If Lake Como is a "mood," Tuscany is a painting. For a photographer, this region offers a completely different palette: warm ochres, dusty greens, and a quality of light that feels almost thick with gold dust.
But Tuscany is vast. The difference between a wedding in the rolling clay hills of the Val d'Orcia and a gala in a Florentine palace is night and day. Some venues offer rustic simplicity, while others are baroque masterpieces.
Choosing the right venue here is about understanding scale and texture. Do you want the intimacy of a medieval hamlet (borgo) or the grandeur of a Medici estate? Here is my curated list of the top 10 wedding venues in Tuscany, ranked by photographic potential.
1. Villa Cetinale (Sovicille)
The Baroque Masterpiece If you want drama without the water, this is it. Famous for its symmetry and the incredible "Scala Santa" (Holy Staircase) that climbs the hill behind the villa, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful villas in Italy.
The Vibe: Theatrical, architectural, and aristocratic.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests (perfect for seated dinners in the garden).
Photographer’s Insight: The long Cypress Avenue here is arguably the best "walking shot" in the country. The symmetry is perfect.
Lighting Tip: The villa sits in a valley. The sun drops behind the hill earlier than you think, offering a long, soft twilight period that is perfect for romantic portraits without squinting.
2. Borgo Stomennano (Monteriggioni)
The Quintessential Tuscan Dream When you close your eyes and picture Tuscany, you are picturing this place. It overlooks the medieval walled castle of Monteriggioni. It feels authentic, lived-in, and incredibly noble.
The Vibe: Soulful, historic, and effortlessly chic.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests.
Photographer’s Insight: The infinity pool offers a reflection shot with the castle of Monteriggioni in the background that is an absolute showstopper at sunset.
Composition Note: The driveway is lined with ancient pine trees, not just cypresses, creating a dappled light that looks like an oil painting.
3. Villa La Foce (Val d'Orcia)
The Garden of Eden Located in the UNESCO-protected Val d'Orcia, this estate has the most famous manicured gardens in Tuscany, designed by Cecil Pinsent. It overlooks the iconic "zig-zag" cypress road you see on every postcard.
The Vibe: Cultured, literary, and botanical.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests.
Photographer’s Insight: The mix of formal English/Italian gardens against the wild, barren clay hills of the valley creates a contrast that adds massive depth to photos.
Must-Have Shot: The wisteria pergola in bloom (usually May) creates a natural soft-box tunnel for portraits.
4. Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte (Impruneta)
The Rainy Day Savior Most Tuscan venues rely on good weather. Villa Corsini has the "Galleria del Pandolfo"—a massive indoor hall covered in frescoes that is just as beautiful as any garden.
The Vibe: Renaissance grandeur and Medici power.
Capacity: Massive. Up to 400+ guests.
Photographer’s Insight: This is the best venue for a large wedding where you don’t want to worry about rain. The indoor frescoes are bright and airy, meaning I don't need heavy flash setups to make it look stunning.
5. Il Borro (Arezzo)
The Fashion Kingdom Owned by the Ferragamo family, this isn't just a villa; it is an entire restored medieval village. It is luxury on a massive scale, with cobblestone streets and high-end hospitality.
The Vibe: Medieval village meets high-fashion luxury.
Capacity: Very flexible; from intimate to 200+.
Photographer’s Insight: Because it is a village, we have endless backdrops—brick archways, piazzas, and fields—all within a 5-minute walk. It offers incredible variety in a single gallery.
6. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco (Montalcino)
The Ultra-Luxe Estate One of the oldest and best-preserved estates in Tuscany, now a Rosewood property. It sits deep in the Brunello wine region. It is vast, private, and impeccable.
The Vibe: Exclusive, polished, and rustic-deluxe.
Capacity: Up to 150+ guests.
Photographer’s Insight: The ruins of the medieval castle on the property provide a dramatic, gritty texture that contrasts beautifully with elegant black-tie attire. The sunset views over the vineyards are unobstructed for miles.
7. Villa Gamberaia (Florence)
The Floating Garden Located just 15 minutes from Florence, this villa is famous for its "water parterre"—rectangular ponds that reflect the sky. It feels like a balcony overlooking the city.
The Vibe: Intellectual, geometric, and serene.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests.
Photographer’s Insight: The reflection in the water ponds allows for creative, artistic composition. You get the sky, the couple, and the villa all in one frame without using a drone.
8. Castello di Vicarello (Maremma)
The Edgy Choice Located in the wilder southern part of Tuscany (Maremma), this castle feels more fortress-like and secluded. It is perfect for couples who want something less "perfectly manicured" and more organic.
The Vibe: Boho-luxe, wild, and intimate.
Capacity: Best for intimate weddings (50–60 guests).
Photographer’s Insight: The roof terrace offers a 360-degree view of untouched hills. The light here feels "harder" and more dramatic, great for high-contrast black and white editorial shots.
9. Villa di Geggiano (Siena)
The Cinematic classic Famous for its appearance in Stealing Beauty, this villa has a crumbling, faded glory that is impossible to fake. The interior walls feature original 18th-century wallpapers.
The Vibe: Romantic decadence and authentic history.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests.
Photographer’s Insight: The "Teatro di Verzura" (Green Theatre) is a ceremony spot made entirely of clipped hedges. It frames the couple naturally, drawing the viewer's eye exactly where it needs to be.
10. Villa Medicea di Lilliano (Florence)
The Terrace with a View A Medici estate that combines the convenience of being near Florence with the feel of the countryside. The main terrace is a massive stone platform overlooking the Duomo in the distance.
The Vibe: Airy, open, and grand.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
Photographer’s Insight: This is one of the few venues where you can get a "Golden Hour" shot with the silhouette of the Florence cathedral in the deep background.
Whether you choose the baroque drama of Villa Cetinale or the rustic soul of Borgo Stomennano, Tuscany offers a warmth that is hard to find anywhere else. It isn't just about the visual beauty; it is about the pace. In Lake Como, the mountains command attention. In Tuscany, the rolling hills invite you to slow down. The architecture provides the history, but that famous golden light provides the magic.
Choose the venue that feels like the best version of "home" for you and your guests, pour the Chianti, and trust me to capture the glow.
Yours,
Anna