L’Aquila is not only the political capital of Abruzzo: it is its beating heart– besides being one of the main cities of central Italy for its cultural and historical wealth. 

Surmounted by the imposing mountains of the Gran Sasso and developed in the valley of the Aterno river, it is perfect for getting married between May and September when the climate allows weddings or receptions in the open. However, nobody forbids you to get married in L’Aquila even in the coldest months with a winter-themed party and snowy mountains as a backdrop! 

Born in the Middle Ages for political and economic reasons, this city in Abruzzo carries with it important traces of that historical period, especially at the architectural level. The characteristic alleys and squares alternate with sumptuous baroque, renaissance and neoclassical architecture that give the old town a truly unique air. 

Despite the numerous earthquakes, the beauty of L’Aquila has survived– a little bruised, perhaps, but no less fascinating… and with a great desire to be reborn!

Where to get married in L’Aquila 

Getting married in L’Aquila can be a truly unique experience, thanks to the beautiful locations offered by the city to those who want to swear eternal love: churches and historic buildings will welcome you with their timeless charm, on your most important day. 

If you are thinking of getting married with a traditional Catholic ceremony, you can choose from many churches – one more suggestive than the other. Just imagine that, according to legend, L’’Aquila had 99 churches… in fact only 60 of them are in the old town, not to mention all the one associated with the different castles: surely among them lies the perfect one for your wedding! 

Unfortunately, following the last major earthquake of 2009, the Cathedral of L’Aquila is unfit for use, so you can not get married inside of it . There are, however, other churches, just as important, which will be able to replace it with dignity. 

First of all there certainly is the Basilica of San Bernardino, characterized by a beautiful clear facade in full Renaissance style, inspired by the works of Michelangelo. The baroque interior looks like a sumptuous jewellery chest: it preserves works of art by great Italian authors and has a carved wooden ceiling decorated with pure gold. It’s the perfect church if you’re dreaming of a lavish wedding! 

A most sober style is represented instead by the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, where Pope Celestine V rests and where a jubilee is celebrated every year. Also this church was damaged by the earthquake of 2009, it has been restored and will host your wedding in all its splendour. The external facade is what makes it truly unique in its genre: square, with geometric patterns and intricate rosettes… the perfect background for bright and artistic wedding photographs. 

Outside the centre of L’Aquila there are churches that deserve your attention: a perfect example is the Romanesque abbey of Santa Maria Assunta in Bominaco. Simplicity, purity and precious details: this church could perfectly symbolize the essence of your love and thus be the ideal place to celebrate it. 

If your idea instead is to join in marriage with civil ceremony, L’Aquila will not disappoint you: for some time it is possible to get married in several dedicated locations. 

The main place to marry in L’Aquila with civil marriage remains Palazzo Margherita, seat of the municipality. It is a historic palace of the city, severely damaged by the earthquake but recently rebuilt and ready to witness your “I do”. 

If you’re looking for different places to get married, you can do it at: 

• Palazzo Fibbioni, also survived and renovated after the last earthquake; 
• Palazzetto dei Nobili, which is located exactly in the centre of the city and is preceded by a picturesque fountain; 
• the Civic Hall of paganica, outside the city itself. 

If you really want a wedding out of the ordinary, however, you can’t help but choose the Park Auditorium, designed by the architect Renzo Piano on an idea of Claudio Abbado’s orchestra master. This is a modern space created to be dedicated to music and theatre, built after the earthquake of 2009 with the contribution of the autonomous province of Trento: a place of solidarity, in which to celebrate a wedding of strong symbolic value. 

The best locations for wedding photos in L’Aquila 

L’Aquila is not only full of places to get married, but also of fascinating venues where to celebrate such an important day together with all the people you care about the most. 

To preserve a clear and lasting memory of this occasion, there is nothing better than a wedding photo shoot. Relying on a professional photographer who knows L’Aquila and the surrounding areas of Abruzzo, you will be sure to obtain magical photographs, allowing you to preserve the memory of every precious moment of your wedding. 

The suggestive places where to take photos are certainly not lacking, both in the city and outside of it, but some locations are excellent because they combine the possibility to carry out there both the reception and the photo shoot. Do you want some examples? 

Casale signorini is a structure surrounded by a natural scenery that will leave you speechless. You can celebrate in the rooms of the house itself, in the charming white room or in the wooden living room, or in the fabulous winter garden that can welcome you both in summer and cold. All these views, set in the park and embraced by soft hills, lend themselves perfectly to frame original and enchanting wedding photographs. 

If you imagine getting married in L’Aquila in an elegant style then you can choose the Silk Bug Mansion. Even then, the location combines perfect spaces for reception 

with unique views where to take photographs, such as the terrace overlooking the garden… or the garden itself! 

At the Cartiera del Vetojo you can get married– and take pictures with the style you prefer: the three rooms, (Acqua) Water, (Carta) Paper and (Legno) Wood, will give you three completely different atmospheres at your reception. The nature that surrounds the venue, surrounded by the Vetoio Natural Park, is breathtaking: waterfall, river and lake are just a few steps from the garden of the Cartiera. Imagine what spectacular photographs could be made in a place like this… not to mention a video from the top made with the drone! 

If instead you want a wedding service characterized by a timeless aura, then you could get married at the Monastery Fortress of Santo Spirito, a real jewel of medieval architecture inserted in a pristine landscape with views of the Gran Sasso. It is an exclusive venue for everything it offers and for the enchanting look of both the interior and the surroundings. Your wedding photographs here will look like something out of a fairy tale! 

The traditions of marriage in L’Aquila 

In L’Aquila, and in Abruzzo in general, different traditions linked to marriage remain alive. You can be inspired to add a touch of originality to your wedding day! 

Ju Catenacce, for example, is a popular festival that takes place in Scanno (in the province of L’Aquila) every 14 August. It is a real wedding party that has the particularity of being celebrated in a traditional costume: it is not a staging… is a real wedding! Who knows, maybe could you be the next couple protagonist of this custom? If you are a fan of popular festivals, why not take the opportunity. 

Another timeless and widespread tradition in Abruzzo is the one related to the serenata sung the day before the wedding. The groom, together with a group of friends, reaches the house of the beloved and intones romantic songs until she decides to come down and join the little impromptu party: an idea that you can easily replicate and that will surely please the recipient! 

Finally, among the traditions of L’Aquila strongly linked to the weddings, how can we fail to mention the famous confetti of Sulmona? These sweets are part of the gastronomic history of the province of Abruzzo and can also become protagonists of your wedding. Almonds or chocolate covered with a sugary icing, white or bright colors, for a modern confetti or given as wedding favors to your guests, in the form of the typical flowers. A sweet wedding tradition! 

Why get married in L’Aquila 

• Because it is a city endowed with an uncommon force, risen from its ruins more than once, which perfectly symbolizes eternity and the energy of love. 
• Because it is the place where you live or where you were born, and you are therefore very attached to it. 
• Because you can get married inside unique architectural works, with the Gran Sasso in the background. 
• Because you can choose between amazing locations, according to your personality. 
• Because the excellent food and wine products of the area will make your reception even more special. 
• Because L’Aquila is located in a central location in Italy, making it easy to reach for all your guests. 
• Because I can be with you on your most important day, telling it with my intense photographs and involving videos.