Wedding Planner Umbria

By Lauren Portia | Lauren Portia Events — Destination Wedding Planner specialising in Italy, France & the UK

If Tuscany is Italy’s glamorous older sister, Umbria is the quietly confident one who steals the show without even trying. As a wedding planner in Umbria, I’ve seen this region capture the hearts of couple after couple. They always say the same thing afterwards: “Why doesn’t everyone know about this place?”

That’s exactly the point. Umbria feels like a secret — and your wedding here will feel like one too. Personal, unhurried, and completely yours.

Why Umbria for a Destination Wedding?

Known as the “green heart of Italy,” Umbria is the only region in central Italy that doesn’t touch the sea. What it lacks in coastline, it more than makes up for with rolling green hills, vineyards, ancient olive groves, and some of the most beautiful medieval towns you’ll ever visit. Think of everything you love about Tuscany — then imagine it without the crowds, at a lower price point, and with an even deeper sense of authenticity.

Medieval Charm Around Every Corner

Umbria is home to some of Italy’s finest medieval architecture. Towns like Orvieto, Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto, and Todi feel like stepping back in time, with cobblestone streets, ancient piazzas, and churches that have stood for nearly a thousand years. As a wedding backdrop, there’s nothing quite like it — your guests will feel as though they’ve walked onto a film set.

Incredible Venues at Outstanding Value

Where Tuscany’s most sought-after venues can come with eye-watering price tags, Umbria offers equally stunning castles, villas, and estates at a fraction of the cost. Many venues also offer more flexibility on minimum stays — unlike some Tuscan properties that require a full week’s hire, several Umbrian venues are happy with a two or three-night booking. That’s a significant saving for you and your guests.

Food and Wine That Rivals Anywhere in Italy

Umbria’s cuisine is hearty, rustic, and utterly delicious. Black and white truffles, handmade strangozzi pasta, wild boar ragu, porchetta, and locally pressed olive oil feature heavily on wedding menus here. Add in the region’s outstanding wines — Sagrantino di Montefalco and Orvieto Classico among them — and your guests are in for a feast they won’t forget.

Easy to Reach, Wonderfully Peaceful

Sitting between Rome and Florence, Umbria is remarkably well-connected. Perugia’s San Francesco d’Assisi airport handles European flights, while Rome Fiumicino is around 90 minutes by car. Florence is roughly two hours north. Once your guests arrive, though, the pace of life slows right down — and that’s exactly the feeling you want for a wedding weekend.

Best Wedding Locations in Umbria

Umbria may be compact, but each area has its own distinct character. As a wedding planner in Umbria, these are the locations I recommend most.

Perugia — The Cultural Capital

Umbria’s capital is a lively university city with a rich artistic heritage, beautiful piazzas, and excellent restaurants. The surrounding countryside is dotted with castles and estates that make for spectacular wedding venues. Being centrally located, Perugia is also a brilliant base for guests who want to explore the wider region during the wedding weekend.

Assisi — Spiritual and Romantic

Famous worldwide for the Basilica of Saint Francis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Assisi has a quiet, spiritual energy that many couples find deeply moving for their ceremony. Rolling hills surround the town, and several beautiful venues sit just outside its ancient walls. Religious ceremonies here carry a particularly special significance, though symbolic celebrations work beautifully too.

Orvieto — A Dramatic Clifftop Setting

Perched on a volcanic cliff above the surrounding valley, Orvieto is one of Italy’s most visually striking towns. The Gothic cathedral is jaw-dropping, and the surrounding wine country — particularly the Orvieto Classico vineyards — provides a gorgeous backdrop for a celebration. La Badia di Orvieto, a former Benedictine abbey dating back to 1100, is one of the most remarkable wedding venues in the region.

Todi — Intimate Hilltop Romance

Often described as one of Italy’s most liveable towns, Todi sits on a hilltop overlooking the Tiber Valley. With its elegant piazza, Romanesque churches, and panoramic views across the Umbrian countryside, Todi offers a wonderfully intimate setting. Several vineyard estates and boutique villas nearby cater perfectly to smaller, more personal celebrations.

Spoleto — Culture Meets Countryside

Known for its annual Festival dei Due Mondi, Spoleto combines cultural energy with stunning natural surroundings. The Valnerina mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, while the town itself is full of Roman ruins, medieval churches, and charming trattorias. Couples who love art, history, and nature will feel right at home here.

Lake Trasimeno — Waterside Celebrations

Italy’s fourth-largest lake sits on the Umbria-Tuscany border, surrounded by gentle hills, olive groves, and picturesque villages. Lakeside villas and boutique hotels provide romantic settings for sunset ceremonies and outdoor receptions. Guests can enjoy boat trips to the lake’s islands, watersports, and wine tastings at nearby vineyards — making for an unforgettable wedding weekend.

Best Wedding Venues in Umbria

Having planned weddings across Umbria and visited venues throughout the region, these are the ones I come back to again and again.

Castello di Rosciano

One of my absolute favourites — and a venue I know well. This medieval castle sits in the green hills just outside Perugia, with sweeping views, ancient stone walls, and a courtyard that transforms into the most magical al fresco dining space after sunset. With 32 rooms on-site, accommodation for up to 300 guests, and a charming private chapel for ceremonies, Rosciano is incredibly versatile. The family who run it are warm and hands-on, which makes the whole planning process a pleasure.

Castello di Reschio

For couples seeking pure luxury, Reschio is extraordinary. Dating back to the 10th century and painstakingly restored by the Bolza family, this estate covers 1,500 hectares of rolling Umbrian hills. Count Benedikt Bolza’s architectural vision has created something truly unique — a working estate with beautifully designed suites, a world-class restaurant, and a spa. Weddings here feel like a private house party at the most beautiful country estate you’ve ever seen.

