Getting married in a convent
the complete guide

In recent years, more and more couples are turning away from anonymous wedding venues and catalogue-perfect villas, choosing instead places that tell a real story. A historic convent — with its cloister, its ancient stone and its centuries of history — offers exactly that: an atmosphere no styling can imitate.

Getting married in a historic convent means having a unique venue at your disposal, often reserved for a single wedding a day, where the architecture itself becomes the backdrop. Here is how to make the most of this kind of wedding, from choosing the ceremony to organising logistics for your guests.

Why choose a historic convent for your wedding

A convent tells centuries of history before a single guest even arrives: stone vaults, Renaissance cloisters, gardens enclosed within ancient walls. It's a natural backdrop that needs no elaborate styling to be photogenic and atmospheric.

There's an equally important point: exclusivity. Unlike large wedding villas that host several events in parallel or back-to-back, a small convent typically welcomes only one wedding a day. The couple has the entire property at their disposal, without sharing spaces or timing with any other event.

Civil, religious or symbolic ceremony: which to choose

In Italy there are three main routes for couples wanting to marry in a venue like a historic convent:

• Civil ceremony — legally binding, and must be performed by a registrar, often at the Town Hall or at a venue it has authorised. Some municipalities allow an official to be delegated to perform the ceremony directly at the venue.
• Religious ceremony — possible if the convent's chapel is still consecrated and active; requires coordinating timing with the relevant parish.
• Symbolic ceremony — not legally binding, but identical in form to a civil or religious ceremony. It's the most frequent choice for foreign couples already legally married in their home country, who simply want to celebrate their union in front of family and friends in a special place.

For non-Italian couples, it's always advisable to check well in advance, with your home municipality and the Italian registry office, which documents are required for a legally valid civil marriage in Italy (sworn declarations, certificates of no impediment, and any necessary translation and legalisation of documents).

One venue, three settings

The practical advantage of a well-designed convent is the chance to experience the day across different spaces, without having to travel elsewhere:

The typical spaces of a convent wedding

• The cloister — the ideal backdrop for the ceremony, with its arches and natural light filtering from above
• The garden — perfect for the aperitif and informal moments among guests
• The indoor hall — with fireplace or stone vaults, for dinner and the after-party, and also as a backup solution in case of rain

When to plan the wedding: choosing the right season

May-June and September-October remain the most sought-after periods: mild temperatures, warm late-afternoon light, a landscape still green or golden from the harvest. July and August offer longer days but also heat that can make midday outdoor ceremonies uncomfortable.

Winter, a less popular choice, can be a surprising option for those wanting an intimate wedding with few guests and an even more close-knit atmosphere, perhaps right in front of the fireplace in the indoor hall.

Catering and Tuscan tradition at the table

A wedding in Tuscany is also, inevitably, a wedding at the table. The most successful menus draw on local produce: hand-made pici pasta, local pecorino cheese, cured meats and wines from nearby cellars, carefully paired with the main courses. Many venues with their own kitchen allow you to build a bespoke menu together with the chef, avoiding the standardised catering of large reception halls.

Where the couple and guests stay

A convent turned into a hotel offers a not-so-obvious advantage: the couple and their closest guests can sleep in the very place where the ceremony took place, extending the celebration into the following day too. For convents with a limited number of rooms (often 6-10), it's important to identify nearby additional accommodation early for the rest of the guests, especially in high season when availability in Tuscan villages drops quickly.

A timeline for organising everything in good time

Recommended timing

• 12-18 months ahead — choosing and booking the venue, especially for high season
• 9-12 months ahead — choosing photographer, florist, music and finalising the menu
• 6 months ahead — sending save-the-dates, booking accommodation for guests
• 1-2 months ahead — final confirmation of guest numbers and last logistical details with the venue

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a civil wedding in a convent in Tuscany?

A legally binding civil wedding must be performed by a registrar, usually at the Town Hall or at a venue it has authorised. Many couples, especially foreign couples already legally married in their home country, choose instead a symbolic ceremony at the convent, identical in form but with no legal value.

How many guests can a historic convent host?

It depends on the spaces available: an intimate cloister and garden typically accommodate between 50 and 120 guests. This is one of the reasons such venues are chosen by those wanting an exclusive wedding rather than a large reception.

What is the best time of year to get married in Tuscany?

May-June and September-October are considered the ideal months for temperature and light. Winter, less in demand, can be perfect for an intimate wedding with few guests.

How far in advance should I book the venue?

For high season it's advisable to book 12-18 months ahead, especially if the venue has a limited number of guest rooms. For an off-season wedding, 6-8 months' notice can be enough.

Is a symbolic ceremony possible for couples who are not Italian citizens?

Yes, it's one of the most common solutions for foreign couples: they marry legally in their home country and then hold a symbolic ceremony in Tuscany, often officiated by a lay celebrant in the couple's own language.