The Cost of a Wedding in Italy, the Land of Love

Destination weddings in Europe have a growing popularity. Italy is a much sought-after destination for international weddings as the climate is great, its beautiful landscapes are alluring and the environment offers the kind of romance that many couples looking for. Italy boasts a rich history, delicious cuisine, and exceptional wines, adding to its allure as a wedding destination.
There are plenty opportunities in Italy from beach and seaside weddings through historic and castle weddings to vineyard, villa or country house weddings. The choice is yours.
Northern Italy exudes an old-world charm with a mix of cultural attractions, while the cities and villages of Lake Como are brimming with art, fashion, and fine dining. Tuscany is a sought-after region for international weddings, while Southern Italy is renowned for its majestic mountains, tender valleys, and attractive coastline.
The best months to tie the knot in Italy are April, May, June, September, and October, as the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. August is extremely hot and locals take their vacations, resulting in many shops, restaurants, and hotels being closed. North Italy experiences cold and rainy winters, while Southern Italy is much warmer.
One of the first questions couples ask is how much it costs to get married in Italy. A wedding in Italy can range from 20,000 to 80,000 euros, depending on the number of guests and the quality of services provided. The three main expenses are the wedding dress, ceremony, and reception. However, a DIY wedding can help reduce costs and make for a budget-friendly yet beautiful event. Both luxury and budget weddings are on the rise in popularity in Italy.
Gone are the days where the bride’s and groom’s families covered the expenses of the wedding. Today, the bride and groom typically pay for the wedding themselves. In the past, the groom’s family would furnish the newlyweds’ house, pay for the wedding rings, bouquet, and honeymoon, while the bride was in charge of the wedding dress, reception, flowers, and photographer. These customs have changed, and now, the bride and groom often pay for their own wedding.

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Photo: Weigert Images, you can view the whole series here.

Wedding bells ringing in Italy come with a price tag, and in today’s world, you can expect to spend anywhere from 30-40,000 euros. Your main expenses will be the reception, which can cost anywhere from 5,000-15,000 euros, depending on the location and guest count. The next big expense will be the dress, which can range from 1,500-7,000 euros, followed by the ceremony itself.
The cost of your wedding in Italy will mainly depend on the number of guests you plan to invite. The more food and drinks consumed, the more you’ll have to spend, and a larger venue may be necessary for a bigger guest list.
Breaking down the costs for a 100-guest wedding in Italy:
The administrative expenses for getting married in Italy are not too high. You’ll need to obtain a Nulla Osta (civil document for foreign citizens) for approximately 50 euros and purchase a legal stamp for 15 euros to seal it. If you choose to get your Atto Notorio (attested affidavit) in Italy, additional fees will apply. A translator is also required during the ceremony, and you should factor in his/her fee as well.
For both the civil and religious ceremonies, you can expect to pay a ceremony fee, which ranges from 250-800 euros and varies by location. To save money, consider looking for civil venues outside of the larger cities, as they are often more affordable. Steering clear of tourist hotspots can also help cut costs.
Reception venues can range from free of charge in non-tourist areas to 1,500-5,000 euros in more popular, upscale locations. So, be sure to shop around and compare prices before making a final decision.

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Photo: Weigert Images, you can view the whole series here.

Catering, including the wedding cake, can cost anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 euros (50-150 euros/person), depending on the number of guests and menu options. An all-inclusive menu is a more cost-effective choice, as opposed to an a la carte menu which can be significantly more expensive with main courses costing upwards of 40 euros. Opting for a venue with an in-house kitchen is a smart financial decision. A traditional Italian wedding cake is often included in the catering package, however, if you desire an American-style cake, it could cost at least 500 euros.
The bride’s attire can range from 1,000 to 7,000 euros in Italy, with the veil adding an additional 180 to 2,000 euros. Shoes can cost anywhere from 100 to 1,000 euros, with lingerie and gloves adding another 200 to 1,000 euros to the bill. The groom’s outfit, including a suit costing between 500 to 4,000 euros and accessories costing 150 euros, along with shoes costing 100 to 600 euros, will also factor into the expenses. Hairstyling, makeup, and beauty treatments could cost 300 to 1,000 euros.
For capturing memories of your special day, you’ll want to consider a photographer or videographer. Wedding photography in Italy ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 euros, depending on the quality and additional extras, such as albums. If you’re looking for an international photographer or cinematographer with excellent value, consider us, Weigert Images. Please don’t hesitate to check our portfolio and contact us. On the other hand, wedding planners often offer overpriced photographers and take a commission, driving up the price. Wedding videography or cinematography can also be important for many couples. While a traditional wedding video with one camera may be cheaper, costing under 1,000 euros, wedding cinematography is the ultimate solution for those seeking a more elevated experience. The cost for a wedding film in Italy ranges from 1,200 to 4,000 euros and typically involves two cameramen recording your special day in high-quality, cinematic style.

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Photo: Weigert Images, you can view the whole series here.

From the invitations to the thank you cards, anticipate spending between 200-800 euros. You can impress your guests with a stylish ride, which can range from 500 to 1,500 euros for the day. Regarding musical entertainment, options are starting from 350 euros for a DJ or reaching 2,000 euros for a live band. A stunning bouquet for the bride is priced at 150-200 euros, while wedding rings can cost 350-1500 euros.
You can bring your wedding to life with enchanting floral arrangements, starting from 50 euros for the newlyweds’ car to 2,000 euros for the church, 300-1,200 euros for the hall, and 1,000-4,000 euros for the reception. If you choose local, seasonal flowers to elevate the beauty of your day, you can keep costs manageable.
Don’t forget to plan for the ultimate romantic getaway with a honeymoon budget of at least 1,000-5,000 euros. And don’t worry, as you will receive cherished gifts from your loved ones to offset some of the expenses.

Would you like more info on our wedding photography and wedding film services in Italy? Please, feel free to contact us.

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5 Comments
  • Sheila
    Posted at 08:22h, 10 January Reply

    I would welcome feedback from your goodselves
    Regarding total Costco of Indian wedding please simple version
    With 20 people pls

    • admin
      Posted at 08:40h, 10 January Reply

      Dear Sheila,

      thank you for your inquiry, I’ve just sent you an e-mail.

  • Elaine Patton
    Posted at 18:02h, 20 April Reply

    Thanks for the detailed post. One thing I must comment on is the costs of a simple wedding in Italy. I would say the administrative costs of a wedding in Italy is quite high comparatively. I paid $950 USD for just the atto notario in Rome, plus $100+ for various marci da bollo, dichiarazioni guidata and promesse. My fiancé has also paid hundreds of dollars for his documents. When you compare this to $35 for a marriage license in Beverly Hills or New York City, I’d say the administrative costs are VERY high and certainly a consideration. A conservative estimate for total costs for administrative and ceremony for a simple matrimonio Civile (a courthouse style wedding) would be $1500 USD vs $75 USD for a courthouse wedding in Beverly Hills.

    • admin
      Posted at 11:31h, 22 April Reply

      Thank you for the extra information!

  • Rick
    Posted at 08:24h, 09 July Reply

    This is a very helpful summary!
    I’m guy, and just got engaged a week ago. Were looking into Italy.

    Im going to use this list as a reference. You really helped a guy out! Thanks!

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