There are stories that stay with you forever, and this intimate wedding in Italy was one of them, it felt like coming home.

I’ve known Carlotta since we were little girls. We went to elementary, middle school, and part of high school together. We lived just two minutes apart, and I still remember when she and Andrea first started dating at only 13. At first it was that innocent, teenage kind of love and yet, 18 years later, here they are. Still together. And now, finally married.

Photographing their wedding in Bergamo, my hometown, wasn’t just an honor, it was deeply emotional. Seeing a love so strong, so lasting, brought tears to my eyes more than once that day.

A Civil Ceremony in the Heart of Bergamo

Carlotta and Andrea chose to keep things simple and meaningful. They had a small civil ceremony at the Comune di Bergamo, surrounded by just a few loved ones. The setting was elegant yet intimate, perfect for their personalities.

For couples dreaming of a small wedding in Italy, Bergamo offers a stunning yet understated backdrop. It’s not as crowded or hyped as other Italian cities, but Città Alta, the upper town, is pure magic. Cobbled streets, sweeping views, and centuries of history, it’s a place that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Intimate Wedding Italy | A Refined Reception at Villa Elena

After the ceremony, we drived through Bergamo Alta to Villa Elena, a hidden gem tucked into the city’s historic center. With its soft architecture, romantic atmosphere, and Michelin-starred cuisine, it’s the kind of venue that perfectly blends elegance and intimacy.

The couple shared an exquisite lunch with their closest family members. The dishes? Thoughtfully curated, artistically plated, and bursting with flavor, exactly what you’d expect from a Michelin star wedding venue in Italy.

After lunch, more guests arrived for cake and relaxed conversations on the terrace of Villa Elena. It was the perfect balance: a short and pressure-free celebration that still allowed space for joy, connection, and the presence of their closest loved ones.

If you’re torn between a big traditional wedding and an elopement, this kind of intimate celebration might be exactly what you’re looking for: a smaller wedding, on your terms, with your rhythm and your style.

Curious to explore the differences? Read more about elopements vs traditional weddings here

Why an Intimate Wedding in Italy Might Be Exactly What You’re Looking For

If you’re torn between eloping and having a full wedding, this type of day might speak to your heart. An intimate Italian wedding lets you focus on what really matters: your partner, your story, and your closest people. No timeline stress, no forced traditions, no crowds. Just meaningful moments and a setting that feels like it was made for you.

Villa Elena in Bergamo is the kind of place that proves you don’t need Lake Como or Tuscany to have a breathtaking destination wedding. It’s one of those Italian destination wedding venues that stays under the radar, yet leaves a lasting impression.

Your Bergamo Wedding Photographer

Bergamo is my hometown and I feel deeply attached to it and being a Bergamo wedding photographer means I get to show couples a side of Italy they might not expect. Less touristy, more soulful. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s elegant but relaxed, heartfelt but unpretentious, I’d love to help you plan and capture every moment.

Carlotta and Andrea’s day reminded me why I do this. Because real love is always worth remembering.

Ready to plan your own intimate wedding in Italy?
Let’s chat! I’d be honored to help you create a day that’s truly yours.

Photographer: Silvia Sala Photography
Venue: Villa Elena
Flowers: Hanami Atelier
Make-up Artist: Manuela Gerotti
Dress: Caroli Boutique