Weddings in Italy are increasingly becoming not only a vacation but also a wedding destination. Event manager and wedding organizer of Caramel Events Riga agency Julia Pumpe is convinced that Italy is one of the most beautiful countries for a destination wedding and also recommends it for couples who have not yet decided on their wedding venue. Although, when thinking about a wedding in Italy, the first associations that Tuscan scenes and luxurious villas on the shores of Lake Como or Garda come to mind, but Julia especially The region of Liguria, located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea.

Liguria – another pearl of Italy

Wedding organizer Julia Pumpe had a unique opportunity to travel the Liguria region together with excellent wedding organizers from all over Europe - London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna and Lisbon. “Portofino, Cinque Terre, Santa Margherita - Lovers of Italy must have heard of these stunning places.

However, as reality shows, Liguria does not end there, and in this region it is possible to find real pearls by a wedding in Italy, moreover, the prices are even similar to some manors in Latvia," says Jūlija.

"The Liguria region is definitely worth considering as an option for a wedding outside of Latvia. Luxurious villas and manors, high quality level, wide range of services, location next to the sea.

Although there are no direct flights to Genoa from Riga, it is still possible to fly to Milan and further by train or car to reach the desired destination within a few hours, or go to Nice airport and drive from there towards Liguria," says Julia about the advantages of the region.

Away ceremonies in Italy must be coordinated

Julia states that, when planning a wedding in Italy, you should take into account that the legislation of this country does not allow holding the official away ceremony anywhere.

To organize an official marriage ceremony, the venue must obtain permission from the local municipality.

"I stayed at the Grand Hotel Miramare, which has such rights. The beautiful terrace with sea view, while dinner can be served in the garden by the pool or in bad weather - under the glass on the terrace.

The hotel restaurant has a high quality of food and the prices of the wedding menu with wine and aperitif start from 120 euros per person. I also stayed in one of the most luxurious places, which is also suitable for very large weddings - La Cervara . It used to be an abbey and is located on the cliffs with a panoramic view of the sea, surprising with its own splendor and dimensions.

The place of the ceremony resembles the shots of a famous movie: the bride and groom say yes while looking at the sea.

I also really liked the terrace overlooking the geometric garden, where it is possible to place one long table and arrange romantic wedding dinner for 30-50 wedding guests. Of course, you also have to take into account the high costs - La Cervara is one of the most expensive places in this region to celebrate a wedding in Italy.” says Julia.

The Italians' different perception of weddings

Another estate that did not leave Julia indifferent was Villa Durazzo. “The villa has a beautiful garden where you can to hold both a ceremony and a traditional Italian pre-dinner buffet “aperitif”. The villa garden is even included On the list of the most beautiful gardens in Italy, it is therefore ideal for holding a ceremony. On the other hand, dinner is it is possible to organize in one of the halls of the villa. Such an interior will appeal to those who choose classics and want it very much elegant and fun celebration.

"Italians' understanding of weddings is much different from Latvians. The reason for this is the hot weather in summer. The ceremony usually takes place around 17:00, followed by a two-hour aperitif, and only after 20:00 when it's not so hot anymore, guests are invited to the dinner table," says Julija.

Everything for the wedding table from local farms

The Villa L’ESEDRA di Santo Stefano in Sestri Levante surprised Julia with its old-fashioned charm and a garden where orange, lemon and other trees grow. "Maybe someone would think that it would be necessary to restore territory, paint the walls, replace the paving of the paths, but it is precisely the villa's imperfect order that has its own special magic.

The complex offers several places for the ceremony, as well as a very beautiful church right next to it, where there is possible to get married.

It is also unique that almost all the food served is produced on a local farm: olive oil, pesto, cured meat, cheeses, home-baked bread and other unique flavors," recalls Júlija.

Wedding and honeymoon Cinque Terre

One of the most famous places in the Liguria region that nature lovers go to is the Natural Park Cinque Terre . Not far from the town of Monterosso, there is another delightful villa with a breathtaking view on the hill sea view. This is one of the most beautiful places to celebrate a wedding in Italy.

“ Villa Eremo della Maddalena can accommodate both small weddings and parties of 100 people. I especially liked the green area in front of the villa. It is ideal for outdoor weddings.

The villa offers ample leisure opportunities the next day as well. It was so quiet and beautiful in this place that I didn't want to drive away

I really envy the couples who will be able to get married there - it will definitely be unforgettable," Julia is sure. At this particular region is so beautiful that a wedding in Italy can definitely be combined with enjoying a honeymoon.

Photo: PAOLA CALAMARA, PINTEREST

Author of the article: LIENE PÄLĆA