Getting married in Sicily? Here’s everything you need to know
Sicilian weddings are epic: think dramatic venues, authentic food, and a warm, vibrant culture. It’s pure magic. But — and this is a big but — if you’re coming from overseas, there are a few things you’ll want to know before diving in.
Photo: Faye Wilde Photography | Planner: Wiskow & White | Venue: Borgo del Carato
Why Sicily?
Sicily is a world of its own. Picture white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, dramatic mountains, and even an active volcano. Layer in ancient history, lively towns, and people who welcome you like family — it’s the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary wedding.
Where to start: Geography & Guest Experience
The golden rule of destination weddings: put your guests at the heart of it.
Palermo (Northwest Sicily) – Stunning coastlines, dramatic mountains, and venues ranging from grand villas to cliffside tonnaras (old tuna factories). Just outside the city you’ll find gems like La Tonnara di Scopello. Within an hour of Palermo, you’ve got a solid cluster of venues to explore.
Catania & the East Coast – Land here and within 1–2 hours you can be in Noto or Ortigia, two of the most beautiful and atmospheric towns in Italy. You’ll find epic countryside venues, sweeping coastlines, and the buzz of authentic Sicilian towns.
Tonnara di Scopello
Max Guests: 300
Airport: Palermo 40 mins
Accommodation: 15 apartments, 55 guests
Wet weather: Inside option but for 80-100 guests
Need-to-know: Walkable to Scopello and beaches. Incredible cave for after party
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Torre di Scopello
Max Guests: 250
Airport: Palermo 40 mins
Accommodation: On-site suites and local walkable options in Scopello
Wet weather: Options to be discussed with venue
Need-to-know: Guaranteed wow-factor cliff views. Venue can assist with vendors or open supplier policy
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Baglio Occhipinti
Max Guests: 180
Airport: Catania 1 hr
Accommodation: 12 rooms, 40 guests
Wet weather: Inside options
Need-to-know: Must be rented exclusively. Internal catering only
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La Chiusa Country House
Max Guests: Perfect for 100 (up to 300)
Airport: Catania 1 hr 10
Accommodation: 4 rooms, 8 guests on-site
Wet weather: Inside options
Need-to-know: Church available to use 800m away. Catering to be chosen from a selection of 7 suppliers
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Logistics tip
Infrastructure is solid around Palermo and Catania, but things move at a different pace than larger Italian cities. Some towns may only have one small supermarket, a couple of cafés, and limited hotels (often 3-star or below). Always double-check accommodation quality before committing.
We’’ll match you to your venue in 2 weeks
“We booked our venue within 4 weeks of the venue concierge with Lucy. She immediately understood and clarified our vision.” Kathryn + Graham
Book a 30-minute call with Lucy, founder of La Lista and expert wedding planner, to talk through your vision and priorities.
We’ll do the legwork for you — searching thousands of venues across Italy and shortlisting only those that match your style, budget, and guest needs.
Receive your tailored venue proposal, complete with detailed information, availability, and insider tips.
Bonus: get a clear budget forecast for your entire wedding.
Next steps made easy: we’ll connect you directly with your chosen venues and guide you through reviewing contracts with confidence.
Book a Venue Concierge Call now
The Planning Reality
Now, a little real talk. Sicily is stunning, but it comes with its quirks. Here’s what you need to know before booking:
Go with the flow. Sicilian weddings are long, lavish affairs. Expect late dinners, huge amounts of food, and a slower, more relaxed pace. Vendors will personalise, but you can’t totally reinvent the Sicilian template.
Vendor options are limited. This can simplify choices, but if you have very specific preferences (like certain florists, DJs, or photographers), you may need to fly people in.
Planning takes patience. Things happen more slowly than you might be used to. That doesn’t mean inattentive, just… Sicilian time.
Customised weddings are harder. Want a shorter dinner, full open bar, or a highly stylised aesthetic? It’s possible, but it takes serious effort and usually a planner with deep local connections.
Why You Need a Planner
You cannot pull off a Sicilian wedding without a planner who knows the ropes. Local expertise is everything here. You’ll need someone who:
Has strong vendor connections,
Can navigate the language and cultural nuances,
Is firm but collaborative, and
Can strike that balance between patience and persistence.
That can be a talented local or an experienced destination planner who regularly works in Sicily. We know some of the BEST…..check out our vetted planners now.
What to Budget
Here is a rough guide…..massive caveat: every wedding is different, every couple has different ideas on what styling looks like, the quality of food, the type of venue and amenities.
Average Budget:
For 3 days of events + full vendor team: expect €1.5k–€2k per guest all-in
This is with guests reimbursing you for their rooms i.e. paying for their own accommodation to stay at the venue.
Tighter Budget:
For 3 days of events + full vendor team: around €1k per guest,
You’ll need to compromise with lower-cost vendors and less styling and ‘extras’.
Remember: while venues and catering can be more affordable than in other parts of Italy, the extras add up fast.
If your dream is ease, lots of guest options, and highly customised details on a tight budget — Sicily isn’t the right fit.
If you want authenticity, charm, and a wedding where your vendors truly care, Sicily delivers!
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