Florence is the City of the Renaissance, the cradle of history and art. It’s not surprising that it’s always been the perfect place to elope, maybe walking hand in hand on Ponte Vecchio or watching the sunset in Piazzale Michelangelo. Many couples from all over the world decide to crown their dream of love under the Tuscan Sun every day every year.
Imagine eloping here, getting lost through narrow streets and historical beauties, among old doors and the most exclusive shops. Isn’t it a dream for every couple in love?
The ceremony
Florence is perfect for both religious or civil ceremonies.
Civil ceremonies are celebrated in the Sala Rossa of the Town Hall of Florence, housed in Palazzo Vecchio. Just out of the room, there’s the centre of Florence: the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo are a very short walk. This room is lovely, with red carpet and large paintings from the Reinassance to adorn the walls covered with damask fabric. The celebrant, with the tricolour band on the chest, directs rites. Italian Civil Weddings are valid and recognised everywhere. Just make sure to hire someone to go through the Italian bureaucracy.
Florence offers numerous churches that can host religious ceremony as well. The Basilica di San Miniato a Monte, built with white and green marble, is the most beautiful. The view from there is terrific! If you prefer the charm of a neogothic church for your wedding, Saint James Episcopal Church welcomes lovers from all around the world for religious rites. The church is in the centre, very close to the railway station, easy to reach from any location.
Symbolic ceremonies might be arranged in many gorgeous places. Torre di Bellosguardo might organise your rooftop ceremonies with a view. Villa Le Piazzole is a lovely retreat with a view where you might arrange garden ceremonies. It also provides a small church for intimate religious rites.
The reception
Restaurants or cafes in the centre are perfect for ay meals after the wedding. Or for a quick toast after the ceremony.
More than this, Florence offers hotels, villas and castles! The Four Seasons, the St. Regis and the Grand Hotel Baglioni are the most renowned hotels in the city centre. Castello del Trebbio, perched on the Chianti hills, arranges intimate and romantic weddings. Castello di Vincigliata is the most famous wedding venue in Fiesole, just a few minutes drive away from Florence city centre. It’s the most popular venue for weddings in Florence, so you should book it in advance if interested.
The photographs
Florence is a romantic terrace on the hills of Chianti. Guided by an expert wedding photographer, it will be a pleasure to stroll around and being portrayed without even noticing it. Wedding photos taken in Florence are outstanding in any light situation, thanks to the fabulous old textures you might find almost everywhere in the centre.
Skip the basic and traditional staged wedding pictures and go for exciting and fun images that capture the essence of the love. For the most breathtaking view of Florence, visit Piazzale Michelangelo, the best spot for photos in Florence. Watch the sunset as you cuddle in the arms of your lover, and let the photographer portray you here.
Need any more ideas? Check out the Best Spots for Florence Wedding Photos!
Transportation
The centre of Florence is restricted to traffic – thank God – therefore moving with the car is a terrible idea. You can easily find taxi, minivans and buses. Should you wish to hire a fancy classy vehicle, there are lots of rentals throughout all Tuscany.
For an authentic touch of Italy, you might rent a Fiat Cinquecento, with the colours of the Italian flag, with a tour of the hills included.
The honeymoon
One of the reasons for getting married in Florence might be having a honeymoon in Italy. Many couples spend the days immediately after the wedding in and around Florence, or in the sunny countryside of Tuscany. Being connected by fast trains, Florence is just a few hours from Venice and Rome, as well as the stunning Cinque Terre.
