• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Home
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • About
  • Submit Wedding

Destination Wedding Details

Inspiration for every detail of your wedding away

  • Shop
  • Real Weddings
  • Vendors
    • Find Vendors
    • Join Vendor Directory
  • Ideas
    • Welcome Bags & Favors
    • Bridesmaid Gifts
    • Styled Wedding Inspiration
    • Cake Ideas & Tips
      • DW Cake Tips
      • Tropical Wedding Cakes
      • Beach Wedding Cakes
      • Beach Wedding Cakes II
    • Save-the-Date/Invitations
      • Personal Destination Wedding Websites
      • Save the Date Ideas
      • Destination Wedding Invitations 101
      • When to Send Invitations
      • At Home Reception Invitations
      • Booklet Invitations
      • Unique Invitation Ideas
      • Destination Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette and Examples
      • Destination Wedding Programs
    • Flowers
      • Bouquet Ideas
      • Bouquet Tips
      • Centerpiece Ideas
      • Beach Wedding Arch Ideas
    • Ceremony/Reception
      • Guest Book Alternative Ideas
      • Program Ideas
      • Unique Wedding Signs
      • Destination Wedding Theme Ideas
      • Creative Ideas
  • Fashion
    • DW Dress Guide
    • Destination Dress Gallery
    • Tips for Buying a Gown Online
    • Men’s Destination Attire
    • Bridesmaid Destination Attire Tips
    • A Guide to Beach Wedding Attire Tips for Guests
    • Destination Hairstyle Gallery
  • Advice
    • DW Planning
      • The Best Destination Wedding Checklist
      • Destination Wedding Planning Tips
      • Destination Wedding Do’s and Don’ts
      • Legal vs Symbolic Weddings
      • Free Planning Spreadsheets
      • Managing Family Reactions
    • Photography
      • Finding a DW Photographer
      • Preparing for Your Photos
      • All about Trash-the-Dress Photos
      • Photography Basics
    • Money Matters
      • Keys to Cheap Destination Weddings
      • Budgeting Tips
      • The Truth about Free Weddings
    • Travel
      • How to Travel with Your Dress
      • Destination Wedding Packing Checklist
      • DW Packing Tips & Advice
  • Etiquette
  • Search
  • Shop
  • Real Weddings
  • Vendors
    • Find Vendors
    • Join Vendor Directory
  • Ideas
    • Welcome Bags & Favors
    • Bridesmaid Gifts
    • Styled Wedding Inspiration
    • Cake Ideas & Tips
      • DW Cake Tips
      • Tropical Wedding Cakes
      • Beach Wedding Cakes
      • Beach Wedding Cakes II
    • Save-the-Date/Invitations
      • Personal Destination Wedding Websites
      • Save the Date Ideas
      • Destination Wedding Invitations 101
      • When to Send Invitations
      • At Home Reception Invitations
      • Booklet Invitations
      • Unique Invitation Ideas
      • Destination Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette and Examples
      • Destination Wedding Programs
    • Flowers
      • Bouquet Ideas
      • Bouquet Tips
      • Centerpiece Ideas
      • Beach Wedding Arch Ideas
    • Ceremony/Reception
      • Guest Book Alternative Ideas
      • Program Ideas
      • Unique Wedding Signs
      • Destination Wedding Theme Ideas
      • Creative Ideas
  • Fashion
    • DW Dress Guide
    • Destination Dress Gallery
    • Tips for Buying a Gown Online
    • Men’s Destination Attire
    • Bridesmaid Destination Attire Tips
    • A Guide to Beach Wedding Attire Tips for Guests
    • Destination Hairstyle Gallery
  • Advice
    • DW Planning
      • The Best Destination Wedding Checklist
      • Destination Wedding Planning Tips
      • Destination Wedding Do’s and Don’ts
      • Legal vs Symbolic Weddings
      • Free Planning Spreadsheets
      • Managing Family Reactions
    • Photography
      • Finding a DW Photographer
      • Preparing for Your Photos
      • All about Trash-the-Dress Photos
      • Photography Basics
    • Money Matters
      • Keys to Cheap Destination Weddings
      • Budgeting Tips
      • The Truth about Free Weddings
    • Travel
      • How to Travel with Your Dress
      • Destination Wedding Packing Checklist
      • DW Packing Tips & Advice
  • Etiquette
  • Search
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Submit
  • Advertise

A Unique Destination Wedding at a Historic Venue in Matera Italy

You are here: Home / Real Destination Weddings / A Unique Destination Wedding at a Historic Venue in Matera Italy

//  by Erin McDermott // 2 Comments

I need to issue a warning on this wedding: it’s going to be hard to beat! I have to say this is by far one of the most breathtaking destination weddings we have ever featured on DWD. If you’re like me, you may feel a little jealous after looking through these photos captured by photographers Katja and Simon… but mostly, you will feel inspired! Not only is Italy one of the world’s most uniquely romantic countries, but it also has some of the most fascinating and beautiful historic architecture, landscape and culture. Marta, Oliver and 50 of their closest friends and family came together to celebrate this gorgeous couple’s love in the southern Italian city of Matera.

