Small Wedding in Italy

You’re dreaming of a wedding that feels deeply personal—a day that’s less about tradition and more about capturing yout unique love story.

Italy’s timeless beauty, romance, and charm have captured your heart, and you can already picture yourself saying your vows surrounded by breathtaking Italian scenery.

But as thrilling as the dream is, questions are starting to surface!

In this guide, let’s walk through everything you need to know, step-by-step, to turn your vision into reality.

You’ve decided that a traditional wedding back home just doesn’t excite or inspire you. Instead, you’re imagining a meaningful, lasting celebration with incredible photos that capture your love set against one of the many stunning backdrops Italy offers.

Now, you might be asking yourself: “Should we elope in Italy and keep this private, just the two of us, or should we invite a few close friends and family to share in the experience?”

This decision can feel tricky, but understanding the differences between an elopement and a small wedding in Italy can help you find the best fit for your vision.

We offer luxury elopement packages in Italy’s most scenic locations, and in most of these, we can customize the package to create a small wedding with your loved ones and guests.

Elopement: An elopement often includes just the couple, focusing exclusively on your love story. Imagine a breathtaking, secluded setting—whether it’s the romantic vineyards of Tuscany, the stunning cliff views of the Amalfi Coast, or overlooking the serene waters of Lake Como. Sometimes, eloping might include a handful of guests (up to 6), usually immediate family or close friends, to witness the moment.

Small and Intimate Wedding: If you’d like to bring a few more loved ones, a small wedding is perfect, as the guest list typically ranges from 8 to 20 people. This option keeps the intimate feel of an elopement but lets you add more traditional elements to the wedding day, like a reception with close family and friends. A small wedding in Italy strikes the perfect balance, offering a meaningful celebration without the extensive logistics of a larger event. Most importantly, you’re not giving up on the dream of a romantic Italian adventure—you’re simply bringing a few more people along to share the experience.

For many couples, the decision between an elopement and a small wedding comes down to budget. Here’s how the costs might compare:

Elopement Budget: Elopements are often more budget-friendly because they focus on the couple alone. With minimal guests, you can splurge on unique touches like a private Italian chef, an exclusive vineyard setting, or hiring Italy’s best elopement photographer for a luxury photo session. Eloping also means you don’t have to cover extensive guest arrangements, catering, and transportation, freeing up your budget for memorable details just for the two of you.

Small Wedding Budget: A small wedding has additional considerations, like catering, guest seating, and transportation for a limited group. While the costs are higher than a wedding for just the two of you, they remain manageable and allow for a luxurious, personalized experience. Couples planning a small wedding can invest in special details, such as live music, custom decor, and a special group dinner, making it a beautiful yet personal affair that reflects their style.

With an elopement, you’ll typically cover the costs yourself, making it a more personal investment. With a small wedding, however, you may receive some financial support from family or loved ones.

While guest accommodations are a consideration, it’s common for your guests to cover their own room and board, so this generally doesn’t impact your budget significantly.

Elopement: An elopement is all about you two and the beauty of Italy, letting you focus solely on each other in a beautiful setting. This choice gives you the freedom to exchange vows privately, explore scenic locales, and create moments that reflect your love story without following a traditional timeline.

Small Wedding: With a small wedding, you’ll have the joy of sharing this day with close family and friends. This option allows for shared experiences, like a group toast or a wedding reception, creating an intimate yet social atmosphere. A small wedding feels exclusive, giving you quality time with each guest while incorporating meaningful elements that make the day unforgettable, like a first dance or walking down the aisle with your loved ones.

Italy offers an endless variety of beautiful settings, from historic villas along Lake Como’s shores to centuries-old castles nestled in Tuscany’s rolling hills and olive groves.

Choosing the perfect spot for an intimate gathering means aligning your style with the right location, whether that’s a secluded, countryside villa or a vibrant, city-centered venue.

Italy’s regions each bring their unique charm, making them perfect for small, intimate weddings.

We offer tailored elopement packages throughout Italy so let’s take a look at some of Italy’s most captivating regions and what they offer. 

When planning an intimate wedding in Italy, one of the main cost differences compared to an elopement is the reception.

While both options celebrate your special day in stunning Italian settings, hosting a small wedding with guests requires additional budgeting for food, drink, and ambiance and maybe even a party!

• Food & Drink: Hosting a high-quality Italian meal, complete with regional wines, can range from €150-€350 per guest, creating a memorable dining experience for everyone in attendance.
• Decor & Florals: Enhancing the reception with elegant decor, candles, and floral arrangements typically costs between €2,000 and €5,000, allowing for a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere.
• Photography: Photography costs are slightly higher for a small wedding than for an elopement, as more coverage is needed. Unlike an elopement, where photography may conclude at dinner, a small wedding often includes additional moments like speeches, guest reactions, and a first dance, all of which require extended coverage.

Planning a wedding abroad can feel daunting, but with Italy’s leading elopement planner at your side you will benefit from our deep expertise and local connections across Italy, your journey becomes a seamless and exciting adventure. We bring your vision to life in Italy’s most breathtaking elopement destinations.

Our focus is on creating intimate, unforgettable events that capture your unique love story, all while managing every detail to perfection. We prioritize a stress-free experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the joy of your day, surrounded by those who matter most.

Should you have a much larger guest list fear not as you can always work with arguably the best wedding planner in Italy.

Our team handles all aspects of planning—from choosing the perfect time of year to elope in Italy to securing exclusive venues, assisting you with the legal steps to marry in Italy and coordinating with trusted local vendors to ensuring every detail aligns with your style and vision.

You can rest assured knowing that we’re here every step of the way, making your dream Italian wedding a reality.

Start planning your Italy wedding today and realize your ideal small destination wedding in Italy.