This year, I was invited by the Convention Bureau of Italy to explore the idea of a destination wedding in Palermo — and I instantly fell in love with the city. With its romantic atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, exquisite cuisine, and stunning architecture, it is undeniably unforgettable.
I may be a bit biased when it comes to Italy — it’s part of my personal story, as I got engaged there during a magical proposal in Rome.
- Read more: Just got engaged? 10 things to do next!
So, if you’re dreaming of starting your love story in Italy too, I invite you to discover Palermo — one of the most enchanting wedding destinations in Europe.
Frequent questions about destination wedding in Palermo
When it comes to budgeting, the cost of a 100-person wedding in Italy can vary widely depending on the region, venue, level of luxury, and time of year. In general, for a high-end celebration, you can expect to spend anywhere from €50,000 to over €100,000.
Absolutely! Palermo is an incredible — and often underrated — holiday destination, especially for those who love history, culture, food, and a touch of beautiful chaos. With over 2,700 years of history, the city showcases layers of Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influence. You’ll encounter everything from Arab-Norman cathedrals and Baroque churches to ancient palaces like Palazzo dei Normanni and the breathtaking Cappella Palatina. Palermo is also a street food paradise — don’t miss local favorites like arancine, panelle, sfincione, and the adventurous pane con la milza.
Is Sicily a good place to get married?
Choosing Palermo and Sicily for a wedding means embracing a unique blend of history, romance, and Mediterranean charm. Here’s why so many couples fall in love with the idea:
First, with over 300 days of sunshine each year, Palermo offers ideal weather for weddings — especially from spring through autumn.
The city itself, meanwhile, is a living museum of Arab-Norman, Baroque, and Byzantine architecture. Just imagine saying “I do” in centuries-old palaces, opulent churches, or seaside villas with breathtaking views. From the golden coastlines and turquoise waters to the hills of Monreale and lush gardens, every corner is picture-perfect for your wedding photos.
And of course, we can’t forget the extraordinary Sicilian cuisine — a celebration in itself. Rich in flavor, tradition, and local ingredients, wedding feasts here often feel like gourmet experiences.
To me, Palermo is a hidden gem. It not only offers that dreamy, sun-soaked Italian vibe but also avoids the overwhelming crowds of more famous destinations. Rich in charm, warmth, and hospitality, it’s an unforgettable place to begin your love story.
What is the best time of the year for a destination wedding in Palermo?
The best time of the year to get married in Palermo is typically from May to early October, when the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for outdoor celebrations.
Avoid late autumn and winter (November to March) if you’re hoping for an outdoor wedding. The weather can be rainy, cooler, and many venues reduce services or close for the season.
How to get to Palermo?
Getting to Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is relatively straightforward—whether you’re traveling from within Italy, Europe, or overseas. Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) is located about 35 km (22 miles) west of the city center and is served by direct flights from major European cities such as Rome, Milan, Paris, London, Barcelona, Frankfurt, and more.
- Read more: Wedding in Europe: why you should do it?
If you’re traveling from the U.S. or Canada, there are currently no direct flights to Palermo, but convenient connections are available via Rome, Milan, or other major European hubs.
Finally, to reach the city from the airport, the Trinacria Express train connects PMO to Palermo Centrale in approximately 50 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi or private transfer takes around 40 minutes by car.
Palermo wedding venues and lodging
During my visit to Palermo, I had the chance to explore some of the city’s most stunning wedding venues — and the best part is, many of them offer on-site accommodation for you and your guests. An ideal setup for a seamless destination wedding!
Villa Igiea
This is where I stayed during my visit to Palermo — and I can confidently say, it’s an incredible hotel.
Set in a storied 19th-century palazzo on the edge of vibrant Palermo, Villa Igiea sits between Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf, offering a timeless blend of seaside tranquility and city sophistication. Once a retreat for royalty, the hotel has been beautifully restored as a Rocco Forte property, featuring elegant Italian restaurants, atmospheric bars, and a grand Art Nouveau interior.
With 72 rooms and 28 suites, it’s just 30 minutes from Palermo International Airport. The Irene Forte Spa is a highlight — perfect for couples looking to unwind before the big day.
