Wedding FAQs

Everything couples ask us about getting married at Castello di Ristonchi, our 1,000-year-old Tuscan castle near Florence, from saving your date to the last dance in the rave cave.

Last updated: October 29, 2026

Aerial view of Castello di Ristonchi and the Tuscan hills

Dates & Booking

  • We recommend booking 12-18 months ahead for peak season (May to October). If you're flexible, you can often book within 3-9 months, because our all-inclusive packages make planning simple. Our best pricing is for last minute openings.

  • June and September book the fastest, since the weather is just right: not too hot, not too cold, and less risk of rain.

  • By signing your contract and sending your first payment. Your proposal and contract offer are valid for one week.

  • We can't hold dates before a contract is signed, because signing is the only way to secure them. Once you sign, we hold your date for about a week while your first payment comes through. Before that, we're happy to note your favorite dates, and if another couple shows interest we'll do our best to let you know so you have the chance to move forward first.

  • We'd love to have you! Site visits during our season (April to October) are in the morning on Tuesdays or Fridays. The castle is technically closed in winter, but we can still arrange for someone to meet you and show you around. Just know it looks a little different out of season: the furniture is put away and some rooms are used for storage. We'll send you directions and a lunch tip nearby.

  • Yes! Our packages run Tuesday to Friday or Friday to Monday, and weekday dates are priced lower than weekends. Your proposal shows the exact price for your dates.

  • Most couples find everything they need right here on this page and by email, and we're happy to answer every question in detail. Once you're ready to reserve, we can set up a short call so you can meet us and see the castle.

Packages & Pricing

  • Yes. We have a few options: Intimate (up to 50 guests) for 2 nights, Classic 3 night (for up to 50, 80 or 100 guests) and Premium (up to 100 guests). Each includes exclusive use of the castle, onsite accommodation, in-house catering, the bar and planning support. You can customize your package, and the Packages page has the full inclusions and pricing.

  • No. Your package price stays the same as long as you’re within its guest count, so you don’t have to worry if someone joins or drops out last minute. We actually recommend staying a little under the maximum: with around 50 guests, each couple or small group can have their own room and bathroom, while at the maximum most guests will share. If you go over your package’s guest limit, each extra adult is 885€ and children are half price. Keep in mind if you are under the package amount your outside vendors (photographer, hair/makeup) can stay onsite and eat all meals for no extra charge because they can be included in your guest count.

  • No. Your package price covers everything listed in it, including Italian VAT, tourist tax, music licensing, staff and final cleaning. There's no service charge and no tipping expected. Most couples only pay separately for their photographer, hair and makeup, and transportation. If you bring in your own outside vendors, like a photobooth or tent there's a 250€ coordination fee per vendor and per meeting required by them (photographers, videographers, hair and makeup, and babysitters are exempt as they don’t require anything from us).

  • Because accommodation is included, many couples ask guests to contribute toward their stay. Most ask around 350€ to 650€ per person for all three nights, not per night, usually through a link on their wedding website.
    Other options are to book in our low season like April or weekdays.

  • Not through us, but it's easy to set up and we will walk you through how to do it and send wording you can copy/paste.
    When you book the castle, all the rooms are included, and we'll give you a detailed list so you can arrange where everyone stays.

  • If a child takes a bed and a seat at meals, they count as a guest. If they sleep in a baby cot, sit on a lap or stay with a babysitter during meals, they don't count toward your guest total.
    Children 2 and under are free. 3-12 are ½ price but that only matters if you are over your guest count included in your package and need to add additional.

  • Yes. Add-ons like transportation, a wine tasting, a fire pit with s'mores, a painting class or a karaoke party can be added up to 60 days before your event, based on availability.

  • We don't offer it directly, but we highly recommend it as well as travel insurance.

  • No problem! If you book a smaller package and end up with more guests, you can either add extra guests at 885€ per adult (children are half price) or move up to the next package. Moving down to a smaller package usually isn't possible once your dates are secured. And remember, the two of you count toward your guest total too.

  • Almost anything at Ristonchi! Popular choices are transport, La Capella or a glamping unit, an extra hour in the rave cave, a hosted bar, extra desserts, or a fire pit with s'mores.

  • It's our playful marriage guarantee, not a refund policy. You come back to Ristonchi for a couples retreat "check-up", and as long as you keep up your check-ups, we like to think your marriage will last!

Payments & Cancellation

  • You can pay in full or 2 or 3 installments, with the last one due 60 days before arrival.
    If you pay 50% upfront, you get a 1,000€ credit to use at Ristonchi.
    If you pay in full, you get a 2,000€ credit at Ristonchi plus our Day-of Coordinator (a 2,000€ value) included. Once you sign, your package price is locked in.

