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FAQs

The Wedding Website of Ilaria Simmen and Ryan Pertak
We are so excited to celebrate with everyone in Italy! We know destination weddings can come with a lot of travel questions, so we’ve put together some helpful information below. Additional details will continue to be added as plans are finalized, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we coordinate the wedding weekend from abroad.
Question

What is the venue?

Answer

Our wedding celebration will take place at Castello Medioevale, a historic seaside castle overlooking the Gulf of Naples on the Sorrento Coast in Southern Italy. With panoramic ocean views, stone courtyards, and centuries-old architecture, the venue blends classic Italian romance with the charm of a medieval castle.

Question

What airport should I fly into?

Answer

Naples International Airport (NAP) is the closest airport to our wedding venue and the easiest option for travel to Pompeii and the Sorrento Coast. Rome is also a great option for international travelers, especially if you plan to spend time exploring Italy before the wedding. From Rome, guests can take a train or private car service to Pompeii.

Question

Do I need a passport?

Answer

Yes — all guests traveling to Italy will need a valid passport. We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your travel dates. At this time, U.S. citizens do not need a traditional visa for short tourist stays in Italy. However, Europe is expected to begin requiring an electronic travel authorization (ETIAS) in the future for visa-free travelers. We recommend checking current travel requirements closer to your departure date.

Question

Where should we stay, and will transportation be provided?

Answer

We are currently finalizing lodging recommendations and transportation details for the wedding weekend. The ceremony will take place in Pompeii, followed by the reception at Castello Medioevale on the Sorrento Coast. Our hope is to arrange transportation between the recommended hotel area, the church, and the reception venue to make travel as seamless as possible for guests. Additional details and recommendations will be shared closer to the wedding date.

Question

When should I book flights and accommodations?

Answer

We highly recommend booking flights and accommodations sooner rather than later. June is a very popular travel season in Italy, and hotels, flights, and transportation can book quickly during the summer months. We will share additional lodging and transportation information as soon as possible to help guests finalize their travel plans.

Question

What language and currency are used in Italy?

Answer

Italian is the primary language spoken in Italy, though English is commonly spoken in highly visited tourist areas such as Naples, Pompeii, and the Sorrento Coast. Italy uses the Euro (€) as its currency. Most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted, though we still recommend carrying a small amount of cash for taxis, small shops, or cafés.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

Our wedding attire is formal. The ceremony will take place in a Catholic church, so we kindly ask guests to dress respectfully and have shoulders covered during the ceremony. Please also keep in mind that many areas throughout the venue feature historic stone walkways and uneven surfaces, so we recommend choosing footwear accordingly.

Question

Will there be a religious ceremony?

Answer

Yes — our wedding ceremony will take place in a Catholic church. While the ceremony will include Catholic traditions, guests of all backgrounds and beliefs are warmly welcome to attend and celebrate with us.

Question

Can I bring children or a plus one?

Answer

Due to venue capacity and planning considerations, we kindly ask that guests attend only with the individuals specifically listed by name on the invitation and RSVP.

Question

Are there dietary accommodations?

Answer

Yes — we will happily accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies. Please make sure to include any dietary needs in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

Question

Will there be scheduled events throughout the week?

Answer

Aside from the wedding celebrations on June 16, the rest of the week is entirely free time for guests to relax, explore, and enjoy Italy at their own pace. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to experience the beauty, food, history, and culture of Europe during their trip.

Question

What is the weather like in June?

Answer

June on the Sorrento Coast is typically warm, sunny, and beautiful. Daytime temperatures are usually in the mid-70s to low-80s °F, with cooler evenings near the water. We recommend lightweight formal attire, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for walking on historic stone streets and pathways.

Question

Who should I contact with questions?

Answer

If you have any questions throughout the planning process or while traveling, please feel free to reach out to Ilaria at (703) 314-0338.