What Makes Umbria The Perfect Location for A Destination Wedding in Italy
Tucked between Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche, Umbria is Italy’s best-kept secret. It is a land where rolling green hills stretch endlessly through medieval villages perching on misty mountaintops. Known as “Italy’s Green Heart,” Umbria is a place where time slows down. The air is scented with wild herbs and the earthy aroma of truffles. The vineyards and olive groves paint the landscape in shades of green and gold. Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto, and Orvieto are rich with history. Their ancient cathedrals and frescoed churches stand as silent witnesses to centuries of art and faith. The region’s untouched beauty makes it feel like a step back in time – whether you are wandering through sunflower fields, exploring ancient Etruscan ruins, or savoring a glass of Sagrantino wine at a family-run winery. But what truly makes Umbria special is its soul. It is found in the warm hospitality of its people, the rustic flavors of handmade strangozzi pasta, and the timeless charm of its hilltop towns.
Here are 4 reasons why Umbria is an underrated wedding destination in Italy, especially for intimate ones:
- While Tuscany often steals the spotlight, Umbria is not less in terms of wedding landscapes. Countryside estates, vineyards, medieval castles, and whatnot – you get all kinds of wedding venues in Umbria to your liking.
- Umbria delivers the luxury and elegance of an Italian wedding at a fraction of the cost compared to more famous regions like Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast. Boutique hotels and estates come with much more availability and affordability.
- Food lovers will fall in love with Umbria’s farm-to-table ingredients. Your wedding menu could literally look like this – black truffles from Norcia, handmade strangozzi pasta, roasted porchetta, and pecorino cheese, paired with Sagrantino di Montefalco, one of Italy’s finest red wines.
- Unlike the busier wedding destinations in Italy, Umbria is peaceful, personal, and untouched by mass tourism.
Best Time to Marry in Umbria
The best time to plan a wedding in Umbria is from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is at its best. May and June bring blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures. It is perfect for outdoor weddings in vineyards or historic villas. July and August offer long, sun-drenched days, but temperatures can get quite warm, especially in the countryside. If you are considering a summer wedding, venues with shaded gardens or hilltop breezes, like those in Orvieto or Montefalco, are ideal to keep guests comfortable.
September and early October are the golden months in Umbria. It is also the start of the grape and olive harvest season, making it an excellent time to incorporate local wine and fresh, seasonal cuisine into your wedding menu. The weather remains mild and the summer crowds begin to fade. Umbria in autumn offers a romantic backdrop that feels straight out of an Italian fairytale.
We Get You The Best Wedding Venues & Accommodations in Umbria
Umbria is Italy’s best-kept secret when it comes to dream wedding destinations. It has medieval hilltop towns. It has sun-drenched olive groves and untouched countryside. It has historic monasteries and huge vineyard estates. Umbria’s venues are as breathtaking as they are diverse. From the romantic charm of Assisi to Todi and Orvieto, every corner of this region is just timeless.
For accommodations, Umbria offers multiple options for guests – luxurious countryside resorts, charming agriturismos, and private historic estates. If you want your guests to stay close, we highly recommend booking group stays in areas like Perugia, Spello, or the Umbrian countryside, where they can soak in the region’s slow, rustic charm. Whatever it is that you come to like at the end, we help ensure you don’t have to lift a finger in anything else – booking, negotiating, contracts, coordination, and everything in between. Our aim is to provide your guests with the best of Umbrian hospitality.
Planning a wedding from afar can feel overwhelming, but with our deep-rooted connections to Umbria’s most stunning venues, we take care of every detail – from venue scouting and contract negotiations to coordinating group bookings, taking the stress off of you.
We Bring You the Best Wedding Catering in Umbria
Umbria isn’t just a picturesque wedding destination. It is a culinary paradise that will make your big day unforgettable. A wedding here is a chance to treat your guests to authentic Umbrian flavors. It is a place where farm-to-table ingredients and centuries-old cooking traditions take center stage. Whether you dream of a lavish banquet in a medieval castle, a family-style feast under the stars, or a cozy countryside gathering, we have helped couples curate exceptional dining experiences in Umbria – and we are here to do the same for you.
