Author: Diego Ortuso

Planning a wedding in Italy is generally a manageable process, albeit one that requires foresight and a grasp of legalities. To ensure a smooth journey, ample time for in-person discussions, visits to official venues, and adherence to administrative deadlines is essential. Despite the necessary groundwork, Italy remains a favored wedding destination for numerous expats each year, and for good reasons.

Italian weddings are renowned for their vivacity, rich colors, and festive ambiance. From delectable cuisine to the vibrant atmosphere and lively music, the celebrations encapsulate Italy’s deep-rooted appreciation for merrymaking.

For many couples, Italy holds a profound significance, whether stemming from sentimental connections, familial ties, or romantic escapades. Regardless of the motive, this article aims to furnish couples with indispensable guidance for their Italian nuptials, spanning legal prerequisites, obligatory documentation and recommended venues.

Weddings in Italy: What type of weddings are possible?

In Italy, both religious and civil weddings hold legal recognition. However, for non-Catholic religious ceremonies, couples must integrate a civil ceremony into their marriage to achieve official legal status. Proof of civil marriage is a prerequisite before couples can solemnize their union in a religious institution.

The prevalence of Catholicism in Italy, alongside its proximity to The Vatican, results in the majority of weddings occurring within Catholic churches. Nevertheless, Italy respects and recognizes weddings from diverse religious traditions, including Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam. The procedural aspects of marriage within these faiths largely mirror those practiced in other countries, simplifying the process for couples planning their nuptials in Italy.

For Catholic weddings, at least one partner must be Catholic, adhering to the requirements of the Church.

Non-religious couples in Italy have the option of participating in symbolic ceremonies and blessings. However, to legalize their union, they must adhere to the civil administrative procedures before the ceremony. It’s worth noting that while civil unions are officially acknowledged for same-sex couples in Italy, same-sex marriage is not currently recognized.

What are the legal requirements to get married in Italy?

In Italy, marriage is open to all individuals, regardless of their residency status. There is no legal requirement for residency to wed in the country. However, whether you are a foreigner or an Italian citizen, certain paperwork verifying your identity is necessary. Additionally, it’s imperative to confirm that there are no legal impediments preventing the solemnization of your marriage.

What do you need to get married in Italy?

Preparing for a wedding in Italy involves gathering essential paperwork and documentation for civil, religious, or symbolic ceremonies. Here’s a checklist of the documents you’ll need:

• Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties

• Original birth certificates or certified copies for both parties

• Divorce papers or death certificates if previously married and divorced or widowed (a waiver is required from the Italian District Attorney’s Office for women whose previous marriage ended within the past 300 days)

• An affidavit, Nulla Osta, or Dichiarazione Giurata sworn before a consular office of your home country, affirming no legal impediment to your marriage in your home country

• An Atto Notorio signed by two witnesses (who cannot be family members) confirming no legal impediment to your marriage

• A declaration of intent to marry for the civil registrar

For Catholic weddings, additional documentation may be necessary:

• Baptism certificates

• Confirmation certificates

• Certificates of first communion

• Nihil Obstat (letter of no impediment to marry)

• Proof of attendance of a premarital course

• Written permission from your priest

Things to know

Regarding the legal age to marry in Italy, couples must be 18 years old, with under-18s requiring written parental consent.

The process begins by contacting your home country’s consulate in Italy for guidance, including the preparation of the atto notorio. You’ll then submit your declaration of intent to marry to the local marriage office in the city’s town hall, where a translator may be necessary if you don’t speak Italian. You’ll set the wedding date after this declaration, ideally at least three weeks before the wedding.

Civil notifications must be posted for two consecutive weeks before the wedding, unless waived by the office. For Catholic weddings, adherence to local parish rules and document submission timelines is crucial.

At the wedding, you’ll sign your legal marriage license and receive an official marriage certificate authorized by the mayor. Afterward, visiting the town hall again is necessary to present the marriage certificate and receive an Apostille stamp containing a translated copy of the certificate into English.

Here are some key points to consider regarding wedding ceremonies in Italy:

Civil Ceremonies:

• Civil ceremonies can take place in any location officially approved by Italian authorities, whether indoors or outdoors. This includes venues such as villas, castles, public gardens, and town halls, as long as they hold the necessary licensing.

