Planning a Destination Wedding in Italy

Why choose a destination wedding in Italy instead of getting married at home?

A destination wedding in Italy offers a unique combination of romance, history, landscapes, and world-class cuisine. Instead of a single-day event, couples can transform their wedding into a shared multi-day experience with family and friends. Italy allows you to slow down, spend quality time together, and celebrate in a setting rich in culture and beauty. At Castello di Petrata, your wedding becomes a complete Italian experience in Umbria, not just a ceremony and reception.

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Is it difficult to plan a destination wedding in Italy from abroad?

No. Planning a destination wedding in Italy from the US is very manageable with the right venue and local support.
At Castello di Petrata, we provide in-house wedding planning and concierge services, regular video calls, and clear timelines. Couples are guided step by step through logistics, vendors, guest experience, and scheduling, making the process transparent and reassuring even from abroad.

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How far in advance should we book a destination wedding in Italy?

For peak season dates (May through mid-October), we recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for weekend weddings. Venues offering accommodation and exclusive use tend to book early.
Midweek weddings usually offer greater flexibility and, in some cases, better value.

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What is the best time of year for a destination wedding in Italy?

The most popular months are May, June, September, and early October, thanks to mild temperatures and beautiful landscapes. April and late October are excellent alternatives for couples seeking fewer tourists and a quieter atmosphere. July and August are warmer but work well for evening celebrations and multi-day weddings with pool access.

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Questions About Castello di Petrata

What makes Castello di Petrata different from other wedding venues in Italy?

Castello di Petrata is a historic castle in Umbria, just outside Assisi, specializing in destination weddings for American and international couples.
We offer full buy-out, on-site accommodation, in-house catering, and internal wedding planning. Managing the key elements of the wedding directly allows us to guarantee consistency, flexibility, and a smooth experience.

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Do you offer exclusive use of the venue?

Yes. All weddings at Castello di Petrata are full buy-out weddings.
The entire property, including gardens, terraces, and common areas, is reserved exclusively for you and your guests for the duration of your stay.

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What is the minimum and maximum number of guests?

The minimum number of guests is 50, which allows us to deliver the full destination wedding experience.
We can host up to 200 guests for a seated wedding reception. Most weddings range between 50 and 120 guests, which is ideal for multi-day celebrations.

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Food & Beverage

Is catering included or can we bring an external caterer?

All weddings at Castello di Petrata include in-house catering.
Food is a core part of our destination wedding in Italy experience. All meals are prepared on site, using seasonal and local ingredients, ensuring quality, flexibility, and authentic Italian cuisine tailored to international guests.

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Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?

Yes. We regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose-free, allergy-related, and religious dietary requirements.
This is very common for international weddings, and our kitchen team is highly experienced in managing diverse needs without compromising quality.

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How does the open bar work during the wedding?

The wedding reception includes a defined open bar period (usually 2 hours).
For additional hours, the most flexible option is bar service by consumption, where only cocktails with spirits are counted. Professional bartenders are always included.
Open bar calculations are usually based on 70–80% of guests.

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Are flowers included in the menu or wedding package?

No. Flowers are never included in the catering or venue fees and are handled separately through a florist chosen by the couple.

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Ceremony Options & Legal Aspects

What types of wedding ceremonies can we have in Italy?

Couples can choose between:

Symbolic ceremonies held on site at Castello di Petrata

Religious ceremonies in historic churches in Assisi

Civil ceremonies at the Municipality of Assisi

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Can you help us with a Catholic or religious ceremony?

Yes. We can connect couples with a local priest experienced with foreign couples.
The preparation and legal documentation are handled by an external professional specialized in religious weddings for international couples. This service is separate from our in-house wedding planning, as it requires specific expertise.

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Is a legal marriage in Italy complicated for US citizens?

Legal civil or religious marriages in Italy require specific documentation.
For this reason, many couples choose a symbolic ceremony in Italy and complete the legal process at home. If you wish to proceed with a legal ceremony, we will put you in contact with an experienced professional who will guide you through every step.

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Day Before & Day After Events

Can we organize events before and after the wedding day?

Yes, and we highly recommend it. A destination wedding in Italy is best enjoyed over multiple days.
Popular options include welcome dinners (pizza party or BBQ), pool parties, farewell brunches, cooking classes, wine tastings, and truffle hunting experiences.

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Are pre- and post-wedding events held in different areas of the venue?

Yes. We intentionally use different areas of the property for each event so that every day feels unique.
Events may take place in the gardens, terraces, pool area, castle interiors, or the Limonaia.

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Are drinks included during welcome dinners and BBQ events?

Yes. During welcome dinners and BBQ events, drinks are included for 2 hours and typically include wine, prosecco, Aperol/Limoncello/Hugo Spritz, beer, and soft drinks.
After the included period, guests may continue with a cash bar or the couple may choose to cover additional consumption.

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Accommodation at the Castle & Nearby

How many guests can stay on site at Castello di Petrata?

Castello di Petrata offers 22 rooms, accommodating approximately 45–50 guests on site.
These rooms are ideal for close family and friends.

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What about accommodation for additional guests?

The town of Assisi is located 10 minutes from the venue and offers a wide range of boutique hotels and accommodations.
Through our concierge service, we manage room blocks, guest bookings, payments, and transfers.

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Can guests pay for their own rooms?

Yes. Guests can pay for their accommodation directly, and the amount paid is deducted from the exclusive-use fee, helping reduce the overall wedding cost.

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Travel & Logistics

How do guests get to Castello di Petrata?

Castello di Petrata is easily accessible from Rome and Florence airports.
We can organize private or group transfers for guests arriving by plane or train.

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Do guests need to rent a car?

No. Many guests rely on organized transfers during the wedding weekend and do not need to rent a car.

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Is Italy a good destination for older guests or families?

Yes. Italy, and Umbria in particular, is well suited for guests of all ages.
The relaxed pace, excellent food, walkable historic towns, and on-site accommodation make it comfortable for families and older guests alike.

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