Wedding in Tuscany at Villa San Michele Belmond

There is no lack of magnificent spots for weddings in Italy’s majestic Tuscany region. However, Villa San Michele is the ideal destination for a wedding if you want a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime experience.

It’s a charming location for a couple planning a luxury Italian wedding in Florence. The picturesque property, located in the Tuscan hills of Fiesole (just minutes from Florence by car), is full of secluded areas, opulent accents, and breathtaking surroundings. These are easily adaptable to extravagant wedding celebrations of every kind, from small-group get-togethers to using the villa exclusively for extravagant events with up to 200 guests.

History Of Villa San Michele

Villa San Michele is a historic hotel in Florence, in Italy, built in the early 20th century by the Italian architect Leopoldo Pecori Giraldi and was originally a private villa belonging to the Medici family. 

The backstory…In the 1950s, it was converted from a 15th-century monastery into a posh resort with a façade reportedly designed by Michelangelo—it was a setting where Medicis went to confess their sins, next to a park where Leonardo da Vinci allegedly tested his flying machine—boasting 46 enormous rooms and suites featuring private terraces and unparalleled views of the Tuscan capital, making it absolutely majestic.

Set atop a hill in Florence’s picturesque Fiesole district, with its stunning views of the city and surrounding Tuscan hillsides, the Villa San Michele is the perfect place to exchange vows. And the friendly staff creates the most wonderful environment, including pampering you with down-to-earth royal treatment.

Our experienced wedding planners will work with you to tailor-make your special day, ensuring that every detail is taken care of. From finding the perfect space for your ceremony to arranging transportation for your guests, our staff will take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy your big day.

A Celebrity Wedding Venue

If you’re searching for a unique and unforgettable Tuscany wedding venue that’s fit for royalty or celebrities, this is it! The Villa San Michele has a long history as a wedding venue and has hosted many famous weddings and guests over the years (including Prince Charles and Camilla). 

Some of the most notable weddings that have taken place at the Villa San Michele include the marriage of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 1964 and the wedding of Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti in 1966. 

And Sting and Trudie Styler were married at the Villa San Michele in 1992. And more recently, Kim and Kanye’s bridal party relaxed and stayed at Villa San Michele in Fiesole for the couple’s lavish wedding. 

Can’t you imagine saying “I Do” in a place where celebrities have also tied the knot?

A villa surrounded by lush green plants, set in a picturesque landscape for a wedding in Tuscany at Villa San Michele Belmond.

A Gorgeous Italian Wedding place

This renaissance wonder sits atop a hill in Florence, offering stunning views of the city and the Arno river below. The hotel grounds are beautifully landscaped and feature numerous sculptures and fountains. The property also includes a chapel often used for wedding ceremonies. Villa San Michele is an excellent choice if you want a truly unique and memorable wedding venue in Italy. 

The light over the Arno Valley is captivating at any time of day. You can seal your union beneath soft pink Tuscan skies with a view of the maze of Florentine streets below. Exchange your intimate vows beneath the shade of aromatic lemon trees in the sun-dappled gardens. Or get married inside the 15th-century arched façade while the sun sets outside in a blazing amber. A wedding at Villa San Michele conjures up the unforgettable romance of the Renaissance era; it’s simply perfect.

The venue offers various services and amenities to make your wedding day perfect. And features 46 rooms, each unique in its way but all featuring antique furnishings and an emphasis on comfort and pampering guests throughout your stay. 

And it’s home to several gorgeous event spaces ideal for hosting your reception. The Loggia dei Lanzi overlooks the cityscape and provides a dramatic backdrop for an unforgettable evening, while the Terrazza Delle Rose is a beautifully landscaped garden terrace perfect for al fresco dining. 

It’s the perfect destination for a wedding experience where you can host multiple events over several days. From a welcome party to a rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, and reception to a farewell brunch, the Villa San Michele can host them all.

Whichever space you choose, you can be sure that your guests will be impressed by the breathtaking views.

The Wedding

When it comes to getting married at the Villa San Michele Hotel, there are a few things that you can expect. First and foremost, the venue is absolutely stunning and unforgettable. Undoubtedly, your wedding guests will be mesmerized by the enchanting grounds and impeccable service. 

Photo backdrop locations are available at every turn, which creates an excellent opportunity for having family portraits created. So, you may want to take advantage of your time there by hiring a professional photographer to document these memories on film for eternity. It’s truly an experience that will be cherished for a lifetime. 

It’s lavish, historical, and unique, offering an incredible experience for all. It is nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the wedding hotel in Florence with the most awe-inspiring views. With its manicured gardens and incredible architecture, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot for weddings, so you may want to book your date well in advance. 

We recommend booking a year out or at least six months ahead of time so that you can secure your dream date and wedding. Trust us; it’ll be worth it!

