Over 15,000 couples chose a romantic destination wedding in Italy last year and few places capture the country’s magic quite like Assisi in the Perugia province of Umbria. Set among olive-covered hills and steeped in centuries of history, Borgo Antichi Orti Assisi is a beautifully restored 15th-century Benedictine monastery offering timeless beauty, exceptional food and an atmosphere that feels effortlessly romantic.
Located just beyond Assisi’s ancient walls, the borgo is only a 15-minute drive from San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, with convenient flights from the UK making it an accessible choice for destination wedding guests.
Founded in 1444, Borgo Antichi Orti began life as a monastery where monks cultivated medicinal herbs, flowers and vegetables across terraced gardens. That connection to the land still shapes the estate today. The restoration carefully preserved the original architecture and used reclaimed materials wherever possible, creating a venue that feels authentic rather than overly polished.
What makes Borgo Antichi Orti particularly special is the way the entire estate feels like a private Italian village. Paths wind through olive groves and herb gardens, opening onto peaceful courtyards and terraces overlooking Assisi. Couples can reserve the entire borgo exclusively for their celebrations, creating an intimate atmosphere where family and friends can stay, dine and celebrate together over several days.
With just 12 rooms and suites on site, the experience feels personal and relaxed, making it especially suited to multi-day weddings with close family and friends. Rather than feeling like a single event, weddings here unfold slowly, from welcome dinners and aperitivo evenings through to post-wedding brunches beneath the Umbrian sun.
The borgo also offers guests the chance to properly unwind. A panoramic outdoor swimming pool overlooks the surrounding countryside, while the spa and wellness spaces provide a calm retreat before and after the celebrations. Morning yoga sessions in the gardens or on sunlit terraces add to the slower rhythm of life that makes Umbria such a special destination.
One of the venue’s greatest strengths is the variety of spaces available for ceremonies and receptions. At the heart of the estate are the historic Hortuli gardens, stretching across around 10,000 square metres and providing a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor ceremonies with views across Assisi. Nearby terraces are ideal for sunset aperitivos, while reception spaces range from elegant garden dining beneath La Pergola to the stylish indoor Botanical Lab, allowing weddings to flow seamlessly from one part of the day to the next.
As evening falls, celebrations continue with cocktails infused with herbs grown on site, candlelit dinners and dancing beneath the stars or inside softly lit interiors. Because everything takes place within the borgo itself, the entire day feels relaxed and beautifully connected.
Food naturally plays a central role in the experience. The on-site restaurant, Tartù, celebrates Umbrian cuisine with seasonal ingredients sourced locally and from the estate’s own gardens. Chef Ilaria Ripanti creates menus rooted in regional traditions, with handmade pasta, slow-cooked meats and refined vegetarian dishes paired with excellent local wines.
For something more contemporary, Lab Botanico offers botanical cocktails and lighter dishes inspired by the herbs grown throughout the estate, creating the perfect setting for informal gatherings and aperitivo evenings. Wedding menus can also be tailored to suit individual preferences and dietary requirements while still reflecting the flavours of Umbria.
Choosing Borgo Antichi Orti also means choosing Assisi itself as a destination. Known for its UNESCO-listed heritage, medieval streets and peaceful atmosphere, the town offers guests a more authentic and relaxed side of Italy compared to some of the country’s busier wedding hotspots. Guests can spend time exploring local restaurants, enjoying Umbrian wines and embracing the slower pace of life that defines the region.
For couples dreaming of a destination wedding that combines history, intimacy, exceptional food and understated Italian romance, Borgo Antichi Orti Assisi offers a setting that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
