The Valdarno region is extraordinarily rich in romantic and evocative settings and fascinating locations, each with its own unique character, that help create a memorable wedding. With breathtaking natural landscapes, small villages and a precious cultural heritage, this region is an ideal setting to stage the ceremony of your dreams.
In this article, we will discuss some beautiful public and private venues in the valley for the celebration of a civil wedding.
Surrounded by flourishing nature, vineyards, olive groves and the majestic Pratomagno mountains, Valdarno offers the possibility of a relaxing escape from the chaos of big cities. Here, in the midst of incredible panoramas, medieval castles, historic villas and ancient dwellings, surrounded by greenery, the tranquillity of nature embraces the picturesque villages rich in art and history that enliven the valley.
Not to mention the enchanting views between the Balze, which provide the perfect background for unforgettable photographs and videos of this special day.
Like the rest of Tuscany, Valdarno is also a destination not to be missed for food and wine: its genuine cuisine and fine wines are famous throughout the world. This is where the famous Chianti D.O.C.G. and Valdarno di Sopra D.O.C. are produced, excellent to complement a sumptuous wedding banquet.
This destination therefore has all the characteristics for a perfect wedding, giving the newlyweds and guests precious memories to treasure forever.
Bucine offers a wide range of possibilities for hosting all kinds of ceremonies. For the lovers of art and refined elegance, there is the Town Hall or the beautiful Municipal Theater. Unique in its kind, the Galatrona Tower makes every wedding special thanks to its extraordinary panoramic view, while the San Pancrazio Rose Garden provides an intimate and peaceful space for the moment of 'yes'.
For those who dream of a wedding in an exclusive villa, Bucine is spoilt for choice: from Villa Cini, an ancient medieval house located on a hill, immersed in the woods, with a splendid view of the Tuscan countryside, to Villa Petrolo, a prestigious residence of the authentic rural nobility of Tuscany. There are also Casa Cornacchi, a 16th-century farmhouse, and Villa La Selva, which dates back to the early 15th century, when it belonged to the de' Medici family. Other options include Villa Petrea, in typical Leopoldine style, renowned for the hunting parties of the lords of Florence, and Tenuta Lupinari, with its Coppedé-style castle, for a wedding immersed in history.
Lastly, there is no lack of quieter solutions linked to Tuscan tradition, such as Verreno Resort, Tenuta Prato al Sole, Villa Olimpia, Resort Poggio Cennina, Agriturismo Le Mura, I Tribbi - Fattoria Casabianca and Villa Spadaforte.
Situated on the Balze, with the ruins of its ancient castle, in the characteristic village of Castelfranco Piandiscò it is possible to celebrate one's marriage with a civil ceremony in the Council Chambers of Castelfranco, Faella and Pian di Scò, or at the Mayor's Office in Pian di Scò.
Between the Pratomagno valley and the Chianti Classico hills, Cavriglia offers to the newlyweds the possibility of choosing between the solemnity of the Council Chamber and the originality of the Auditorium of the MINE Museum in the old village of Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni, with its unique combination of history, art and the spectacular view of Lake Castelnuovo.
Notable historical villas include the majestic Villa Barberino, a fortification with ancient origins, probably dating back to the sixth or seventh century A.D., with an important history as a Lombard guardhouse, and Le Lappe, a complex built on the ruins of a 17th-century watchtower, later converted into a convent and then abandoned.
Nature lovers can opt instead for Podere Belvedere de La Selva, Poggio di Gaville, Cortile di Pratolino a Montegonzi and La Forra.
Getting married in Laterina Pergine Valdarno means surrendering to the perfect harmony between art and nature of two wonderful villages. It is possible to celebrate civil ceremonies in the prestigious Council Chambers of Pergine Valdarno and Laterina or in the welcoming Laterina Municipal Theater, with its architectural beauty. Alternatively, for those seeking a more informal but still charming setting, consider the Ponticino Multipurpose Hall and the San Rocco Cultural Center.
On the slopes of Pratomagno, the village of Loro Ciuffenna, with its characteristic alleys and colourful little houses, offers to those who love art and small villages the possibility of organising a civil ceremony in the Town Hall and the Council Chamber, but also inside the rooms of the Venturino Venturi museum, or at the Pinacoteca di Arte Contemporanea (Contemporary Art Gallery) and the La Filanda Exhibition and Convention Center.
For nature lovers, there is the possibility of celebrating the wedding at the Agriturismo Odina, located on a natural "balcony" from which you can admire the whole valley or at Cafaggio Primo, the ancient hunting reserve of the de' Medici family, surrounded by olive groves on a breathtaking landscape.
With its palaces and historical residences, Montevarchi encompasses a variety of architectural styles that make it perfect for a ceremony that combines history and modernity. In addition to the Town Hall, it is possible to get married in the suggestive hall of the Poggiana Academy, surrounded by important books, in the Il Cassero museum or in the intimate and well-kept Cennano Cloister, or even in the majestic setting of the historic Podestà Palace. For a more informal atmosphere, one can opt for La Bartolea and La Filanda Hall in the Ginestra complex.
San Giovanni Valdarno, one of the three castles built by Florence according to a design by Arnolfo di Cambio, is certainly a fascinating place to celebrate your wedding. In addition to the Town Hall, the Arnolfo Palace is also available for ceremonies, with its extraordinary main façade decorated with 250 vicariate coats of arms made of stone and ceramics, some sculpted on columns and pillars, others painted, all dating back to the period between 1410 and 1772.
Surrounded by the majestic Balze and part of the 'terre murate' (walled lands) built by Florence in the 14th century, Terranuova Bracciolini offers a beautiful setting to celebrate your wedding. In addition to the Town Hall, there is also the Council Chamber, rich in frescoes, a unique place to pronounce the fateful 'Yes'.
In any case, regardless of the place you choose in Valdarno to celebrate your wedding, you can be sure of creating an extraordinary event. The region's stunning panorama offers an unforgettable backdrop for this day of joy, providing an enchanting setting for the celebrations. Moreover, the centuries of history that characterise Valdarno offer guests the opportunity to explore a unique territory, both before and after the celebration.