Italy doesn’t have to be an expensive wedding destination! Away from Tuscany, Lake Garda and Lake Como, there are affordable gems hidden away – with the same charm but without the tourist prices. This guide shows you where you can save money
Where to get Married cheaply in Italy – 5 budget Wedding regions
1. Abruzzo: wild romance & a paradise for savers
The mountain region south of Rome is Italy’s cheapest wedding destination – here you can save money on venues, catering and service providers.
Locations:
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- Santo Spirito Monastery: Mystical stone vaults under UNESCO protection.
- Parco Nazionale della Majella: weddings between beech forests and wolf territories.
Cost reduction:
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- Use regional products such as truffles or lamb – up to 50% cheaper than imported menus.
- Local musicians (e.g. Zampogna players) cost from €200 instead of expensive DJs.
2. Molise: Italy’s undiscovered pearl
Italy’s smallest region is an insider tip for minimalists.
Locations:
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- Agriturismo La Rocca: farm with olive groves away from the main roads.
- Termoli coast: fishing villages with private beach rentals from €500.
Savings benefits:
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- No “luxury tax” – venues here charge average prices instead of a wedding surcharge.
- Simple decorations with wild flowers and candles are often organized by providers free of charge.
Wedding photographer Lake Como for aerial shots – the hilly landscape resembles northern Italy, but is significantly cheaper.
3. calabria: Mediterranean flair at a mini price
Southern Italy’s coast offers more than just beaches – here you can get married between lemon gardens and Byzantine ruins.
Locations:
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- Castello Aragonese: medieval fortresses with sea views.
- Citrus plantations near Tropea: privacy including the scent of bergamot.
Budget tricks:
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- Negotiate with venues! Many providers offer discounts for weekend packages (e.g. location + catering).
- Use local flowers such as bougainvillea or jasmine instead of expensive imports.
4. Basilicata: Cave churches & olive groves
The home of the UNESCO city of Matera is ideal for dramatic wedding photos.
Locations:
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- Sassi di Matera: weddings in 9,000-year-old caves – prices are 30% lower than Tuscan villas.
- Parco del Pollino: outdoor ceremonies among wild horses and wolf tracks.
Saving tip:
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- Book in winter – many cave restaurants offer heating and reduced rents.
- Local winegrowers host wine tastings as an inexpensive alternative to a champagne reception.
5. Marche (Le Marche): Tuscany feeling at a bargain price
The “green Tuscany” east of the Apennines offers Renaissance villas without mass tourism.
Locations:
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- Villa Cattani Stuart: Baroque gardens and colonnades for historical photos.
- Conero coast: cliff-top beaches with views of the Adriatic – perfect for sunset shoots.
Budget plus:
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- Service providers from Umbria (e.g. wedding photographer Tuscany) are often cheaper here than in the neighboring country.
- Regional chefs create menus with truffles and Adriatic fish from €35/person.

What your wedding in Italy could look like
I am also happy to photograph your wedding, whether in Germany, Italy or anywhere else in Europe. I offer authentic and genuine wedding reportages where you don’t have to look behind a tree and wave at me.
Elegant and timeless photos as well as professional image editing ensure that your pictures will still look great even after 10 years.
Just write me a message and ask for my price list.








How to save properly – 7 golden rules
- DIY decorations: Collect pine cones, olive branches or beach shells.
- Civil ceremony: Often free of charge in Italian town halls (only translation costs).
- Avoid the season: June-August is expensive – September or April offer the same weather but a 40% discount.
- Book local teams: florists from Calabria or photographers such as the wedding photographer Lake Garda are cheaper than international agencies.
- All-inclusive packages: Agriturismi often include location, food and wine.
- Small guest list: Intimate celebrations in monasteries or caves radically reduce costs.
- Flexible photography: Book a wedding photographer Lake Como for 3 hours instead of the whole day.
Conclusion
The most favorable wedding regions in Italy are Abruzzo, Molise, Calabria, Basilicata and the Marche. Combine:
- Local providers for catering and decoration.
- Flexible photographers such as the wedding photographer Tuscany, wedding photographer Lake Garda or wedding photographer Lake Como – they travel cheaply to your desired region.