Inside the Magic of a Destination Wedding in Sicily
A destination wedding in Sicily offers a magical blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, creating celebrations that are truly unforgettable. In February 2025, I had the opportunity to explore wedding venues, hotels, and experiences in Palermo. Now, I’ve been invited by Sicily for Weddings to discover the hidden gems of Noto and Taormina — two remarkable destinations for couples dreaming of a Sicilian wedding.
From cliffside villas overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean to charming historic towns and sun-kissed countryside estates, the island provides breathtaking backdrops for every couple’s dream day. Rich Sicilian traditions, world-renowned cuisine, and warm, welcoming hospitality infuse every moment with romance and authenticity. Whether celebrating an intimate elopement or a grand destination wedding, Sicily combines elegance, color, and timeless charm, turning each wedding into a memory to cherish forever.
Frequent questions about destination wedding in Sicily
Yes, foreigners can get married in Sicily, but certain legal requirements must be met. Couples need documents such as passports, birth certificates, and a “Certificate of No Impediment,” often translated into Italian and legalized with an Apostille. Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted at the local Comune, while religious weddings, including Catholic or other faiths, may require additional documents and sometimes a civil ceremony for legal recognition.
Absolutely—Sicily is an exceptional destination for a wedding. The island combines breathtaking landscapes, from cliffside views over the Mediterranean to rolling vineyards and charming historic towns, with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant local traditions. Couples can choose from luxurious seaside resorts, boutique hotels in historic centers, or romantic villas surrounded by nature. Sicilian cuisine, fine wines, and warm hospitality add a sensory richness to the celebration, while the mild climate allows for outdoor ceremonies nearly year-round. With its mix of natural beauty, history, and romance, Sicily offers an unforgettable setting for both intimate and grand weddings.
There is no strict legal requirement for how many days you must stay in Italy before getting married, unlike some countries that require a residency period. However, it’s practical for couples to arrive at least a few days to a week in advance to complete all necessary paperwork, have documents translated and legalized, and coordinate with the local Comune or wedding planner. This also allows time for any required appointments, document verification, and for scheduling the ceremony itself. For smooth planning, especially for foreigners, most couples allow 5–7 days before the wedding date.
Weddings in Noto
Getting married in Noto means choosing a destination where history, art, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable backdrop for your special day. Known as the capital of Sicilian Baroque, Noto enchants with its golden-hued architecture, ornate churches, and elegant palazzi, giving every photograph a cinematic, timeless quality. Beyond its streets, the surrounding countryside offers rolling hills, citrus groves, and dramatic coastal vistas, allowing couples to blend urban sophistication with serene natural landscapes. With its intimate charm, warm local hospitality, and a rhythm of life steeped in tradition, Noto provides a wedding setting that feels both authentic and extraordinarily romantic—a place where every moment, from vows to celebration, becomes a memory to treasure forever.
- Read more: How to plan a luxury wedding in Europe?
Where to get married in Noto?
Here are some hotels and wedding venues in Noto I’visited during my trip to Sicily:
Tenuta Falconeri
Photos: La Via Visual
Perched high above Sicily’s sun-drenched southeast coast, Tenuta Falconeri is where timeless elegance meets the raw beauty of the Mediterranean. Restored to impeccable standards, this 100-acre hilltop estate near Noto captures the island’s sensual spirit through Arabic-inspired gardens, sweeping terraces, and lemon groves that seem to stretch endlessly toward the Ionian Sea. Its six suites, each a haven of understated luxury, flow effortlessly into the outdoors—where stone-paved courtyards, twin infinity pools, and secret alcoves invite slow, indulgent living. Every corner of the Tenuta feels designed to soothe and enchant: from sunlit breakfasts by the pool to candlelit dinners beneath olive trees, the experience here is one of rare refinement and tranquility.
For weddings, Tenuta Falconeri transforms into an intimate Sicilian dreamscape. Couples can exchange vows beneath the pergola by the pool, in the heart of a citrus grove, or against the backdrop of Noto’s golden hills. As the sun sets, cocktails by the infinity pool melt into a starlit banquet on the terraces—where festoon lights, fine Sicilian cuisine, and the scent of lemon blossoms create a celebration both soulful and sophisticated. Whether hosting a weekend-long retreat for family and friends or an elegant dinner for up to 100 guests, the estate’s full-service team ensures every detail feels effortless. At Tenuta Falconeri, luxury isn’t about grandeur—it’s about intimacy, authenticity, and the magic of Sicily itself.
