Five Stunning Destination Wedding Venues in Puglia
Welcome to the sun-soaked paradise of Puglia, where every cobblestone street whispers tales of ancient civilizations and every olive grove exudes a timeless charm. Nestled in the heart of southern Italy, Puglia emerges as a quintessential destination for couples seeking an unforgettable wedding celebration. With its breathtaking coastal vistas, historic towns adorned with distinctive Baroque architecture and culinary delights that tantalize the taste buds, Puglia stands as an idyllic backdrop for exchanging vows. In this curated collection of properties, we will unveil the most enchanting venues that capture the essence of sensuous and bucolic Apulia (as the Italians call it) and offer splendid settings to create lifelong memories amidst the beauty of the landscape.
masseria torre maizza
For those who want to have 5 star luxury and an entire property for just their friends and family.
Source: Masseria Torre Maizza
Set in Puglia’s sun-drenched countryside between Fasano, UNESCO-listed Alberobello and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Masseria Torre Maizza is a Rocco Forte hotel with the design forward luxury that comes with the brand. A traditional 16th century farmhouse transformed into an intimate Puglian hotel, every element channels the charm and character of its surrounds. Inside, an elegant aesthetic under original domed ceilings, sage greens bring the lush landscape in, and local ceramics accent white-washed walls. Outside there are verdant gardens, ancient olive groves, the scent of citrus trees, a swimming pool flanked by vines and vivid bougainvillea.
Accommodation: 40 rooms and suites, each individual, each exceptional –from the torre’s sea views to private plunge pools and the Olga Polizzi design. The venue can be bought out for full privacy.
Property: a large estate surrounded by ancient olive groves with a renovated 16th century masseria (a traditional fortified Puglian farmhouse). There’s a romantic sunset rooftop bar, an elegant restaurant overlooking the swimming pool, a poolside bar, and food and drink options available at the Bougainvillea Bar under a whitewashed domed roof. The resort also features a 9-hole executive golf course and driving range, a private beach club (available by shuttle), gym and an indulgent spa. There are variety of activities available including: horseback riding, sailing, yoga plus a wealth of local, tailor-made cultural and culinary experiences and excursions.
Event spaces: the property can host events of many different types and sizes in the many charming spaces including: rooftop terrace, courtyard, gardens, poolside, olive grove, the restaurants or at the beach club.
Food and service: the food and service is top notch, as is de rigueur of the 5 star brand. The cuisine at the property (as you’ll find throughout the region) is locally inspired and sourced. Breakfast is included.
masseria moroseta
For the design minded minimalists.
Source: Masseria Moroseta
“Crossing the country roads, surrounded by spectacular olive trees, you will reach Masseria Moroseta, the white stone farmhouse that stands proudly on the ridge, overlooking the sea and Ostuni. Built with local materials and traditional techniques, the modern architecture is influenced by the Masserie of the past. Immersed in five hectares of organically managed centuries-old olive groves, the Masseria is an enclave of relaxation and rural simplicity. Masseria Moroseta carries within it all the tradition of shapes and spaces of the most typical farms in Puglia: the blinding white, the sheltered courtyards, the arches, the cement tiles, the stone. All this is accompanied by respect and love for the environment, thanks to the energy of the sun and the modern green building techniques used.”
Accommodation: the modern minimalist masseria has 6 bedrooms (4 classic and 4 suites), for a maximum capacity of 12 guests (who are over 12 years of age). All rooms have a private garden, large shower, private bathroom and individually controlled air conditioning and heating. The property is available for exclusive use only, with a minimum booking of 3 nights. If you hope to make this gem your wedding venue, you’ll need to book well in advance as the demand is high.
Property: the stunning boutique hotel is located only 10 minutes from the iconic “white city” of Ostuni, and yet feels eons away from the here and now with its vast and immaculately maintained olive groves and serene countryside atmosphere. In addition to the rooms and olive groves, you’ll find the pool, kitchen, the garden, vegetable garden and courtyard. With Ostuni and the Adriatic sea near by, there are plenty of peripheral event options offsite to surprise and delight guests.
Event spaces: intimate events with up to 80 people can be held on the masseria grounds. The courtyard, olive grove and poolside are prime settings for ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and dinners. A custom designed tent is available for rent.
Food and service: the property is an agrotourist’s delight with their hospitality, farm and food experiences synthesizing to unite people with the land. Their cuisine is “based on knowledge of the Mediterranean tradition, and enriched with aromas, techniques and suggestions deriving from our travels around the world”. Breakfasts are included and chef Giorgia Eugenia Goggi is available to take guests on a gastronomic journey through Puglia and beyond.
palazzo maresgallo
For art lovers who want a sanctuary in the heart of a charming city.
Source: Palazzo Maresgallo
In the heart of Lecce, only steps from the main square, sits the Palazzo Maresgallo. This magnificent historic palace with its grand architecture, opulent interiors, and breathtaking gardens offers couples a truly luxurious setting for their destination wedding. Known as the Florence of the south, Lecce is a history and culture hub. The venue’s owners are an architect and art collector couple who have curated the spaces, leaving a distinctive touch that evokes a sense of staying in someone’s impressive home rather than a generic hotel. This spectacular setting is ideal for couples who are looking for a venue that allows for walkability for guests to explore on their own during the day and return to the sanctuary of Palazzo for gathering and socializing.
Accommodation: the boutique hotel can accommodate 32 people in 12 rooms/suites that are individually themed + designed with one off pieces, eliciting a sense of art de vivre (very apropros given the French owners). Weddings require a property buyout.