  • All package payments are made by bank transfer. When you arrive, we take a 4,000€ security deposit by card, and any add-ons or drinks during your stay are paid by card too.

  • Unfortunately not. Payments must come from a bank or Wise account in the name on your contract. If someone would like to contribute, they can send the money to you first.

  • Once you book, payments are non-refundable, because your dates are held just for you not only for your venue but all your other vendors and we start planning right away. If you cancel within six months of your event, any remaining payments are also due. Please send any cancellation in writing. Life happens, and if something deeply personal comes up, reach out and we'll talk through options together case by case.

  • Yes, you can reschedule once per contract. Send us a written request with the reason and a new date range. If you ask more than six months before your event, everything you've paid carries over as credit. You'll choose your new dates within 30 days, and they need to be within 12 months of the original. The new booking follows the pricing and terms in place when it's confirmed. Within six months it may be treated like a cancellation, but we'll do our best to offer a lower-demand date, like a weekday or shoulder-season date, with your payments carried over.

  • We highly recommend wedding insurance that covers cancellation and postponement, and asking your guests to get travel insurance for their flights. Many couples also pay in installments, with the last payment due 60 days before arrival, so not everything is paid upfront. Your package price is locked in once you sign (unless you move to new dates), and we're always happy to talk things through if your plans change.

  • Yes! Besides our euro account, we have US, UK and Australian accounts, which can save you on bank fees. For your first payment, you can choose one third, half or the full amount.

Wedding ceremony at Castello di Ristonchi, a castle in Tuscany

Accommodation

  • Up to 100 guests, all staying together onsite. Guest rooms are in three buildings right next to each other: the Castello, the Fattoria and the Borghetto, with La Capella, our villa by the chapel, right beside them. We have 31 private bedrooms with queen beds for 62 guests (31 couples), including La Capella's 5 bedrooms. There are 7 more queen beds in shared spaces for another 7 couples (14 guests), so 76 guests can sleep in queen beds, or 78 with La Capella's bunk beds plus 20 single beds some in shared spaces and some in private loft areas for a total of 98 people. On top of that, there are 3 separate glamping units in the olive groves, each with one queen bed, sleeping 6 more guests, with our brand-new bathhouse. Some rooms also have single beds for single guests or kids, and they don't have to be used. Accommodation is included in every package: up to 50 guests for Intimate, 80 for Classic and 100 for Premium.

  • La Capella is our villa attached to the chapel. It has 5 bedrooms with queen beds for 10 guests, which are part of our 31 private bedrooms, plus a set of bunk beds in the living room, so it sleeps 12 in total. It's included in any 100-guest package. For other packages it's 3,500€ for 3 nights or 2,500€ for 2 nights, booked for your whole event (not single nights). Guests can't book it directly; you reserve it through us and we add it to your package.

  • There are a few villas and homes for rent within a 5-minute drive, and we include them in the info packet you get after booking. If you're planning more guests than your package includes, reach out and we'll talk through options, pricing and logistics.

  • Every room is different, just like a thousand-year-old castle should be! The vibe is authentic and rustic, many beds are made from real wine barrel frames!
    Most bathrooms are normal, some bathrooms have the toilet inside the shower area, but those rooms also have the most incredible views! You'll see photos and layouts of every room before you do your room assignments, and we'll help you work them out so you put people who will be most comfortable in each of the rooms.

  • Yes. There’s heating throughout, air conditioning in many of the spaces, and fans as well.

  • It's a bit of a puzzle, but we'll guide you! We'll send you a PDF with room layouts, photos, views, video walk throughs, entrances and how many stairs each one has, so it's easy to see where to place your friends and family.

  • We usually recommend Fattoria 2. It's spacious, central and has minimal stairs, with one window overlooking the ceremony area and the other looking out to the dinner. If you're getting ready separately, the other half often uses Castello 10, just across the way, with great views of the setup, plenty of mirrors and seating, and hanging bars for dresses or suits. Plus the windows are facing each other and make for a great Romeo & Juliet or Rapunzel moment!

  • Check-in is at 4 PM (16:00) and check-out is at 11 AM. The couple and up to 8 others can arrive earlier to start preparations (see your contract for the exact time). We may have another event checking out the same day, so this gives our team time to get every room ready and welcome your guests properly. If transportation is part of your booking, guests can arrive with the first shuttle at 2 PM and enjoy the grounds, but rooms open at 4 PM.

  • We don't offer extended stays, because we only book the castle exclusively, not by the room. We recommend staying in Florence before or after.