For a truly Umbrian wedding menu, we suggest starting with local Umbrian flatbread stuffed with cheeses and cured meats, Norcia prosciutto, and handmade pecorino cheese paired with truffle honey. Classic first courses include umbricelli pasta with black truffle, strangozzi with wild boar ragù, or hearty lentil soup from Castelluccio. For mains, you can’t go wrong with porchetta or grilled Chianina beef, all complemented by Umbrian wines like Sagrantino di Montefalco. If you want a wood-fired pizza station or a plated gourmet experience, that can be arranged too!
From Michelin-starred chefs to beloved local trattorias, every dish tells a story. For dessert, a classic Umbrian rocciata or a Millefoglie wedding cake layered with fresh berries will add a sweet final touch. We work with the best wedding caterers in Umbria to craft a menu that blends local favorites with your personal tastes. We take care of all your guests’ dietary preferences too.
We Bring You the Finest Wedding Decorators in Umbria!
Umbria is a place where romance meets medieval villages and charming countryside estates. The key to the perfect wedding décor here is to embrace Umbria’s local charm while putting up your wedding decor. And that’s exactly what we do.
Whether you dream of a twinkling courtyard dinner or a floral-themed decor in an ancient monastery, we bring together the best decorators to make it happen. Our team works with natural, locally inspired elements – handwoven lace, rustic wooden tables, earthenware lanterns, and floral installations featuring wild Umbrian blooms, olive branches, and fragrant rosemary. Every piece of décor blends seamlessly with the location.
We source handcrafted pieces from local artisans – from Deruta’s famous ceramics to Assisi’s delicate embroidery – to create a decor that is deeply connected to Umbria. And while you sip on a glass of Sagrantino wine, taking in the beauty of your wedding day, we ensure all the background work to make sure every detail is as perfect as you imagined.
Legal Requirements to Marry in Umbria
A wedding in Umbria is like stepping into a hidden Italian fairytale. But before you say “I do” amidst olive groves and stone chapels, you must know all the legal requirements.
Required Documents:
- Marriage application: You must submit a marriage request at the local Comune (Town Hall) where you plan to marry. Processing times can vary, so early submission is crucial.
- Passports: Both partners need valid passports along with photocopies.
- Birth certificates: These must be officially translated into Italian and apostilled for legal recognition.
- Certificate of No Impediment (Nulla Osta): This document confirms that both partners are legally free to marry. It must be issued by your home country’s consulate in Italy.
- Atto Notorio: A sworn declaration before an Italian court or consulate confirming there are no legal obstacles to your marriage. It requires two witnesses.
- Divorce or Death Certificate (if applicable): If either partner was previously married, legal proof of divorce or widowhood must be translated and legalized.
- Religious Requirements (if applicable): Catholic weddings in Umbria require baptism and confirmation certificates, plus premarital counseling with a priest. Many non-Catholic religious weddings require a prior civil ceremony for legal recognition in Italy.
For civil weddings, there is typically a 30–45 day waiting period, and at least two witnesses with valid ID must be present at the ceremony. Unlike in other European countries, Italy does not require residency.
Italian bureaucracy and language barriers can make paperwork a challenge. But that’s where we come in! At TWS, we manage everything – documents, translations, legal formalities – so you can focus on the magic of your Umbrian wedding. With all the details taken care of, all that’s left for you is to soak in the beauty, the love, and of course, the wine!
Steps to Plan Your Wedding in Umbria
Umbria, often called the “green heart of Italy,” is Tuscany’s quieter yet equally stunning neighbor. But you will still need a checklist to get started. Here’s a step-by-step guide for your ease:
- Choose the right season: Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal, offering mild weather and blooming landscapes. Summers (July–August) can be warm but are great for outdoor celebrations in the countryside. Winters (November–March) are perfect for candlelit castle weddings.
