Italy remains the #1 destination in the world for luxury weddings and international destination weddings a position confirmed not by general opinions, but by over 30 years of direct professional experience and more than 10,000 weddings designed and produced for couples from the United States, India, the Middle East, Brazil, the UK and beyond. The demand for Italy continues to grow year after year, and the country continues to outperform France, Greece and Spain thanks to an unparalleled blend of culture, hospitality, art, landscape diversity, and exceptional guest experience.
This reality is validated also by the international market: one of the leading American wedding designers, Colin Cowie, chose Florence as his only office outside the United States, confirming Italy as the global epicenter for luxury destination weddings.
How trends are evolving
What makes Italy truly unique is that the most desired regions change every year, influenced not only by aesthetic inspiration, but also by tourism pressure, logistics, regulations, accessibility, and large national events. For example, Rome in 2025, due to the Jubilee, reached very high levels of tourism density, making many venues difficult to use for weddings and receptions. Religious weddings especially weddings in the Vatican increased significantly, while social weddings in the city experienced a temporary reduction due to limitations on movement, traffic and hospitality capacity.
Looking ahead to 2026 and 2027, several concrete dynamics are already shaping the choices of high-end international couples:
Lake Como remains one of the most sought-after destinations for ultra-luxury weddings, although the recent tightening of regulations on late-night music has redirected part of the market towards private villas and locations without curfew which is a key factor for younger couples or those wanting multi day celebrations.
In the Amalfi Coast, while Positano remains iconic, extreme crowding is leading couples to prefer Ravello and nearby towns offering more privacy and logistical comfort. Demand is strongly directed to new venues capable of hosting music and parties until very late, an element that has become a decisive selection criterion.
Sicily is one of the fastest-growing destinations, driven by extraordinary cultural heritage, dramatic scenery, and world-renowned gastronomy supported by major investments from international hospitality groups. The relaunch of Villa Igiea in Palermo by Rocco Forte Hotels has significantly increased global attention, positioning Sicily as a rising star for 2026 and 2027.
Tuscany remains the most requested region overall, thanks to its versatility: intimate or grand scale weddings, including celebrations with more than 300 guests, wide outdoor spaces, and venues that support multi day programs. Important new openings such as Borgo Giani on the Southern Coast of Tuscany, scheduled for May 2026, and the reopening of Locanda dell’Amorosa expected in April 2026 confirm strong growth and new opportunities in this region.
Puglia continues to grow with remarkable consistency, chosen not only for its authentic Mediterranean style and beautiful coastal landscapes but also for the immersive and intimate atmosphere of its masserie. These historic estates offer expansive courtyards, ancient olive groves, warm stone architecture and an atmosphere that encourages slow living. Couples choosing Puglia want to offer their guests days of togetherness, relaxed luxury, exceptional local cuisine and a sense of cultural immersion that feels both refined and deeply rooted in Southern Italian tradition. This makes the region ideal for multi day weddings where every moment can be curated with privacy, comfort and a strong sense of belonging.
Lake Garda is gaining significant relevance as an alternative to Lake Como, especially for weddings that require smoother logistics and more flexible infrastructure. The region offers spacious waterfront villas, grand hotels and charming villages that are easier to reach for large groups, making transportation and guest flow more manageable. Couples appreciate the wider selection of venues with fewer restrictions, the gentle climate, and the variety of landscapes which range from Mediterranean style shores to dramatic northern peaks. This combination of accessibility, beauty and venue availability is pushing Lake Garda into the spotlight for 2026 and 2027.
Liguria and the Italian Riviera are experiencing renewed interest on the international market. Portofino, with its iconic harbor and pastel colored facades, remains the jewel of the region, but elegant seaside villas along the Riviera are becoming increasingly desirable for couples who seek understated sophistication. The area offers dramatic coastal cliffs, lush gardens overlooking the water and a timeless atmosphere beloved by the global elite for more than a century. This blend of beauty, history, privacy and refined hospitality is bringing Liguria back into the conversation for high end weddings in the coming years.
The Dolomites are emerging as a prestigious destination for luxury winter weddings thanks to their breathtaking alpine landscapes, absolute privacy and exceptional hospitality. Couples are drawn to the combination of snow covered peaks, five star hotels, private chalets, world class spa experiences and Michelin level dining. The atmosphere is intimate and cinematic, perfect for celebrations that feel exclusive, serene and deeply connected to nature. This setting is ideal for couples who want a winter wedding that blends refinement, adventure and elegance in one of the most spectacular mountain regions in the world.
Seasonality remains a key factor
Lake Como has one of the shortest seasons from late May to early September and this limited window means that availability is highly competitive. Weather plays a significant role and couples must plan meticulously to secure the best dates and venues. Despite the short season the atmosphere during these months is exceptional with long golden evenings and mild temperatures that create an ideal setting for elegant outdoor events.
Tuscany and Sicily offer very long wedding seasons from April to October which allows couples to plan outdoor celebrations with great flexibility. Spring and autumn are especially appreciated for their comfortable climate, beautiful light and the sense of tranquility that surrounds the countryside. These regions support both large scale and intimate weddings, offering varied landscapes that include vineyards, olive groves and coastal horizons.
Venice, Rome and Florence are year round cultural capitals where weddings can take place during any season thanks to the extraordinary number of indoor historic palaces, museum venues and private estates. Couples can celebrate surrounded by priceless works of art, sweeping terraces, grand ballrooms and architectural masterpieces without depending on weather conditions. These cities offer an unparalleled sense of timelessness and sophistication that remains attractive throughout the entire year.
