You've probably seen or heard of destination weddings in Tuscany, Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast, but one of Italy’s less talked about regions is one of my all time favourite areas to explore and help couples tie the knot.
If you're dreaming of a romantic destination wedding, Puglia, the sun-kissed region in the heel of Italy's boot, offers an idyllic setting. With its pristine beaches, charming villages, olive groves, and historic architecture, Puglia provides a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable wedding. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your destination wedding in this beautiful Italian region.
Why choose Puglia?
Puglia or Apulia is a land of white sandy beaches, breathtaking landscape and outstanding cuisine.
These are just some of the reasons why so many people are falling in love with this coastal region.
Stunning Scenery:
Puglia is renowned for its beautiful coastline, rolling countryside, and unique trulli houses. From the whitewashed towns of Ostuni and Alberobello to the azure waters of Polignano a Mare, Puglia's diverse landscapes offer numerous stunning venues for your ceremony and reception.
It is an ideal spot for a gorgeous destination wedding in an exclusive setting.
It stretches along the east coast of the country with distinct characteristics and some of the most picturesque landscapes.
Here you will enjoy a wonderful time where locals will treat you as one of their own.
Weddings In Puglia
If you're thinking about a wedding in Puglia you will enjoy sun kissed settings, romantic, intimate and elegant charm mixed with outstanding local cuisine and good weather all year round.
Apulia is most famous for its authentic Masserias but is also home to glamorous villas and chic seaside venues and beach clubs, so the options for your multi day wedding celebrations with your family and friends are endless.
Imagine dining amongst the olive groves or saying your vows on a beach at sunset.
Puglia is the epitome of pure romantic Italian bliss, a wonderful region that’s perfect for an unforgettable wedding in Italy.
Excursions and activities
Not to forget all the incredible excursions that are available to entertain you all on the other days of your stay.
You can choose from activities such as wine tasting, vineyard tours, olive oil tasting at olive groves, cooking classes, romantic boat trips, horse riding, beach club days, exploring the local towns, spa days and many more.
Eating and drinking in Puglia
Puglia is a haven for food lovers. Its rich culinary traditions feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, such as olive oil, seafood, and orecchiette pasta. Your wedding menu will delight guests with authentic Puglian flavors.
There’s a delicious nostalgic feel to the simple food in Italy’s deep south. Puglian dishes are loved for their simplicity and their hearty home-style cooking and the gorgeous flavours are made with only the freshest seasonal ingredients to hand.
An 800km coastline makes seafood and fish a menu standard… meat is not so common, although lamb is an exception, but you’ll still find a butchers or street-food stall in your nearest town with a wood-fired grill readily cooking meat to order. The bombette barbecued rolls in Cisternino are a regional highlight, as is the region’s olive oil, focaccia and the melt-in-your-mouth burrata cheese
The Italian staple of simple pasta probably tops the list for Puglia’s most popular dish. With an array of different varieties you can try, there’s orecchiette, the regional speciality and others like troccoli, cavatelli or stacchiodde that are all likely to be seen on menus or available to buy in the shops, too.
Drinks wise, Puglia’s wine is both beautifully delicious and affordably priced.
This region is one of the largest wine producers in Europe so you won’t be lacking for trying a new red or white during your stay.
The hot, sunny weather, combined with the region’s traditional grape varieties, means that Puglia is especially good for producing powerful reds.
For wedding catering, most of the villas and venues have their own in house catering, using home grown, hand picked and prepared ingredients.
However if this is not the case, there are plenty of catering companies that offer delicious local dishes on site for you to treat your guests with.
Imagine a three or four day stay in a private villa where you can offer a welcome party, the wedding day celebrations and a farewell party with menus of your choice all cooked to order.
Cultural Richness
Puglia's history dates back to ancient times, with numerous castles, churches, and archaeological sites. Incorporating local traditions and exploring historic sites can add a unique cultural touch to your wedding celebration.
The region is home to lots of whitewashed towns, ancient farmland and hundreds of kilometres of Mediterranean coastline.
Making it the perfect place to spend your days before and after your wedding exploring.
Bari
Its capital Bari is a vibrant port and an old town where local ladies handmake the regional orecchiette pasta on the doorsteps of family run restaurants.
Lecce
Lecce is known as the “Florence of the South” as it is full of similar architecture.
Alberobello
Alberobello and the Itria Valley are home to the traditional trulli stone huts with distinctive conical roofs.
Ostuni
The beaches near Ostuni are among the most beautiful throughout Italy.
It has 20 kilometers of coastlines in which to enjoy a crystal clear sea and some beautiful unspoilt beaches.
With its landscape rich in dunes, Ostuni beaches offer a perfect place for those who want to relax with family and friends and those choosing to get married on the sand.
You can find a wide range of wild beaches, as well as furnished beaches to suit everybody’s needs.
Polignano A Mare
Along limestone cliffs on the Valle d'Itria coast, Polignano a mare is a town that has narrow, winding streets leading to churches that have been there for centuries and white houses covered with colourful vines and plants.
