Top 6 Northern Italy Wedding Venues, from a Vow Coach & Officiant

As a vow writing coach and ceremony planner, I believe the venue you choose as the backdrop for your ceremony is critical to a celebration truly representative of your love. You and your guests want to be immersed in the setting, and the location plays a crucial role in the experience of your wedding and its related celebrations. During my time as a wedding professional, I’ve had multiple clients who have chosen Italy for their nuptials, and it’s obvious why. With a rich history, gorgeous landscapes, and a colorful, layered culture that can vary from region to region, Italy has earned its spot as one of the top destination wedding locations. Each part of the country has something new to offer. 

Of course, no one blog could do this entire country justice. Thus, in this blog I will be exploring Italy’s northern parts, from Cinque Terre to Venice and everywhere in between, as part of a series of blogs exploring the world’s best wedding destinations. If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience at one of the world’s most frequented wedding destinations, you have come to the right place. Here are my top six wedding venues in Northern Italy. 

Villa Marigola – Lerici

We begin our journey on the west coast of Northern Italy in Lerici, a part of the province of La Spezia not far from Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thus, it goes without saying that there’s a lot of history to be found here, and this villa is no exception. 

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Villa Marigola’s main building originates from the eighteenth century, when it was once the vacation home of the Marquises Ollandini. For nearly two centuries, it has been home to lush gardens and stunning ocean views. In fact, this stretch of sea is often called “The Gulf of Poets” due to frequent visits from historic, influential poets such as Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley. With the pleasant year-round climate and the waves of the Mediterranean Sea seemingly whispering words of affirmation, it’s no surprise that these writers came here for some inspiration. 

Now an event venue, it hosts experienced staff that are consistently dedicated to making the celebration of your love something to be remembered. Its main event hall has 160 seats, and its sheer beauty makes it a consistently impressive place to make your commitment to your spouse. 

Villa Erba – Lake Como 

Another gorgeous body of water that Italy has to offer is Lake Como, located at the very top and center of northern Italy. With a history that can be traced back to the year 966, this venue combines a rich and storied past with your dreams and the celebration of your future. It’s been used for many prestigious events, and with its spectacular waterfront views, this is no surprise. The hall at the heart of this historic villa is a jaw-dropping location for your ceremony and reception, and this is just one of the possibilities on its sprawling grounds. 

In addition to being a stone’s throw away from luxury hotel Villa D’Este, Villa Erba collaborates with Italian vendors and businesses to help bring your vision to life in a way that makes the venue shine. Depending on which room you choose, the venue can accommodate anywhere from 80 to 500 people inside. The experienced venue staff and the endlessly gorgeous Lake Como will work together to make your celebration absolutely unforgettable, for you and however many guests you choose. 

Grand Hotel Tremezzo – Lake Como 

I would be remiss if I pulled you away from Lake Como after just one venue. This location has a special place in my heart, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo makes it obvious why. This five-star, Art Nouveau-style hotel built in the 1910s adds a modern touch while still carrying over a century of stories. 

In addition to up to 30 rooms and suites for you and your guests — along with luxurious accommodations and stunning views — the hotel provides multiple options for your festivities. Symbolic ceremonies can take place in the hotel’s lush garden, and the welcome aperitif can be served on the terrace, which the hotel staff is able to enclose in glass on chillier days for the comfort of your guests. Lunch or dinner can take place in one of two splendid halls, and it’s possible to dance the night away at the wine bar until midnight. Depending on the date and time of your wedding and which options you choose, the venue can host from 40 to 110 guests. 

Isola del Garda- Lake Garda

Not far from Lake Como lies Lake Garda, home to Isola Del Garda, an intimate venue that can host events from 50-100 guests, depending on whether you host your wedding in the Loggia or the greenhouse in the gardens. Located on a small island just off the mainland, Isola Del Garda is home to a spectacular historic castle, a lush garden, and a terrace with dazzling views of the sparkling water.

Not only that, this venue is unique in that guests arrive by private boat, making the journey to the island from one of the nearby hotels on the day of your wedding all the more magical. You and your guests get to experience the invigorating lake up close and personal, taking in the rich smells and gentle sounds. The venue also collaborates with a variety of vendors, such as expert catering services, and it’s possible if not guaranteed to have exclusive use of the entire island. When you combine privacy with spectacle, what’s not to love? 

Castel Brando – Cison di Valmarino

Another venue within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castel Brando is one of the largest and oldest castles in the entire continent of Europe. Nestled between Venice and the Dolomites, this venue offers stunning mountain views, a spa, and accommodations for you and your guests, just to name a few. It is home to various event spaces, including the Sansovino Theatre, which can seat up to 100 guests, and the Tenda Theatre, which can host a grand total of 600. 

Here, you can involve your guests in immersive experiences, such as wine-tasting or a visit to one of the bars or restaurants. If you and your spouse are interested in history, there are also museums for you to explore. With the privacy of the wilderness but close proximity to the City of Love, the possibilities are endless. 

Gritti Palace – Venice 

If you’re looking for a busier city to bear witness to the celebration of your love, look no further than the Gritti Palace. Located within the City of Love itself, directly on the Grand Canal, this luxury hotel and event venue is home to rare antique furnishings and a number of modern amenities. Additionally, this venue boasts seven rooms, with the largest one capable of hosting 100 guests. As for accommodations, the hotel features a variety of suites with unique features, one including the largest rooftop terrace in the city.

Surrounded by possibilities, culture, and gorgeous scenery, you and your guests are certain to have an unforgettable experience. For you and your spouse, this is something you can extend into your honeymoon, return to on your anniversaries, and enjoy endlessly in your memories.