Castello di Montignano

A beautifully restored 13th-century monastery and castle near Spoleto, Montignano sits surrounded by 40 hectares of olive groves and woodland. The venue offers elegant indoor and outdoor spaces, on-site accommodation, and that wonderful sense of seclusion that makes a destination wedding feel truly special. Couples who want a refined, intimate celebration with stunning natural surroundings will love this one.

Castello di Petrata

Just outside Assisi, this restored 14th-century castle is wrapped in ivy and surrounded by acres of gardens with panoramic views across Umbria and towards the Basilica of San Francesco. On-site accommodation keeps everything wonderfully self-contained, and the atmosphere is romantic without being stuffy. A lovely choice for couples who want their wedding to feel like a relaxed country house weekend.

La Badia di Orvieto

Originally a Benedictine abbey dating back to 1100, La Badia is genuinely one of a kind. An on-site 12th-century Romanesque church provides a breathtaking ceremony setting, while the abbey’s frescoed rooms and views towards the Orvieto cliff make for an unforgettable reception. Qualifying as one of the oldest hotels in Italy, staying here feels like stepping into a living museum — in the best possible way.

Castello di Solfagnano

Set among rolling hills north of Perugia, Solfagnano is a venue that genuinely takes your breath away. The scale is impressive — vast indoor halls, sweeping gardens, and beautifully designed outdoor spaces — yet the atmosphere remains warm and welcoming. For couples planning a larger celebration who want a venue with real wow factor, Solfagnano delivers on every level.

How to Plan a Wedding in Umbria

Planning a destination wedding in Umbria from the UK doesn’t have to be stressful — but having the right support makes all the difference. Here’s my advice for getting started.

Begin Your Search Early

Umbria’s best castles and estates book up well in advance, particularly for summer Saturdays. Starting your venue search 12–18 months ahead gives you the best selection. Some of the most popular venues are already taking bookings for 2027, so early enquiries really do pay off.

Work with a Wedding Planner in Umbria

A destination wedding in Italy involves navigating local suppliers, language barriers, and unfamiliar logistics. As a wedding planner in Umbria with strong relationships across the region, I bridge the gap between your vision and the local vendors who make it happen. From venue sourcing and catering tastings to guest transfers and on-the-day coordination, having someone who knows Umbria inside out takes the pressure off entirely.

Pick the Right Time of Year

May through October is the prime wedding season in Umbria, with June and September offering the best combination of warm weather, golden light, and comfortable temperatures. July and August can be hot — 35°C and above isn’t unusual — so if you prefer milder conditions, shoulder season is ideal. Spring also brings wildflowers across the hillsides, which makes for stunning photography.

Make the Most of the Weekend

One of the best things about an Umbrian wedding is how naturally it lends itself to a multi-day celebration. Most venues offer exclusive use, so your guests can settle in and enjoy the whole experience. Welcome drinks on the terrace the evening before, a lazy pool day, wine tastings at a nearby vineyard, or a group trip to Assisi or Orvieto — these are the moments guests talk about for years afterwards.

Understand the Legal Process

Getting legally married in Italy requires specific paperwork, including a Nulla Osta from the British Consulate and translated documents filed with the local Comune. Many of my couples choose to do a simple legal ceremony at home and have a symbolic celebration in Umbria — removing the administrative stress entirely. Whichever route you prefer, your wedding planner should guide you through every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budget and Timing

How much does a wedding in Umbria cost?
Budgets vary depending on venue, guest count, and the level of styling and catering you’re after. As a general guide, Umbria offers comparable quality to Tuscany at a noticeably lower price point — particularly for venue hire and catering. I work with couples across a range of budgets and always focus on maximising the experience for every pound spent.

When is the best time of year for an Umbrian wedding?
May through October offers the best conditions, with June and September being my personal favourites. Spring brings wildflowers and softer light, while early autumn has warm days, cooler evenings, and harvest-season flavours. July and August are beautiful but hot, so plan your ceremony timing accordingly.

How far in advance should we book?
I recommend starting your venue search 12–18 months before your wedding date. Umbria’s top castles and estates fill up quickly for peak season, so early enquiries give you the best options.

Planning and Logistics

How do guests get to Umbria?
Perugia’s San Francesco d’Assisi airport handles European flights, while Rome Fiumicino (around 90 minutes by car) and Florence (roughly two hours) offer wider international connections. Transfers from the airport to your venue can be easily arranged as part of the planning process.

Do we need a wedding planner in Umbria?
If you’re organising from the UK, I would strongly recommend it. A wedding planner in Umbria will save you time, money, and stress — from navigating Italian contracts to coordinating vendors who may not speak English. Local knowledge makes all the difference.

Can we get legally married in Umbria?
Absolutely — both civil and religious ceremonies are possible. Several venues, including Castello di Rosciano, have their own chapels licensed for ceremonies. Many UK couples prefer to handle the legal paperwork at home and enjoy a symbolic ceremony in Italy, which simplifies things considerably.

Let’s Plan Your Wedding in Umbria

Umbria is one of those places that captures your heart from the moment you arrive. If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by medieval castles, rolling green hills, and some of the best food and wine in Italy — all without the crowds — this could be your perfect destination.

As your wedding planner in Umbria, I bring local knowledge, trusted vendor relationships, and a genuine love for this region to every celebration I plan. From your first enquiry to your last dance, I’m with you every step of the way.

Get in touch and let’s start planning your Umbrian wedding.

Lauren Portia
Destination Wedding Planner | Italy, France & the UK
laurenportiaevents.com
@laurenportiaevents
+44 787 313 4298

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Lauren Portia Events is a luxury destination wedding planning company specialising in bespoke weddings across Italy, France, and the UK. If you’re looking for a wedding planner in Umbria, contact us to start your journey.