Tuscany: Naturally Made for Weddings

Tuscany is where “living happily ever after”begins.

It is as dreamy and romantic as you imagine it to be; one of rare places that more than live up the to hype. Caressed by the Ligurian Sea in the west and hemmed in by mountains in the east, it has everything in between – from idyllic countryside, rustic olive tree groves, vibrant sunflower patches, centuries-old vineyards to mystical medieval cities and towns. So, when it comes to picking the photogenic backdrop for your big day, you are spoilt for choice, whether it’s a grand splash for hundreds or a cosy ceremony for two. Venues include palaces, castles, villas, farmhouses, Gothic chapels, historical hotels and more.

Weather Forecast

The sun also shines on wedding parties. From April to September, the weather forecast is favorable. The mercury shoots up as high as 105 ⁰F (40 ⁰C) in July and August. And you’ll have long daylights for alfresco merrymaking.

Fairytale-like Locations in Tuscany

Florence (Firenze), the jewel of the Renaissance and home to Michelangelo and Dante, has ornate architecture and stunning works of art everywhere you turn. You could hitch a horse carriage ride, passing along narrow, cobblestoned streets, on your way to church or the town hall. Beyond Florence, Arezzo, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Lucca and Volterra are just some of the fairytale-like locations for tying the knot and spending your honeymoon.

Gastronomy

Tuscany is a foodie paradise. Treat your loved ones to organic antipasto such olives, cheeses and cured meat served atop crostini, and accompanied by glasses of Chianti or other renown Tuscan labels. Be it an elegant banquet laced with white truffles and sparkling wine or rustic reception of pizzas from wood-fire ovens, you can be sure of a feast to remember. For the finale, no one can out do the Italians at desserts.

Accommodation

As for beds, the choice is as varied as the “I do” venues. Choose from romantically aged walls with 19-th century frescoes, converted convents with exposed brickwork, family-run agriturismo (working farms) located on rolling hills or luxurious Baroque-inspired villas updated with hi-tech spas.

What to do in Gorgeous Tuscany?

At your doorstep is the dolce vita. The cultural calendar is packed year round for the joy-loving Italians seize every opportunity to celebrate anything from cheese and wine, to saints, fashion, history and imagination. For music lovers, the most notable event is the Tuscan Sun Festival, held on a medieval hilltop city. This arts-and-cuisine jamboree wins consistent praises from the NYTimes, CNN and the Independent. For nature-lovers, there are national parks dotted over the region, and there’s even a Walking Festival.

Honeymoon

Tuscany has no shortage honeymoon pleasure spots. But you can also use it as your jumping-off point to other parts of Italy and Europe. Should you wish to extend your honeymoon beyond Tuscany, it’s only a short hop by plane or a leisurely drive along scenic roads to other Italian beauties like Rome, Venice and Verona. Major European cities, like Paris and Vienna, are also within easy reach.

With thoughtful choices and careful planning, a wedding in Tuscany is mission possible. And the perfect start to the beginning of “living happily ever after”.

Getting to Tuscany

Major airlines (such as American Airlines, Air Canada, Alitalia) fly from North America to Rome or Milan. From there, domestic flights link you to Florence or Pisa.

Useful Links

General advice, including matters like tipping, weather, and driving: www.italiantourism.com

Official tourism board of Tuscany: www.turismo.intoscana.it

Official tourism board of Florence: www.firenzeturismo.it

Festivals: www.frommers.com/destinations/tuscanyandumbria/0247028791.html

Video credits: Ron Bol