Photo by Savenkova Julia
Castello di Ristonchi
- TYPICAL BUDGET
€60k - €100k+
- SLEEPS
80
- CAPACITY
150
Castello di Ristonchi is a 1,000-year-old Tuscan castle reimagined as a destination wedding retreat, set high on a forested hillside with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. Once part of the Medici estate, it offers a rare sense of seclusion alongside a deeply atmospheric setting. Designed for immersive, multi-day celebrations, the castle combines historic character with a relaxed, communal approach to hospitality, supported by an experienced in-house team.
Details
- EXCLUSIVITY
- CAPACITY: 150
- SLEEPS: 80
- LICENSED FOR MARRIAGE
- ON SITE PLANNER
- IN HOUSE CATERING
- BRIDAL CHANGING ROOM
- SOUND SYSTEM
- WIFI
- PARKING
- CHILD FRIENDLY
- PET FRIENDLY
- POOL
Weddings & settings
Ceremonies
Castello di Ristonchi hosts wedding ceremonies for up to 150 guests, with up to 100 staying on site. Ceremonies here are shaped by the landscape and history of the estate, whether traditional, symbolic, or entirely bespoke.
The in-house planning team works closely with each couple throughout, guiding everything from early ideas through to the ceremony itself.
The estate offers a range of ceremony settings, each with its own atmosphere:
The Wedding Field, set among olive trees with the castle as a backdrop, centred around a handmade arch for open-air ceremonies.
Chapel of Sant’Egidio, a restored stone chapel with timber ceilings and stained glass, suited to more traditional or quietly intimate ceremonies.
Sunset Grass Field, an expansive setting designed for golden hour, with views stretching across the landscape and festoon lighting overhead.
Terrace, aAn elevated, more intimate space framed by jasmine-draped stonework and wide valley views.
Civil ceremonies are possible in both indoor and outdoor settings, including the chapel and the historic Templar Hall. For wet weather, indoor spaces such as the chapel or Templar Hall provide a natural transition, while larger celebrations may opt for a marquee.
Photo by Savenkova Julia
Photo by Wild Silk Visuals
Receptions
At Ristonchi, celebrations unfold gradually across the estate, with each part of the day taking on its own rhythm.
Following the ceremony, guests gather on the terrace for aperitivi, where spritz is poured, music drifts through the air, and the late afternoon light settles over the hills.
Dinner may take place in the vaulted brick Banquet Hall, candlelit and convivial, or outdoors in the Borghetto Courtyard, where long tables are set beneath the open sky and the scent of wood-fired cooking carries through the evening.
As the night deepens, the energy shifts. Some guests make their way to the Rave Cave — a former dungeon transformed into a late-night space with a DJ booth, bar, and dancefloor — while others remain outside, lingering over drinks under festoon lighting or retreating to the lounge bar for a quieter end to the evening.
Weddings here are rarely confined to a single day. Poolside gatherings, shared meals, and informal moments continue across the weekend, allowing the celebration to build naturally over time.
Staying on Site
Staying at Ristonchi feels less like a hotel stay and more like inhabiting a small village with your closest people.
The estate accommodates up to 80 guests across 24 rustic apartments, grouped into four distinct areas, each offering a slightly different pace and atmosphere.
- The Tower (Castello) – 10 apartments at the heart of the estate, close to the bar, Banquet Hall, and Rave Cave; suited to those drawn to the social energy of the celebration (sleeps up to 35).
- Villa Borghetto – 7 tucked-away apartments offering a quieter setting, ideal for early nights and slower mornings (sleeps up to 20).
- Villa Fattoria – 5 apartments near the pool and chapel, including the Bridal Suite (sleeps up to 25).
- La Cappella – a separate villa connected to the chapel, accommodating up to 15 guests and available for larger groups.
Apartments are designed for relaxed, communal living, with private bathrooms and flexible layouts. Interiors reflect the character of the estate, with terracotta floors, exposed beams, antique details, and views across forest and valley.
This is not polished resort luxury, but something more personal and atmospheric — expect terracotta floors, exposed beams, and fascinating features to remind you you’re in a 1,000-year-old castle. It’s rustic, inviting, and wonderfully real.
Photo by Wild Silk Visuals
Photo by Wild Silk Visuals
Food & Atmosphere
Dining at Castello di Ristonchi is rooted in Tuscan tradition, shaped by the rhythms of the land and the estate’s agriturismo approach.
Much of what is served is grown or sourced locally, from vegetables and herbs to honey and olive oil, creating food that feels both seasonal and deeply connected to place.
Meals are designed to be shared and experienced across the wedding weekend. A welcome pizza night in the castle oven, long-table dinners under festoon lights, or a relaxed brunch the following day all form part of a natural sequence of gatherings.
There are plenty of flexible dining spaces to choose from:
- The Borghetto Courtyard is ideal for long outdoor dinners and catches the late afternoon sun, especially lovely during the shoulder seasons.
- The Fattoria Courtyard is a natural choice for a relaxed BBQ or next-day brunch.
- The Templar Hall (60 sqm) serves as a beautiful fallback for indoor dining when the weather isn’t on your side.
Menus are tailored to each couple, with the kitchen team experienced in accommodating a wide range of dietary requirements. Drinks follow the same approach, from local wines and spritz to Negronis on tap and cocktails infused with herbs from the estate.
Other Information
Activities
A wedding at Ristonchi naturally extends into a full weekend, with space for both shared experiences and time to slow down.
On-site
- Pizza-making and pasta workshops
- Wine tastings and foraging experiences
- Poolside gatherings, BBQs, and brunches
- Yoga, meditation, and nature walks
- Forest trails for walking and cycling
Nearby
The surrounding region offers access to Chianti wineries, historic sites, and Florence, all within easy reach for day trips or pre-wedding exploration.
Location & Accessibility
Castello di Ristonchi is located in the hills above Pelago, in Tuscany’s Valdisieve region, approximately 45 minutes from Florence.
- Nearest airport: Florence (approx. 55 minutes); Pisa and Bologna within 1 hour 40 minutes
- Access: Reachable by car, with private transfers available; nearest train station at Pontassieve
- Parking: On-site parking available
The setting offers a strong sense of seclusion while remaining accessible for guests travelling from within Italy and internationally.
Photo courtesy of Castello di Ristonchi
Contact the venue
Gallery
Looking for inspiration? Explore real weddings from around the world to see how couples have brought their wedding days to life.