Sean and Leah traveled from Charlotte, North Carolina to celebrate their intimate destination wedding at Country Relais & Spa Le Capanne, a beautiful restored farmhouse tucked into the rolling hills just outside of Volterra. With just 12 guests made up of their immediate families, their August wedding was the perfect example of how meaningful and special a small wedding in Tuscany can be.
Volterra is one of the most beautiful and underrated locations for a destination wedding in Italy. While many couples initially consider Rome or Florence, Volterra offers a quieter, slower, and more authentic Italian experience while still being within driving distance of many of Tuscany’s most iconic locations. For couples looking to plan an intimate wedding in Tuscany, Volterra is truly a hidden gem and Country Relais & Spa Le Capanne is the perfect venue for a wedding that feels like a comfortable, yet luxurious vacation.
Why They Chose Volterra for Their Destination Wedding
Sean and Leah had always loved Italy and knew they wanted their wedding to feel like a vacation not just for themselves, but for their families as well. They envisioned a place where everyone could stay together, spend several days celebrating, and truly experience Italy rather than just pass through it.
Leah’s sister, a planner and owner of Knot Common Events, helped them find Le Capanne, and it immediately felt like the perfect fit. The venue allows up to 22 guests to stay on site, which made it ideal for their 12-guest intimate wedding. Having everyone together in one place made the entire wedding feel relaxed, personal, and incredibly meaningful.
Why Le Capanne is Perfect for an Intimate Wedding in Tuscany
Le Capanne is a stunning venue for couples planning a small wedding in Italy. The property is a renovated 100-year-old farmhouse that perfectly blends old-world Italian charm with modern accommodations. The venue offers on-site lodging, in-house catering, beautiful ceremony locations, a swimming pool, and panoramic countryside views.
One of the biggest advantages of hosting an intimate wedding at Le Capanne is that your entire wedding weekend can take place in one location. Guests can relax by the pool, explore the countryside, and enjoy multiple meals together on the property. It feels less like a traditional wedding venue and more like a private villa experience in Tuscany.
A Pizza Rehearsal Dinner in Tuscany
The night before the wedding, Sean and Leah hosted a rehearsal dinner on site where everyone made handmade pizzas together and shared a meal at a long table. It was the perfect way to kick off the weekend — relaxed, fun, and focused on time with family. One of the best parts of an intimate destination wedding in Italy is that the celebration lasts for several days, not just a few hours.
Their Intimate Wedding Day in Volterra
Their wedding day took place on site at Le Capanne, surrounded by the Tuscan countryside and their closest family members. One of the most emotional moments of the day was Leah’s first look with her dad before the ceremony. She saved her first look with Sean for the aisle, which made the ceremony even more special and emotional for everyone present.
After the ceremony, everyone gathered for dinner at a long table covered in fresh flowers, where they shared incredible Italian food, heartfelt toasts, and stories about Sean and Leah. The entire evening felt warm, intimate, and deeply personal — the kind of atmosphere that intimate weddings create so well.
Leah wore the SALOMÈ gown by Saint Bridal Couture, which fit the romantic Italian countryside setting perfectly.
Sunset Photos in the Tuscan Countryside and Cyprus Tree Lined Roads
At sunset, we explored the grounds of Le Capanne before heading to a nearby winery to take photos along one of Tuscany’s iconic Cyprus tree lined roads. Sean and Leah drove a vintage Fiat convertible, which made the entire experience feel like a classic Italian movie. These quiet sunset moments together are always a favorite part of intimate wedding days — a chance for couples to slow down, take it all in, and spend time together away from the timeline.
For couples planning a wedding in Tuscany, I always recommend setting aside time for sunset photos. The light in the Tuscan countryside is especially beautiful in the evening and makes for some of the most iconic wedding images in Italy.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Volterra, Italy
While Sean and Leah were married in August, the best times of year to get married in Volterra are typically the shoulder seasons: April and May and September through November. During these months, the weather is milder, the crowds are smaller, and the overall experience is more relaxed for both couples and their guests. As a destination wedding photographer, trust me when I say comfort is key when getting married outdoors. There is nothing like rainy season or sweltering heat that can ruin an elopement or destination wedding faster.
Is Volterra a Good Place for an Intimate Destination Wedding?
Yes — Volterra is an ideal location for couples planning an intimate destination wedding in Italy. It offers beautiful countryside views, historic architecture, incredible food, and a more peaceful atmosphere than many of Italy’s larger cities. It’s perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like a meaningful experience shared with their closest people rather than a large, traditional event.
If you’re looking for a Tuscany wedding venue where your guests can stay on site, spend multiple days together, and truly experience Italy, Le Capanne in Volterra is one of the best options.
FAQ About Getting Married in Volterra, Italy
Is Volterra a good place for a destination wedding?
Yes, Volterra is perfect for couples who want a more relaxed and authentic Italian destination wedding experience away from heavy tourist crowds.
Can guests stay on site at Le Capanne?
Yes, Le Capanne offers on-site accommodations for up to 22 guests, making it perfect for intimate weddings where everyone stays together.
What is the best time of year to get married in Tuscany?
The best months are typically April, May, September, and October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
What is an intimate wedding in Italy like?
Intimate weddings in Italy often focus on shared experiences — welcome dinners, long meals, time exploring, and multiple days spent together rather than a single large event.
Where can you take wedding photos in Volterra?
Volterra offers beautiful historic streets, countryside views, nearby wineries, and the famous Cyprus tree lined roads that Tuscany is known for.
