Following a discreet civil wedding ceremony in London, Dua Lipa and British actor Callum Turner are preparing to continue the celebrations in a truly spectacular setting. The couple have chosen one of Sicily’s most beautiful historic residences to bring together family and friends for a refined and elegant wedding weekend.
Just days after their civil marriage in London on 31 May 2026, attended only by a close circle of family and friends, the singer and actor have planned a second, far more festive celebration in Sicily. According to several international media outlets, the festivities are set to take place from 5 to 7 June at an exceptional venue: Villa Valguarnera, near Palermo.
Located in Bagheria, this aristocratic residence is considered one of the island’s most prestigious estates. With its landscaped gardens, historic reception rooms, and breathtaking views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, it provides a setting worthy of the occasion.
An iconic Sicilian landmark
Perched on the hills above Bagheria, around 15 kilometres from Palermo, Villa Valguarnera is regarded as one of Sicily’s architectural gems. Built at the heart of a vast estate, it makes a striking first impression thanks to its grand approach avenue and circular courtyard inspired by the great Italian Baroque complexes.
The villa’s architecture elegantly combines Baroque influences with Neoclassical restraint. Its curved façade is dominated by a spectacular double-flight granite staircase leading to the state apartments. Inside, visitors discover vast reception rooms adorned with frescoes, stucco work, family portraits, and period furnishings.
Surrounding the palace are terraced gardens, wooded groves, loggias, and several viewpoints offering remarkable panoramas across the gulfs of Palermo and Cefalù. This harmonious relationship between architecture and landscape has greatly contributed to the estate’s reputation.
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The fascinating history of Villa Valguarnera
The history of Villa Valguarnera dates back to the early 18th century. In 1712, Princess Anna Gravina commissioned the construction of a country residence for her family. The project was entrusted to the Dominican friar and architect Tommaso Maria Napoli, one of the leading figures of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
Over the decades, the villa was gradually expanded and embellished by successive generations of the Valguarnera family. It quickly became one of the most prestigious residences in Bagheria, a town that was highly fashionable among Palermo’s aristocracy, who built their summer homes there.
Throughout the centuries, the palace has welcomed numerous distinguished visitors. Writers, artists, and travellers undertaking the Grand Tour admired its architecture and gardens. More recently, the residence has served as a backdrop for several film and television productions, further enhancing its international reputation.
Italy: a favourite destination for celebrity weddings
If Dua Lipa and Callum Turner have chosen Sicily to celebrate their marriage, they are far from alone. In recent years, Italy has established itself as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for celebrity weddings and prestigious events. Venice famously hosted the wedding of George and Amal Clooney in 2014, while singer John Legend and Chrissy Teigen exchanged their vows on the shores of Lake Como.
From Venetian palaces and Tuscan villas to historic estates along the Amalfi Coast and in Sicily, Italy offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, spectacular scenery, and an unrivalled lifestyle.
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