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September 21, 2023
Destination Wedding in Tuscany | Castello di Celsa Editorial
An ode to young love at the otherworldly Castello di Celsa in Tuscany
At the start of my 2023 wedding season, I had the pleasure of photographing this editorial created by Taylor Baxter-Olivares, the creative mind behind Traveling Weddings with Taylor. On a cloudy spring day, weirdly reminiscent of Scottish weather (check out this Scotland editorial I photographed last year), I explored the stunning castle called Castello di Celsa, in Tuscany.
I was staying at a beautiful house close to the city of Siena for the occasion. I drove towards Castello di Celsa, and remembered quickly that google maps does not make a difference between an actual road, and a white road. This does not matter a lot in the region I live in, Veneto.
Traveling through time in the Tuscan countryside
But in Tuscany this can really get you into trouble. Specifically: on top of a hill on a gravel road that ends in someone’s private property, with no exit! Let me tell you: Tuscany is famous for the countryside, and when you plan a wedding here, do not underestimate what countryside means.
As I drove carefully, the road got more and more wild. I had a low tank of fuel and I had a vague hope that I could find a petrol pump. But the hillside, typical Tuscan countryside gave way to a deep forest. There were no houses, no shops, nothing. I finally reached Castello di Celsa and it felt like traveling through time.
There may not be a better place in Tuscany for a destination wedding that feels romantic, otherworldly, intimate
It was like the magnificence of this place was only enhanced by its isolation. This is a place that is technically not that far from civilization, but feels like a world apart. If you want your wedding to be magical, unique, something your guests will remember and talk about, Castello di Celsa can give you all you need.
Medieval exterior, renaissance interiors, plenty of different spots for a destination wedding
The 16th century Chapel is right below the Castle’s highest tower, and it is surrounded by the Italian Garden and the Park. It is the perfect place to celebrate, immersed in an old times atmosphere. The interiors are colorful, well preserved and perfect for bridal portraits before the ceremony.
A 13th century castle with a formidably long history
Built in the 13th century, the castle has belonged to the same family for about four centuries. Since 1612 it has often been inherited by the females of the family, a very peculiar tradition at the time. From the noble de Vecchi family from Siena to the Florentine Antinori family to the current owners of the Aldobrandini family.
Celsa is located along a secondary road of the via Francigena. This road takes you from Colle Val d’Elsa to Siena and overlooks the wonderful landscape of Siena and Monte Amiata. The original castle dates back to the 13th century.
During the 16th century, the Celsi family from Siena decided to refurbish it and transform it into a country house
The castle was destroyed by the imperial troops of Charles V in the middle of the sixteenth century. Then it was handed over to the de Vecchi family. At the end of the nineteenth century Maria Antinori Aldobrandini, daughter of Giulia de Vecchi and great-grandmother of the current owners, commissioned architect Mariani to make a further transformation of the Castle, bringing the building to its present form.
At the end of the 19th century, Giulia’s daughter, Maria Antinori, married the roman prince Giuseppe Aldobrandini. After their death, the castle was handed down to their son Clemente. Clemente’s wife, Luisa von Welczeck, restored the park and the Italian garden to their original state.
Al fresco dinner within the castle’s courtyard, with bride and groom’s portraits in the Italian garden
The tables were set within the castle’s courtyard, protected by the medieval walls. Dining in the open air, in the Tuscan countryside on a magical summer day feels like a dream. Your perfect al fresco summer dinner is complete with colorful flowers, blue dishes with golden cutlery, and elegant decorations.