Planning a destination wedding in Tuscany from the UK? We asked a Scotland- and Italy-based planner to share exactly what’s involved – from legalities and venues to food, travel and timings
Food is the centrepiece of an Italian wedding. This table was styled by Laura McCranor Weddings & Events (Photo: Carlo Paloni)
Italy has long been a go-to for destination weddings, but Tuscany remains one of its most sought-after regions.
With rolling vineyards, golden light and a slower pace of life, it offers something many couples are craving: a wedding that feels like a full experience rather than a single day.
So, how do you actually plan a Tuscan wedding from Scotland – and what do you need to know before you start? We spoke to Tuscany wedding planner Laura McCranor for her expert advice.
Why is Tuscany so popular for destination weddings?
"If you're thinking about a destination wedding, there's nowhere quite like Tuscany," says Laura McCranor.
"The weather is a big part of it, of course, but it's also the peaceful pace of life, the food and the sense of space. Weddings there never feel rushed – everyone seems more relaxed."
That unhurried pace is a major draw for couples planning from the UK, especially those who want their wedding to feel immersive rather than time-pressured.
Between the golden light, vineyard views and relaxed atmosphere, Tuscany naturally lends itself to multi-day celebrations centred around good food and time spent together.
Read more about: Laura McCranor, an award-winning luxury planner who believes she has found her true calling in life, organising and orchestrating weddings and events
Can you legally get married in Tuscany as a UK couple?
While it is sometimes possible for UK couples to marry legally in Tuscany, it’s not always straightforward.
"There are some areas of Tuscany where you cannot legally marry. It depends on the town or village – and, if you're marrying in a church, on the rules of that particular parish," she explains.
"Because of that, most couples will have their legal ceremony at home in Scotland, perhaps in a registry office, a few days before flying out."
For many, this approach removes stress and allows the Tuscan celebration to focus purely on the experience.
Laura McCranor has branched into helping Scottish couples plan their weddings in Tuscany (Photo: Martin McLellan)
Should you hire a wedding planner for a destination wedding?
Organising a wedding abroad can quickly become overwhelming, particularly when navigating language barriers, supplier networks and local logistics.
Laura and her team operate between Scotland and Italy, offering a balance of accessible communication and on-the-ground expertise.
"We only take on a small number of weddings each year so we can give each couple our full attention," she says.
"With one foot here and the other firmly in Italy, we're able to connect our couples with trusted local suppliers and venues, while understanding the standards you're used to at home and what your expectations are."
Working with a planner can help streamline everything from venue sourcing to timelines, ensuring nothing is lost in translation.
A later ceremony means couples and their guests can avoid the scorching mid-day sun (Photo: Carlo Paloni)
The best wedding venues in Tuscany for a destination wedding
Villa Cetinale
"Villa Cetinale is just incredible" she says.
"It's where Millie Bobby Brown got married, and is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. The grounds are stunning, and it has the largest wisteria tree in Tuscany."
Villa Catignano
She is also a fan of Villa Catignano, an estate near Siena.
"It's ideal for hosting guests over an entire weekend, with accommodation on-site and lots of different spaces to use. It has become hugely popular recently – so much so that couples are booking it years in advance."
Antico Borgo San Lorenzo
For those keeping an eye on budget, she recommends Antico Borgo San Lorenzo in the Chianti hills. "It's a bit of a hidden gem," she tells us.
"We discovered it three years ago and now work closely with the team there. It can host up to 80 guests on the day, with overnight accommodation for 40 on-site. The chef is brilliant, and the catering team use local produce. It's relaxed and authentic."
Antico Borgo San Lorenzo, one of Laura’s favourite Tuscan venues (Photo: Carlo Paloni)
What is the food like at a Tuscany wedding?
If you've ever been to an Italian wedding, you'll know that food isn't just part of the day – it’s the main event.
A typical Tuscan wedding begins with an aperitivo: an extended drinks reception featuring prosecco, Aperol spritz and a generous spread of antipasti.
"It's basically a huge charcuterie buffet," Laura laughs. "Then you sit down for dinner and have two pasta courses, a main course and dessert or cake. The food is a celebration in itself."
When is the best time of year to get married in Tuscany?
Spring offers beautiful scenery, but for Laura, early autumn – particularly September – stands out.
"The weather is still warm but it's more comfortable," she says.
"The light is beautiful for photography, and it's slightly quieter once the main tourist season ends."
The showstopping millefoglie wedding cake has even made its way back to Scotland-based weddings (Photo: Carlo Paloni)
How do you get to Tuscany from the UK?
Travelling from Scotland to Tuscany is relatively straightforward, particularly during peak wedding season.
Direct flights to Pisa are available from Edinburgh and Prestwick with Ryanair, while British Airways operates summer weekend routes from Edinburgh to Florence.
Once in Tuscany, hiring a car is strongly recommended: "This is a rural area, and taxis are few and far between. Having your own transport makes everything easier."
Want to get married abroad? Here's our extended guide to even more popular destination wedding locations outside of the UK and how to marry there
5 expert tips for planning a Tuscany wedding
1. Have a millefoglie wedding cake
"This showstopping classic of fresh cream and thin sweet pastry (roughly pronounced mee-lay-fol-yay) is assembled live in front of you, with the couple finishing it off with a dusting of icing sugar."
2. Hire a wedding planner
"It's not a luxury – it's a lifeline. Local knowledge and language skills make the whole process smoother."
3. Hold the ceremony later in the day
"Most Tuscan weddings start around 5pm to avoid the summer heat and to catch that golden-hour light."
4. Book live musicians
"Acoustic guitarists, traditional folk bands, opera singers – it adds a real sense of place and energy."
5. Indulge in a Tuscan feast
"Long tables, local wine and multiple courses: eating together is the heart of any Italian celebration."
The golden light, rolling vineyards and rustic villas help, but it’s the combination of good weather, good food and good company that makes Tuscan weddings so magical (Photo: Carlo Paloni)