Braccialieri
Photos: La Via Visual
Tucked among centuries-old olive trees, just two kilometers from the heart of Noto, Braccialieri is Sicily reimagined through the lens of slow luxury and contemporary design. This boutique estate harmonizes landscape, tradition, and sensory pleasure, creating a haven where the past, present, and future of its land coexist. Its intimate architecture and spartan-yet-luxurious interiors place the guest at the center, inviting couples and their loved ones to experience the rhythms of Sicilian life in a space that nurtures both body and soul. From the sun-drenched olive groves to the iconic red-and-white chequered pool designed by Alessandro Enriquez, every corner whispers a story — of the land, its caretakers, and the timeless elegance of Sicily itself.
For weddings, Braccialieri transforms into an ethereal stage where every detail celebrates love and la dolce vita. Garden ceremonies under olive branches, sunset dinners in the 19th-century baglio, and poolside parties infused with Sicilian flavors and music turn a wedding into a multi-day sensory journey. Vibrant colors, delicate scents, and handcrafted décor blend with the natural landscape, ensuring that each moment is both intimate and unforgettable. Here, couples don’t just celebrate a day — they step into a world where time slows, beauty abounds, and love is felt in every sunbeam, every olive leaf, and every clink of a glass.
Weddings in Taormina
Getting married in Taormina is a dream for couples seeking a blend of glamour, history, and breathtaking scenery. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, this Sicilian jewel offers panoramic vistas, dramatic cliffs, and charming cobbled streets that create a naturally cinematic backdrop for a wedding. The town’s ancient theaters, baroque architecture, and vibrant piazzas provide endless opportunities for stunning photographs and intimate moments, while its luxury hotels, villas, and gourmet restaurants ensure a celebration steeped in elegance. Beyond its beauty, Taormina pulses with local charm—guests can enjoy traditional Sicilian music, vibrant markets, and sun-drenched terraces, making the wedding experience not just an event, but a full sensory journey through one of Italy’s most enchanting destinations.
Wedding parade in Taormina
In Taormina, weddings take on a cinematic quality, with the town’s historic streets and panoramic vistas providing the perfect stage for a wedding parade. As couples and their guests move through the cobbled lanes, they are accompanied by the joyful sounds of traditional Sicilian music, the vibrant colors of local flowers, and the spirited cheers of onlookers. This celebratory procession, winding past ancient theaters, charming piazzas, and terraces overlooking the glittering Ionian Sea, transforms the journey to the ceremony into a feast for the senses. Each step becomes a moment to savor, blending local customs with personal touches, ensuring that the parade itself is as unforgettable as the vows it heralds.
Curating the Perfect Rehearsal Dinner in Taormina
Nunziatina Taormina
Photos: La Via Visual/Personal collection
Set in the heart of Taormina, Nunziatina captures the warmth, charm, and vibrant spirit of a traditional Sicilian home. Its dining experience celebrates local ingredients, elevated with creativity and care, resulting in flavors that are both ancestral and delightfully unexpected.
For a rehearsal dinner, Nunziatina offers more than a meal — it is a celebration of togetherness, where family and friends gather around the table in an atmosphere of sincere generosity and joyous conviviality. With spaces designed for intimate private events and a concept rooted in “joie de vivre,” the evening becomes an unforgettable prelude to the wedding, blending Sicilian authenticity, playful elegance, and the irresistible pleasure of sharing food, laughter, and love.
Villa Zuccaro Pizzeria Taormina
Photos: La Via Visual
In the heart of Taormina, just steps from Piazza Duomo, Villa Zuccaro Pizzeria turns a rehearsal dinner into a lively celebration of Sicilian flavor and fun. Think long tables filled with laughter, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pizza, and over 40 delicious varieties to choose from — each one a playful nod to Sicily’s culinary heritage. From vibrant starters to fresh, flavorful salads, every bite tells a story rooted in tradition yet bursting with personality. At Villa Zuccaro, the focus is on togetherness: sharing good food, raising glasses, and creating memories in an atmosphere as warm, authentic, and joyful as the island itself — a perfect kickoff to your wedding festivities.
Where to stay and celebrate your wedding in Taormina?
Here are some hotels and wedding venues in Taormina I’visited during my trip to Sicily:
Atlantis Bay: a hotel and venue by the sea
Photos: La Via Visual
Nestled on the cliffs of Taormina, overlooking the legendary Bay of Sirens, Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay captures the enchantment of the Mediterranean in every detail. With 76 elegant rooms and a panoramic terrace stretching toward the sea, the hotel rises gracefully between rock and water, where Sicilian charm meets sophisticated hospitality. Every corner celebrates the island’s natural beauty, offering a seamless harmony between luxury and landscape.
