Best Winter Wedding in Italy : Why Italy Could Be the Perfect destination

Choosing the right destination for a winter wedding means finding a balance between beauty, comfort, and atmosphere. While summer weddings often steal the spotlight, more and more couples are discovering the quiet charm and refined intimacy of winter celebrations. In this article, I want to introduce you to what I believe are among the best places to get married in the winter — the Piedmont side of Lake Maggiore and the Lake Varese area in northern Italy. As a wedding planner who lives and works in this region, I’ve had the privilege of helping couples from all over the world experience the beauty of an Italian winter wedding in these unique lakeside locations.

Italy is widely known for its summer weddings, but winter here has a personality of its own. The crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and there’s a slower rhythm that invites deeper connection. A winter wedding in Italy doesn’t have to mean snow-covered mountains or city palaces – it can also mean quiet lakeside villages, historic villas warmed by fireplaces, and panoramic views wrapped in mist. Winter is the perfect season for those who love an atmosphere that feels intimate, peaceful, and refined.
One of the most significant benefits of planning a wedding in winter is flexibility. Venues tend to have greater availability, and suppliers often have more time to focus on every detail. Guests can travel with less stress, and couples can often find more value when it comes to accommodations and services. For couples seeking something timeless and elegant, winter is a beautiful canvas – and in my experience, the Italian lakes are the perfect setting to bring it to life.

Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s most scenic lakes, and its Piedmont side is a hidden gem for winter weddings. Unlike the busier eastern shore, the western (Piedmont) side offers a quieter, more authentic experience. Towns like Stresa, Arona… host charming villas and historic hotels that remain open during the winter months, making them ideal for a refined, lakeside celebration.
Imagine walking through the gardens of a 19th-century villa overlooking calm waters, exchanging vows indoors in a frescoed room filled with candlelight, and enjoying a warm, seasonal menu with your guests. Many of the venues here have indoor and outdoor options, beautiful winter views, and cozy yet elegant interiors that require little additional decoration. I regularly work with locations that combine logistical ease with a deeply romantic setting – many even have private docks or panoramic terraces, which are stunning in every season.
What I love most about planning weddings on the Piedmont side of Lake Maggiore in winter is the way the setting itself contributes to the experience. There’s no need to over-design or distract; the natural beauty, the quiet of the season, and the thoughtful hospitality of these venues create a wedding atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and personal.

Another location I often recommend is Lake Varese, located just a short drive from Milan and Malpensa International Airport. While it’s less known than other Italian lakes, Lake Varese is surrounded by gentle hills, historic villages, and elegant villas that are perfect for winter weddings. It’s especially suitable for couples who value privacy, closeness to nature, and a refined yet relaxed style.
Winter here is calm and gentle. The lake is often veiled in light mist, giving a dreamlike quality to photographs and creating a soft, tranquil mood. Villas in the area typically feature beautiful interiors with wooden ceilings, large windows, and fireplaces – perfect for hosting intimate indoor ceremonies and receptions. The local cuisine is also a highlight: seasonal menus featuring rich risottos, roasted meats, local cheeses, and excellent northern Italian wines.
As a wedding planner, I often accompany my clients through the discovery of this area, introducing them to venues that reflect their style and helping them plan a celebration that’s true to who they are. Lake Varese is ideal for small-to-medium-sized weddings and lends itself beautifully to weekend experiences, where guests can stay nearby and explore the surrounding nature or towns.

Every season brings its own challenges and opportunities, and winter is no exception. Planning a winter wedding – especially in a destination abroad – requires careful coordination, reliable local contacts, and attention to both aesthetic and practical details. That’s exactly where I come in.

My name is Rossella Prevosti, and I specialize in planning weddings throughout northern Italy, with a deep focus on the lakes region. When we work together, I don’t just help you select a venue – I accompany you through every phase of the journey. From defining the mood of your wedding to finding trusted local vendors, from managing logistics to handling unexpected changes due to weather, I’m here to make sure the process is smooth, thoughtful, and truly yours.

I believe that winter weddings deserve just as much creativity and care as summer celebrations. My goal is to help you embrace the unique qualities of the season and design a wedding that feels personal, beautiful, and deeply memorable.