James Atkinson and Samantha Fortino recently embarked on a memorable journey through Tuscany, where they created lasting memories while learning to make homemade pasta and Bolognese sauce with friends and family in Florence. During their experience, Atkinson cultivated a love for Chianti wine and Fortino discovered a fondness for Italy’s signature Hugo Spritz cocktail, which conveniently posed no risk of staining her wedding dress for their upcoming nuptials on July 24. Italy, famed for its scenic beauty and historical ambiance, has gained immense popularity as a wedding destination, hosting numerous lavish ceremonies, including Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s extravagant celebration in Venice.
Beyond the spotlight of celebrity weddings, there has been a noticeable rise in the interest of average Americans eager to tie the knot in Italy, with Fortino remarking that many weddings in the U.S. tend to lean toward extravagance, often overshadowing the couple’s personal connection. The couple prioritized intimacy and meaningfulness over grandeur, a sentiment echoed by many couples seeking the serene beauty of Italy for their special day. In fact, over 15,000 foreign couples chose to marry in Italy last year, representing a staggering 64% increase from 2019. U.S. couples accounted for nearly one-third of this total, making Italy a favored choice for destination weddings.
Italy is renowned for its romantic essence, warm climate, and breathtaking landscapes, appealing to couples envisioning a picturesque wedding experience. The culinary offerings of Italy are both familiar and beloved, making it a desirable locale for guests. The rising trend toward memorable experiences, known as “the experience economy,” also plays a significant role in the decision for many couples to opt for destination weddings. Atkinson recognized that while the financial costs of American weddings could be steep, organizing a multi-day experience in Italy offered a more valuable return on investment when shared with loved ones.
With dreams of picturesque venues and beautiful landscapes, guests of weddings in Italy often take the opportunity to explore the region. One attendee of Atkinson and Fortino’s wedding, who had never visited Italy before, managed to extend their trip to include additional visits to Venice and Cinque Terre. Another guest, Gary Prochna, initially hesitant due to work obligations, found himself amazed by the breathtaking venue—an idyllic 15th-century villa overlooking Florence. Such unparalleled settings have led many attendees and couples to contemplate future weddings abroad.
Marcy Blum, a renowned luxury event planner based in Manhattan, emphasizes the appeal of Italian weddings. She reports that about 90% of her wedding assignments are held in Italy, highlighting how guests are eager to join celebrations in picturesque locales. Jack Ezon, CEO of Embark Beyond, corroborates this notion, noting a notable shift toward destination weddings, with approximately 90% of events now occurring outside the U.S., primarily in Italy and France. The increase in destination weddings is also linked to concerns over tariffs under the previous administration, which pushed couples to hold their events overseas to minimize costs associated with alcohol.
When comparing costs, it’s evident that American weddings typically entail higher expenses. The average cost of hometown weddings in the U.S. was about $32,000 last year, whereas weddings in Italy averaged around $70,600 despite often featuring significantly fewer guests. This financial distinction can be attributed to the elaborate decor and additional events organized in conjunction with weddings, attracting American clients who tend to spend more overall. At the Atkinsons’ wedding, the garden adorned with swaying cypress trees served as a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony, where Fortino’s clever musical choice of the Star Wars theme evoked tears of joy from Atkinson.
In a lighthearted moment before their vows, the officiant humorously acknowledged the effort put into traveling to Italy, tweaking the traditional wedding script to ensure that all attendees felt invested in the ceremony. With cheers and applause resonating among their guests, Atkinson and Fortino’s wedding captured the essence of love and togetherness, exemplifying why more couples are drawn to the unique beauty and allure of Italy for their special day. The combination of stunning locations, cultural richness, and the shared experience among loved ones creates a transformative event that transcends the standard wedding format in the U.S.
