The Magic of an Intimate Destination Wedding

San Galgano Abbey: An Intimate Destination Wedding In The Tuscan Countryside

Bride and groom walking away hand in hand near San Galgano Abbey — intimate destination wedding in Tuscany

Choosing a venue like this—travelling from abroad, in this case from England—means searching for something unique and truly representative of one of Italy’s most iconic regions: Tuscany. The Sienese countryside, and the entire surrounding area, is loved both overseas and at home for an endless list of reasons: the stunning rolling hills, the history of its tiny villages, the allure of places found nowhere else. Standing proud among them is the Abbazia di San Galgano.

An Intimate Wedding

Laura and Matt opted for a special formula: a small, close-knit, intimate event. This approach has a rare quality: it gives time back to relationships. Sharing one of the most beautiful and meaningful days of your life with the people you cherish the most is priceless. Instead of a huge affair with hundreds of guests, they enjoyed a day where they could relax within that close circle of loved ones with whom they share most of their lives.

Black and white candid of the groom laughing with groomsmen in front of San Galgano Abbey, Tuscany

Groomsmen jokingly lift the groom near a pond in front of the bride (black and white)

Bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the couple in a group portrait by the lake — intimate destination wedding in Tuscany

Imperial table with all guests and the couple during an intimate wedding dinner near San Galgano Abbey

Space and time—both emotional and physical

In a setting so compact, Laura and Matt decided there was no point wasting precious hours on lengthy, tiring transfers. Both the preparations and the reception took place at Agriturismo San Galgano, barely 200 metres from the Abbey. No time lost on the road; every moment lived to the fullest and perfectly aligned with their vision for the day: a wonderful celebration with friends and family, framed by breathtaking scenery and a venue of extraordinary charm.

This template may not suit everyone, but when you design your own event, aim for harmony between the formal aspects and what you genuinely want to experience. In their case, emotional closeness was perfectly matched to the setting.

What Truly Matters: Relationships

The secret to a wedding that both succeeds and completely fulfils you is exactly this: building the event around what really counts for you. For Laura and Matt, it was their relationships with the people who truly belong in their lives. That was their key—but there are countless keys. Find yours, and your wedding day will be memorable and profoundly meaningful. And above all—have fun! If you’re designing an intimate wedding, build it around what truly matters: relationships, time, and ease. Everything else is decoration.