Monaci delle Terre Nere

Monaci delle Terre Nere sits on Mount Etna's slopes at Zafferana Etnea, looking out to the Ionian Sea, about half an hour from Taormina and 40 minutes from Catania Airport. The 25-hectare estate takes in vines, citrus gardens and terraces of lava stone. It is a member of Relais & Châteaux and holds one Michelin Key.

There are just 26 suites and villas, spread through the land rather than stacked in one building. Several have private pools, and the largest villas sleep up to 15. That spread is what makes a wedding here feel like a private estate weekend, with room for up to 80 guests to stay.

Couples can choose from four ceremony settings: the Orto dei Monaci rooftop, the Pool Green Terraces with their views, the olive grove known as the Uliveto and the Giardino delle Feste. The enquiry form offers religious, civil and commitment ceremonies.

For dinner and drinks there are several places to move between, from Orto dei Monaci and Pineta to Locanda Nerello, Luce, the Convivium and Almas bars and Kantico. The entire estate can be reserved for multi-day celebrations. Ask the team about capacities for each space, how a civil ceremony works for UK couples and the music curfew.

With room for up to 80 guests on the estate, most weddings can keep everyone together. The larger villas run from two to five bedrooms, so families and friendship groups can share, and the Premium and Master Villas have their own pools. Ask the team which hotels nearby they suggest if your list is longer.

Between events, guests can do a wine tasting and vineyard tour, swim in the infinity pools or spend a day in Taormina, 30 minutes away. Fly into Catania, about 40 minutes by road.