  • Yes, in certain apartments: Borghetto 6 and 7, and Fattoria 1, 5 and 6. There’s a 100€ fee per pet, and 50€ of it is refunded if the apartment is left clean and in good condition.

  • Yes! Each of our 3 glamping units has a queen bed and is 350€ for 3 nights or 250€ for 2 nights.

  • We do a quick room check to take away trash, dirty glasses and food, and we replace towels left on the floor. Bedding isn't changed during your stay, and guests can always ask reception for fresh towels or anything else they need.

Food

  • It's always a huge hit! Your guests get to know each other while rolling out fresh dough and sipping local wine around the stone pizza ovens, one built into the castle tower and one outside with an incredible sunset view. We set out a buffet of fresh, local toppings, and the evening opens onto the banquet hall and terrace, with bistro lights and the perfect sunset view. It includes a few snacks to get started, plus barrels of white and red wine as well as still water. Please check your proposal or contract for your exact inclusions.

  • Prosecco, aperol spritz and seasonal appetizers, for example: local cold cuts with homemade bread, prosciutto and melon, caprese with buffalo mozzarella, a trio of vegetarian bruschetta, and a selection of cheeses with Ristonchi honey and homemade marmalade. And a guest favorite: a giant parmigiano reggiano wheel!

  • A four-course dinner (smaller packages may have fewer courses), for example: two seasonal pasta options (like tortelli with Bolognese sauce, or farfalle with prawns and zucchini cream), two main courses (like lemon and garlic chicken, beef tagliata or Italian pork roast), two seasonal side dishes.
    Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available. Still and sparkling water and unlimited red and white wine are included with dinner on the Classic and Premium packages, and up to 40 bottles of wine on the Intimate package.

  • Breakfast has fresh croissants and bread with local jams and honey, cheese and meats, boiled eggs, yogurt, fresh seasonal fruit and muesli.
    Brunch adds scrambled eggs and sausages.
    Both include coffee, juice and still water, and vegan and gluten-free options are available if arranged ahead.

  • Absolutely. Just collect dietary needs with your RSVPs and send them to us. Our chef makes alternatives without changing your menu, and a team member looks after those guests at dinner. Your package also includes 3 baby beds and 3 high chairs.

  • Yes! Our bars have chips, crackers, peanuts and olives, and guests can order a charcuterie board during bar hours. The bars aren't open 24 hours, so you're welcome to bring your own snacks or add some to your welcome bags.

  • No, our food is a big part of who we are. If you'd like a vendor to share some cultural food at one point during the event, it may be possible, but they'll need a food truck or similar, since our kitchen can't be used.

  • We only recommend it if your dinner is earlier for example in April or October. It used to be in our packages, but after the aperitivo, two pasta courses, two mains, two sides and a cake, guests were always too full and it went to waste.

Drinks & Bar

  • Beer, red and white wine, and cocktails including Gin & Tonic, Vodka Soda, Paloma, Moscow Mule, Aperol Spritz, Gimlet, Hugo, Dark & Stormy, Rum & Coke and Whiskey & Coke, etc. plus non-alcoholic options and mocktails.
    Shots and alcohol-only drinks (like an Old Fashioned or Negroni) aren't served at the open bar in the Rave Cave, but you can order them at any other bar at other times during your stay.

  • Outside the included wine and the rave cave open bar, cocktails are about 10-14€ and wine is about 5€ a glass. Everything goes on each guest's room tab, or you can host the drinks at certain events or host certain signature cocktails.

  • Yes. The reception bar is normally open from 9 AM to 11 PM for beer, wine, soda, water, ice cream and snacks. Our mobile bar, the Ape'Roller, also comes to the pool, pizza night, BBQ, aperitivo and wedding dinner, with a bartender making cocktails and mocktails. Everything goes on each guest's room bill to pay at checkout, unless you'd like to cover the bill for the whole event or just the wedding dinner.

  • Regular drip coffee is included, and so is regular milk and non-dairy milk options. Specialty coffees like espresso, iced coffee and cappuccino are ordered at the bar.

  • No. For permits and safety, all alcohol is bought at the castle and served by our staff. Alcohol isn't served to minors, illegal substances aren't allowed, and drunken or violent behavior means immediate removal from the property.

  • Yes, this can be arranged. Anything you swap out of the package isn't discounted, and extra charges may apply. If you're shipping special items to us, they can't arrive more than 2 weeks before your event.

