Starred Tables for Weddings… (Part One)

Historic residences, enchanting medieval castles, countryside villas—the possibilities for couples planning their wedding are endless. The offerings are so vast and appealing that many couples, including those from abroad, choose to tie the knot here in Italy. Alongside venue selection, outstanding cuisine plays a major role. Tuscany leads with 31% of preferences, followed closely by Lombardy, Campania and Veneto. Guests are indeed willing to splurge—the British are said to hold the record at around €51,000 per ceremony—but they’re also extremely discerning. So for food lovers dreaming of a wedding that’s exceptional at every level—especially at the table—here are a few starred suggestions…

Nestled in Merano, Villa Eden truly feels like a little paradise. The setting is straight out of a fairy tale: completely surrounded by centuries-old gardens, it can host up to thirty guests. Not far away in the Maia Alta district lies another gem, Rametz Castle. This historic manor, with its complex past, has evolved into a prestigious winery. Its acclaimed restaurant offers gourmet catering—created in partnership with the Villa—for grand occasions, and its Wine Museum, where Pinot reigns supreme, makes it an absolute top choice for the most discerning palates.

Are you seeking South Tyrolean delights but don’t want to give up the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine? Adler Lodge Alpe in the Seiser Alm Valley offers the perfect balance for you and your guests. At 1,800 meters above sea level, you can savor the region’s signature ‘Shuttelbrott’ risotto and breads made from the finest local flours. The experience is made even more luxurious by a panoramic spa and breathtaking views. Eighteen suites and twelve chalets are available for those looking to make more than just a day of it.

Just a short trip away is Alassio, home to Villa della Pergola. Its impeccably restored English gardens span 20,000 square meters—yes, you read that right—boasting over 400 varieties of agapanthus and some 35 types of wisteria. A favorite destination for English travelers in the late 19th century, the jewel of this 17th-century villa is the Nove restaurant. There, citrus fruits, aromatic herbs and edible flowers are harvested straight from the estate, inspiring a menu that honors Ligurian traditions before venturing to the cuisines of France and Piedmont.

It bears repeating: its reputation precedes it. Just ten kilometers by car from Bergamo in Brusaporto lies the enchanting Cantalupa estate—ideal for celebrations and weddings. Its ten-hectare grounds include tennis courts, a five-a-side soccer pitch and two natural ponds. The residence feels like an intimate boutique inn, with only ten exclusive rooms and entertainment that begins at breakfast. The tasting menu, served in delicate micro-portions, offers a preview of what the Crea brothers have made the world’s benchmark for culinary prêt-à-porter.

On the shores of Lake Garda sits one of the Habsburg royals’ historic hunting lodges. The estate, divided between two separate buildings, includes Villa Principe, a residence dating back to the 19th century. In this “suspended world,” modern comforts shine in the spa and wellness center, but it’s the restaurant that truly dazzles. At La Magnolia, perched right on the water’s edge, guests arrive by boat or ferry. This venue is at the heart of the most sought-after receptions, thanks to its meticulous ingredient selection, obsessive care in preparation and made-to-order dishes—a testament to tireless dedication.