Montestigliano Wedding in Siena: Hamish & Sara
Some venues just have that magic the moment you arrive, and Montestigliano is one of them. Tucked away in the hills of Siena, it is a place where cypress-lined drives lead you to rustic stone buildings, terracotta rooftops, and sweeping Tuscan views that seem to go on forever. It is peaceful, it is authentic, and it is made for celebrations.
When Hamish and Sara invited me to photograph their wedding here back in 2013 (!!), I knew it was going to be incredible. They came all the way from Australia, bringing with them a mix of Aussie surfer energy and Sara’s Swedish elegance. Their friends and family travelled from opposite sides of the world, meeting in the middle in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy.
About Montestigliano
Montestigliano is an estate made up of restored farmhouses and villas, set across hundreds of hectares of rolling countryside just 15 minutes from Siena. It is privately owned, which means you can hire it exclusively for your wedding and turn it into your own Tuscan retreat for the week.
Accommodation is spread across the estate, with each building having its own charm. Think exposed beams, stone walls, shaded courtyards, and views of sunflower fields. There is a swimming pool, olive groves, and plenty of quiet corners to relax in. It is the sort of place where guests can spend the days before and after the wedding exploring the area, cooking together, or simply enjoying long, lazy afternoons in the sun.
For couples searching for Siena wedding venues, Montestigliano offers everything — history, scenery, privacy, and plenty of space for both the ceremony and reception.
Ceremony on the Terrace
Hamish and Sara chose to hold their ceremony on the terrace down by the courtyard. With views stretching out over the hills and the soft scent of nearby olive trees in the air, it was the perfect backdrop. Guests sat on straw bales, watching as Sara walked in wearing her Wendy Makin floral wedding dress — a gown that later went viral on Pinterest for its romantic, painterly pattern.
The ceremony felt personal and heartfelt, blending a relaxed Australian warmth with the elegance of a Tuscan setting.
Bride and Groom Portraits in the Countryside
After the ceremony, we took some time to explore the countryside around Montestigliano for portraits. The late afternoon light in Tuscany is like nothing else — warm, golden, and soft. We wandered down quiet gravel paths lined with cypress trees, across fields, and into open views where the hills seem to fold into one another.
These moments are always some of my favourite to capture. They are not just about the scenery, but about giving the couple a breather in the middle of the day to enjoy each other’s company before the celebrations continue.
Dinner Outdoors by the Main House
The reception took place up by the main house, with long tables laid out under the open sky. String lights glowed overhead as guests enjoyed course after course of incredible Italian food. The wine flowed freely, the conversations got louder, and the atmosphere was full of laughter.
This is one of the best parts about hosting a Montestigliano wedding — you can dine outside well into the evening, surrounded by the sound of cicadas and the smell of fresh herbs drifting from the kitchen.
Why Choose Montestigliano for Your Siena Wedding Venue
If you are looking for Siena wedding venues, Montestigliano is one that deserves a place at the top of your list. It offers the charm of rural Tuscany with the convenience of being close to Siena and other beautiful towns like San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. Having everything in one place — accommodation, ceremony locations, reception spaces — makes it easy for you and your guests to relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about logistics.
An Italian Wedding Photographer’s Perspective
Although I am not Italian, I have photographed weddings all over Italy, from Sorrento’s dramatic coastline to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the whitewashed walls of Borgo Egnazia in Puglia. Italy is one of my favourite places on earth to work. The light, the architecture, the food, the warmth of the people; it all comes together to create something magical in photographs.
As a Tuscany wedding photographer, I know how to work with the unique light and scenery to capture the atmosphere of the day in a natural, relaxed way. For multi-day celebrations, I also cover welcome dinners, pool parties, and all the little in-between moments that make destination weddings so special.
Planning Tips for a Montestigliano Wedding
Book early — Montestigliano is popular, especially in peak season, and dates go quickly.
Hire a planner — Having someone who knows the venue and local suppliers will save you time and stress.
Plan your ceremony time — A later start means softer light and cooler temperatures.
Make it a weekend — With so much accommodation on site, it is worth turning your wedding into a multi-day celebration.
Explore the area — Siena is just 15 minutes away, and the surrounding countryside is full of wineries and charming hilltop villages.
If you are dreaming of a Montestigliano wedding or looking for Siena wedding venues that combine privacy, beauty, and authentic Tuscan charm, I would love to capture it for you.
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