A Venue Review
With ivy-covered castle walls and a stately location on the top of a hill overlooking the Tuscan countryside, the fabled Castello di Celsa stands, waiting to host exquisite weddings and events. The venue, which is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, offers nothing less than a fairytale wedding set in real life.
You are sure to be greeted with a refreshing lemon scent (or maybe florals depending on the season) as well as extensive views from Siena to Monte Amiata. And, with the immaculate gardens and stunning architecture, there is really no detail that does not lend itself to a refined and elegant setting, perfect for a Tuscan wedding.
Let’s look at what makes a wedding at Castello di Celsa so special.
History of Castello di Celsa
Like most castles and villas of Tuscany, Catello di Celsa has a long and colorful history.
The original castle was built in the 13th century. It was during the 16th century that a family from Siena, the Celsi family, acquired the property as a country home and commissioned it to be refurbished by Baldassare Peruzzi, one of the most acclaimed painters and architects of the period. Both the castle and the gardens were transformed, creating the masterpiece that you see today.
Today, the castle operates primarily as a wedding and event venue but does offer limited private stays.
Location
Located just a few miles from Siena, Castello di Celsa is convenient and easily accessible but still gives the feeling of remoteness that is so appealing for an intimate and timeless soiree.
With its historic center designated a UNESCO Heritage Site, Siena is a prime location to base your wedding festivities. From tours to delicious restaurants and wineries, your guests will be presented with an abundance of opportunities to experience the finest of medieval Italy.
Siena is a beautiful, romantic city that deserves to be at the center of your wedding.
Hosting a Wedding at Castello di Celsa
Every season is a good season for hosting a wedding at Castello di Celsa. The winter is intimate and chilly, great for indoor weddings. The spring is warm during the day and cooler at night, beautiful as the landscape reawakens. Summer is humid and alive, lush with green. And fall is stunningly beautiful as the ivy that scales the walls turns red.
Popular among all cultures, the fall is a particularly busy time of year for the estate – especially among Chinese and Indian cultures as the red of the ivy is considered a popular wedding color.
Castello di Celso can host up to 180 people and offers a myriad of options for ceremony locations and photographic opportunities.
Getting Ready
At Castello di Celsa, you can get ready in two separate wings of the house, virtually eliminating any chance of accidentally seeing each other before the ceremony (if that is how you are planning your day). The getting-ready areas are light-filled and ornate, lending itself to a great experience and even greater photographs.
And not only can you get ready at the house, but you can stay there too, making your wedding day transition easy and stress-free.
Ceremony
There are several ceremony locations available for a wedding at Castello di Celsa. Most ceremonies take place in the elaborate gardens nestled outside of the castle. But you also have the option to host a wedding ceremony in the courtyard or in the 16th-century chapel on site.
The Peruzzi Chapel is of particular interest with its unique circular shape and its picturesque location under the highest tower of the property.
As a backup in case of rain (or cold weather), you have the option to move your ceremony inside to a restored barn that offers open views of the countryside. With two rooms, a catering kitchen, and many luxury details, this barn is anything but rustic.
Regardless of where you choose to have your ceremony, you are sure to be rewarded with spectacular views and romantic architecture, perfect for your fairytale wedding.
Reception
Depending on the time of year, you can choose between an indoor or outdoor reception.
For an outdoor reception, imagine fairy lights strung around the garden, white-gloved waiters serving fresh, locally-procured food, and dancing under the stars. The on-site barn is the perfect place for an indoor reception. Although it may be “indoors” it still gives the feeling of being outdoors with its impressive views and outdoor patio area.
Lodging around Castello di Celsa
The castle itself offers lodging for up to 8 people (4 rooms) while La Limonaia is an onsite property that can host up to 10 people (5 rooms). True to its name, La Limonaia once housed the estate’s lemon trees during winter. There is also a pool and tennis courts on the property. It is the perfect place to host your close family or friends before and after the wedding.
With Siena being only 20km down the road, there are ample lodging options available for all of your other guests. Hotels such as Relais degli Angeli and I Merli di Ada offer a luxury, immersive experience for your guests.
Photographing a Wedding at Castello di Celsa
As with most castles and villas, Castello di Celsa offers endless opportunities to do what I do best – capture natural and emotive images in a beautiful and historic location.
The garden grounds are a lovely labyrinth of cypress hedges, rambling paths, artwork, a fish pond, and, of course, lovely garden areas.
From the gardens to the ivy-covered castle walls to the ornate interior, the options are truly limitless.
Reach out today for more information.
