Florence, Italy
Destination wedding guide
Florence offers Renaissance palaces, Arno riverside terraces, and some of Italy's finest cuisine — a city wedding destination that feels like stepping into a painting.
By Plana Editorial
Updated
Italy
What makes it special
The full picture
Florence is Tuscany's cultural anchor and appeals to couples who want Old World romance without leaving the city. Unlike the surrounding countryside — which is better for rustic villa weddings — Florence delivers Renaissance architecture, museum-grade backdrops, and a walkable old town where guests can extend their stay into a proper vacation.
The Palazzo Vecchio hosts legal civil ceremonies in rooms that predate most countries, and private palazzi throughout the city rent for receptions of 80 to 180 guests. For smaller weddings, private garden terraces along the Arno or in Oltrarno neighborhoods offer intimate settings with Duomo or Ponte Vecchio views.
Pair Florence with a countryside villa stay for a hybrid celebration — ceremony in the city, reception at a Tuscan estate, or vice versa.
Marriage requirements
Civil weddings in Florence are legally binding for foreigners with the proper documents (nulla osta, translated and apostilled). The city offers several historic civil ceremony rooms, including at Palazzo Vecchio.
Where to actually celebrate
Renaissance palazzi
Private gardens and terraces
Historic civil ceremony rooms (Palazzo Vecchio)
Boutique hotels with rooftop venues
Arno riverside restaurants
From people who’ve done it
- 01
Book Palazzo Vecchio civil ceremonies 12+ months out — it is the most popular legal venue in Tuscany.
- 02
Pair the city ceremony with a countryside reception for variety and photography range.
- 03
Warn guests about summer heat and cobblestone streets — formal heels are uncomfortable, and July/August can exceed 95°F.
Frequently asked
Can foreigners legally marry in Florence?
Yes. Florence accepts civil marriages for foreigners who provide a nulla osta (statement of no impediment) from their home country, translated into Italian and apostilled. The process is well-documented and many local planners specialize in handling it.
Is Florence better than the Tuscan countryside for weddings?
Different. Florence offers architectural grandeur and walkability; the countryside offers space, views, and pastoral romance. Many couples combine both — a Florence ceremony and a villa reception — for the strongest experience.
What is the best month to get married in Florence?
May, June, September, and early October are ideal — warm but not oppressive, with strong evening light. July and August are too hot for comfortable outdoor events.