• The ceremony is conducted by the mayor or another government official. If neither party speaks Italian, an interpreter is required, though they don’t need to be an official translator.

• The time required between declaring your intent to marry and the wedding date varies depending on the location.

Church Ceremonies:

• The only church ceremonies legally performed without a civil component are Catholic weddings, where at least one person in the couple must be Catholic.

• Planning a Catholic wedding in Italy may take longer due to coordination between your local church, the Italian church, city officials, and consulates. It’s advisable to start planning at least six months before the anticipated wedding date.

For More Information:

• Check your home country’s consular or embassy website for detailed information and assistance:

Guide to Getting Married in Italy as a UK Citizen

As a UK citizen planning to tie the knot in Italy, there are essential documents and steps to consider to ensure a smooth process:

Certificate of No Impediment (CNI): Obtaining a CNI from the UK government is crucial. Schedule an appointment at your local register office to acquire this document, which costs £35 and remains valid for 6 months in Italy. However, CNIs issued in Scotland are only valid for 3 months.

Translation and Legalization: After receiving the CNI, it must be translated and legalized by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in the UK.

Statutory Declaration: You’ll need to sign a statutory declaration in front of a notary or solicitor in the UK. These documents will be presented to either the priest or a registrar at the town hall, depending on the type of ceremony.

Nulla Osta: If you’re unable to return to the UK for a CNI, a Nulla Osta can suffice. Simply provide your UK address on the form instead of your temporary stay in Italy.

The wedding cost breakdown in Italy varies widely, ranging from reasonable to extravagant, depending on your preferences. 

Top Wedding Locations in Italy:

Farmhouse Terre di Nano: A historic mansion located in Val d’Orcia.

Castle of Rosciano: A powerful structure in sandstone. It offers superb views of Perugia, Assisi and of the Umbrian countryside

Su Gologone Experience Hotel: It lies in the heart of Barbagia, a part of the Sardinia, rich in traditions and history.

        Borgo Casabianca:From the hotel there are splendid vistas of the charming Tuscan countryside towards the Montalcino hills, Mount Amiata, the Crete and Siena

Villa Medici Lilliano: Features a breathtaking lemon garden and proximity to Florence.

Rome: the eternal city, where you can find a perfect mixture of italian traditions and ancient monuments.

Italian Wedding Traditions and Customs:

• Luck: Sunday weddings are believed to bring fertility and prosperity.

• No Gold: Wearing gold jewelry (besides the wedding ring) is considered bad luck.

• Tarantella: A special dance involving guests holding hands in a circle while the music speeds up.

• Tie-Cutting: The groom’s tie is cut into pieces and sold to guests to help cover wedding expenses.

• Vase-Breaking: At the end of the wedding, the couple may break a glass or vase, with the number of pieces symbolizing years of happy marriage.

Planning an Italian wedding requires careful thought and preparation, but the unique location and traditions promise a memorable experience for all involved, regardless of budget constraints.

Amidst the array of considerations, one often-overlooked aspect deserving spotlight is the significance of hiring a wedding videographer. Capturing the essence of the day through expertly crafted visual storytelling adds a timeless dimension to the event, preserving cherished memories for years to come. A wedding videographer not only encapsulates the splendor of the occasion but also unveils the intricate emotions and candid moments that make the day truly unforgettable.

Therefore, while navigating the intricacies of planning a wedding in Italy, couples are urged to recognize the invaluable role of a skilled videographer in encapsulating the magic of their special day.

Step into an extraordinary haven where life’s most significant moments are transformed into everlasting memories. 

Amongst the captivating landscapes of Sardinia and Barbagia, Su Gologone stands as an unparalleled venue for your special occasions. 

Celebrating love and unity, this enchanting destination seamlessly merges nature’s splendor with timeless traditions, offering an array of intimate spaces to host your guests and cater to your every need.

The allure of Su Gologone lies in its diverse settings, each offering its own unique charm for your celebration. Whether it’s the grandeur of an indoor room adorned with a century-old fireplace, the panoramic terrace overlooking the serene pool and countryside, the majestic Corte di Su Re with local baking demonstrations, or the secluded intimacy of the herb garden or springs for nature enthusiasts, there’s a perfect spot for every preference. 

