There’s something magical about weddings in San Gimignano.
This stunning fortress town rises on a hill dominating the Elsa Valley with its beautiful towers forming a skyline which can be seen from miles away. Traffic-free narrow streets, fortified towers, large squares with ancient churches and palaces will leave you the impression of having traveled through time!
But the charm of San Gimignano doesn’t stop at its medieval atmosphere. The town nestles in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, amidst golden wheat fields, extensive vineyards, dark green cypresses and silvery-green olive trees.
Fairytale charm, romance, peaceful atmosphere… could you wish for anything more romantic for your big day? Not to mention the Tuscan’s sun, the people’s warmth and the unique gastronomy of this region, based on natural and flavourful ingredients such as truffles, mushrooms, cheeses, plus exceptional wines and olive oils. If we haven’t won you over yet, here’s 4 great reasons to have a wedding in San Gimignano.
1. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site
Originally an Etruscan and then Roman settlement, San Gimignano was founded on a hill providing breathtaking views to first-time visitors. The town’s symbol is of course the skyline of beautiful towers (belle torri) pointing to the sky.
They date back to the 14th century, when noble families started building many tower-houses to display their wealth and power. Although only 13 towers out of the original 72 now remain, they still dominate the surroundings creating a spectacular atmosphere.
Once inside, you’ll fall in love with San Gimignano’s historic center made of narrow streets, with old palaces, museums and churches preserving many Italian artistic masterpieces. It’s really no surprise that in 1990 San Gimignano was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being such a unique testimony to a past civilization, and an exceptional exemplar of both architectural complex and landscape.
Either you choose a religious or a civil wedding, a big or intimate one, San Gimignano has the perfect setting.
Civil weddings are celebrated in the charming Palazzo del Popolo, a splendid medieval building and town hall of San Gimignano while Catholic weddings can be held in some of the most beautiful churches and chapels in town.
2. Al fresco weddings in the countryside
San Gimignano countryside is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Blue skies meet rolling hills hosting large vineyards, sunflower fields, cypress and olive trees.
Within this idyllic scenery, you will find enchanting wedding venues including ancient hamlets, wine estates, exclusive villas and farmhouses with outdoor swimming pools and elegant open-air arrangements ideal for al fresco weddings. Al fresco weddings are a very popular choice in Tuscany. They set a serene and romantic mood allowing guests to be comfortable and relaxed.
Imagine being surrounded by rolling hills on a sunny Summer day, with the love of your life waiting for you under a beautiful wooden arch with gardenias and roses. Perhaps some whimsical lighting, rustic and elegant feasting tables and hanging carnations… it sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
3. Exquisite food and wine
Tuscany is renowned for its excellent gastronomy. It especially produces extra virgin olive oil, wine, truffle and cheese of the highest quality.
There are many restaurants, cafès and pizzerias in San Gimignano where you can taste typical dishes such as Florentine steak or bistecca alla fiorentina, the ribollita, a notable Tuscan soup, boar and hare sauces with fresh pasta like pappardelle or pici. Tuscany is also one of Italy’s prime wine regions. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is Tuscany’s premier white wine and the pride of San Gimignano. It’s a DOCG dry white wine with a lovely straw-colored hue with a fine, penetrating scent and a dry, harmonious taste. It’s excellent as an aperitif, served with fish dishes and white meats.
Brilliant Weddings Tuscany will help you choose a traditional Tuscan menu that is in harmony with the style of your wedding in San Gimignano. You can rest assured, everyone will leave with a full belly and a smile on their face.
4. Plenty of activities
A destination wedding is the perfect occasion to spend a few days of vacation in a new country. The good news is you’ll never run out of things to do in San Gimignano!
First of all, there are lovely wineries just a short drive from the town center. We can arrange a private wine tour and wine tasting. You can visit the winery, learn about the vinification of Vernaccia di San Gimignano and taste different vintages with salami, cheese and bruschette. If you share Italians’ passion for genuine food, you can take a Tuscan cooking class, learn techniques and recipes to bring home with you. To fully experience the architectural and artistic beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site we will plan a private walking tour of San Gimignano with a local and enthusiastic guide.
You’ll learn stories and legends and immerse yourself in its past and traditions. Plus, day trips can be arranged to Florence, Siena and Pisa.
Vespa and vintage car tours are the perfect opportunity to truly feel like an Italian. You can enjoy a thrilling experience driving among the curvy streets of Tuscany, discovering some of the most photographed places in Italy.
Hiking and trekking tours, museum visits, spa and wellness experiences are also available.
Ready to plan the perfect San Gimignano wedding? Get in touch with Brilliant Weddings Tuscany now!