Wedding at Villa Igiea
Villa Igiea offers a variety of stunning settings for your wedding ceremony and reception, each with its own unique charm:
- Salon Belle Époque – A versatile and elegant space with impeccable acoustics, perfect for both banquets and cocktail receptions. With sparkling chandeliers, grand pillars, and lush palms, it sets the tone for a truly unforgettable celebration. Ideal for 180–200 guests.
- Sala Basile –To start, a luminous, art-filled hall overlooking the gardens sets the scene. With its whimsical frescoes and carved woodwork, it’s perfect for refined receptions and ceremonies in any season. Ideally, it accommodates 120–150 guests.
- Terrazza Mare – This expansive terrace boasts sweeping views of the Mediterranean, Sicilian flavors under the sun, and a historic fountain surrounded by lush greenery. The perfect setting for magical sunset celebrations. Capacity: up to 450 guests.
- Florio Restaurant Terrace – Celebrate your destination wedding in Palermo with fresh local cuisine, vibrant blooms, and breathtaking sea views. Overall, this sun-kissed terrace radiates Mediterranean charm. Accommodates 70–100 guests.
- Green Room – An intimate yet refined space, bathed in natural light and offering ocean views. With serene tones and rich textures, it’s ideal for smaller, elegant banquets. Capacity: up to 18 guests.
- Green Terrace – This secluded garden space combines marina views with Mediterranean allure. A candlelit table, seasonal flowers, and a relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for intimate weddings. Up to 18 guests.
- Salone Belmonte – Just steps from the hotel, this historic and majestic venue overlooks the Gulf of Palermo. Once a private members’ club for the Florio family, it’s ideal for cocktail celebrations with a touch of grandeur. Suitable for 200–300 guests.
Grand Hotel et des Palmes
In the vibrant heart of Palermo, the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes radiates timeless elegance—a place where history and modernity intertwine in an atmosphere of prestige and enduring luxury. As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes enters a new era, blending glamour, innovation, and tradition with effortless sophistication.
As you stroll through the salons of what was once the residence of the Ingham-Whitaker family, take a moment to admire the exquisite details: the majestic lobby with its soaring frescoed ceilings, original Art Nouveau stained-glass windows, and the enchanting Winter Garden, designed by architect Ernesto Basile, a brilliant figure of modernism and Art Nouveau.
Meanwhile, the Des Palmes Neobistrot Restaurant offers a glamorous backdrop for contemporary cuisine, welcoming guests into a refined setting that reinterprets Art Nouveau with modern flair. Ultimately, the Neobistrot invites you to indulge in an unforgettable epicurean experience, where elegance and flavor exist in perfect harmony.
If you are planning a destination wedding, this place is perfect – as you and your guests can stay there.
Villa del Gatto Pardo
Villa del Gattopardo is where Sicilian grandeur meets modern charm. Lovingly restored to preserve its historic soul, this former noble residence—once home to the Princes of Lampedusa—now lives on as an elegant albergo diffuso, seamlessly woven into the heart of Palermo’s Conca d’Oro, just minutes from the city center and the Gulf of Mondello. Notably, its location offers both convenience and breathtaking surroundings.
Furthermore, its majestic double staircase frames a grand courtyard, leading guests into a world of period-furnished suites, refined reception halls, and panoramic terraces that spill into lush gardens. At the heart of it all, a dazzling fountain—unique in Europe—pays homage to the island’s rich heritage and sets the stage for unforgettable vows.
The villa’s spa offers a quiet haven, while the noble floor invites celebration in timeless style. And for destination weddings? It’s the perfect all-in-one hideaway, where you and your guests can stay together, celebrate together, and make yourselves completely at home.
Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco
Hidden among the lush landscapes of the Mount Genuardo Nature Reserve in the Sicilian countryside, Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco holds centuries of silence and contemplation. Founded in the 14th century as a Benedictine monastery, it still preserves the serene atmosphere and charm of medieval architecture, embraced by 200 hectares of native woodland.
The setting is both grand and intimate—with sweeping views of western Sicily and spaces that seem suspended in time. Moreover, for couples seeking a wedding off the beaten path, the abbey invites open-air ceremonies bathed in golden light or candlelit gatherings within its ancient stone walls, where whispers echo like timeless vows.