The Celebration

  • Yes, we have a consecrated chapel onsite. It seats up to 80 guests, though it’s quite cozy at that point. It was even featured by Forbes among luxury wedding destinations with divine chapels: https://www.forbes.com/sites/irenelevine/2018/07/03/8-luxury-wedding-destinations-with-divine-chapels/

  • The ceremony moves into our chapel and dinner into the Templar Hall, which seats up to about 80 guests. For larger groups, an elegant stretch tent is required. It's included in the 100 person packages and available to rent for the others. Our team is used to adapting quickly, so your day goes smoothly whatever the weather.

  • You can, and civil ceremonies can be held in our chapel or outdoors on the property. But we highly recommend marrying legally at home and having a symbolic ceremony here with your loved ones, because it saves a lot of time and money. To marry legally in Italy as foreigners, you'll need valid passports, birth certificates and a Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment) from your embassy or consulate, translated into Italian and legalized (often with an Apostille). You'll also need two witnesses aged 18 or older and a civil ceremony booked with the local town hall (comune). Requirements vary by country, so check with your embassy, start early, and consider a planner for the paperwork, especially if you don't speak Italian.

  • Your package includes olive branches on the ceremony arch, and 12 seasonal blooms that can be arranged how you like, for example a bouquet and a boutonniere, or two of each.

    For dinner, the tables are styled with olive branches down the center. If you’d love more, you can add flowers, baby’s breath or vases depending on your budget, and we’re happy to put you in touch with our florist for any upgrades or color changes.

  • Yes, as long they can be put up and removed without damage.
    We recommend bringing signs, guest books, place cards, anything to make the wedding feel more like you!
    You can also ship items to us up to 2 weeks before you arrive.
    Outdoor decorations must come down the night of the event. Birdseed and bubbles are fine outside only.
    Rice, confetti, fake petals, balloons and glitter aren't allowed inside or out. The castle is about 1,000 years old, so we ask everyone to take special care with its carvings, wall hangings and decorations.

  • The venue is versatile, but your theme should fit the nature and beautiful surroundings.

  • Music outside stops at 10 PM, and then the party moves into the Rave Cave! Packages include the party until 1:30 or 2:30am.
    If you want to keep dancing, you can extend the Rave Cave for 2,500€ per hour for packages up to 80 guests, or 3,000€ per hour for packages up to 100 guests.
    Just make sure to agree on the extension and pay for it ahead of time. If you decide in the moment, we may not be able to extend.

  • No, because our team takes care of everything in the package and walks you through it with planning calls and your own planning board.
    If you'd like someone dedicated to running the day and helping you with rehearsals and music during the ceremony and more, you can add our Day-of Coordinator for 2,000€.
    Everything else is already included in our packages.

  • Unfortunately our community no longer allows them, but you could add cold sparklers which look amazing!

  • Lots! Confetti (sugared almonds, not paper) as favors or on the dessert table, the lively Tarantella dance, heartfelt toasts from family and friends, bomboniere gifts like small bottles of olive oil or limoncello, a menu full of Italian dishes and gelato, or planting an olive tree together as a symbol of peace and love.

  • We don't, because it's such a personal choice. Most of our couples have a friend or family member lead the ceremony, and we're happy to recommend an officiant if you'd like one.

  • Yes, white cotton tablecloths are 25€ each. You can also bring your own and we'll steam them for a small charge, or rent linens from an outside vendor.

Vendors

  • That's the beauty of our packages! We do most things in-house, and the vendors we use are trusted professionals we've worked with 50+ times. For vendors not in your package, like photographers and officiants, we'll recommend amazing people we've worked with before after you book.

  • Of course! Vendors you bring from home can stay onsite with you and count toward your guest count, so they'll use one of the guest rooms. If you'd like more space, you can also book La Capella or one of our glamping units (each with a queen bed) for them.
    Local vendors we recommend don't need to stay onsite. For outside vendors that aren't part of your Ristonchi package, like a photobooth or dancefloor, there's a 250€ coordination fee per vendor and per meeting with them. It covers one coordination meeting with them, logistics with our team and access to electricity and setup space, and any extra coordination meetings are 250€ each. Photographers, videographers, hair and makeup artists, and babysitters are exempt, as long as you handle their coordination directly.

  • Your vendors count toward your package's guest count, so any open spots cover them for free. For example, if your package is for 80 guests and you have 75, up to 5 vendors can join the meals at no extra cost. Beyond those free spots, vendors aren't charged as extra guests, just for their meals at our lower vendor rates: breakfast 10€, brunch 12€, lunch 20€ and dinner 55€ per person. Vendor meals are served separately from guest dining and added to your final balance or settled at checkout.

