It’s difficult to imagine anything more romantic than an Italian wedding—and the dolce vita mind-set that comes with it. Perhaps nowhere is that more true than in Tuscany, where the rolling hills and ancient vineyards make a picture-perfect backdrop. Whether you fancy yourself a Henry James heroine or a modern Catherine de’ Medici, there’s an atmospheric locale for every type of bride. From Baroque villas and upscale farmhouses to lordly manors you can make your own, these history-rich spots are the perfect places to bring your nuptial fantasies to life. First, choose one that fits your personal style: Would you prefer to get ready with Botticelli’s Venus looking out over your veil or the neighboring Chianina cattle mooing into your window? Then let the food, wine, and florals fall into place. After all, it’s hard to mess up this level of natural beauty. Viva Toscana.
La Foce
Take note, Downton Abbey fans. Nestled in the Val d’Orcia in southeastern Tuscany, La Foce is the estate of an Anglo-American expat named Iris Origo, a Jamesian heroine of sorts, who settled here with her Italian nobleman husband in the 1920s. Still family owned, the house is within easy access of the superb wines of Montalcino and Montepulciano and the healing waters of the Chianciano Terme spa, as well as a historic hamlet that boasts numerous farmhouses for guests. Consider it a passport to prewar Italy in all its rustic splendor. Strada della Vittoria, 63, 53042 Chianciano Terme SI, Italy; lafoce.com
Villa Catignano
In the heart of Tuscany’s greatest towns—Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Arezzo—Villa Catignano features frescoed walls and 17th-century grandeur, backed by lemon groves and mazelike gardens marked by manicured hedges. In addition to a large manor house, the property is dotted with accompanying fattorie (farmhouses) to ensure your guests have the ultimate dolce vita experience. Strada Comunale di Catignano, 25, 53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga SI, Italy; villacatignano.it
Podere Finerri
With locally sourced cucina and a laid-back setting, Podere Finerri (known in English as the Lazy Olive) is a subdued choice for low-key brides. Capturing the rustic charms of the region, the cozy stone-and-terra-cotta structures feel like a trip back in time despite the 1700s-era farmhouse’s modern amenities. In other words, the agriturismo-style venue is the perfect place to bring to life your Under the Tuscan Sun wedding. Loc. Finerri, 7, 53041 Asciano SI, Italy; thelazyolive.com
Villa Petrolo
An 18th-century manor house in perfectly manicured Chianti, Villa Petrolo is the ideal place to be the subject of your own masterpiece. Surrounded by vast gardens lined with Italian cypresses, the iconic trees of the region, the estate is a neighbor to a medieval church in Galatrona, which is home to a number of unique works by notable Renaissance painter Giovanni della Robbia. Loc. Petrolo, 30, 52021 Bucine AR, Italy; petrolo.it
Villa Cetinale
Here’s an invitation guests won’t want to refuse. The Baroque architecture of Villa Cetinale is the ideal backdrop for a luxurious affair. Dripping with Mazzuoli sculptures and surrounded by nationally renowned gardens, the property—which was designed by the architect Carlo Fontana and built for Pope Alexander VII in 1680—has hosted the likes of Kate Moss and Tony Blair. And with only nine intimate rooms, there’s no better place to be the star of your own wedding story. Str. di Cetinale, 9, 53018 Sovicille SI, Italy; villacetinale.com
