Marrying at the museum

The town of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo, allows couples to celebrate their civil marriage ceremony in a number of venues linked to the life and memory of its most famous local. Inside the Leonardo Museum, for example, receptions can be held beneath the Leonardo’s imposing flapping wing, in the Castello dei Conti Guidi or in the Palazzina Uzielli.

Fans of history and ingenious inventions can also celebrate their wedding at Birthplace of Leonardo in Anchiano, less than 2 miles (or 3 kilometers) from Vinci. A fairytale wedding amidst centuries-old olive trees and breathtaking views of the Montalbano hills.

The Coccapani Ceramics Museum in Calcinaia is housed in the premises of an old ceramic workshop in the historic town. The museum accompanies visitors on a discovery of ceramic art, through the presentation of the tools used, the production and decoration techniques, equipment and elements that characterize this type of craftsmanship. The presence of the furnaces renders this an original and extraordinary place, where architectural elements, structures and ancient materials are integrated, perfect for celebrating a wedding steeped in history and culture.

The fascinating Archaeological Area of Fiesole is the place for celebrating your ceremony surrounded by history and with extraordinary views of Florence. Declare eternal love in the Teatro Romano or on the terrace in front of the Archaeological Museum.

The Museum of San Pietro all’Orto in Massa Marittima holds a unique selection of the city’s heritage, with works dating from the 1300s to the 1400s. For example, preserved here are the wooden Crucifix and original sculptures by Giovanni Pisano, Pietro Lorenzetti’s Crucifix, and Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Majesty painted on a panel. 

The Sala del Concistoro, inside the Siena Civic Museum, gives ceremonies a romantic and beautiful setting. The Sala, the hall where the Republic’s government meetings were held, is romantically painted pink and is accessed through a magnificent 15ᵗʰ-century portal attributed to Rossellino. Once inside, you are greeted by allegorical frescoes by Domenico Beccafumi (1529–1535), a fine cycle of Italian Mannerism dedicated to the Public Virtues and relative examples drawn from Greek and Roman history.

For those who prefer a location closer to the sea, in Livorno you can be wed in the Hall of Mirrors in the Giovanni Fattori Civic Museum. The museum is housed in the 19ᵗʰ-century Villa Mimbelli, preserving works by Livorno artists (Fattori, Corcos, Nomellini), Tuscan artists and others (Lega, Signorini, Boldini).

Getting married in an embrace of vineyards, among barrels, barriques and vats, is possible at I Lecci Wine Culture Center in Montespertoli. The center houses the Museum of Grapes and Wine, where a tour illustrates all stages of production (from grape harvesting to winemaking and bottling), celebrating the value of this tradition.

Fans of local handicrafts may consider getting married at the Glass Museum in Empoli, housed inside the salt warehouse, surrounded by drinkware, jugs and vases in green glass.

Also in Empoli is the Home of Carrucci, a painter known as Il Pontormo. These rooms, where one of the greatest artists of Mannerism was born in 1494, can today be the setting for an unforgettable “I do”.