  • Not if you speak English! Our whole team and our vendors speak English, as do the companies we recommend for babysitting, photography, and hair and makeup.

Getting Here

  • We're about 45 minutes from Florence. We have our own buses, one 19-seat and one 21-seat, and airport pickups for your guests can be arranged as part of your booking. Just let us know and we'll help organize it.

  • It's easy for everyone to reach, with a 2€ tram from Santa Maria Novella station or a quick taxi. It avoids Florence city traffic and the 500€ fee for buses entering the center, and guests coming from different places can meet in one spot. If guests are flying into Rome, we recommend the train to Florence, then a short tram or taxi to the airport.

  • Here's a sample (please check with us after booking for your exact times). Arrival day: the first group leaves the airport at 1:00 PM and arrives to the castle at 2:00 PM, the second at 2:00 PM and arrive at 3:00 PM.
    Departure day: the first shuttle leaves the castle at 8:00 AM, then 8:30 AM, the third at 11:00 AM and the final at 11:15 AM.

  • For larger groups it's fairly fixed, since our two buses (19 and 21 seats) need to make two trips. For smaller groups, just get in touch and we'll see what's possible.

  • Florence Airport is about 1 hour away, and the castle is about 45 minutes from Florence itself. Pisa Airport is about 2 hours by car, and Bologna Airport is about 1.5 hours by car.

  • No. You would take a train to Pontassieve or S. Ellero station, bus 343 toward Saltino Centro to the 'Paterno_V' stop, then a long, steep uphill walk. We recommend shuttle transport or a rental car as the buses are not reliable here and the walk is quite far.

  • We have parking for about 20 cars, but our Ristonchi shuttles are the easiest way to get everyone here.

Guest Experience

  • Our pool is now heated, so it’s much warmer than before (not quite hot-tub warm!). Besides the pool, guests can enjoy our hot tub (there may be an extra charge) and ice tub. There are beautiful trails surrounding the castle through the forest.
    Every stay also includes a pizza making night in the stone oven, a pasta-making class with our chef, a BBQ day by the pool and a farm and history tour and tasting.
    You can add other activities like a wine tasting or organize pool games! Most guests appreciate some down time.

  • Depending on your package, guests can enjoy pizza and pasta making, a BBQ pool party and our farm and foraging tour, where we show you the olive groves, beehives and garden and then taste our products. You can also add a wine tasting with a local vineyard, a painting class, yoga, a fire pit with s'mores or a karaoke party. Hiking is always free, and guests are welcome to bring board games or a soccer ball.

  • The village of Pelago sits at the foot of the castle, with monuments, museums and churches from the 14th century, and Pontassieve has more shops, restaurants and the train station. Florence is about 45 minutes away, The Mall luxury outlet and Vallombrosa Abbey are each 20 minutes, and Travignoli winery is under 10 minutes. The castle is surrounded by olive groves and ancient forest with over 20 km of marked trails, and reception can recommend routes. Once everyone arrives, though, we recommend staying and enjoying the castle together.

  • May, June, September and October usually bring pleasant temperatures. July and August are the warmest months, and July is the driest. Summer also means mosquitoes. It wouldn't be Italy without them! For monthly averages, see Weather and Climate: https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,pelago-tuscany-it,Italy

  • Yes, there's Wi-Fi pretty much everywhere, inside and out. It's not very fast, though, and that's sort of the point.
    Ristonchi is meant to be a chance to unplug and connect with each other, the olive groves and those endless Tuscan views, more than with your phone. So bring your camera, leave the emails for later, and enjoy being a little offline.

  • We do our best to make everyone comfortable. As a 1,000-year-old hilltop castle, we don't have elevators, and there are plenty of stone stairs. Fattoria 1 is fully step-free, with a renovated accessible bathroom. The dinner lawn has no steps. There are two steps up to the ceremony, or a longer step-free route along a slope. There are a few steps into reception and the terrace, steps up to the pool, and two or three steps up to the chapel. Everything is close together, so getting around is easy. Let us know what your guests need, and we'll help find the best room for them.

  • Yes! Because of the pool and a road on the property, children need to be watched closely at all times, and we recommend lower rooms for families since windows don't have guard rails. Babysitting and kids' activities can be arranged on request.
    We also include 3 baby cots and 3 highchairs for your event.

  • Of course! Here's our full property video tour.

Sustainability & Ethics

  • Yes. We focus on energy efficiency, reducing waste and food waste, and sourcing local and organic products whenever we can. Learn more at www.ristonchi.com/food-and-wine.

Still have a question, or ready to check your dates? Submit our wedding inquiry form and we’ll get right back to you.