Destination Weddings in Siena at Villa Cetinale

Where

Villa Cetinale is a grand aristocratic 17th-century residence located in the middle of a forest of oak and ilex at approx. 20 minutes west of Siena and one hour south of Florence.

Venue description

Designed in the Roman baroque style, Villa Cetinale was built for Pope Alexander VII in 1680 and was the home to popes and cardinals. It is a real epitome of Tuscan grace. In more recent years the visitor’s book was signed by names of high society: Princess Margaret, Mick Jagger, Kate Moss. The Villa lies hidden at the end of a long dusty road and when the iron gates open the magnificent villa appears. This Baroque masterpiece is framed by an immaculate, outstanding garden which was praised by Edith Wharton and where a private pool, a tennis court, lounges, and secret paths are nestled amid statues, climbing roses, lilies, wisterias, and lemon groves.

Welcoming interiors honor antique elegance combined with modern comforts, vaulted ceilings top beautifully furnished rooms with original paintings and myriad artworks everywhere in the house. On the ground floor, there is a loggia with marble tables for dining and a fully equipped kitchen. The house chef and maids add a further level of leisure and luxury.

Far above the Villa, on a hilltop reached by 300 steps, stands the Romitorio, a tiny monastery built to process the sins and absolutions of the cardinals living there.

Wedding ceremony and reception

Symbolic ceremonies can be celebrated in one of the beautiful hidden areas of the manicured gardens of the Villa, there are enchanting spots and lawns suitable to small and large groups of guests. For a Catholic ceremony, there are some beautiful Roman Churches at approx 20 minutes in the countryside while for a civil ceremony we recommend the enchanting Wedding Hall in Siena.

The cocktail hour can be organized in the front garden of the Villa, by its main entrance with its elegant façade as a perfect backdrop for stunning pictures. At the end of the cocktail, guests are accompanied to the backside of the Villa where tables can be set up in the center of a long lane lined by huge Italian cypresses ending with the 300 steps to the Romitorio. Along this lane, there is room for a very large group of guests provided that a Marquee is rented in case of bad weather conditions because the room indoors is quite limited and suitable to groups of 30 guests.

Cutting of the cake and formal dances take place by the façade with the impressive double staircase. Dancing parties can go on outdoors until midnight, then with soft background music till 1:00am. Availability of indoor halls for dancing inside depends on the number of guests attending.

Accommodations

Weekly rentals. There is 1 bedroom on the ground floor, 2 bedrooms on the mezzanine one, 3 bedrooms on the first floor, 2 bedrooms on the mezzanine two, and 5 bedrooms on the second floor for a total of 13 bedrooms that can accommodate 23 adults and 4 kids.

Open

All-year-round.

Visit our portfolio for more stunning images of our events at Villa Cetinale: Baroque Romance.

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