Hotel

Hotel Santa Maria Novella

50123 Firenze FI, Italy, Italy20–150 guests$$$

Type:Hotel

Capacity:20–150 guests

Budget:$$$

Airport:Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), 20-25 minutes

Hotel Santa Maria Novella stands as Florence's only luxury property directly adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a UNESCO-recognized Renaissance masterpiece. This positioning eliminates the typical challenge of securing ceremony spaces in Florence's historic center—your vows happen steps from one of Italy's most architecturally significant churches. The hotel itself occupies a 16th-century palazzo, offering both intimate gatherings and events up to 150 guests across multiple frescoed halls.

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Highlights

Located on Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, directly across from the 1470 Basilica—Florence's second-most important Renaissance church
Four on-site event spaces including the Sala Medicea with original frescoes, accommodating 20-150 guests
36 rooms and suites available for guests, with negotiated wedding rates typically offered
Walking distance to the Duomo (8 minutes), Ponte Vecchio (12 minutes), and Uffizi Gallery
Google rating: 4.5/5 stars from verified guests

Quick facts

Capacity20–150 guests

Venue typeHotel

Price range$$$

LocationItaly

Nearest airportFLR

Visit venue website

Plan your wedding at Hotel Santa Maria Novella

Getting there

Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR)

20-25 minutes to venue

Hotel transfer service

€60-80 per vehicle (estimated)

20-25 minutes · Direct private car pickup from airport to hotel

ATAF bus

€6 per person

35-45 minutes total · Line 2 from airport to central Florence, then short walk or taxi

Taxi

€22-28 flat rate

20-25 minutes · Metered taxi from airport rank

Rental car

€15-25/day parking

N/A · Not recommended—central Florence is pedestrian-only; parking difficult and expensive

Cost estimate

Ceremony / venue fee

€2,000-5,000 (depending on room/piazza use)

Reception (per guest)

€85-150 (depending on menu tier and season)

Accommodation (per night)

€200-400 (standard rooms); €400-800 (suites)

Estimated total

€18,000-35,000 for 60-guest wedding with 2-night stay

Pricing is highly seasonal. Summer (June-August) commands 20-30% premiums. Package deals often bundle ceremony space, reception catering, and room blocks. Request formal quote from sales team—rates vary significantly by date.

Sample wedding weekend

Friday (evening)

6:00 PMGuest arrival; check-in and welcome aperitivo in Sala Medicea

Saturday

10:00 AMPre-ceremony photos on Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

4:00 PMCeremony in Sala Medicea (or basilica coordination)

5:30 PMAperitivo and cocktail hour on the piazza

7:00 PMDinner reception in main banquet hall

Sunday

10:00 AMFarewell brunch; late checkout

This is a sample itinerary. Your wedding weekend can be fully customized.

Frequently asked questions

Can we hold our ceremony at the hotel or nearby?

The hotel has multiple interior spaces for ceremonies. For basilica ceremonies, the hotel can coordinate with the church directly—a significant advantage given its location. Many couples use the piazza itself for pre-ceremony photos.

What's the guest capacity range?

The venue accommodates 20-150 guests depending on space configuration. Smaller weddings use the intimate Sala Medicea; larger events utilize multiple interconnected rooms.

Are accommodations included?

The hotel has 36 rooms available. Wedding packages typically include room blocks at reduced rates for guests, though specific pricing varies by season and group size.

What about vendor restrictions?

As a luxury hotel, in-house catering is required. Florists, photographers, and music must be approved; the concierge maintains a vetted vendor list.

When's the best season to book?

April-May and September-October offer optimal weather. June-August sees peak tourism and higher rates. Winter (November-February) provides lower costs and fewer crowds.