A table and chairs on a patio with mountain views, ideal for a wedding at Villa San Michele Belmond in Tuscany.

Important Things To Consider

When planning a wedding at this gorgeous villa, you must consider a few essential things. Here is a complete guide to help you plan the perfect wedding at this stunning hotel.

The first thing you need to do is decide on your wedding date. The location is a popular Italian wedding venue, so booking your date well in advance is important. Once you set your date, you can start planning the rest of your wedding.

The next thing you need to think about is your guest list. The Villa San Michele Hotel can accommodate up to 200 guests, so make sure to invite everyone you want to attend. If you’re having a smaller wedding, the hotel also has smaller event spaces that may be more suitable for your needs.

Now that you have your date and the guest list sorted, it’s time to start thinking about the details of your wedding. We’ll reserve you several packages available, so be sure to ask what’s included. You’ll also need to decide on wedding catering, flowers, music, decorations, and any additional events you may want to host.

What Type of Ceremony Can You Choose?

There are many different types of wedding ceremonies you can choose from when getting married here. If you are looking for a traditional ceremony, you can opt for a Catholic or Protestant service. Both of these services will be conducted by an officiant in front of your guests. 

If you are looking for something a little more unique, you can opt for a humanist ceremony conducted by either a celebrant or an officiant. This type of ceremony is non-religious and focuses on the couple’s love for each other. You can also choose to have a civil ceremony, which a mayor or magistrate conducts. Again, this ceremony is secular and not affiliated with any religion.

Restaurant featuring tables and chairs with a city view, designed for wedding receptions at Villa San Michele Belmond.

Wedding Receptions

There are many breathtaking reception areas at the Hotel, including an outdoor terrace with stunning views of Florence, the city’s skyline, and the surrounding Tuscan hillsides. In addition, various spaces can be transformed indoors to suit your vision, from elegant ballrooms to more comfortable lounge areas.

Whether you’re looking for an intimate setting for close family and friends or a grand venue for a lavish celebration, is sure you’ll have the perfect space.

How To Get There

The best way to get to the Villa is by car. However, if you are coming from out of town, you can take a bus to Florence, and then a taxi or Uber to the villa. But if you want a truly unforgettable experience, arrive via the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll experience a world of timeless luxury aboard the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express, making it the most enjoyable way to get to the villa.

If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful setting for your wedding, look no further than Villa San Michele.

With its stunning views of the Tuscan countryside and its elegant architecture, it’s sure to make your wedding day unforgettable. And with our experienced staff to help with every detail, you can rest assured that your big day will go off without a hitch. So contact us today to start planning your dream wedding.

Discover the most suggestive Italian venues, chosen by the couples that have planned their destination wedding with us: Top Wedding Locations in Italy.

Wedding at Palazzo Pfanner – Lucca, Tuscany

Planning a wedding in Tuscany is no easy feat. There are so many details to think about, not to mention the seemingly never-ending list of things to do before the big day arrives. One of the biggest things couples struggle with is finding a venue that fits their style and personality.

Luckily, we’ve done all the research for you and found Palazzo Pfanner in Lucca, Italy. And it’s a showstopper!

Lucca is a city located in the central part of Italy in the Tuscany region. It is about an hour’s drive from Florence and Pisa, making it an ideal location for weddings. It’s surrounded by medieval walls, which makes it unique and picturesque. But also inspires your imagination to think of all the history and memories created there long before your “I Do’s.”

There’s just something magical about the Tuscany region. 

The Wedding Of A Lifetime: Planning The Perfect Wedding In Lucca.

The Palazzo Pfanner is a beautiful Baroque-style building built in the 17th century. It is one of the most famous and historical buildings in the city. It has a large ballroom and a magnificent staircase. It is the perfect place to have a fairytale wedding in Lucca. 

If you are looking for a breathtaking and romantic setting for your wedding, look no further than Palazzo Pfanner.

The Palazzo’s street-facing front is identical to that of every other building in Lucca. But as soon as you go inside, it’s evident that it’s genuinely unique.

A view of the nearby Baroque Italian Garden is framed by a series of tall arches on the ceiling of the entrance hall. From this vantage point, you can also see the vast open staircase leading to the second story.

Because of the open layout, even when one is safely inside the walls of the Palazzo, it still feels as though they are outdoors.

The Italian Garden at Palazzo Pfanner is an absolute marvel to stroll through, especially since it’s the only one inside the city walls. In the center of the garden is the octagonal pond and fountain, surrounded by allegorical statues of Mercury, Bacchus, Poseidon, and Anfitrite (Poseidon’s Wife). 

The garden is divided into several walkways, each leading you to a more private area of the park to enjoy and decorated with seasonal flowers. It’s truly a sight to behold and is a beautiful setting for your Tuscany wedding ceremony, reception, and portraits. 

Statues in the garden of Palazzo Pfanner, enhancing the romantic atmosphere for a wedding celebration.

