JessieF

Hello everyone,
My fiancé and I are planning our wedding in Rome for the end of December 2014. It will be symbolic only, as we are taking care of all legal paperwork back home. We met in Rome in 2006, and that's why we have chosen to go back to celebrate with family and friends. There will be about 20 people, and we are looking for a venue in which to have the ceremony. Because it is symbolic, we have the option to have it anywhere. We are trying to find a place with lots of character to have a simple ceremony, and then we would like to have dinner at a pizzeria or casual restaurant.

Can anyone recommend a good location? So far I have e-mailed hotels regarding function rooms, but a lot seem to want to lock us in for dinner as well, which we are not interested in. We want relaxed and casual for dinner, not formal. Maybe a casual restaurant that has a function room, or space for a ceremony as well? Maybe a hotel that will simply rent us the space for the ceremony? Or even an apartment where we could stay that would have space for a ceremony as well? Any other suggestions would be appreciated, as we are doing this without a wedding planner. I think because of the weather, outside locations might not be an option, unless the location is covered and has heaters. Has anyone ever done anything like this before? I would love to hear ideas! Thanks!

sandralist

It seems to me you have covered the range of possibilities. It would be helpful to others to know your budget and what hotels you have contacted so people aren't tossing back ideas that you already know won't work out.

The Museum Centrale Montemartini has a number of private spaces for events but who knows how much they charge

http://en.centralemontemartini.org/m...enti_aziendali

Also would be helpful to know that your taste is, and what kind of character you are looking for. Caffe Greco is a certain kind of space. Caffe Propaganda is another. The lobby of the Hotel Art or the St. George is different from the lobby of the Hotel Eden or the Hotel Forum (whose old school lobby might be my first choice but it might strike you as quite silly).

An apartment is tempting but I think you somewhat run the risk of getting there and discovering that it is not exactly as pictured. I once toyed with the idea of renting this space, but have no idea really what it is like or what you are looking for or whether it is legit.

http://www.9flats.com/places/31119-a...e-gianicolense

One advantage of an apartment is that you could get in their early with flowers and maybe some simple catering. If the apartment had a terrace, then you could be outside, sunshine permitting. Plus, it also gives you accommodation. But a lot of apartments don't have elevators, or shabby furniture or walls that you can't really see in the pictures. Or maybe not enough seating for 20.

One (perhaps too offbeat?) idea you might explore is to contact VinoRoma in Rome and either consider using their cellar space and having a group toast or perhaps they would work with you in finding a very atmospheric enoteca or other kind of space.

http://www.vinoroma.com/

And if people here are going to help you then they might be able to help you more if you defined the parameters better or mentioned the kind of space that might be most meaningful for you. If you would be happy with a bookstore or an antiques shop or art gallery maybe somebody knows something.

Caenis

I would go with Sandralist's suggestion of VinoRoma. Toasting your wedding with a fine glass of Franciacorta is the way to go!

sandralist

I am glad you agree. One advantage of working with VinoRoma is that they have excellent English speakers, so no trouble communicating from abroad. Everybody who deals with them always seems very happy with their prices and what they deliver in terms of service.

JessieF

Thanks for the replies. Ideally, we wouldn't like to spend more than 1000 Euro for the ceremony venue, and then only if it includes a drink, or hors d'oeuvres. So far I have basically gone down the list of most recommended hotels on Trip Advisor, and e-mailed nearly all of them - I had to start somewhere! Those that have gotten back to me and been open to the idea of hosting us only for the ceremony are: Hotel Diana, Hotel Lancelot, and Hotel Napoleon. All of them have offered a room for the ceremony, but after seeing pictures, I am not thrilled with the idea of having the ceremony in a plain room used mainly for meetings. I feel that if we are going all the way to Rome, it should be to a location with a little wow factor. Also, has anyone stayed at the Hotel Savoy? We do have an offer from them to use their rooftop terrace, which is covered and they can provide heaters. There is a fee for the use of the roof, and also for drinks/snacks for everyone, but it all does come in under 1000 Euro.

Regarding the museums, I did e-mail the address provided, but unfortunately the lady said that those spaces are not available for private events. Only corporate, I guess.

I do agree with you about apartments. I have been looking, but obviously space for 20 people is hard to come by in the middle of the city.

I will definitely e-mail VinoRoma. What a great idea! That cellar is the kind of character I am talking about. Something old, and unique.

What about for dinner? Can anyone recommend a great pizzeria/enoteca/etc.?

Thanks again. I hope that was a little more specific!

kybourbon

The Capitoline Museum has weddings on their terrace. I don't know if they have a place inside for colder weather.

johnnyomalley

American Academy in Rome? Not sure what they migh have but it could be worth an email

http://www.aarome.org/ifoa

JessieF

Re. Capitoline Museum - I'm a little confused, as the lady I e-mailed said no to all private events - maybe things have changed?

JessieF

Just an update - to sandralist and Caenis, thank you so much for the VinoRoma idea. We have booked it for December 30th! We are having the ceremony most likely in the cellar, followed by drinks and finger food upstairs in their tasting room. The owner has been so helpful, and made the whole experience so easy. Thanks again, everyone!

Cathinjoetown

What an excellent outcome! Early congratulations.

Rostra

VinoRoma sounds wonderful and I see Katie Parla highly recommends it on her blog which is big plus in my book.
Congratulations also.

Seeing that you will have a large herd to feed while you are in Rome perhaps this restaurant in ruins will be a nice place for one of your dinners?
It is just off the Piazza della Repubblica next to Termini Train Station and you can usually always find a bus from anywhere in Rome heading to Termini.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rmini-area.cfm

sandralist

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear Vinoroma suits your style. I have never met the owners but have always gotten the impression they go the extra mile and are ready to make people very happy in Rome and work hard at what they do!

Best wishes.