Property: with the palazzo’s prime location in the center of Lecce, the city and its attractions are at your fingertips. On property, there is a courtyard, rooftop terrace, bar, lounge areas, library, art gallery, kitchen (with cooking classes!) + tasting room, garden, outdoor pool, indoor spa, fitness room, sauna, and hot tub.
Event spaces: best suits smaller events, as the event capacities are limited to 80 for dinner or 160 cocktail style. The rooftop terrace, garden, courtyard and lounge areas would be a delightful backdrop for your nuptials. The beauty of the property’s central location is plethora of add on event spaces and happenings for pre and post wedding events.
Food and service: “you won’t even notice that there’s no restaurant at Palazzo Maresgallo, thanks to the fully-equipped kitchens (which play host to Apulian cooking classes) and the elegantly styled Tasting Salon, which can be decked out for private dinner parties at the drop of a wide-brimmed hat. Breakfast is a veritable banquet of Salentine delicacies, served in the arched Buongiorno Lounge alongside specially-commissioned sculptures – or on the outdoor terrace shaded by citrus trees.”
Borgo egnazia
For those who want it all: 5* luxury and all the spaces and options of an entire village.
Source: Borgo Egnazia
Perched on the sparkling Adriatic, halfway between Bari and Brindisi (and just outside of Fasano) you’ll find the impressive 5 star resort of Borgo Egnazia. The castle like hotel is modeled after a traditional village (borgo), with an impressive array of Michelin dining options, piazzas, bars, beaches, and most importantly in the world of destination weddings- usable event spaces. The aesthetic of the property marries rural Puglian charm with chic contemporary design, letting the white limestone walls and architectural elements strike a charming pose in the olive and palm tree filled landscape. It’s no stranger to celebrity weddings and sightings for a reason!
Accommodation: 550 total guest capacity over 63 bedrooms (including seven suites) in La Corte, the castle-like main building, 92 bedrooms in the Borgo and 28 villas. All rooms have a private balcony facing the hills, sea or golf course. The rooms come stocked with house made treats like flavored almonds, chocolate nut spread, taralli and other local treats. Both exclusive (if you can!) and non exclusive weddings are an option here, there is a multiple night minimum.
Property: the 45 acre property has vineyards, orchards, gardens, a golf course, incredible spa featuring traditional Apulian rituals, gym, yoga, bike rental, two private beaches (one of them sandy), two beach clubs, a hair salon, a number of pools, Michelin star restaurants, bars, lounges, kids club, tennis courts, billiards, game room.
Event spaces: if you want to give your guests a variety of experiences without having to travel, this is a great fit for you! A welcome dinner in a piazza, boat excursion/tennis/golf for pre wedding fun, garden ceremony, rooftop cocktail hour, reception in the vineyard, after party at the beach club and a day after pool party…. everything is possible under one proverbial roof.
Food and service: as you’d expect for a luxury property of this calibre, the service and culinary options are all exquisite. There are a variety of dining options to choose from, with the majority of the cuisine being locally inspired and changing with the seasons.
palazzo daniele
For those who want to have a boutique experience in a small authentic Italian town.
Source: Palazzo Daniele
At the very tip of Italy’s heel, located in Salento, is the small town of Gagliano del Capo, where you’ll find Palazzo Daniele – an artistic-minimalist boutique guest house and once aristocratic palazzo built in 1861. It’s the newest addition to the GS Collection, created by entrepreneur Gabriele Salini owner of G-rough in Rome. The venue is a secret treasure, tucked away in a small Italian town. The villa’s unassuming and quiet facade leaves you filled with wonder once you step through the doors and enter the villa’s inner sanctum. As a destination wedding venue this property provides a unique opportunity to share a special property and a real Italian town experience with guests.
Accommodation: all suites have splendid period features, including mosaic floors, fresco-swirled ceilings and gallery worthy artwork. Each one is a delightful setting, but perhaps the best feature is the bathroom in the Royal Junior Suite, which has a six-metre-high ceiling with steep arches, giving it an almost monastic look. As if that wasn’t dramatic enough, the rainfall shower is suspended from the centre of the ceiling, cascading into a circular stone basin set on decorative tiles. The palazzo is available for exclusive use for weddings.
Property: the palazzo’s historic details are juxtaposed to the modern minimalist design and art collection. The patina of time adds comfort to the once formal atmostphere. Lounge by the poolside, in the orange grove, swim in the pool, chat with friends in the Kaffehaus, relax in the historic halls, or pull up a chair in the graceful but informal kitchen, or make your way to the honesty bar in the salotto.
Event spaces: the property can host less than 80 seated for dinner in one area or more than 80 if in two areas. The courtyard, halls, orchard and terrace are prime choices for gatherings.
Food and service: “true to its roots as a private home, the hotel doesn't have a restaurant. Instead, local chef Donata Rizzo works from a sleek but informal kitchen – informal in the sense that you can pull up a chair and chat over a glass of wine as she prepares an Apulian feast from scratch. All meals except breakfast are on request, and you’ll need to give at least 24 hours’ notice – Donata works with the best organic ingredients she can get her hands on, so she needs time to visit her favourite markets and suppliers in the local area. The cuisine is regional but there’s no menu to speak of and the dishes change constantly – Donata's inspiration takes the lead. Where you eat is equally flexible: the kitchen, terrace and lobby area are all possibilities. The staff can also arrange candlelit private dinners in the domed Kaffeehaus, a sort of open-sided salon where house guests once gathered for coffee and conversation.”-Mr and Mrs Smith
