degli Specchi,
to the old monks’ cloister, or the elegant dining
room of the Principe Cerami, for a smaller, cosier
reception. The hotel can arrange a wide selection
of menus, including wine and also a buffet style
reception.
Sample menu
Sicilian aperitif Sicilian sparkling wine, freshly
squeezed orange and grapefruit juices,
seasonal cocktail and canapes
Starter
Marinated swordfish carpaccio with citrus fruit,
pineapple and salmon eggs
Risotto with grouper and lightly lemon zest
Browned veal loin with rosemary, herb
flavoured potatoes and onion puree
Dessert
‘Passito delle Lipari’ wine parfait with
caramelised almonds and orange sauce
Wedding cake
Coffee and friandises
Sicilian wine
fruit berries
Ristorante La Giara
Taormina
With fabulous views over the Bay to Mount Etna
and Giardini Naxos, this reputable restaurant is
the perfect venue for a reception and is renowned
with locals and visitors alike. The interior is of a
cool modern style in décor and the dining room
is perfect for a reception of about 40 people.
The terrace is the ideal place for pre-dinner
drinks, with the staggering views out to sea. The
service is friendly and professional and there is
the possibility of music and a dance floor for your
after dinner festivities.
Hotel San Domenico Palace outdoor dining
Sample prices
Weddings at the Restaurant La Giara start from around
£7010, which includes the wedding ceremony in the
town hall, with full assistance, administrative fees,
the marriage certificate, an interpreter and a wedding
reception for 30 people in the restaurant. The price
for a reception for 40 people would cost from £8970,
Hotel Villa Belvedere Pool
Hotel Villa Sant’Andrea terrace and view
Weddings in other Italian cities
We have chosen some of the more popular
Italian destinations to feature in this brochure,
but we can also arrange weddings in Rome,
Milan, Turin, Bologna, Palermo and pretty
much any town or city which will conduct a
civil ceremony. Please do ask us for further
information on any other location you would
like to get married in.
Sample prices
Weddings in Taormina start from around £5500, which
includes the wedding ceremony in the town hall, with full
an interpreter and a wedding reception for 20 people
at the San Domenico Palace. The price for a reception
for 30 people would cost from £6920, including the
wedding as before.
Hotel guide prices
3 nights at the San Domenico Palace in a classic
hire car and accommodation with breakfast.
3 nights at the Hotel Villa Belvedere in a classic
double room costs fro £635 per person including
3 nights at the Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina
Mare in a classic double costs from £895
per person including flights, hire car and
Hotel Villa Sant’Andrea terrace
29
Honeymoons
Italy
A wealth of possibilities for honeymoons in
Italy is available. You may wish to stay on in
the place you were married and just relax or
explore the surrounding area by car or train.
We can book a standard hire car for you, or
if you would prefer a luxury or vintage car for
the day, we can organize a driver to take you
about and show you the local sites.
Alternatively, you may want to transfer to a
different part of Italy or have a touring holiday
taking in numerous locations. With our wide
range of outstanding hotels in beautiful
locations, we can recommend those which
cater particularly well for honeymoons from
Sicily to the Lakes and from chic, city break
hotels to luxurious countryside retreats.
The rest of Europe
Should you wish not to stray too far from home,
then a honeymoon in one of the amazing cultural
centres of Europe is the perfect solution. You
needn’t fly – there are numerous ways to arrive
at your destination, whether it be by boat, train
or, indeed, your own car. The wonderful food and
wine of France, Spain and Portugal are just a
stone’s throw away, whilst the warm climate and
ancient civilisations of Greece and Turkey are truly
tempting and these countries offer a huge range
of outstanding hotels from Relais & Chateaux to
small boutique, luxury accommodation.
Portofino, Liguria
Hotel Royal Riviera, St Jean Cap Ferrat
La Residencia, Mallorca
Vila Vita Parc, Algarve, Portugal
Santa Marina Resort, Mykonos
Prices start from around £600 per person for a 3 night
holiday in Europe.
