Italy is the European destination
of choice for couples wanting to get married abroad, according
to figures from Italy's observatory on international weddings
published at the weekend.
On a global level Italy comes second only to the Tropics
and Hawaii, followed by France, Greece and India, the
observatory added.
Marriages 'Made in Italy' are largely chosen for the blend
of good food and wine, art, culture and beautiful scenery the
country has to offer.
In 75% of cases the bride and bridegroom decide to get
married in Italy having spent a holiday there.
In 2015 international weddings generated more than 400
million euros, up from 350 million euros the previous year.
In 2014, over 6,200 weddings were organised at an average
cost of 50,000 euros.
Guests stayed on average for 3.5 days and 90% of couples
then remained in Italy for their honeymoon.
In addition, 25% of foreign couples who marry in Italy
return to celebrate their fisrt anniversary, 47.6% after
two-three years and 12.4% after more than five years, while 90%
recommend to friends to get married there.
The most popular Italian destinations for international
weddings are Tuscany (43%), Amalfi Coast (38%), Umbria (8%),
Venice and the Lakes (6%).
Prestigious hotels, historic villas and castles are among
the locations of choice, along with lemon groves, luxury
farmhouses, wineries and little-known and well preserved
hamlets.
Britons account for 25% of foreign couples chosing to tie
the knot in Italy, followed by Americans and Canadians (15.4%),
Russians (9.4%), Japanese (7.8%), Australians (5.2%), Saudi
Arabians (6.3%), Chinese (4.6%), Brazilians (4.2%) and Germans
(1.5%).
The remaining 21% is divided equally among emerging
nations, former Soviet states, Turkey and India.
International wedding planners are in the Amalfi Coast and
Cilento area of Campania for 'Italy coast to coast' weddings
organised by the Mediterranean Bride Network until March 23.
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