Wondering how to plan a destination wedding in Tuscany? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not crazy. Tuscany is one of the most romantic and unforgettable wedding locations on earth. With its sun-drenched vineyards, rustic villas, and that famous golden light, it’s the stuff wedding dreams are made of.
But let’s be honest: planning a wedding abroad can feel like juggling spaghetti while riding a Vespa — especially if you’re navigating everything from a different country.
As a destination wedding photographer who’s worked all across Italy, I’ve helped many couples bring their dream Tuscan wedding to life — with minimal stress and zero regrets. This checklist will walk you through exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to make it feel effortless.
Let’s get into it.
🗺️ How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Tuscany Without Stress
Planning a destination wedding in Tuscany doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right timeline, trusted vendors, and a bit of guidance, you can enjoy the process and focus on what really matters — celebrating your love in one of the most romantic places on earth.
🗓️ 12–18 Months Before: Lay the Foundation
Choose a Date (and Keep Seasonality in Mind)
Tuscany is gorgeous year-round, but spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the best combo of light, weather, and fewer tourists. Summers can be hot and crowded — though if you love golden fields and long evenings, July weddings do deliver dreamy sunsets.
Also, consider a weekday wedding. Many venues are cheaper Tuesday–Thursday and vendors often have more availability.
Set Your Guest Count and Budget
Deciding early on how many guests you’re inviting will shape everything — venue size, catering, accommodations, and budget.
Pro tip: smaller weddings = more room for experiences. I had a couple from New York who brought just 20 guests to a villa near Siena. They splurged on a private chef, wine tasting, and a three-day stay — and still spent less than the average wedding in the U.S.
Secure Your Venue
From fairytale castles and rustic farmhouses to elegant villas with views for days, Tuscany has it all. Many venues also offer accommodation — which is a huge bonus for destination weddings.
Make sure to:
- Ask if there’s a minimum stay required.
- Check if they have exclusive vendor lists.
- Confirm backup plans for rain (especially for spring/fall weddings).
- Ask until what time music and celebrations are allowed.
If you need ideas, I’ve worked with dozens of venues across Tuscany — happy to share some favorites.
🏡 9–12 Months Before: Key Steps to Planning a Destination Wedding in Tuscany
Hire Your Photographer and Videographer
Great wedding photographers book out quickly, especially for peak season. Choose someone whose style resonates with you — and who knows the ins and outs of working in Tuscany. (That’s me 😉).
Curious about my approach? Take a peek at my Tuscany wedding photography portfolio to see how I capture light, emotion, and every little detail.
Decide on Legal or Symbolic Ceremony
Italy offers both civil and symbolic wedding options. Civil weddings require paperwork, translations, and a bit of bureaucracy — but they’re legally binding. Symbolic ceremonies are more flexible and can be held anywhere.
Want a legally recognized wedding? Start collecting:
- Birth certificates (with apostille)
- Divorce/death certificates (if applicable)
- Atto Notorio and Nulla Osta documents
- Appointments at your consulate or embassy
To learn more about how to get legally married in Italy, check this article.
💐 6–9 Months Before: Build Your Tuscany Destination Wedding Vendor Team
Book Hair and Makeup (MUA)
Don’t wait until the last minute. Many top bridal stylists in Tuscany get snapped up fast. And trust me — professional HMUA makes a difference. Your wedding photos will thank you.
Ask if they do trials the day before (perfect for engagement or pre-wedding shoots). I’ve worked with some amazing stylists who travel to your villa and create relaxed, natural looks that photograph beautifully — especially in Tuscany’s dreamy light.
Finalize Catering, Florals, and Entertainment
Many venues include or recommend catering, but if not:
- Ask for tastings in advance if you’re planning a pre-wedding visit.
- Prioritize local, seasonal menus — trust me, Tuscan food is the best guest favor you can offer.
Florals in Tuscany are stunning — wild, textured, and often inspired by the natural landscape. Your florist can help create centerpieces and bouquets that fit the setting without going over the top.
As for entertainment — DJs, acoustic duos, or string quartets are popular choices. Bonus if they can do both ceremony and reception sets.
🧳 3–6 Months Before: Plan Your Destination Wedding Weekend in Tuscany
Sort Out Travel and Accommodation
Provide guests with:
- Nearest airport suggestions (Florence, Pisa, Rome)
- Driving tips (Italian roads aren’t scary, I promise!)
- Accommodation options nearby the venue
- Ideas for activities like wine tours or market visits
- For help planning your stay and excursions, check out Visit Tuscany’s official tourism site — it’s packed with ideas and local info.
Most couples build a wedding weekend: welcome dinner, ceremony day, and casual next-day brunch or pool party.
I always recommend golden hour portraits the evening of the wedding — or even the day before, so you can relax and soak it all in.
Send Out Invites & Launch Your Wedding Website
Digital invites + a wedding website work wonders. Include:
- Event schedule
- Dress code
- Local recommendations
- RSVP form
- Travel info
Pro tip: Add a map or video walk-through of the venue area to make things extra easy for guests.
🎀 Final 1–2 Months: Tie It All Together
Confirm Final Headcounts and Timelines
Share the final guest list with your caterer, planner, and photographer. Confirm the ceremony and dinner start times, travel arrangements, and weather backups.
Pack with a Plan
Carry your dress in a protective garment bag (most airlines allow it in overhead compartments). Avoid heavy fabrics if you’re marrying in summer. And bring comfy shoes — gravel + stilettos = disaster waiting to happen.
Also: pack adaptors, extra makeup, and sunscreen. It’s hot under that Tuscan sun.
Have a Final Call with Your Photographer (Me 👋)
We’ll go over:
- Must-have photos
- Family groupings
- The best lighting windows
- Plan B options for rain
- Any special cultural or personal traditions you’re incorporating
📸 Bonus Tips From a Photographer Who’s Been There
- Golden Hour is Gold: Plan at least 20–30 minutes before sunset for portraits.
- First Look? Yes, please — especially if your ceremony is in the evening.
- Be Present: Let go of perfection. The most beautiful moments are often the unplanned ones.
💬 Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Now you know exactly how to plan a destination wedding in Tuscany without losing your mind — or your budget. With the right guidance, planning can feel exciting, not overwhelming.
If you’re dreaming of a celebration filled with beauty, emotion, and a backdrop that belongs on a movie set, I’d love to help — not just to photograph your story, but to support you with insight, vendor tips, timelines, and encouragement every step of the way.
🌿 Why Knowing How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Tuscany Makes All the Difference
Planning a wedding from thousands of kilometers away might sound stressful — but once you understand how to plan a destination wedding in Tuscany, everything starts to fall into place. From finding hidden gem venues and booking trusted local vendors, to understanding the best lighting for portraits or how long the pasta course should last (yes, that’s a thing here!) — having someone on your side who’s done this many times before is a game changer.
As a destination photographer who knows the region like a local, I don’t just show up with a camera. I help my couples navigate the small but important things — like timing your ceremony for golden hour, choosing photo-friendly florals, or even knowing which venues have the most breathtaking backdrops right outside their front door.
When you take the time to understand how to plan your wedding in Tuscany the right way, you’re not just saving money and avoiding stress — you’re creating space to actually enjoy the experience, knowing that everything is aligned for a wedding day that feels effortless and magical.👉 Need help figuring out where to begin? Let’s talk. I’m happy to share insights, trusted vendor connections, and personalized photography packages that match your dream — and your budget.
👉 Ready to start planning? Let’s chat about your date, your vibe, and how we can make it unforgettable.