- Pick the perfect venue: Umbria is home to charming villas, historic monasteries, and rustic farmhouses. So you will be spoilt for choice. However, you must book early to secure the best venue before it gets reserved.
- Work with a local wedding planner in Umbria: Umbria’s hidden gems and boutique venues can be harder to navigate without local expertise. A professional planner like TWS will ensure you find the perfect location, coordinate logistics, and connect with trusted vendors while keeping your vision at the center.
- Book the best vendors: From farm-to-table Umbrian cuisine to florists who specialize in wildflower arrangements, Umbria’s wedding scene offers a truly Italian experience. But finding those gems in vendors who can be trusted is where our expertise comes into play.
- Arrange guest accommodations & experiences: To make your wedding weekend extra special, treat your guests to a truffle-hunting adventure, a private wine tour in Orvieto, or a pasta-making class in Assisi.
Why Choose The Wedding Saga as the Best Wedding Planners in Umbria?
Dreaming of a romantic, intimate wedding in the heart of Italy? Let The Wedding Saga bring your vision to life in Umbria, the hidden gem of Italian wedding destinations. We specialize in crafting unforgettable weddings in this enchanting land of medieval villages and vineyards.
From rustic farmhouse weddings in the countryside to candlelit ceremony in a medieval castle, we have seen and handled it all. We take care of all the details from end to end – from finding and securing the perfect venue to contract negotiations and budgeting. With our deep local knowledge, we ensure your wedding is seamless and stress-free.
Our long-standing relationships with top-tier wedding vendors in Umbria mean you get access to the best caterers, photographers, florists, and musicians without the hassle. Imagine an authentic Umbrian feast featuring truffle dishes, handcrafted pasta, and Montefalco wines.
Planning from abroad? No problem! We take care of every detail – legal paperwork, venue coordination, guest accommodations, and vendor management – so you can simply arrive and dive into your celebrations in Umbria, stress-free.
Things to Keep in Mind While Planning Your Wedding in Umbria
- Umbria is less touristy than Tuscany, but hotspots like Perugia, Assisi, and Orvieto can still bring in visitors during peak seasons (April–June & September–October). If you want a peaceful wedding, a weekday or an off-season celebration (late autumn or winter) is best.
- Many Umbrian wedding venues are in remote countryside areas, where taxis and public transport are limited. Arrange private transfers or a shuttle service for guests.
- Spring and autumn can bring unexpected showers. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, especially in Lake Trasimeno, Montefalco, or a historic borgo, always have an indoor backup plan ready.
- Many of Umbria’s historic churches require modest dress codes and specific religious music. Some also have restrictions on floral decorations, so check these details beforehand.
- Umbria is Italy’s truffle capital, and timing your wedding around truffle season (October–November) can elevate your menu. If you love wine, September’s grape harvest season brings fresh Sagrantino wines and lively vineyard settings.
- Many Umbrian villas, converted monasteries, and agriturismos require a minimum stay of 2–3 nights, making them ideal for a full weekend wedding experience. However, this sometimes affects the budget, so plan accordingly.
- Umbria Jazz Festival (July in Perugia) and religious festivals in Assisi can make hotel bookings scarce and raise accommodation prices. Check the local event calendar before finalizing your dates to avoid unexpected crowd surges.
How to Add Umbria’s Unique Touch to Your Wedding
- Treat your guests to an authentic Umbrian feast with black truffle-infused dishes. Pair everything with bold Sagrantino di Montefalco wine straight from the region’s vineyards.
- For a sweet touch, serve tozzetti biscuits with Vin Santo for dessert.
- You could never go wrong with local artisanal touches, like hand-painted Deruta ceramics as tableware or favors to give guests a unique keepsake.
- Glide into your ceremony in a vintage Fiat 500 or make a countryside entrance on horseback – perfect if you are getting married in one of Umbria’s many vineyard estates or medieval castles.
- End the night in true Umbrian style with a local dessert buffet, a craft beer station featuring Perugia’s artisanal brews.
