San Galgano Abbey weddings are special. This is a wedding location that really is unique, a wedding at the abbey is an experience that you and your guests will always remember. The abbey is located in the Val di Merse and lies on flat ground surrounded by low hills. In April and May, it isn’t uncommon to see the abbey surrounded by lush green fields perhaps full of poppies, these then turn to more golden hues in June. In late July and August, you may be able to see the fields full of sunflowers. There is also a vineyard that overlooks the ruins and of course, you don’t have to go far to find an olive grove. Basically, for a San Galgano wedding photographer there are plenty of great places for photos inside and outside the abbey.
It took approximately 60 years to build the abbey with the works being completed around 1280. After less than 100 years the abbey is looted and ransacked however for centuries the monks continue life at the abbey until finally in 1786 the roof collapses.
You can find it about 30 km south-west of Siena. The walls of the abbey remain and you can hire it for your wedding in Italy. San Galgano Abbey weddings are growing in popularity and it’s easy to see why. The massive abbey allows you to get married in a church but still be outdoors.
You can hire the abbey to either have your own wedding ceremony or if you decide to have a civil wedding in Italy the nearest town is Chiusdino and they will celebrate your civil wedding at the San Galgano Abbey. Most people choose to get married in the main part of the abbey under the beautiful blue skies and shimmering Tuscan sun. Here is an example of an outdoor San Galgano Abbey wedding.
If you are unlucky enough to get rain on your wedding day there is still the possibility to celebrate your wedding at the abbey as the ceremony can be held in The Chapter House which is a large side room overlooking the cloisters that still has its roof probably due to the fact that its ceiling is beautifully vaulted.
Here is an example of an indoor San Galgano Abbey wedding.
I am lucky to photograph numerous weddings, elopements, and engagements at San Galgano. Sometimes I even take clients that are getting married at venues nearby to just have some photos there as part of their portrait and wedding pictures. I like the location as it is never particularly busy and of course it offers a very original atmosphere. The architecture creates interesting possibilities for composition. As a San Galgano wedding photographer I find it both a dramatic and romantic location.