The venue itself tells such a long, rich, interesting story. It was a farm in the 7th century… yes you read that right, it’s that old! It was then the east gate to the city in the 10th century and used as a church and monastery in the 12th century. The owner said a wedding hasn’t been held in this venue in hundreds of years! So while it looks like the PERFECT setting for a wedding, what Marta and Oliver did was exceptionally rare and special. I love how simple they kept the decor, flowers, and attire – because truly, with a venue like this, there is almost nothing needed to enhance the already stunning setting.

destination wedding recovery kit topper

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0001

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0007
Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0014

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0023

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0020

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0034
Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0036

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0037

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0038

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0041
Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0045

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0046

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0047
Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0051

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0050

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0065

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0070

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0071
Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0068

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0056

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0073

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0075
Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0083
Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0081
Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0082

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0085

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0089

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0095

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0092

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0097

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0101

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0118

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0111

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0110
Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0112

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0137

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0132

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0123

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0129

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0142

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0139

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0141

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0143

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0144

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0146

Destination Wedding Matera Italy 0149

Q&A with the Bride

Why did you choose to have a destination wedding in Matera, Italy and how did you choose your venue?

Matera was unlike any other place we have been to. A hidden bit of history in the middle of southern Italy that truly won our hearts over. Our venue was an open-air venue that used to be a farm in the 7th century, the east gate to the city in the 10th century and in the 12th century it was used by the church as a monastery.  So it had so much history. Old stones can’t tell their own stories, but the owner of this place was this young man that truly loves Altereno Cafe and when he told us about it, we knew it would forever be a piece of our hearts. We also found out the day-of that we were the first couple to get married there in hundreds of years so that just made it even more special.

How many people attended your destination wedding?

50

What was your destination wedding theme?

The theme was to keep it original and highlight the beauty of Matera, and the Basilicata and nearby Puglia region. We chose light floral accents with olive branches and other greenery that wouldn’t take away from the focal point which was the city and the venue itself.

What were your sources of inspiration when choosing your colors, flowers, cake, etc..?

Matera itself and its people. We wanted to continue to highlight its beauty and the story of the people there. The cake was from a local restaurant that we had tried.  We met the chef who was an inspiring and empowering woman and loved her cake. We also wound up having our rehearsal dinner at that same restaurant. Tables and chairs were white with a long garland of flowers and greenery.

Was there something unique or special that you incorporated into your wedding décor/theme?

We tried to incorporate the olive branches from neighboring Puglia wherever we could. Our florist, Arte e Natura understood our idea of beautiful simplicity. We wanted to pay tribute to an area that produces such amazing olives and olive oil but that most people don’t know about.

What was your favorite wedding detail and why?

The first look. I was hesitant about this because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to see Oliver before walking down the aisle. But the opportunity to have our own personal moment to ourselves was the best decision we made.  And then to capture some moments together before coming together with friends and family allowed us our own time to soak it all in.

What was the most memorable and unique thing to happen on your wedding day?

The silent disco. Our wedding began at 6 pm and we had music until midnight and had a silent disco afterward where everyone wears headphones and tunes into one of 3 different stations. We had a brilliant DJ, Vincent Martini who knew exactly what the crowd wanted. The dancing went on to 4 am and we would have kept going if the venue didn’t have to get ready for the next day. It created an atmosphere where everyone, young or old had the chance to pick a song they wanted to hear and dance to. Seeing 50 people all singing to themselves and dancing to their own beats was just so memorable.

What was your favorite part of having a destination wedding in Matera?

Giving all of my friends and family a chance to see Matera. Most people would never go there on their own because it is a bit of a trek to get to. But they all appreciated it and thanked us for opening their eyes to this magical part of Italy.

What was the biggest destination wedding planning challenge?

The language. Neither my husband or I spoke Italian so planning a wedding in an area where English still isn’t as common proved very difficult. This is why we decided to work with an event planner, Roberta from Fuori Rotta Eventi who was on the same page as we were in every detail. We left so much of the details in her hands because we knew she would make it exactly what we wanted.

What’s your advice to other couples planning a destination wedding in Matera (or anywhere)?

Don’t sweat the details. It is not easy, especially when getting married in a country whose language you don’t speak.  So enjoy every moment and don’t let the small things become big things. As long as you get all of the people you love together in this destination that means so much to you, that is what matters. If the food, florals or linens aren’t exactly what you imagined, it’s fine. No one will remember them anyway. Just pick a great photographer that can truly capture the essence of the wedding destination and of you as a couple.

