The country of Italy has long been synonymous with romance, with just the mention of it sparking to life thoughts of delicious candlelit dinners, romantic beaches and midnight strolls through the quiet, cobbled streets of amazing ancient villages. Still, what could be more romantic than actually getting married in Italy?
For those couples who really want something special for their wedding day, Italy is truly a dream destination, and the only thing better than getting married in Italy is getting married in a stunning, classic Italian cathedral. If this sounds like the recipe for the wedding of your dreams, you’ve got no shortage of options to choose from as the Italian countryside is packed full of amazing churches and cathedrals. Still, to give you somewhere to start, here are five of the best.
In Italy most churches are open to weddings according to the roman catholic rite, getting married does not normally have an actual fee, but the parish will accept offers.
Duomo di Modena (Modena Cathedral)
Originally consecrated in 1184 (although construction wasn’t officially completed until 1319), Duomo di Modena is a picturesque Roman Catholic church located in Modena in the famous Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this incredible cathedral is one of the most important Romanesque buildings in the world. It is also knows for the biblical bas-relief and sculptures that adorn the exteriors. The Duomo di Modena is truly stunning and offers up the possibility of a truly memorable, and remarkable wedding experience.
Duomo di Parma (Parma Cathedral)
Like Modena, Duomo di Parma is another beautiful Romanesque cathedral that was consecrated in the 1100s. Also in the Emilia-Romagna region, Parma itself is a wonderful city famous for its delicious food, but its highlight is definitely the cathedral, which is world renowned for the beautiful illusionistic Renaissance fresco painted on its dome by Antonio da Correggio. In fairness, while no doubt beautiful, the exterior of this cathedral maybe doesn’t quite compete with the others on this list, but the opportunity to get married underneath the Parma Cathedral’s spectacular fresco is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Duomo di Trani (Trani Cathedral)
Although not nearly as well known as the previous two, Duomo di Trani (also known as Cattedrale di Trani or Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino) is an incredibly distinctive ancient cathedral located in Trani in the Apulia region on Italy’s southeast coast. The cathedral, which is one of the best examples of Southern Italian Romanesque architecture found throughout the region, features a gorgeous bell tower that offers fantastic views over the Adriatic Sea. The Apulia region is also famous for crystal clear sea and plenty of beaches, not to mention the delicious cheese and wine that you can sample there.
Duomo di Monza (Monza Cathedral)
The Duomo di Monza (also known as Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist), is located in Monza, near world famous fashion capital Milan. Although it is still referred to as a Duomo (cathedral), it technically isn’t one as it is overseen by an archpriest, not the bishop. Of all the cathedrals on this list, this is perhaps the most stunning, with its amazing gothic facade with a stunning rose, truly a sight to behold.
The Pantheon in Rome
Ok, it’s not technically a cathedral, but that makes it no less special. One of the most famous Roman buildings in Rome (built in 118 AD) and visited by thousands of tourists every year. It was built during Roman times and used as a pagan temple until the arrival†of Christianity and then turned into a church, and still in use today. There are very few, if any, wedding destinations in the world that can compete with The Pantheon in terms of history, class and style.
Lastly, don’t forget.. if you need a photograph for your destination wedding then I am VERY fond of Italy… and pizza.
Oh, and gelato.