In the centre there are plenty of lively bars in which you can enjoy an apertivo or two or even just a coffee and these are packed with locals.
Monopoli
Just along the coast from Polignano a Mare, the quiet medieval port town of Monopoli has a sandy beach and plenty of authentic pizzerias.
There is a gorgeous promenade to walk along while admiring the traditional blue fishing boats sitting in the harbour.
Trani
Pretty seaside Trani has one of the smartest marinas in Puglia, where yachts dock in the harbour and a beautiful duomo is set right over the sea.
This little village is about an hour’s drive north of Bari.
Vieste
The town of Vieste rises out of the sea, with old buildings clinging to the cliffs.
It lies between two sandy beaches and the surrounding area is greener and more wild than anywhere else in Puglia – the National Park of Gargano is brilliant for those that love hiking.
Martina Franca
Martina Franca is the biggest village in Valle d’Itria.
This pretty old town is separated from the new town by gates which, when it was a completely walled fortress, acted as entry points.
The piazzas are home to grand duomos and palazzos, the most famous of which is Basilica di San Martino.
Matera
And I can’t finish without mentioning Matera, although not in Puglia, it lies just outside.
This ancient city is full of history and visitors are drawn in by the Sassi di Matera which is the districts known for their cave dwellings converted into hotels, as well as its fabulous restaurants.
With many more locations than I have mentioned on offer in Puglia, it is no surprise to realise that it has a seemingly unending option of incredibly beautiful wedding venues to stay at and enjoy your wedding celebrations in.
The region has the most relaxed mood you can find in a Mediterranean destination with the plus of the authentic Italian way of enjoying life, food, and wine.
It is a destination with easy access from all over Europe making it a perfect destination wedding location for large events.
It has a mix of beautiful beaches and historical sites that no other wedding locations in southern Europe can offer.
Steps to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Puglia
1. Set a Budget
Determine your overall budget, including travel, accommodation, venue, catering, and other wedding-related expenses. Puglia offers a range of options from luxury to more affordable, making it accessible for various budgets.
2. Choose the Right Time
Puglia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best months for a wedding are from May to October, with May, June, and September being particularly pleasant.
3. Hire a wedding planner such as us
We will be invaluable in navigating language barriers, legal requirements and local customs. We can also recommend trusted suppliers and vendors and help coordinate logistics, ensuring every day you are there, all your celebrations and activities and of course your magical wedding day run smoothly.
4. Select Your Venue
Puglia offers a variety of stunning venues, from seaside resorts and historic masserias (farmhouses) to elegant villas and charming vineyards. Consider your wedding style and guest list size when choosing the venue.
5. Handle Legal Requirements
Italy requires specific documentation for foreigners to get married, including passports, birth certificates, and a "nulla osta" (certificate of no impediment). We can provide detailed guidance on the paperwork needed.
6. Plan Your Accommodation
If you choose a venue that can’t accommodate all of your guests in one place, then we can help you reserve a block of rooms for your guests at a nearby hotel or resort. Puglia offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. Provide guests with a list of recommended options and transportation details.
7. Arrange Transportation
Ensure easy transportation for your guests, from airport transfers to travel between the ceremony and reception venues. Consider hiring a coach or shuttle service to get them all to your wedding celebrations for convenience and safety.
8. Curate the Menu
We will work with you and your caterer to create a menu featuring local specialties, such as burrata, seafood, and regional wines. Offering a taste of Puglia will enhance the authenticity of your wedding experience.
9. Plan Pre-Wedding and Post-Wedding Activities
We can help you organise activities to entertain your guests and showcase the beauty of Puglia. Consider wine tastings, cooking classes, or guided tours of historic sites. A beach day or boat trip along the Adriatic coast can also be a delightful experience.
10. Capture the Memories
Hire a professional photographer and videographer experienced in destination weddings, we can send you a suggestion list for this if you require it. Puglia's breathtaking scenery will provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos and videos.
Tips for a successful destination wedding in Puglia
Visit in Advance
If possible, visit Puglia before your wedding to scout venues, meet vendors, and finalise details. This will help ensure everything meets your expectations. We can arrange all this for you and can even accompany you too if you so wish it.
Send Invitations Early
Give your guests plenty of notice to make travel arrangements. Include information on accommodation, transportation, and local attractions to help them plan their trip.
Embrace Local Traditions
Incorporate elements of Puglian culture into your wedding, such as traditional music, dance, or a local blessing, to make your celebration even more memorable.
Planning a destination wedding in Puglia can be a magical experience, combining romance, culture, and stunning scenery. By following these steps and tips, you can create a beautiful and unforgettable celebration in one of Italy's most enchanting regions.
So if you love the sound of a destination wedding, proposal, elopement or honeymoon in Puglia, and the Mediterranean hospitality is what you are after, please get in touch with us soon and together we can get started on planning your wedding of your dreams.
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