Churches to get married in Palermo
Palermo, with its rich Baroque architecture and Mediterranean charm, offers an array of stunning churches for a romantic and unforgettable wedding. For instance, see some of my favorites:
Cattedrale di Palermo (Palermo Cathedral)
Seamlessly blending Norman, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements, the Palermo Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its grand architecture and historic ambiance. As such, it’s an ideal choice for couples seeking a majestic and traditional ceremony.However, due to its cultural and religious significance, special permissions and advance planning may be required.
Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Teatini
Another beautiful option is the Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Teatini, a baroque masterpiece with lavishly decorated interiors, impressive frescoes, and a striking dome. Nestled in the heart of Palermo near Quattro Canti, it offers a romantic and atmospheric setting for a wedding.
La Martorana
Finally, La Martorana (Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio) showcases a harmonious blend of Byzantine, Baroque, and Norman influences. Additionally, it is celebrated for its breathtaking golden mosaics and rich historical character—perfect for couples who appreciate art, history, and spirituality in a unique and meaningful venue.
Sicilian cuisine for your wedding
Firstly, you need to know that Palermo’s cuisine is a vibrant mix of Sicilian tradition, Arabic influence, and fresh Mediterranean flavors. Street food reigns supreme with must-tries like arancine, pane e panelle, and sfincione. Pasta lovers can indulge in pasta con le sarde or spaghetti ai ricci di mare, while seafood mains like involtini di pesce spada and sarde a beccafico showcase local flavors.
Then, for dessert, cannoli and cassata are iconic, and granita with brioche is a typical breakfast treat. Last, wash it all down with local wines like Marsala, Etna reds, or sweet Zibibbo.
What to visit: 3-day destination wedding in Palermo
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Palermo and want to give your guests a true taste of Sicily, here are my top recommendations:
DAY 1 – WELCOME TO PALERMO
Afternoon: Arrival & Check-in
Guests settle into their accommodations. Consider including a charming welcome bag filled with local treats—think mini limoncello, Sicilian almonds, and a map of your favorite Palermo spots.
Evening: Welcome Aperitivo
- Location: Choose a scenic rooftop or garden terrace such as Seven Restaurant, Villa Igiea, or Casa Professa Rooftop. You could also opt for a rehearsal dinner if you wish.
- Vibe: Casual-chic. Serve up cocktails, Sicilian wines, and finger foods like panelle, arancine, and marinated olives.
DAY 2 – THE BIG DAY
Morning: Leisure Time
Guests can explore local gems like Palermo Cathedral or take a peaceful stroll through Villa Giulia. Also, I suggest that they enjoy an espresso at a historic café such as Antico Caffè Spinnato.
Afternoon: Wedding Ceremony
- Venue Ideas: Say “I do” in a stunning Baroque church like La Martorana or at a countryside relais such as Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco.
- Ceremony highlights may include a string quartet, an elegant toast, and unforgettable photo moments.
Evening: Wedding Reception
- Dinner: Host a multi-course Sicilian feast, ideally outdoors beneath fairy lights or inside a frescoed palazzo.
- Party: Celebrate with a live band or DJ, dancing. And don’t forget the dessert—think cassata or a towering display of cannoli!
DAY 3 – LA DOLCE DOMENICA
Morning: Farewell Brunch
- Location: A serene garden café or the courtyard of your hotel.
- Menu: Delight guests with Sicilian pastries, fresh fruit, granita with brioche, espresso, and prosecco mimosas.
Optional Afternoon Activity
- Take a short day trip to Mondello Beach (just 30 minutes away) for sun, sea, and seafood.
- Or enjoy a guided walking tour through the Ballarò Market. It might end with gelato served in a brioche bun—an iconic Palermo treat.
Sicily wedding packages
If you’re looking for a wedding package in Sicily, Cassia Thomas can expertly guide you through the process. She also presents you with the finest options for your destination celebration.
Wedding planner in Sicily
Cassia Thomas is an acclaimed destination wedding planner known for curating high-end celebrations throughout Europe. With a wealth of experience, she artfully combines sophistication, cultural depth, and precision in every detail. Moreover, Cassia collaborates with leading venues and elite vendors to bring each vision to life flawlessly. In addition, her deep knowledge of international weddings — from legal requirements to aesthetic design — makes her a trusted partner for couples.
Plan you destination wedding in Palermo now
Do you need some help planning your destination wedding in Palermo? The wedding planner Cassia Thomas can help you to organize everything from the start. Let’s talk!
