Planning a destination wedding in Italy is absolutely magical, and I'm excited to help you find the perfect venue that checks all your boxes. With 55 guests traveling from overseas, accommodation for everyone, a budget under £6k per night, a pool, and easy airport access - you've got some specific requirements that will help narrow down the options beautifully.

Here are my top recommendations in your region which are generally in line with your requirements:

1. Castello di Petrata, Umbria 💰

Region: Umbria
Distance from Airport: 25 minutes from Perugia Airport
Guest Capacity: Sleeps up to 55 guests
Budget: €5,000 per night (well under your £6k budget!)
Pool: Yes, beautiful swimming pool on-site
Stay: Minimum 2 nights (perfect for your requirements)

This stunning castle venue in the heart of Umbria is absolutely perfect for your needs. The Castello di Petrata offers exclusive use of the property, ensuring privacy for you and your guests. The venue is licensed for weddings, meaning you can have your legal ceremony right on-site. With 25 minutes from Perugia Airport and just 2 hours from Rome and Florence, it's incredibly accessible for international guests.

The castle features authentic medieval architecture combined with modern comforts, and the pool area provides the perfect backdrop for welcome drinks or relaxation. At €5,000 per night, it leaves room in your budget for other wedding elements while accommodating all 55 guests comfortably.

2. Masseria Fontana di Vite, Puglia 🌾

Region: Puglia
Distance from Airport: 45 minutes from Bari Airport
Guest Capacity: 19 rooms sleeping exactly 55 people
Budget: €6,000 per night for bookings of 2 nights or more
Pool: Yes, stunning pool with breathtaking views
Stay: 2 nights minimum

This authentic Puglian masseria is everything you could dream of for a southern Italian wedding. The traditional stone architecture, complete with those iconic Puglian features, creates an incredibly romantic atmosphere. The venue offers 19 rooms that sleep exactly 55 guests, making it perfect for your group size.

The pool area is absolutely spectacular, offering panoramic views of the Puglian countryside - ideal for those Instagram-worthy wedding photos! At 45 minutes from Bari Airport, it's easily accessible for international travelers, and the €6,000 per night rate fits perfectly within your budget.

3. Borgo del Carato, Sicily 🍋

Region: Sicily
Distance from Airport: 1 hour from Catania Airport
Guest Capacity: 27 rooms accommodating 60-65 guests
Budget: $5,200 starting price (approximately £4,100)
Pool: Yes, beautiful pool facilities
Stay: Flexible options available

This incredible Sicilian venue offers the perfect blend of traditional charm and modern luxury. With 27 rooms accommodating 60-65 guests, you'll have plenty of space for all your attendees. The venue features both indoor and outdoor spaces, giving you flexibility regardless of May/June weather.

Borgo del Carato is just an hour from Catania Airport, making it convenient for international guests. At approximately £4,100 per night, it's well within your budget, leaving extra funds for those special Italian wedding touches. The venue can host civil ceremonies and offers catering services, making it a comprehensive wedding solution.

4. Castello del Trebbio, Tuscany 🍷

Region: Tuscany
Distance from Airport: Short drive from Florence Airport
Guest Capacity: Sleeps 51 guests
Budget: $6,300 per night (approximately £4,900)
Pool: Yes, multiple pools on the property
Stay: Flexible options available

This magnificent Tuscan castle is steeped in history and surrounded by vineyards - the epitome of Tuscan romance! While it sleeps 51 guests (just shy of your 55), the venue might be able to accommodate additional guests with arrangements. The property features multiple pools, giving guests plenty of options for relaxation.

Castello del Trebbio is conveniently located near Florence Airport, making it easily accessible for international travelers. At approximately £4,900 per night, it fits within your budget and offers that classic Tuscan experience that dreams are made of. The castle also offers wine tasting experiences, adding a unique touch to your wedding celebration.

Additional Venues to Consider (Pricing Upon Request)

5. Castel Garrone, Piedmont 🏰

Region: Piedmont
Distance from Airport: 35 minutes from Turin
Guest Capacity: Sleeps up to 200 guests in 78 bedrooms
Pool: Yes, beautiful pool on-site
Budget: Pricing available upon request

This incredible hilltop castle village in Piedmont is perfect for larger groups and offers stunning panoramic views. With 78 bedrooms accommodating up to 200 guests, you'll have plenty of space for everyone. The venue includes a pool, trattoria, and multiple event spaces. While pricing isn't publicly listed, given the scale of the property, it's worth inquiring directly as it may fit within your budget.

6. Villa Tombolina, Marche 🌻

Region: Marche
Distance from Airport: 40 minutes from Ancona Airport
Guest Capacity: Up to 140 wedding guests, 14 rooms with suites
Pool: Yes, private swimming pools
Budget: €10,000+ (pricing available upon request)

This beautiful Marche estate consists of two historic villas overlooking the Metauro Valley. While the starting price of €10,000 puts it over your stated budget for two nights, it's worth contacting them directly as they may have off-peak rates or packages that could work for your May/June 2027 dates.

7. Pantanelli di Vendicari, Sicily 🌊

Region: Sicily
Distance from Airport: 1 hour from Catania Airport
Guest Capacity: 16 rooms sleeping 46 guests
Pool: Yes, seasonal outdoor pool
Budget: Very affordable (contact for specific rates)

This charming venue is nestled in the beautiful Vendicari nature reserve near Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While it accommodates 46 guests (slightly under your 55), it's described as "very affordable" and "budget friendly" by couples who have married there. The venue has a lovely pool and is set in stunning natural surroundings.

For the additional 9 guests, you could arrange nearby accommodation in the charming area - many couples find this works well and actually gives guests a bit more space. The venue is just an hour from Catania Airport and offers that authentic Sicilian countryside experience with the added bonus of being close to beautiful beaches.

Tips for Your Venue Search

  1. Book Early: May and June are popular wedding months in Italy, so venues get booked quickly, especially for 2027 dates.

  2. Consider Mid-Week Dates: Some venues offer better rates for mid-week weddings, which could help with your budget.

  3. Ask About Packages: Many venues offer all-inclusive packages that might provide better value than booking everything separately.

  4. Check for Hidden Costs: Always ask what's included in the price - some venues charge extra for cleaning, service fees, or minimum spend requirements.

  5. Consider Nearby Accommodation: For venues like Pantanelli di Vendicari that sleep slightly fewer guests, look into charming nearby agriturismi or B&Bs for the remaining guests - this can actually add to the experience!

Final Thoughts

Italy offers such incredible diversity in wedding venues, from rustic farmhouses to luxurious castles. The venues I've highlighted meet most or all of your specific requirements and offer that authentic Italian experience you're looking for. I'd particularly recommend starting with Castello di Petrata in Umbria and Masseria Fontana di Vite in Puglia, as they perfectly match your budget, guest count, and amenity requirements.

For Sicily, you have two great options: Borgo del Carato if you want to accommodate all guests on-site, or Pantanelli di Vendicari if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option (with some guests staying nearby).

Remember to reach out to venues directly for the most current pricing and availability, and don't hesitate to ask if they can accommodate any special requests you might have for your big day!

Buona fortuna with your wedding planning! Your Italian wedding is going to be absolutely magical! 🇮🇹💍

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