Villa Miani is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Rome. It boasts breathtaking views over the Eternal city and this is probably the main reason why couples decide to get married there. It’s a very elegant Villa, with endless gardens and large rooms with marble everywhere and crystal chandeliers. It’s perfect if you have a very large party and are planning a luxurious wedding where budget is not a problem.
Let me share some insight on Villa Miani after planning destination weddings at this amazing venue for more than 15 years.
Ceremony
If you are planning a symbolic wedding ceremony, you can pick the large gardens overlooking the city. You’ll have stunning views and plenty of space if you have a large number of guests.
My tip: if you decide to have the guests facing the views, you should consider the slope that separate the main ground and the garden. It will be impossible for the bride to walk down the slope in high heels, so a side entrance to the ceremony must be considered.
If you don’t mind paying the extra cost, you can pick the more private Secret Garden, with a unique fountain and views of the city. I particularly love it because of the stairs that allow the bride for a grand entrance.
My tip: alternatively, you can avoid paying the extra fee for the Secret Garden and remain on the other side of it, using the beautiful iron gate as the backdrop for the ceremony. You can try and ask the staff to enter the Secret Garden for a few pictures after the ceremony.
You could also opt for one of the rooms, instead, if you prefer marbles and a super chic environment; or maybe if it’s a cold or rainy day. I particularly like the first floor, because you can also make use of the terrace for amazing pictures after the ceremony; or the Bellevue on the ground floor which has the perfect shape for setting up a ceremony.
My tip: consider your number of guests for this options, as with some flowers décor, the rooms can accommodate some 80-100 chairs.
Cocktail hour
The marvellous gardens of Villa Miani with views of Rome are definitely the best area for the cocktail hour. You’ll have the perfect backdrop for all those group pictures that are usually taken at this time.
Alternatively, you could consider the Patio area, especially if dinner is going to be served inside in the Salone Veneziano, or the Ballroom, in case of larger events.
In case of bad weather, the rooms on the ground floor (Veneziano, Bellevue and Casanova) could be the perfect area for the cocktail hour, followed by dinner in the Ballroom.
My tip: the perfectly manicured gardens do not usually pose any problem for high heels, but you might want to surprise your female guests with a super kind gesture, providing caps.
Dinner
The Patio is so iconic of Villa Miani. You must have seen so many pictures of this unique area and the many different tables set-ups you can arrange for the wedding dinner. The space is particularly beautiful at night if you have the façade all lit up and also add the dots effect, to create a fairytale atmosphere.
Alternatively, you can consider the Salone Veneziano, for smaller events or the Ballroom for larger events. Both spaces will allow you to have music and dance also during dinner and later with no restrictions, while outside music must stop at 10.30 pm.
My tip: you can plan for long tables or round tables, but always bear in mind that in case of uncertain weather, round tables already set up outside can easily be moved inside, while this is not possible at all with long tables.
Open bar and dancing
My favourite area for open bar and dancing is the first floor. The terrace offers amazing views of the city at night with all the lights and it’s perfect for the cutting of the cake. I particularly like this floor for the final part of the event because it has all you need: a larger round room which is a natural dance floor and can also accommodate a DJ or band; plenty of space for couches, small tables, armchairs for guests to relax; and the terrace to enjoy views and just have a chat, away from the loud music. Last but not least, toilets are on the same floor, so definitely very convenient, especially going towards the end of the event, when you are super tired and appreciate comforts even more.
My tip: have the cake cut on the terrace and plan for fire fountains; you’ll leave all your guests speechless.
After so many weddings planned at this wedding venue, I would say this amazing villa holds no secret for me. Drop me a line if you want me to share more tips and help you plan your wedding at Villa Miani.