Weddings and receptions at Montalto Castle in Tuscany

(Jump to: The Ceremony – The Reception – Planning Assistance)

Montalto Castle is a very unique venue and has hosted numerous weddings and receptions, for varying numbers of guests from a dozen to more than a hundred. The castle has the warmth and architecture of days gone by, classic elegance, and an unparalleled, secluded country setting; the medieval surroundings can really make the bride-to-be feel like a princess.

Up to 44 guests can be accommodated in the houses within the medieval village itself and there are several B&B's and inns within 15 minutes' driving distance for additional guests. Please see our photo gallery for larger pictures of the chapel and reception options.

The Ceremony

For Catholic or Protestant weddings, Montalto has a lovely chapel that can hold 40 or more seated, with standing room in the rear for additional people. Intimate but richly decorated in the style of the early Renaissance, it has a lovely altar, antique paintings and baptismal font, mosaic stone floors and simple local wood pews. It is intimate, yet there is space for a duo or trio of musicians to accompany the service, which can be arranged in Italian or English, French, German or Spanish. Catholic marriages in our chapel are legally binding; Protestant weddings require a civil ceremony before or after.

Civil weddings can be held at the historic medieval Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, or more simply in the town hall at nearby Castelnuovo Berardenga, with a reception following at the castle.

In Siena there is also a synagogue.

Informal (not legally binding) ceremonies with your own officiant can be hosted in the garden.

In any case, you will typically need a marriage license issued by your state/country of origin and documents from your local Italian consulate, as well as church documents for a religious wedding. We will be glad to help with the local paper work.

The Reception

Whether you are considering a standing garden reception or a seated dinner, you can rest assured that the setting will be enchanting and produce many charming memories. Montalto offers these options for indoor or outdoor receptions (you can see more photos in our Photo Gallery):

Il Granaio: What used to be the castle’s grain depository has been completely renovated, enhancing comfort while retaining its rustic and authentic Tuscan feel. It is a set of three large rooms joined together by wide-sweeping arches that make it feel like a spacious hall, and it is just perfect for receptions. The granary has beamed ceilings, ancient stone walls, windows on three sides, and a terrace off the side for your guests to take breaks in between courses or simply enjoy the scenery. It can hold up to 120 people seated, or half that many with space for dancing.

Fondi di San Giovanni: Spacious rooms connected by archways sit right below the San Giovanni building, against the castle’s previous fortified walls, and were once used as stables or for storage of wine and other supplies. They have been completely remodeled and include a full kitchen. You will love the massive, ancient walls, the fireplace, the vaulted ceilings and the archways which allow you to appreciate the medieval atmosphere without giving up on modern conveniences. Seats up to 40.

Sotto al Tiglio: Dreaming of a sumptuous garden party wedding? A lovely place for an outdoor reception is under our 100 year old linden tree. The massive branches of this large tree form a graceful canopy providing shade and the gentle rustling of leaves for your party. This elevated garden creates an enchanted environment for a simple garden ceremony or an intimate reception; the romantic backdrop can be enhanced by musicians playing early music on instruments of the time. Up to 25 people seated or 60 or more standing.

Il Cortile: If you book the entire Castle for the wedding, you can reserve the Tiglio area for your aperitivo and then seat your guests for dinner in the Castle Courtyard itself, where there is ample space for up to 150 or more, surrounded by flowers and torch-lit after dark.

Planning Assistance

Every wedding is special and every couple is unique. Whatever your style, Montalto Castle has everything you need to create a one-of-a-kind wedding that will not only be unforgettable... it will be magical.

If you would like to remove the strain of arranging details in this remote location, we can assist in booking the best catering, florists, music, photographers, favors and everything else to make the occasion a memorable one.

We will be glad to assist you with the documentary procedure required to prepare a legally binding marriage.

We can also arrange for tours or additional activities for your friends and family that will highlight this important event. You can organize an entire week of celebrations around your special event.

You can choose the degree of involvement you would like us to take. You can do it all yourself or take advantage of our help. Your wedding can be as formal or as informal as you like: from a fine multi-course meal with elegantly set tables and professional servers to a fun cocktail reception with live music. We can arrange it all. We strive to create the wedding of your dreams, right down to the smallest detail, to make your special day truly unique.

Simple or elaborate. Contemporary or traditional. Formal or relaxed. Whatever type of wedding you choose, our goal is to help you create an event that is personal, meaningful and uniquely yours. Contact us for more information.