The world is your oyster…
With a range of programmes covering Europe,
The Caribbean, Sri Lanka, The Indian Ocean, The
Americas, Australasia and Asia, we can organize
a honeymoon almost anywhere. You may wish
to fly back to the UK to rest for a day or two after
your wedding and to open your gifts and change
suitcases before jetting off on the holiday of a
lifetime. The beauty of doing this means you have
a bit of time to unwind at home and you don’t
need to take all your honeymoon clothes with you
to the wedding.
All our honeymoons are bespoke and we will
tailor–make whatever type of holiday you have in
mind. Our team of experts will guide you through
the ideal properties and travel arrangements to
suit your budget and can recommend the perfect
hotels for a relaxing honeymoon, or if you wish
to combine relaxation with a more active holiday
somewhere exotic.
Serene Pavilions, Sri Lanka
30
The Indian Ocean
Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles offer
a wide range of luxury hotels, all perfectly suited
to honeymoon couples. Complimentary nights,
meals, spa treatments and champagne are just
some of the offers these outstanding hotels can
provide to make your budget stretch a bit further.
Prices start at around £1300 per person in low season
to £3000 per person or more in high season for 7 nights.
The Caribbean
Our programme to the Caribbean offers many
well known hotels such as Sandy Lane on
Barbados and the Cotton House on Mustique
and some less well known boutique hotels. You
can combine two or three hotels if you are looking
for a longer break, or why not try a few days in
Mexico sampling the very different pace of life?
Prices in the Caribbean start at around £1200 per
person in low season for 7 nights
The Maldives, aerial shot
Montpelier Plantation and Beach, Nevis
Australia and New Zealand
For those who have a slightly higher budget and
more time to spend away, why not experience
something truly exceptional, such as a touring
holiday of New Zealand? We offer numerous
luxury lodges throughout the North and South
Island and can recommend the best places to
stop over, should you wish to break your journey
to the other side of the world. Alternatively, you
could head straight there for a week or ten days
of touring, followed by a week relaxing on the
idyllic beaches of French Polynesia.
A 3 week holiday starts around £5000 per person,
depending on where you stay and how many flights you
choose to take.
Asia
The wonders of Asia never cease to amaze
and there are some exceptional hotels in some
beautiful locations throughout our programme,
from the world-renowned Datai in Langkawi to
the Ubud Hanging Gardens in Bali. The range of
accommodation and destinations can be overwhelming, but our experienced reservations team
can guide you through the choices offering first
hand knowledge on all our destinations.
Blanket Bay, New Zealand
Prices start at around £1300 per person for a 7 night
holiday in Asia
All prices are meant as a guide only and our
holidays are tailor-made to ensure you have the
honeymoon you are searching for at the best
possible price. For the full range of all our hotels
throughout the world please visit
www.expressionsholidays.co.uk or call
01752 878022 to speak to one of our experts.
The Datai, Langkawi
Ubud Hanging Gardens, Bali
Ananda, Himalayas
Banyan Tree, Phuket
31
Expressions
Revisit our range of holidays – selected destinations and holiday arrangements to suit
your lifestyle. Our brochures can be requested as a printed copy, or viewed on-line and
downloaded if you want.
Caribbean Expressions
Expressions Indian Ocean and Africa
Italian Expressions
01752 878010
01752 878036
01752 878075
www.caribbeanexpressions.inbro.net www.expressionsindianocean.inbro.net www.italianexpressions.inbro.net
French Expressions
01752 878040
www.frenchexpressions.inbro.net
Luxury Hotel Holidays Worldwide
01752 878050
www.expressionsworldwide.inbro.net
New Zealand, Australia and South Pacific
01752 878020
www.ourshadesofgreen.inbro.net
Expressions Spa Holidays
01752 878015
www.spaexpressions.inbro.net
Expressions Families
01752 878065
www.familyexpressions.inbro.net
Expressions Sri Lanka
01752 878024
www.expressionssrilanka.inbro.net
32
Expressions Honeymoons and Weddings
01752 878022
www.expressionshoneymoons.inbro.net
THE ART OF INTELLIGENT TRAVEL ORGANISING

wedding in Italy - Expressions Holidays

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