For couples dreaming of a destination wedding in Sicily, Atlantis Bay is simply unforgettable. Deck Atlantis, a wooden platform suspended above the sparkling Mediterranean, creates a breathtaking stage for seaside ceremonies, sunset dinners, and gala events. From the romantic garden to the terraces and cliffside pool, every moment here becomes an intimate, magical celebration framed by the colors, scents, and light of Sicily.
Hotel El Jebel
Photos: La Via Visual
Nestled in the heart of Taormina’s historic old town, Hotel El Jebel offers an intimate and unforgettable setting for weddings. This 5-star boutique hotel, perched above the Ionian Sea, combines the romance of a historic luxury property with breathtaking views of Naxos Bay and the surrounding landscape. Couples can exchange vows in a serene corner of the hotel or on the upper terrace, framed by the glimmering sea and the charming streets of Taormina. With just 10 exquisitely styled rooms spanning classic contemporary, Sicilian Baroque, and Oriental Arabesque designs, El Jebel creates a personalized and exclusive atmosphere, making every wedding feel both intimate and extraordinary.
The hotel’s culinary offerings further elevate the wedding experience. Gourmet Restaurant Ciampoli serves traditional Sicilian cuisine, accompanied by fine wines from prestigious local and Italian vineyards, with meals enjoyed on the panoramic summer terrace for an unforgettable backdrop. From sunrise ceremonies to sunset receptions, El Jebel blends the elegance of boutique luxury with the vibrancy of Taormina’s art, culture, and seaside beauty. For couples seeking a wedding that is simultaneously intimate, sophisticated, and quintessentially Sicilian, Hotel El Jebel provides a truly magical destination in the heart of one of Italy’s most enchanting towns.
The Ashbee Hotel
Photos: La Via Visual
The Ashbee Hotel in Taormina offers a setting where timeless elegance and Sicilian charm converge. Nestled near the Greek Amphitheatre and San Pancrazio Church, this early 20th-century Arts & Crafts villa provides sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, lush gardens, and the Nebrodi Mountains. Its intimate garden corners and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean create naturally romantic spaces for weddings, while bespoke décor, tailored floral arrangements, and attentive service contribute to a celebration that feels personal and unforgettable.
The hotel’s Michelin-starred St. George by Heinz Beck elevates the culinary experience with seasonal Sicilian cuisine paired with a curated selection of wines, creating a dining experience as memorable as the surroundings. Spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and elegant communal areas complement the setting, offering comfort and sophistication. Weddings at The Ashbee Hotel blend style, intimacy, and beauty, producing memories imbued with the serene allure of Sicily and the effortless grace of a historic boutique villa.
Extra activity for guests in Taormina
Ferrari ride
Planning a destination wedding in Sicily and wants to offer an amazing experience for your guests? For couples seeking an unforgettable thrill in Taormina, a Ferrari ride for wedding guests turns a special day into an extraordinary experience. Imagine your closest friends and family revving through the winding coastal roads, the Ionian Sea sparkling beside them, and the dramatic cliffs of Sicily providing a cinematic backdrop. These high-octane excursions combine luxury with adrenaline, allowing guests to savor the island’s breathtaking scenery at full speed, before arriving at the ceremony or reception in style. It’s more than a ride—it’s a memory in motion, perfectly blending Sicilian glamour, adventure, and the excitement of celebrating love in one of Italy’s most enchanting towns.
- Read more: Just got engaged? 10 things to do next!
Wedding planner in Sicily
Above all, Cassia Thomas is a renowned destination wedding planner celebrated for crafting refined, bespoke celebrations across Europe. Drawing on years of expertise, she masterfully blends elegance, cultural authenticity, and meticulous attention to detail. Working alongside top venues and prestigious vendors, Cassia ensures every event unfolds seamlessly. Her extensive understanding of international weddings — from logistics and legalities to creative direction — has earned her the reputation of a trusted expert among discerning couples.
Plan your destination wedding in Sicily now
Do you need some help planning your destination wedding in Sicily? The wedding planner Cassia Thomas can help you to organize everything from the start. Let’s talk!
Contact the wedding planner Cassia Thomas:
Phone: +33 6 60 39 05 44
hello.kis.wedding@gmail.com