We are often asked about suitable villas to host a luxury destination wedding celebration or special event, so we’ve not only written this dedicated journal entry, but also feature a selection of stunning luxury properties on the TLTB homepage under ‘Inspiration’. From seaside Greek villas to Tuscan Italian retreats, The Luxury Travel Book has the perfect space for you.
If you are looking for some inspiration to enhance the romantic idea of having a wedding abroad, we also feature an increasing number of properties which have a small private chapel within the grounds. Although many of these may be too small for a large wedding service, they are perfect for an intimate elopement and can certainly at least be used as a background for some very special photos – particularly in a beautiful garden setting, or with the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Below are some of our favourites!
Tuscany, Italy
This unique Tuscan property was originally the conservatory on an estate with a historic castle. The owners of the estate are not in residence at the castle when the villa is rented out, and guests will have full access to the exquisite Italian gardens and parkland, which includes a swimming pool and tennis court. The uninterrupted views here stretch right across the valley to the skyline of Siena.
Below the tallest tower of the Castle is a delightful sixteenth century chapel designed by one of the most renowned architects of his time, Baldassare Peruzzi, and perfect for a wedding celebration. The ceremony can be followed by a reception in the garden in front of the chapel, the courtyard of the castle or in the large barn, which can accommodate up to 180 guests.
This unique and historic estate is ideally situated just 6 kms south of the centre of Florence, at the gateway to the beautiful Chianti countryside. One of the most magical and romantic rural locations you could wish for, the estate is the epitome of ‘postcard’ Tuscany – a 14th Century hamlet, surrounded by rolling green hills lined with cypresses, vineyards, olive groves, forest and a lake, and with views extending as far as Florence.
The property dates back to the Renaissance when it was owned by the Ghirlandaio family, a famous Renaissance family of painters, and provides the perfect setting for a wedding. The consecrated chapel here features frescoes by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio. The 20 bedrooms can accommodate up to 44 people in total and within the extensive grounds, there are two outdoor pools, gardens and panoramic walkways, as well as a wellness centre with Turkish bath, sauna and Jacuzzi.
Mykonos, Greece
This ultra-luxurious 13 bedroom villa on Mykonos sits within huge private grounds, between the popular beaches of Kalo Livadi and Kalafatis. The picturesque chapel here sits within the gardens overlooking the sea.
The numerous facilities at this property include a well equipped outdoor gym with sea and garden views, a spa room, and a huge infinity swimming pool and jacuzzi. As well as accommodation for up to 30 guests staying, property has a garden event area (1200m2), which can seat up to 700 people, with a further 200 people seated by the pool. Moreover, there is unlimited parking capacity, and is a helipad in the garden, next to the chapel.
Corfu, Greece
This very special 9 bedroom villa on Corfu is situated in a spectacular setting 40 metres above the Ionian sea, with stunning views, and a pathway leading down to the sea below. The 10 acre estate has beautifully tended gardens on three levels: the pool area, the level above the pool, which has a shaded terrace and sea view, and the level above the main house, also with wonderful sea views. The garden is filled with shrubs and flowers, and shaded by hundreds of olive and cypresses trees. Within the grounds, surrounded by trees, there is also a small historic chapel.
Its private location, large garden and many amenities make this property ideal for special events, including weddings. The huge 20x10m seawater swimming pool and very spacious surrounding terrace are perfect for entertaining, with a completely equipped kitchen and a large outdoor bar and barbecue area.
Santorini, Greece
Welcome to the stunning Villa Chapel on Santorini featuring just two bedrooms, but would be perfect for a very small wedding, private and personal elopement, or luxury honeymoon – in fact, it is very hard to imagine a more romantic destination than Santorini! The villa is perched on the edge of the cliff, at the very end of the traditional settlement of Oia, with unbelievably beautiful views of the Caldera, the famous Santorini sunset, the windmills, the castle of Oia, and the village’s colourful houses nestled against the steep volcanic cliffs, which descend to the deep cobalt waters below.
The private terrace here has an outdoor Jacuzzi tub. A charming 18th century chapel is also situated on the terrace, creating a very fitting, almost spiritual atmosphere, matching this perfect romantic, and exquisitely beautiful location.
Kea, Greece
Villa Kabi
This beautifully designed modern villa is situated at Kabi, in the area of Koundouros, in the south of Kea island, popular for its unspoilt beaches. From its location high above the sea, there are wonderful views from the villa and its vast terraces.
Built on two levels, there is a swimming pool at each level, an L-shaped pool and a lap pool, as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi and a sauna. The wide terraces are perfect for relaxing and entertaining outdoors, with a pergola covered barbecue and large dining area, and comfortable chill-out areas with sofas and sun loungers. There is also a new tennis/volley/basketball court, as well as a fully equipped gym, and a small chapel.
Mallorca, Spain
Finca Binissalem
Another property where photo opportunities abound is this 5 bedroom property in Mallorca. A historic and unique 18th Century finca, it is situated amidst vineyards between the stone villages of Alaro and Binissalem, around 15 minutes drive from Palma. Very private, the estate is surrounded by its own four acres of land with almond trees, orange, lemon, fig and olive trees.
There are magnificent views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range from the beautiful park-like grounds which directly surround the villa with its Mediterranean plants, and where there is also a small and very picturesque chapel. The many amenities on offer here for guests include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, a tennis court, horse stables, and a large children’s playground.