You will spend so much time looking back on photos so you want them to convey the emotion of your wedding day. This is hard to do through photos but our photographers, Katja & Simon traveled to our wedding because after looking at 10 different photographers, we knew we clicked with them instantly. They felt as they were part of the day — just two additional guests who managed to capture each moment better than we remember and so beautifully and originally. They were one of the best decisions we made for our destination wedding.

Vendors

Photographer: Katja & Simon
Wedding Planner: Fuori Rotta Eventi & Congressi
Bridal Gown:  BHLDN
Groom’s Attire: David Alan Clothing
Venue: Altereno Cafe
Bridal Shoes: Sam Edelman
Florist: Arteen Natura Flowers
Cake/Baker: Ristorante Francesca
Hair Stylist: Matteo Parrucchieri
DJ: Vincent Martini
Hotel for entire family (made our lives so simple): Fra i Sassi Residence
Catering: Sala Ricevimenti Villa Schiuma

Related

destination wedding welcome bags

Filed Under: Real Destination Weddings

Erin McDermott
Erin McDermott

Erin is a New England native living in Cincinnati, OH. For the last six years she has served as Communications Manager for a large home service franchise, working as a freelance writer in her spare time. She has been a contributing editor for Destination Wedding Details since early 2017. Inspired by a desire to plan a uniquely personal destination wedding herself, Erin draws on experience to bring relatability and humor to her writing.

Previous Post: « A Showstopping Wedding Inspired by Vibrant Peonies and Rolling Vineyards
Next Post: Plan your Destination Wedding in Thailand at the Centara Grand Resorts & Hotels »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Meggie Francisco

    February 23, 2020 at 4:00 pm

    Puglia, Italy is amazing. There’s nothing like it on earth! I’ll never forget the moment we walked into Matera and felt completely transformed, like we’d walked into another world. This wedding is beautiful. Well done!

    Reply
  2. Kamil Kozinski

    June 7, 2019 at 8:58 am

    What a lovely surrounding for a perfect wedding

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Top Wedding Site

best destination wedding blog award

top destination wedding blog award

Sponsors

Wedding Dresses, Bridesmaid Dresses, & Formal Dresses - Lulus.com




destination wedding vendors
Dessy Twist

Dessy After 6

Costa Rica Weddings


Advertise on Destination Wedding Details

Featured Destination Wedding Vendors

DamolaMakeovers Makeup Artistry
DamolaMakeovers Makeup Artistry

Damolamakeovers Makeup Artistry is an experienced and versatile Destination m...

Bride Tribe Travel - a division of Escapes Unlimited
Bride Tribe Travel - a division of Escapes Unlimited

Bride Tribe Travel is a division of Escapes Unlimited AZ created exclusively ...

Villa Punto De Vista
Villa Punto De Vista

If your dream destination wedding conjures up images of pristine sand beaches...

KT Travel & More LLC
KT Travel & More LLC

KT Travel & More LLC is a certified destination wedding, honeymoon, and roman...

Stepping Out - Online Wedding Dance Program
Stepping Out - Online Wedding Dance Program

Stepping Out has created a new and exciting way for you to learn your first d...

Linda Dancer - Honeymoons Inc.
Linda Dancer - Honeymoons Inc.

As a former airline employee who loved to travel and an incurable romantic~ b...

VIP Vacations Inc
VIP Vacations Inc

VIP Vacations would be honored to help you plan your destination wedding! We...

Vacationeeze
Vacationeeze

Vacationeeze is a family owned travel agency with over 30 years of experience...

Popular Content

Destination Wedding welcome bags
17 Welcome Bag Items Your Guests Will Love
best destination wedding venues
An Expert Guide to the Best Destination Wedding Venues
Wine Country Weddings destination
This Venue is a Hidden Gem for Wine Country Weddings
Private Costa Rica Wedding Venue
Discover a Private & Luxurious Wedding Venue in Costa Rica
tropical artificial wedding bouquets
These are the Most Authentic Real Touch Bouquets We've Ever Seen
buying a wedding dress online
Guide to Buying a Wedding Dress Online
Destination Wedding questions and answers
Answers to all your destination wedding planning questions
bridesmaid gifts
30 Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
Destination Wedding Guestbook Alternative
11 Awesome Destination Wedding Guestbook Alternatives
best Destination Wedding locations
How to do a Destination Wedding Site Visit
destination wedding website
destination wedding checklist

Follow Us

Featured Posts

Destination Wedding in a Secluded Santorini Venue

Impromptu Elopement on Hanalei Beach

See More

Footer

Ultimate Destination Wedding Etiquette Guide

Get Your Free Destination Wedding Etiquette Guide

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get a free Destination Wedding Etiquette Guide, plus monthly checklist reminders, inspiration, tips and exclusive giveaways!

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Submit
  • Advertise

Site Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 Destination Wedding Details LLC · Privacy Policy · Cookie Notice · Disclaimers · General Terms of Use · Vendor Terms of Use