Follow the millennials’ recent trend to get married in far places and opt for an unforgettable wedding in Volterra. This picturesque Tuscan town will provide unique venues for your marriage, whether you wish for a civil or a religious ceremony. You can choose among a wide range of lovely villas, hotels and restaurants to host your amazing reception. Hire the wedding planner Brilliant Events to arrange all the details suiting your needs.
Why you should choose a wedding in Volterra
Imagine exchanging your marriage vows in a walled city, located 1770 feet above sea level, dominating a craggy hill between the two rivers of Era and Cecina. Its historical origins go back to three thousand years ago, but the town still manages to keep intact its medieval character through its narrow-cobbled streets, its lofty towers and its historical medieval buildings.
The economy of the town is based on its trade of alabaster, mineral waters and salt springs. Interesting sights are the so-called Soffioni di Larderello, which are volcanic vents emitting steam jets to extract the boric acid from Monterotondo’s sulphur lake, Caporciano’s springs of copper and Montecatini Val di Cecina’s bath.
A town with a great history
During the Etruscan period, Volterra was one of the most important cities of the Etruscan confederation, which was waging war against Rome. In 298 B.C., Scipio became consul after he won over the Etruscan armies. However, during the Punic Wars, the city allied with the Romans. In 80 B.C., after a siege of 2 years, Volterra was taken by Sulla. You can still see the marks of the Roman conquer in the ancient surrounding walls, while the Etruscan influence is evident through the remaining ruins of Porta dell’Arco, the baths, the aqueduct, the amphitheater and several Etruscan tombs.
Volterra was also exploited as a fortification by the Florentine Republic against the Republic of Siena during the reign of the House of Medici. During this period, Lorenzo the Magnificent commissioned the construction of the imposing Fortress, an extraordinary impregnable stronghold that you can still admire today.
During the Renaissance
Throughout the Renaissance period, the town underwent an architectural development and it was enhanced by great artworks commissioned by the city’s wealthy families. Nowadays, the city still preserves its ancient medieval walls and the heart of its medieval centre Piazza dei Priori. Simply the best setting for a Tuscan Wedding in Italy!
Civil ceremonies
Volterra hosts its civil ceremonies inside the Town Hall known as Palazzo dei Priori, which is the oldest building in the heart of the city. The façade of this medieval building is decorated with Tuscan terracotta plaques representing enameled coats of arms of Florentine families. Moreover, the central square is also delimited by other ancient medieval buildings such as Palazzo Vescovile and Palazzo Pretorio.
The wedding hall is decorated with original vintage furniture and outstanding frescoes. Go on top of the incredible wooden tower of the building and enjoy the breathtaking view on the surrounding area!
Weddings are performed by the town mayor or his/her representative in Italian and with an interpreter. Two witnesses are required. Volterra wedding ceremonies are scheduled from Monday to Sunday following this timetable: 10 am – 1 pm, 3 pm – 6 pm.
For years the association flag-bearers have specialized in entertainment for weddings. Brilliant Events planner will find the best wedding venue for you!
Villa di Ulignano
Villa di Ulignano, located on top of a hill nearby the bustling city of Volterra, is an amazing villa that could be rent for your civil wedding. The couple will exchange solemn vows surrounded by a panoramic view over rolling hills, framing a magical countryside that wends all its way to the sea.
This majestic structure was commissioned in the 17th century by Jacopo Inghirami, an admiral in the Tuscan navy, and it was designed by the Italian architect Gherardo Silvani. The villa is surrounded by a magnificent garden, dotted with old trees that extend for over seven acres and a half. Guests will love dipping into the swimming pool, enjoying their drinks and delicious side dishes at the spacious patio, pool bar and barbecue area. Couples wishing to combine the ceremony with the honeymoon can spend a relaxing holiday in the authentic Tuscan setting of Villa di Ulignano.
Delightful wedding farmhouse
Get married in Volterra, Italy, and choose a lovely farmhouse for a country chic wedding venue, available both for weddings and receptions. The building can be rent for 3 days, so that newlyweds and their guests can stay and relax after the hectic ceremony. The farmhouse offers wide facilities to provide guests with a relaxing atmosphere and to let them appreciate the beauty of the countryside. The apartments are finely furnished according to the typical Tuscan style. You can even rent an additional apartment with a private pool that can host from 4 to 6 people. Brilliant Events, your wedding planner, will arrange everything for you if the farmhouse is available!
Catholic wedding ceremonies
Religious wedding ceremonies can be celebrated within one of the many Roman style churches that you can find all around the walled town, as well as in the nearby countryside with its incredible views of olive groves, sunflower fields and vineyards. Lovely country chapels are also perfect for symbolic ceremonies and religious blessings.
The ceremony is performed by an English-speaking priest or by an Italian priest– in this case you can ask for an official interpreter. Rites are only allowed to be performed in a Catholic church.
A few religious paperwork translated in Italian is required to actualise your Catholic wedding in Tuscany. These documents will be prepared by Brilliant Events and its staff of experts. Please note that all documents expire after 6 months and that they should be completed at least 6 days before the wedding date. Anyway, it would be better to get the whole paperwork completed 2 months before the wedding day.
Catholic ceremonies in Tuscany, Italy, can be either a “Catholic blessing” without civil validity or a civil binding Catholic ceremony, including the civil paperwork to legalize the union. Had one of the newlyweds been previously married in a Catholic ceremony, this must be officially annulled by Catholic authorities, otherwise, the marriage cannot be celebrated. Celebrating the ceremony in the church is free, but it would be better for you to make a donation before the wedding, during your meeting with the priest.
Beautiful flowers can decorate the church, and the accompanying music is preferably classic or religious. For a Catholic Wedding in Tuscany, two adult witnesses are required.
Ceremonies including a mass last approximately 50-60 minutes. Your marriage in Volterra, Italy, can be celebrated in one of its outstanding churches such as the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, a 13th-century Romanesque church, or the Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, also known as Duomo di Volterra.
As they say, “a wedding is like a journey of a thousand miles and begins with a single step”: let your wedding planner Brilliant Events start this journey with you.
