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Eloping in Sicily is an incredibly romantic and unique experience, perfect for couples who want a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and amazing food. Sicily offers a variety of stunning locations, from the dramatic cliffs of Taormina to the serene beaches of the Aeolian Islands and the charming streets of baroque towns like Noto and Ragusa.
Why Did the Couple Choose Sicily for Their Elopement?
Sarah & John: We’ve always been in love with Italy – it’s such a romantic and beautiful country, full of history. However, we had never been to Sicily before, so it seemed like a great opportunity to explore a new part of Italy and, of course, try its cuisine!
We wanted to spend our wedding day without any rush, enjoying every moment and having this time just for ourselves. We also wanted to keep our wedding a secret, but after we returned to the US, we held a wedding party with our friends as well!
What Makes Donna Carmela Resort Special for Elopements?
Ksenia, the planner: Donna Carmela Resort is a family-run boutique hotel inspired by the Sicilian aristocratic tradition of spending hot summers away from the hustle and bustle of towns, in countryside villas surrounded by lush gardens. Donna Carmela is nestled within a vast tropical garden where you can truly get lost!
This venue also promotes zero-kilometer and even zero-centimeter cuisine, using products from local farmers, which greatly supports local agriculture. At the same time, it ensures high-quality ingredients are used to prepare the food in their restaurant.
Can You Get Legally Married in Italy?
Yes you can, but it takes a lot of paperwork. Sarah & John opted for a symbolic ceremony.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Sicily?
Sarah & John: We loved that Donna Carmela is an eco-resort that respects local traditions and preserves the untouched biodiversity. They also use seasonal, locally sourced food and drinks from nearby farms.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Sicily into Their Elopement?
Sarah & John: We wanted our elopement to take place in a quiet location with beautiful views. We envisioned it in an authentic venue, perhaps a historic Sicilian villa surrounded by the lush greenery of Mediterranean gardens. And so it was! After the ceremony, we went to the nearest port in a charming fishing village and strolled among the colorful Sicilian wooden boats while enjoying fantastic Italian gelato!
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Sicily During October?
Sarah & John: October is a lovely month for a wedding in Sicily: the temperatures are mild, the days were quite warm—sometimes even hot—but the evenings were quite fresh.
There was a slight risk of rain in the forecast for our wedding day, and a light shower did occur right after the ceremony! It was such a unique moment, as the sun was shining at the same time. We found shelter under a large olive tree, and our photographer, Anna, captured some beautiful portraits of us during that magical moment.
Ksenia, the planner: The climate in Sicily can vary depending on the time of year. In the summer months, be prepared for high temperatures, and consider scheduling the ceremony later in the afternoon or evening when it’s cooler. Spring and autumn are also great choices for mild weather.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Sicily?
Sarah & John: I think the best decision was to stay at this venue for several days to fully immerse ourselves in the relaxed Sicilian atmosphere, enjoy time at the spa, and explore the surroundings—picturesque Taormina and Mount Etna.
We also loved our small, independent villa with a private pool, completely surrounded by a garden, which allowed us to fully enjoy our privacy.
Ksenia, the planner: Donna Carmela is a popular venue, especially during the wedding season, so it’s essential to book early to secure your preferred date.
The resort is surrounded by stunning gardens and scenic views, so incorporate the natural beauty of the location into your wedding design. Consider having your ceremony outdoors, opt for a theme that reflects the local Sicilian culture, like traditional Sicilian colors, decor, or foods.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Sarah & John: We wanted the day to be as relaxed as possible. After breakfast, we went to the spa and spent the entire morning there. After lunch, we started getting ready for the ceremony, but without any rush—we sat on our terrace with a glass of Prosecco and fresh fruit, writing our vows to each other.
Even though we were getting ready in the same room, John didn’t see me in my wedding dress until our first look in the garden. It was a truly touching moment, especially as he was holding my bouquet, which I hadn’t seen before.
After the ceremony, we were left alone for a while in the olive grove to enjoy some quiet time together while having a classic Italian aperitivo with Aperol Spritz and local delicacies.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Sicily, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Sarah & John: Choosing a venue seemed difficult, as Sicily has so many beautiful places, each with its own unique vibe. But when we saw Donna Carmela Resort, we instantly fell in love with it! Thanks to our wedding planner’s help, we found a place that had everything we were looking for.
What Advice Would the Couple Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Sicily?
Sarah & John: Our wedding planner, Ksenia, suggested booking our accommodation at this venue well in advance, as it is usually fully booked, even during the mid-season. We reserved it eight months before the wedding day.
Ksenia, the planner: If you’re traveling from abroad, hiring a local wedding planner who is familiar with the resort and the area can help you navigate the details, especially if you’re planning from a distance.
Plan a few days for you and your guests to discover Sicily. Organize a pre-wedding gathering or post-wedding brunch, and give your guests time to explore the nearby attractions, such as Taormina, Mount Etna, and the beautiful beaches
The buyout option, available for weddings at this venue, lets you reserve the entire resort for your celebration. Both the newlyweds and their guests can extend their stay and enjoy additional visits and activities in the days following the event.
For an elopement, you don’t need to book the entire resort, but you must be a guest at the resort in order to hold the ceremony at their venue.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Sarah & John: Seeing tears in John’s eyes while we were exchanging vows, and then kissing under the olive tree while hiding from the rain.
Why Is Sicily One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Sarah & John: Sicily is still unexplored and has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty, authentic architecture and fantastic cuisine.
