Hotel Santa Maria Novella
Hotel Santa Maria Novella is Florence's only luxury property directly adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a UNESCO-recognized Renaissance masterpiece.
Hotel Santa Maria Novella is a hotel destination wedding venue in Firenze, Italy, hosting 20 to 150 guests in the $$$ price range, reached from Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), 20-25 minutes. Best months: April, June, July, August.
About Hotel Santa Maria Novella
Hotel Santa Maria Novella is 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.
Ask about a date.
Choose a day from the calendar.
Nothing is reserved until the venue confirms. A first note comes back within two business days.
I have never had such a fabulous hotel experience as I just had during my two nights at the Santa Maria Novella. First off the staff is incredible. From Camilla at the desk who went above and beyond to Anna in the restaurant.
Max Wyeth · read the whole review on Google →Capacity, rooms and facilities
Getting there
- Nearest airport
- FLR, 25 min by carAisle estimate
Venue 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
The wedding season
A sample wedding weekend
See the day-by-day outline+
Use this as a starting point and adapt it to your bookings and guests.
- 6:00 PMGuest arrival; check-in and welcome aperitivo in Sala Medicea
- 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
- 10:00 AMFarewell brunch; late checkout
Costs and booking details
- Getting there
- FLR · about 25 min by carAisle estimate
Guests fly into Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport.
- Typical total
- €18,000-35,000Aisle estimate
See the full figure+
€18,000-35,000 for 60-guest wedding with 2-night stay
- Ceremony fee
- €2,000-5,000Aisle estimate
- Reception
- €85-150 a headAisle estimate
See the full figure+
€85-150 (depending on menu tier and season)
- Room rate
- €200-400 a nightAisle estimate
See the full figure+
€200-400 (standard rooms); €400-800 (suites)
- Weather window
- June – August
The months the weather is kindest, with April mild too. Weather does not indicate whether a date is available.
- Direct line
- 055 271840
Answered by the venue in local hours.
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.
Questions about the venue
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?+
June-August sees peak tourism and higher rates. Winter (November-February) provides lower costs and fewer crowds.
Could this be your venue?
Ask about your plans, pricing and availability. You do not need a fixed date yet.
Still deciding? Elena is Aisle’s AI wedding planner. Give her a month and a guest count and she will forecast the budget, work out how your guests would travel, and put a first plan on paper. No account needed.
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- Hotel Savoy PalaceGardone Riviera, LombardiaAnother hotel
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Sources and booking notes
Confirm your dates, guest numbers, room arrangements and inclusions with the venue before booking. An enquiry does not reserve a date. Figures labelled Aisle estimate are modelled from regional rates and public sources; they are not venue quotes.