What Is Palazzo Pfanner?

Palazzo Pfanner is a beautiful wedding venue in Italy’s heart. This palazzo is the perfect setting for an unforgettable and romantic wedding day. It offers various services to make your wedding day perfect, from catering to flowers to music. They also have a bridal suite where you can prepare for your big day in luxury.

With its grand staircase and entrance hall with arched ceilings, accented with a lovely view of a lavishly lush garden, the courtyard appears to be designed explicitly for hosting festivities.

Essential Facts About Palazzo Pfanner

When it comes to wedding venues, Palazzo Pfanner is truly a hidden gem.

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this picturesque venue offers everything you need to make your dream wedding come true. From its stunning architecture and lush gardens to its attentive staff and world-class amenities, is the perfect place to exchange vows and celebrate your love. Here are just a few of the reasons why this venue should be at the top of your list: 

The Venue: First and foremost, the venue itself is absolutely breathtaking. Palazzo Pfanner was built in the 17th century and has been meticulously restored to its original glory. The property features a beautiful outdoor courtyard where you can Exchange vows surrounded by towering cypress trees and an indoor ballroom perfect for hosting your reception. No matter what time of year you choose to get married, it will provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding in Tuscany. 

The Experience: One of our favorite reasons to choose this majestic mansion in Lucca for your wedding is the experience that all will have. We consider weddings at the Palazzo Pfanner as “progressive-style” events. What does this mean? From the moment your guests arrive, they will move around the venue, taking in all the sights, sounds, smells, and history. 

Each room tantalizes the senses with unique artwork, exquisite decor, antique furnishings, and memories – no two rooms are alike, creating a progressive environment.

Because the palace is grand and there is so much to see and absorb, it inspires your guests to progressively move from room to room and wander through the gardens feeling the love and celebration of your special day.

This is a progressive-style wedding venue for those reasons, and the result is an incredibly unforgettable experience. 

Do you love Tuscany for your wedding? Great, take a look at these other venues!

Scenic garden of Palazzo Pfanner, adorned with flowers, perfect for a wedding event.

Floor Plan Of The Palace

When planning your wedding in this palace, it is essential to know the floor plan. This will help you to plan your wedding ceremony and reception so that everything flows smoothly. The following is a floor plan of the palace:

  • The first floor of the palace is where the grand staircase is located. This is a beautiful spot for an intimate wedding ceremony and portraits. 
  • The second floor is where the ballroom is located. This is an ideal spot for your wedding reception. It is grand, luxurious, and filled with ancient memories, ready to add your wedding memories to its repertoire. 
  • The third floor is where the guest rooms are located. This is an excellent spot for your guests to stay during your wedding weekend. 
  • The gardens are one of the best features of the estate and can be used for your ceremony and reception. 
The big fountain at palazzo Pfanner with greece goddess statues, water splashes and plants

How To Get There

The first step to planning the perfect wedding at Palazzo Pfanner is getting there! The good news is that the venue is located in a very central and convenient location.

Lucca is situated in the Tuscan region of Italy, just a short drive from both Florence and Pisa. If you’re flying into the country, the closest airport is Galileo Galilei Airport, which is about a 45-minute drive from the venue.

Once you’ve arrived in Lucca, getting to the location is a breeze. The venue is right in the city’s heart, just a short walk from some of the city’s most popular attractions.

When it comes to planning your wedding day transportation, there are plenty of options available. You can take a private car or limousine or take advantage of the city’s public transportation system.

No matter how you choose to get there, one thing is for sure – this will be the perfect Italian location for your unforgettable wedding day!

What can you expect

After the ceremony, it’s time to celebrate! Your guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the palazzo’s gardens before moving inside for dinner and dancing. The reception will be held in one of the palazzo’s grand halls, and you’ll have a chance to explore all the beautiful rooms during the evening. 

When it’s time to say goodbye, you and your guests can be treated to a spectacular firework display over the palazzo. It’s sure to be a night you’ll never forget!

Photos Credits: Facibeni Fotografia

An Italian Wedding Reception To Remember

If you’re looking for a reception venue that will wow your guests, look no further than Palazzo Pfanner. This stunning venue offers exquisite food and wine, set against the backdrop of a beautiful Italian palazzo.

Your guests will be treated to a sumptuous banquet of delicious food and wine; all served in the palazzo’s gorgeous dining room. And afterwards, they can enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the picturesque city of Lucca.

With its stunning setting, delicious food, and wine, it is sure to make your reception an unforgettable event.

Italy is the country of love, with thousands of wedding venues. But if you’re looking for one that wraps all the beauty of Tuscany, history, unbelievable decor, luxury finishes, and an experience no one will ever forget – Palazzo Pfanner is the best! So if you’re ready to start planning your wedding in Italy give us a call

We’re happy to help you with the biggest and smallest of details.