Venue Spotlight: Casale del Gallo
As a Melbourne-based wedding photographer and owner of Ten Acres Agency, I've had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the world's most breathtaking locations. Today, I want to share with you one of my absolute favorite discoveries: Casale del Gallo, a boutique country estate that sits like a jewel just 15 kilometers from Rome's bustling center.
When couples ask me about destination wedding venues that offer both Italian charm and practical luxury, Casale del Gallo immediately comes to mind. This isn't just another pretty venue – it's a photographer's dream and a couple's perfect retreat, nestled at the footsteps of the Castelli Romani, where even the Pope chooses to spend his summers.
Why Casale del Gallo Captures My Heart (and Lens)
From the moment I first stepped onto this vineyard estate, I knew I was somewhere special. The property sits adjacent to a golf course with landscapes so remarkable they seem painted by the Renaissance masters themselves. As someone who's spent years chasing the perfect light and backdrop, I can tell you that Casale del Gallo offers both in abundance.
The estate comprises three distinct houses – Casale San Carlo, Casale Sant'Antonio, and Casale San Giorgio – each with its own character and charm. This diversity means that whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, there's a perfect setting waiting for your story to unfold.
Casale San Carlo
Spaces That Tell Stories
Let me walk you through Casale San Carlo, the largest of the three houses. The moment you enter, you're greeted by two magnificent living rooms on the southern wing. The larger space spans 100 square meters – imagine the possibilities for your reception! The smaller 35-square-meter room creates perfect intimate settings for cocktail hour or quiet moments between the couple.
Both living rooms feature fireplaces that create the most romantic ambiance, especially during evening receptions. As a photographer, I love how these spaces offer both grandeur and intimacy, with direct access to the garden that allows for seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
The Heart of Celebration
The dining room at Casale San Carlo comfortably accommodates 20 guests, positioned perfectly between the living rooms and the fully equipped kitchen. Those French doors opening to the garden? They're pure magic for capturing natural light and creating that effortless Italian indoor-outdoor lifestyle that makes destination weddings so special.
Accommodation That Impresses
One of the things I appreciate most about Casale San Carlo is how thoughtfully the accommodation is arranged. The master suite on the first floor offers privacy and luxury for the couple, while the second double bedroom with ensuite on the same level is perfect for close family or the bridal party.
The ground floor houses three double bedrooms (each can be configured as twins) plus a single bedroom, sharing three adjacent bathrooms. There's also a charming loft space with a double bed that adds character to the accommodation options. The second apartment within Casale San Carlo provides three additional double bedrooms, each with private ensuite bathrooms.
The Swimming Pool
The private swimming pool at Casale San Carlo offers panoramic views of both the golf course and the Castelli Romani. I've captured some of my most treasured shots here during golden hour, with the rolling hills creating a backdrop that needs no enhancement.
Casale Sant'Antonio
Designed for Connection
Casale Sant'Antonio feels like it was designed for intimate celebrations. The south-facing living room ensures that warm, luminous atmosphere that makes everyone look their best – a photographer's secret weapon! The space naturally draws people together, creating those candid moments that make the best wedding photos.
Perfect for Smaller Gatherings
With its dining room accommodating 10 guests, Sant'Antonio is ideal for smaller, more intimate celebrations. The French doors to the garden maintain that beautiful indoor-outdoor connection, while the fully equipped kitchen ensures your catering needs are met seamlessly.
The four double bedrooms (two with ensuite bathrooms) provide comfortable accommodation, with three bedrooms offering twin configuration flexibility for your guests' preferences.
The "Cocktail Pool"
What sets Sant'Antonio apart is its unique black swimming pool, which creates a stunning deep green and blue sea effect. Positioned with views over the vineyards and oriented toward the sunset, it's what the venue calls their "cocktail pool" – and after shooting here during golden hour, I understand why.
Casale San Giorgio
Intimate by Design
Casale San Giorgio embodies cozy sophistication, accommodating up to six guests. The living room's vineyard views and sunset orientation create an atmosphere that's both relaxed and romantic. I love how the comfortable sofa can transform into a double sofa bed, showing the venue's attention to practical details.
Flexibility in Accommodation
With two double bedrooms featuring ensuite bathrooms, plus the convertible sofa bed, San Giorgio offers flexibility for small bridal parties or intimate family gatherings. The six-person dining room with direct garden access maintains that seamless indoor-outdoor flow that defines the Italian lifestyle.
Beyond the Venues
Rome at Your Doorstep
One of Casale del Gallo's greatest advantages is its proximity to Rome. Just 20 minutes from the Colosseum and 30 minutes from Vatican City, your guests can easily explore the Eternal City. I often recommend couples incorporate a pre-wedding shoot among Rome's iconic landmarks – the contrast between ancient Roman architecture and the pastoral beauty of Casale del Gallo creates a wedding story with incredible depth.
Activities for Every Interest
The adjacent golf course (just 50 meters away) offers recreation for golf enthusiasts. For couples who love active pursuits, country excursions along the historic Appian Way provide opportunities for engagement shoots among ancient ruins and mausoleums. I've captured some extraordinary pre-wedding photos on horseback rides arranged just ten minutes from the estate.
Wine Experiences
The wine tasting experiences at Antinori's vineyard, just 2 kilometers away, offer perfect opportunities for rehearsal dinners or post-wedding brunches. The guided tours through orchards and wine cellars provide natural, relaxed settings for group photos that capture the joy of celebration.
Services That Make the Difference
Culinary Excellence
The private chef service at Casale del Gallo elevates the entire experience. I've witnessed how authentic Italian cuisine, prepared with local ingredients, becomes part of the wedding story itself. The chef's ability to create multiple menu options ensures every guest's preferences are considered.
Seamless Logistics
The transportation services remove stress from the wedding planning equation. With Ciampino airport just 5 kilometers away and Fiumicino 30 kilometers distant, guest arrivals are straightforward. The private transfer options ensure everyone arrives relaxed and ready to celebrate.
Expert Guidance
The concierge services provide access to Rome's hidden gems and can arrange everything from private monument tours to restaurant reservations. As a photographer, I appreciate how these services can help couples discover unique photo locations and experiences that make their wedding truly memorable.
A Photographer's Perspective
From my lens, Casale del Gallo offers something increasingly rare: authentic Italian charm without sacrificing modern comfort. The variety of spaces means I can capture every aspect of your celebration, from intimate getting-ready moments to grand reception scenes.
The natural light throughout the day is exceptional, with the south-facing aspects of the buildings ensuring beautiful illumination. The vineyard and golf course views provide endless backdrop options, while the historic character of the buildings adds depth and story to every frame.
Planning Your Casale del Gallo Wedding
When considering Casale del Gallo for your destination wedding, think about the experience you want to create. This isn't just a venue – it's a retreat that allows you and your guests to immerse yourselves in Italian culture while celebrating your love story.
The estate's location offers the best of both worlds: the tranquility of the countryside with Rome's cultural richness just minutes away. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the three houses provide options that can be tailored to your vision.
As someone who's dedicated my career to capturing love stories, I can tell you that Casale del Gallo provides the perfect setting for creating memories that will last a lifetime. The combination of natural beauty, thoughtful amenities, and proximity to one of the world's most romantic cities makes it a destination that continues to inspire both couples and photographers alike.
Your love story deserves a setting as unique and beautiful as your relationship. Casale del Gallo offers that setting, wrapped in the warmth of Italian hospitality and the beauty of the Roman countryside. It's more than a venue – it's where your forever begins. Let’s discuss your wedding plans!