- You could even opt for a fireworks display over the rolling hills.
- For a fun late-night twist, bring in a gelato cart featuring seasonal flavors like honey and saffron from the region.
- Turn your wedding into a full Umbrian vacay by organizing a truffle-hunting adventure in the forests of Norcia, a wine-tasting tour in Montefalco, or a scenic hot-air balloon ride over the Umbrian valleys. It’s the perfect way to make your celebration even more special!
Services
Complete Wedding Planning
We offer comprehensive assistance in organizing and executing every aspect of your wedding, from concept, venue & vendor management, negotiations to overlooking logistics on the celebration day, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable experience.
Venue Booking
With years of experience and a vast network of rusted venues, we excel in finding the perfect match according to your vision, budget, guest list, ensuring a memorable setting for your special day.
Wedding Decor
Our expertise lies in creating breathtaking and personalized settings through creativity, attention to detail, and personalization to turn your wedding dreams into a reality. We infuse our years of experience in creative wedding decors with your vision to create a memorable setting.
Vendor Sourcing
We have built a robust network of trusted suppliers and professionals serving different locations which allow us to match your needs and budget with the top-notch vendors. We also take care of vendor negotiations and on-site logistics on the wedding day, letting you enjoy your day without any worries.
Wedding Packages
Our expertise lies in crafting all-inclusive solutions that cater to your unique vision and budget, streamlining the planning process and ensuring a well-coordinated wedding experience that reflects your individual style.
Client Servicing
Our services are based on commitment to personalization, strong communication, and dedication to ensure your needs are not only met but exceeded.
FAQ
Do we need a local wedding planner for Umbria?
Absolutely! Umbria is a stunning but lesser-explored gem for destination weddings. A local Umbrian wedding planner like TWS ensures you secure the best venues, navigate Italian bureaucracy for legal weddings, and coordinate with trusted vendors – all while making the process smooth and stress-free for you.
Are outdoor weddings allowed in Umbria all year round?
Yes, but the best months for an outdoor wedding are May to June and September to October, when the weather is mild. Summers (July–August) can be hot while winters (November–March) can be cold and rainy. Always have a backup plan for unexpected weather changes.
Are there noise restrictions for wedding parties in Umbria?
Yes, many venues, especially in the countryside, have strict noise restrictions, with music curfews usually around midnight or 1 AM. For an all-night celebration, consider renting a private villa or an estate without curfew restrictions.
How easy is it to source local flowers for our wedding?
Umbria offers an abundance of seasonal blooms – wildflowers, olive branches, lavender, sunflowers, and roses – perfect for rustic decor. While seasonal flowers are readily available, exotic imports may require pre-ordering. Our expert florists will craft stunning arrangements to match your wedding aesthetic.
Can we have a Catholic wedding ceremony in Umbria?
Yes! Umbria has some of Italy’s most beautiful churches – Assisi’s Basilica of St. Francis and Perugia’s San Pietro Church, to name a few. If you want a Catholic wedding, at least one partner must be a baptized Catholic, and you will need documents like baptism and confirmation certificates. Since these churches are popular pilgrimage sites, booking early is essential.
Are there restrictions for drone photography or videography?
Yes, drone regulations apply in Italy, particularly near historic sites like Assisi, Perugia, and Spoleto. Some areas require special permits, while others have strict no-fly zones. We work with professional drone operators who handle all necessary approvals to capture breathtaking aerial shots of your Umbrian wedding.
What does a wedding planning company in Umbria assist with?
A professional Umbrian wedding planning company like TWS helps with everything from venue selection and vendor coordination to handling legal paperwork, guest accommodations, and event styling. At TWS, we hear you closely and take care of all the details to bring your dream wedding to life.
How far in advance should we book our wedding in Umbria?
Umbria is slowly growing in popularity for destination weddings, so booking 12 to 18 months in advance is ideal, especially for peak wedding months (May–October). Top venues and vendors get reserved quickly, so early planning ensures the best choices for your big day.