Top five Italian wedding venues (part 1) by Bestweddingaway

Bestweddingaway organises weddings in Italy. Here are their choices of the top 5 wedding venues in Italy, with 1 being the top venue. Here's part 1, with part 2 (including the top venue) tomorrow.

Venue 5 - Ice-White Hotel, Sorrento
Location
In the hills of Sorrento overlooking the Island of Capri.

What it has to offer
This venue is a charming, 4 star hotel. It has a magnificent position amidst the rich vegetation of a peaceful, landscaped park, dramatically fused with an imposing mountain as a backdrop. It is a luxury villa, each bedroom with amazing  sea views. The décor features a stylish combination of antique and modern furniture. An elegant fusion of Mediterranean and contemporary furnishings complements the quiet location and intimacy of this hotel. The cuisine is contemporary Italian and international. Eating here at any time, day or evening gives way to spectacular views of the entire Sorrento coast. In the evening watch the sun set over the sparkling sea waters.  The beautiful views that surround this chic hotel sweep across the Bay of Naples and the enchanting isles of Capri and Ischia. When you arrive nibble on local specialties of hams and cheeses, for dinner fresh seafood and then in the evening as the crickets serenade you sip the local liqueur, Limoncello.

Why you should choose this place to get married
This location has accommodation
There is internal catering therefore no separate hire and catering fees
Due to its location guests staying here are advised to hire a car to be more independent
Exclusivity is only given with a certain amount of guests
Parties of all sizes welcome
Music is possible at this location
Services Best Wedding Away can offer
To meet the Sorrento culture why not hire a mandolin for the ceremony or evening accompaniment to dinner. Local musicians can dance the Tarantella and teach guests the mysteries of this famous Neapolitan dance. Boat trips to the famous and prestigious Capri. The best view of Capri island from this villa.

Venue 4 - The Luxury Relais, Tuscany
Location
Immersed in Tuscan countryside not far from Arezzo

What it has to offer
Situated in the heart of the Val di Chiana in Tuscany, this villa and its estate offer prestige, beauty and relaxation. A true Tuscan experience with a sprinkling of luxury for good measure. There are 3 dining rooms to choose from each offering a slightly different ambiance to the next. However, each one is consistent in the quality and freshness of Tuscan cuisine lovingly prepared by experienced chefs. For those looking for a true immersion into Tuscan food why not try a cooking class assisted by a professional chef who will teach you the secrets of Tuscan traditions. The wine cellar with over 700 labels also offers guests the opportunity to try the best wines from the region and the whole world. Guests also have access to a private wellness centre and mini-gym. On hand there are beauticians ready to soothe, relax and  pamper your body and soul. The villa itself offers 24 luxurious suites adorned with frescoes and original furniture. The houses of those who served the lords of the villa have been transformed into 14 luxury apartments offering all the modern day comforts.
Why people should choose this place to get married
This venue offers many possibilities and areas for the wedding reception and events before and after the wedding. Relaxing spa treatments for the hen party are a perfect accompaniment to a wedding weekend. This venue offers prestige and style with a touch of elegance. Small and large groups are welcome. Large groups can take up the accommodation in the villa and surrounding apartments making the wedding an exclusive event in an exclusive venue.

Services BWA can offer
Particular service that Bestweddingaway can offer at this venue are fantastic lounge area by the pool for cool and funky parties. For your arrival cocktail party or the final part of the wedding reception dance this area can be fitted out in a lounge environment, candles and sofas add an element of relaxation while the DJ or band play into the night. Spa treatments for hen nights.

Venue 3 - Ambassador’s Palace, Venice
Location
Positioned on the Grand Canal Venice

What it has to offer

This Palace is a design hotel. A suggestive and romantic residence where comfort, luxury and elegance complete the image of a splendid reality overlooking the Canal Grande through a rose garden. It is the quintessential expression of 18th century Venetian style and modern design that blend with refined oriental antique influences. Besides the furniture in Venetian style, there is a selection of design pieces, objects with oriental fascination, marble ornaments and lovely upholstery signed by Rubelli and Bevilacqua. For those that arrive by boat there is the exclusive cavana (a covered shelter for the boat, typical of the noble venetian palazzi). The Ambassador’s Palace, with the beauty of its frescoed rooms, the noble floor, its two flowering gardens, intimate and full of atmosphere, is the ideal location for a fairy-tale wedding.

Why you should choose this place to get married
This venue is one of the few venues in Venice which has a garden, not only that but the garden looks out directly onto the famous Grand Canal. This venue is particularly beautiful as many elements of the Venetian palace remain such as the internal décor with its mother of pearl designs in the elaborate dining room. This venue is only 15 minutes away by boat to the town hall making it easily accessible to small or large groups. Whether couples are eloping here or have a large wedding party this venue offers many ‘areas’ in which to celebrate various elements of the wedding day. This location is a four star hotel therefore it has accommodation. The family that own this building also have another hotel adjacent which is 3 star
This location has internal catering therefore a separate hire fee is not required
Maximum up to 80 people for the wedding reception
Perfect for small groups looking for a spectacular Venetian Palace without the feeling of ‘getting lost’ as there are also small rooms for up to 40 people
Fantastic location overlooking the Grand Canal
Taxi boats need to be organized to transport guests from the Palace to the town hall and back
As in all buildings in Venice dancing is not permitted on the ‘noble floor’ (the first floor) but there are other rooms available for ‘light entertainment’.

Services BWA can offer
Bestweddingaway can organise gondola rides to and/or from the town hall for the wedding couple or even taxi boats for the couple and their guests. Take a min-tour of Venice and stop off for photo opportunities on the way such as the Rialto Bridge, St Mark’s Square and the bridge of Sighs. For the welcome cocktail party or even for the wedding itself why not get dressed up in original Venetian costume in the same way as the locals do during carnival. Masked balls and detailed costumes will take your guests back in time to when Venice was the famous trade and cultural city of Mediterranean Europe.