San Gimignano is one of the best places where to hold a unique civil wedding in Italy. Located near Siena, Tuscany, this small walled town is also known as the Town of Fine Towers for its several tower houses reflecting a medieval architecture, situated on the hilltop and dominating the city as to create a real skyline.
Why get married in San Gimignano?
There are many reasons why you should opt for a marriage in San Gimignano, Tuscany. First of all, the town is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and it is famous worldwide for its 14 towers, an early version of the current skyscrapers. Secondly, the views on the surrounding valley from the top of the highest tower Torre Grossa are magnificent. Finally, the city is easy to reach as airports are nearby: Pisa airport in only one hour and a half away and Florence airport for about an hour.
The best time to hold your wedding in San Gimignano goes from April to October. Brilliant Wedding Tuscany planners will make all the arrangements and find you the best possible venue!
Venues for civil ceremonies in San Gimignano
Sala di Dante
A Civil wedding in San Gimignano can be solemnized in the Town Hall, in the famous Sala di Dante with its medieval entrance both cloistered and romantic. The hall is named after the famous Italian writer Dante Alighieri, whose political speeches were usually delivered in this hall. Rich frescoes and a piece of antique furniture give a classic ambiance to the hall. Upon exiting, you have direct access to one of the towers, from where you can enjoy incomparable views on the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
The Town Hall is also home to the Civic Museum, filled with incomparable paintings by the Florentine and Sienese schools: take advantage of the unique opportunity to exchange your vows amidst these stunning settings!
Civil weddings in San Gimignano, Italy, can also take place in the enchanting medieval loggia, decorated with astonishing frescoes and surrounded by the historical walls of the ancient city. From top of the walls you can enjoy the peaceful and relaxing countryside surrounding San Gimignano.
Palazzo Pretorio in Certaldo
Certaldo is a small village in the heart of the most authentic Tuscany, located among golden hills and vineyards. Palazzo Pretorio is to be found at the highest point of the village, which makes it an exclusive location for civil ceremonies. The wedding will take place in the courtyard, except for rainy days. You and your other half will exchange your marriage vows under the richest families’ coats of arms hanging on the walls and vaults.
Villa Grabau
Villa Grabau is the most beautiful villa in Lucca and it provides multiple areas to host the ceremony and the reception too. The villa consists of two gardens which are the perfect venues: the former is located under the shade of large trees making it chilly and windy, and consequently perfect for ceremonies in the summer. The latter is located right beside the first garden: a very large Italian garden where you can enjoy a unique happy hour with your guests.
Palazzo Orsetti
Palazzo Orsetti is located in the historical center of Lucca, and the cobbled streets leading to the building make it even more unique. The hospitality of Palazzo Orsetti is overwhelming as it offers to newlyweds, family and guests the opportunity to use its Green Room: a prestigious apartment that takes this name from the green velvet damask lining the walls. Furthermore, a large vintage staircase will welcome you right at the entrance of the venue.
Villa La Ferdinanda
Villa la Ferdinanda is one of the most impressive villas of the whole Tuscany, Italy. Also known as the Villa Dei Cento Camini (Villa of the 100 chimneys), the villa’s silhouette stands out against the blue sky at night, creating a magical setting. This building is extremely imposing, and it allows you to arrange both the civil ceremony and the reception within the property. You can exchange your rings and vows on the emerald lawn, enjoying the amazing view on the surrounding hills.
Villa Orlando
The location of Villa Orlando is an ideal venue located in Torre del Lago Puccini, a green area on a lake which is part of the so-called Versilia: the portion of Tuscany in the north-western province of Lucca, extending along the coastline until the border with Liguria. Villa Orlando serves as a great location for civil weddings and it is the ideal setting for a romantic and touching ceremony right on the banks of the lake.
Volterra
Only about 40 minutes away from San Gimignano you can find the amazing town of Volterra, with its charming and serene atmosphere. Volterra is one of the most famous Tuscan cities and one of the best locations for a civil ceremony in the surroundings of San Gimignano.
Inside the Town Hall known as Palazzo dei Priori you can find the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, the best location where to exchange your marriage vows. As a matter of fact, this hall is considered as a pearl of Tuscany, Italy, because of its neo-Gothic historical vaults in the room and its precious frescoes. Moreover, the room can host 90 seats.
Wedding receptions
Wedding receptions following civil weddings in San Gimignano will show off the finest ingredients of the area. Rely on Tuscan great menus, renowned worldwide for the prestigious cuisine made up of refined courses, based on top local ingredients and combined with prime wines. Your wedding reception can be held in one of the prestigious restaurants in San Gimignano, providing the real flavours of this cuisine, or in one of the surrounding fine castles, villas and hotels. Brilliant Wedding Tuscany wedding planner will take care of all the arrangements, including the choice of the venue and the menu.
About civil weddings in San Gimignano
In these very exclusive and enchanting wedding venues, only one wedding per day is allowed. The local authorities pay attention to spouses, who are encouraged to enrich their ceremony with personal readings, poems and music. Civil ceremonies are not held on Thursdays since it is a market day in San Gimignano. In July and August, only a single wedding per day is allowed, while in the other months a maximum of two are permitted. The wedding ceremony can be personalized with music, personal vows and readings. The couple will have to appear before the official several workdays prior to the ceremony, in order to deliver a brief sworn declaration that Brilliant Wedding Tuscany will help you to prepare.
Celebrate your civil wedding in San Gimignano
Weddings in San Gimignano are held all year round. San Gimignano is a delightful setting for a unique wedding, with its romantic squares and buildings to explore, astounding panoramic views to enjoy from its ancient walls and towers, and the exquisite cuisine to taste. Before and after the wedding, the newlyweds will have so many astonishing places to discover!
Hold your civil marriage in San Gimignano, in one of the lovely venues plunged in this intense and sophisticated atmosphere. All details will be arranged by your wedding planner Brilliant Wedding Tuscany, so as to let you rest and relax all the way through. Take a hundred photos on the most awesome backgrounds and seize an experience that you will remember forever.
