Getting Married in Umbria

As a wedding photographer with over ten years of experience throughout Italy, I've had the privilege of capturing hundreds of love stories in breathtaking locations. But in recent years, there's one region that has completely won me over — and is quickly becoming the destination of choice for the most discerning international couples: Umbria.

If you're searching for the perfect setting for your dream wedding, let me show you why Umbria has become the "new Tuscany" — with all the charm of its famous neighbour, but without the crowds and at more accessible prices.

The Green Heart of Italy: A Perfect Natural Stage

Umbria, known as the "green heart of Italy", offers breathtaking landscapes that look like Renaissance paintings. Gentle rolling hills, dotted with ancient medieval villages and centuries-old cypresses, create a natural backdrop that makes every wedding photograph a work of art.

Unlike Tuscany, which is often crowded with tourists, Umbria still retains that authentic, intimate character that makes every celebration truly special. Here, time seems to have stood still, allowing couples to live their most important day in a magical, intimate atmosphere.

Villas, Castles and Fairytale Villages

Umbria boasts some extraordinary historic estates, capable of blending centuries-old charm with contemporary refinement.

Villa Torre Collevento

Commanding views over Orvieto with its sole surviving 16th-century tower, Villa Torre Collevento blends Franciscan mysticism with noble luxury. It's the perfect setting for a destination wedding: with breathtaking panoramas over Orvieto and the Umbrian countryside, and why not, a toast in the ancient secret Etruscan cellar. The atmosphere is intimate, iconic and deeply rooted in Umbria's timeless allure.

It was right here that I had the privilege of telling the story of Victoire and Joulie — a wedding that united 16th-century charm with the emotion of two people in love. Discover their story →

Castello di Montignano

For those seeking something even more historic, Umbria offers castles beyond imagination. Imposing, ancient structures, reimagined for grand events yet preserving their timeless charm.

Castello di Montignano is a medieval village dating back to 962 AD, located in Massa Martana, transformed into a refined Relais de charme. It harmoniously combines stone architecture, modern design, an exclusive SPA and panoramic gardens. It's the perfect choice for a destination wedding, offering exclusive use of the entire venue, allowing you to host your guests in an intimate, timeless atmosphere. The stunning views over the Martani hills and the excellent Umbrian cuisine guarantee an authentic and unforgettable experience in the heart of Italy.

SPAO Borgo San Pietro Aquaeortus

But if you're looking for something even more majestic, Umbria can offer you entire medieval villages where you can live moments in a timeless bubble.

SPAO Borgo San Pietro Aquaeortus is an ancient medieval village in Allerona, near Orvieto, transformed into an eco-sustainable luxury resort. Nestled in a nature reserve between Umbria and Tuscany, it offers refined suites and a stunning panoramic piazza. It's perfect for a destination wedding because it guarantees exclusive use of the entire village, allowing you to celebrate official civil ceremonies on-site and host your guests for an experiential "wedding weekend" immersed in history, nature and the gourmet cuisine of chef Leonardo Perisse.

Medieval Villages That Take Your Breath Away

Assisi — Spirituality and Beauty

Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a truly unique wedding experience. The Basilica of St Francis and the Basilica of Santa Chiara are venues of rare spiritual beauty, while boutique hotels like Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum allow you to stay in a fully restored 13th-century convent.

Todi — The Ideal City

Todi is a medieval gem perched on a hilltop, famous for its splendid Piazza del Popolo and the Tempio della Consolazione. Described as the "most liveable city in the world", it enchants with its picturesque alleys, Roman cisterns and breathtaking panoramas.

Orvieto — Gothic Majesty

Orvieto, perched on a tufa cliff, offers dramatic and romantic scenery. The Duomo di Orvieto, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic art, and the Fortezza Albornoz provide unique settings for unforgettable ceremonies.

Why International Couples Choose Umbria

Accessibility and logistics. Umbria is strategically located in central Italy, easily reachable from Rome Fiumicino airport (2 hours by car) and Florence airport (1.5 hours). This makes it simpler for international guests to reach your wedding venue.

Exceptional value for money. Compared to Tuscany, Umbria offers venues of equal beauty and prestige at significantly more accessible prices. A villa that would reach considerable figures for a weekend elsewhere, in Umbria can be found at decidedly more favourable conditions — with substantial savings that allow you to allocate the freed-up budget to other aspects of your celebration.

Preserved authenticity. Umbria hasn't yet been "discovered" by mass tourism the way Tuscany has, which means you can enjoy a more authentic and personal experience. Local vendors still create personal relationships with their clients, ensuring a truly bespoke service.

Unique Gastronomic Experiences

Umbrian cuisine is a hidden treasure that will delight your international guests. The Norcia truffle, considered among the finest in the world, can be the star of unforgettable gourmet menus. Local wines like Sagrantino di Montefalco and Grechetto are gaining international recognition.

Many venues offer cooking classes for guests, allowing them to learn the secrets of traditional Umbrian cuisine during the wedding weekend.

My Experience as a Photographer

In over 200 weddings photographed in Umbria, I've seen couples from the United States, England, Germany, Australia and Japan fall deeply in love with this land. The Umbrian light is something special: soft and golden, perfect for creating romantic, timeless images.

One of the experiences closest to my heart was the celebration of Helene and Thujan at SPAO Borgo San Pietro — an entire medieval village transformed into the stage for their love story. Discover their story →

Every venue tells a thousand-year-old story, and I have the privilege of adding your love story to these ancient stones. The photographs I create in Umbria always have something magical — perhaps because this land knows how to embrace love and make it eternal.

Your Dream Wedding Awaits

Umbria is not just an alternative to Tuscany: it's a superior destination in many ways. It offers the same landscape beauty, the same historical and cultural richness, but with greater authenticity, more accessible prices and a personalised attention that will make your dream a reality.