American couples choose Italy for unforgettable weddings

• Italy has become a popular destination for American weddings.
• In 2022, Italy hosted over 15,000 foreign weddings.
• The organization of weddings in Italy is often economically advantageous for Americans.

Italy remains a popular place for weddings among Americans who dream of unforgettable moments. According to data from the Florence Tourist Research Center, in 2022, Italy hosted over 15,000 foreign weddings, which is 64% more than in 2019. Close to a third of them were Americans.

James Atkinson and Samantha Fortino, who were married on July 24, held a Tuscan wine tasting and learned to prepare pasta together with family and friends. Atkinson opened a wine from Chianti for himself, while Fortino poured a cocktail of Hugo spritz that did not spoil her wedding dress.

Many Americans believe that Italy embodies the romance of bygone eras, with beautiful landscapes and delicious cuisine. Additionally, the possibility of organizing various events during the wedding celebration is an important factor in choosing Italy as a wedding destination.

According to Marcy Blum, a renowned wedding planner, approximately 90% of her weddings take place in Italy, as guests often prefer to travel for celebrations to places like Capri or Positano. This makes wedding invitations very appealing for friends and relatives.

Spending on weddings in Italy significantly exceeds the average spending in the USA, which stands at around $32,000. At the same time, wedding ceremonies in Italy cost on average €61,500 ($70,600), but usually with fewer guests.

At the Atkinsons' wedding, which took place in a garden with a view of Florence, the bride walked out of a chapel in a wedding dress, to the sound of the theme from "The War of the Worlds." An official asked: "Who blesses this union?" and felt the wider applause from all present.

Tags: Europe/Culture