WHY ARE CELEBRITIES CHOOSING ITALY FOR THEIR WEDDINGS?

By

Key Highlights

Muriel Saldalamacchia

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@lauravandall

@antoinebillore

@marika.faraci

via The Wed

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.

Photo:

@lauravandall

@antoinebillore

@marika.faraci

via The Wed

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?

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@lauravandall

@antoinebillore

@marika.faraci

via The Wed

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

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@antoinebillore

@marika.faraci

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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?

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@lauravandall

@antoinebillore

@marika.faraci

via The Wed

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 li

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