Italy has long been a favoured destination for high society couples looking to tie the knot.
But this year, the country’s relatively relaxed Covid restrictions have made it an even more appealing destination than ever, particularly for jet-set brides and grooms looking to bring together loved ones from around the world.
British socialite Lady Kitty Spencer, 30, and Marie Anunciata, 36, and Marie Astrid of Liechtenstein, 34, all chose Italy for their destination weddings, as did Irene Forte, following on from her civil service in London last year.
Most recently British socialite Lady Charlotte Lindesay-Bethune and her husband Prince Jaime of Two Sicilies, wed in beautiful Palermo.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Jess Martin, a wedding planning expert at Ginger Ray, explained Italy’s fast response to the Covid-19 pandemic earlier in the year gave couples the confidence to plan their weddings for the summer and early autumn.
Socialites have flocked to Italy this summer for their destination weddings. Experts told Femail what makes the Mediterranean country the perfect wedding hot spot. Pictured: Lady Kitty Spencer, 30, and her husband Matthew Lewis, 62, on their wedding day in Frascati on July 24
Marie Astrid of Liechtenstein and her beau Ralph Worthington tied the knot during a religious ceremony in Capalbio on Saturday 25 September
Prince Jaime of Bourbo-Two-Sicilies married his British girlfriend Charlotte Lindsay-Bethune in an beautiful ceremony in sunny Palermo on Saturday. Both pictured
There were also relatively relaxed travel restrictions for many, although Brits have had stretches were a five-day quarantine period was compulsory.
‘For those looking to quickly tie the knot abroad, it was a no-brainer destination,’ Jess said.
‘Quarantine restrictions lifting for double vaccinated travellers also made visiting the country even easier, so for those wanting a bigger celebration with more family and friends, the situation was ideal.
‘It’s no surprise that destination weddings here have become so popular- it was one of the few places perfect for weddings you could actually travel to.’
Covid restrictions forced many couples who would have had spring and summer weddings to push their big days back to early autumn.
At this time of year, a country with guaranteed warm weather, like Italy, becomes much more appealing than the relative unpredictability of somewhere like the UK.
Princess Maria Anunciata of Liechtenstein, 36, who is the daughter of Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg and Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein, married her boyfriend Emanuele Musini in a small civil ceremony at the Villa della Tenuta di Fassia near Gubbio on June 26, pictured
Skincare entrepreneur Irene Forte married her husband Felix Winckler in London on 19 September 2020, left, but had a religious ceremony in Italy on 10 September, right
‘Regardless of the exact destination in Italy, the country has a mild, balmy climate, ideal for hosting multi-day wedding celebrations,’ Jess continued.
There are also an abundance of venues that offer one thing high net worth couples value: privacy. Although, as Kitty Spencer proved, some don’t mind the cameras there for the big day.
‘From hotels nestled amongst picturesque villas to lakeside mansions, one of Italy’s key selling points as a wedding destination for high profile individuals is its plethora of intimate wedding venues,’ Jess continued.
Crowds gathered to watch Prince Jaime of Bourbon-Two-Sicilies tie the knot with Lady Charlotte Lindesay-Bethune in a stunning ceremony in southern Italy on Saturday (pictured)
Jaime and Charlotte, who are Duke and Duchess of Noto, beamed during their Italian wedding day, pictured
The Di Bourbon-Sicilies wedding was attended by both Charlotte and Jaime’s families. Jaime works for a tech company based in Paris, but had his wedding in Italy
‘Although rural, and potentially more difficult to access, that is one of the destinations’ key selling points. Italy has incredible venues galore, away from the prying eyes of tourists and the press.
‘Boasting incredible neoclassical architecture, elaborate Italian gardens and charming rustic farmhouses, Italian wedding venues are the perfect backdrop for tying the knot.’
Finally, the Mediterranean country’s famous cuisine is also a point of attraction.
‘For foodies and celebrities alike, the amazing food and wine in Italy make for an unforgettable wedding banquet,’ she added.
‘Not to mention the abundance of excellent wine on offer. Considered to be one of, if not the romantic destination, celebrity couples head to Italy to enjoy the cuisine whilst basking in its rustic serenity.