The insider’s guide to Italian wedding destinations no one is talking about (yet)
Photo: Giuseppe Marano
We know the Italian wedding hotspots that get all the attention like Tuscany and Lake Como, but the north? That’s where the hidden gems are. From the dramatic alpine silhouettes of the Dolomites to tiny lakeside towns and vineyards with centuries of history, it just feels… different. Less touristy, more personal, and packed with spots that make your wedding feel like an experience, not just a day. We love it for couples who want something memorable, effortlessly stylish, and a little off the beaten path.
“One of Northern Italy’s greatest strengths is the diversity of its settings: from mountains to lake shores, historic villas, castles, iconic cities such as romantic Venice, and wine regions like Valpolicella, with its vineyards and striking landscapes. This variety makes it possible to design truly bespoke experiences, often in still-undiscovered locations that feel more intimate and exclusive.” ~ Viviana, Wedding in Cortina
Why Northern Italy should be on your radar
Epic backdrops: Northern Italy has a way of doing ‘wow’ without trying too hard and each part from Veneto to the Dolomites feels like you’re an entirely new world.
Escape the crowds: It’s also refreshingly chill. Unlike the usual Italian hotspots, you won’t be elbowing tourists out of the way. Here, your celebration feels like a true escape.
Hidden gems : Endless. Tiny villages, medieval castles, secluded vineyards, places that feel discovered, not booked. Perfect for couples craving something exclusive and a little adventurous.
Seasonal magic: From winter slopes in the Dolomites to autumnal vineyard colours in Veneto, it’s a playground for weddings that change with the weather, each season just as stunning as the last.
Italian style, minus the cliché: Rich culture, phenomenal cuisine and a relaxed elegance that feels effortless, your guests will leave feeling they had a true, unique Italian experience.
South Tyrol + The Dolomites
The Dolomites represent some of the most fascinating and unconventional areas for a wedding in Italy, both in summer and winter. Here, alpine aesthetics merge with a strong sense of precision, design, and artisanal quality, resulting in celebrations that are elegant and perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape. ~ Viviana, Wedding in Cortina
Some venues we love:
Key facts:
Bolzano airport ~ 1 h 30 mins / Venice Marco Polo Airport ~ 2hr 30 mins
Perfect for intimate weddings
Sleeps up to 20
A private luxury chalet you can hire exclusively
Set 1,700 meters up with jaw-dropping views
Why we love it:
We love how it’s beautiful in all seasons and you can arrange for a range of luxury services, including private chefs, butlers and excursions to make it a full experience for your guests.
Check out La Cesa Del Louf
Key facts:
In Magrè, Alto Adige
Bolzano airport ~ 30 mins / Verona airport ~ 1hr 22 mins
Up to 300 guests
In-house catering available for small weddings up to 60 guests
Palazzo or the barriccaia available in case of wet weather
Church short walk from the venue
Why we love it:
That it’s not trying to be anything else, Casòn Hirschprunn has a character and sense of place you simply can’t replicate, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Check out Cason Hirschprunn on La Lista
Lake Garda
Lake Garda might not have the hype of its bigger lake neighbours, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. Quiet towns, crystal-clear water, and cliffs that make every view feel like a postcard. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and totally unpretentious, the kind of place where your wedding feels naturally special, with golden afternoons and a backdrop that basically takes care of itself.
A venue we love:
Key facts:
Montichiari ~20 minutes / Verona ~45 mins
Up to 150 guests
A number of different accommodations close by
Plenty of wet weather option
Civil ceremony available on-site
Why we love it:
We love Convento dell’Annunciata for how effortlessly it balances romance and personality, a historic backdrop that still feels like a blank canvas for your wedding
Check out Convento dell'Annunciata on La Lista
Veneto
Veneto isn’t just Venice, beyond the canals and crowds, the region is full of hidden treasures from historic villas, charming medieval towns, and lakeside escapes that feel completely yours. It’s classic Italy, but quieter, more intimate, and romantic, giving couples the chance to build a celebration that’s uniquely theirs.
Some venues we love:
Key facts:
Verona airport ~ 40 mins
Up to 280 guests
Accommodation for 32 guests
Renaissance rooms or marquee in case of wet weather
Civil ceremony on-site
Why we love it:
From the hanging gardens that feel straight out of a fairytale to the frescoed rooms full of history. Every corner has a story, making it a wedding venue that’s as grand as it is completely unique.
Check out Castello Bevilacqua on La Lista
Key facts:
Venice airport ~ 1 hr 30 mins
Up to 500 guests
196 bedroom suites and rooms
Indoor rooms available in case of wet weather
A number of churches close by
Why we love it:
Golden beaches, sparkling sea views, and a short boat ride from Venice make this a wedding that feels like a true escape.
Check out Hotel Excelsior on La Lista
Logistics:
From a logistical perspective, northern Italy is extremely efficient, with excellent transport connections, high-level services, and well-structured suppliers. The presence of Venice International Airport, along with the airports of Treviso and Verona, is a key advantage—particularly for international weddings. ~ Viviana, Wedding in Cortina
Final note for your northern Italian wedding:
Northern Italy doesn’t feel like the rest of the country, and that’s exactly why we love it. Each corner has its own personality: the Dolomites are dramatic and alpine, Alto Adige feels sleek and vineyard-drenched, Lake Garda has a relaxed lakeside vibe, and Veneto’s castles and gardens are straight out of a storybook.
Book a wedding here and it’s not just a day, it’s a unique collection of experiences that feel totally distinct, like you’ve discovered multiple worlds in one region.