Your vision becomes reality here, guided by our expertise in crafting tailored experiences.

Every detail is meticulously curated to ensure a flawless affair, from personalized menus featuring traditional delicacies and accommodating special dietary requests to exquisitely adorned spaces that cater to diverse cultural ceremonies—from Japanese Tea Ceremonies to vibrant Indian weddings or more customary celebrations, regardless of size.

Explore our Botteghe d’Arte Su Gologone Style®, an ideal haven for your wedding registry, offering a delightful array of products for your guests to choose from. Customized party favors, such as artisanal local honey jars or bespoke ceramics, add a touch of charm that lingers in the memory.

Friends and family joining your celebration can take advantage of our exclusive rates, immersing themselves in over 50 experiences that unveil the beauty of Sardinia’s heritage.

For the bride and groom seeking pampering, our spa treatments, makeup, and hairstyling services ensure a day of sheer indulgence. From arranging music and photographers to transportation, we offer a comprehensive package to fulfill your dreams.

At Su Gologone, step into your very own fairy-tale, where dreams find their perfect canvas, and every moment becomes a cherished reality.”

Celebrate your love amidst the timeless beauty of Terre di Nano!

Situated in the captivating Val d’Orcia of Southern Tuscany, Terre di Nano offers an idyllic setting for couples dreaming of a romantic wedding. Just a short distance from the enchanting Montepulciano and Pienza, this historic mansion beckons with the promise of unforgettable nuptials in one of Tuscany’s most picturesque locales.

Steeped in history and surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, Terre di Nano provides an enchanting backdrop for your special day. Say “I do” amidst the charm of this 19th-century estate, where every corner exudes romance and elegance. There you will find a dedicated team that will ensure that every detail of your wedding is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed, from the ceremony to the reception.

Exchange vows in the heart of Val d´Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, and create cherished memories against the backdrop of stunning Tuscan vistas. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Terre di Nano offers a range of enchanting spaces to suit your needs, each infused with the warmth and character of Tuscany.

From the moment you arrive, you and your guests will be enveloped in the magic of Terre di Nano. Savor locally sourced cuisine and exceptional wines, as you toast to love and new beginnings. Whether strolling through the vineyards or dancing under the stars, your wedding at Terre di Nano will be a celebration to remember for a lifetime.

Experience the romance of Tuscany and create memories that will last a lifetime at Terre di Nano.

THE SERVICES OF THE LOCATION

Immerse yourselves in the enchanting flavors of Tuscany as you celebrate your wedding at our renowned venue, where tradition meets culinary excellence. With a commitment to showcasing the authentic essence of the region, the restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience for you and your guests on your special day.

Perched on a terrace overlooking the picturesque Val d’Orcia, its exclusive wedding venue invites you to bask in the beauty of ancient olive trees and vineyards while indulging in the finest local delicacies. Available by reservation only, its esteemed chef and sommelier, Giorgio, orchestrates a culinary masterpiece inspired by the seasons and his passion for gastronomy.

Elevate your wedding celebration with a bespoke menu crafted by Chef Giorgio, highlighting the richness of Tuscan cuisine. From artisanal extra virgin olive oil to a curated selection of wines, each element of your meal reflects the authenticity and love that defines our culinary philosophy. As nature allows, we incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables from our estate, adding a personalized touch to your wedding feast.

With a dedication to sourcing locally produced ingredients, its restaurant ensures that every dish tells a story of the region’s bounty. Choose Terre di Nano for your wedding celebration, where every bite is a tribute to the timeless traditions and flavors of Tuscany, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

PLANNING YOUR WEDDING AT TERRE DI NANO

Close your eyes and envision an intimate celebration at Terre di Nano, where genuine food is savored amidst the olive garden’s gentle glow, adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights. Tradition, familial warmth, and breathtaking views converge to compose the perfect backdrop for a romantic and elegantly rustic wedding reception. At Terre di Nano, we strive to ensure that your wedding day and stay with us are etched in your memory as truly unforgettable experiences—for you, your family, and all your esteemed guests.

In addition to our meticulous planning and renowned professionalism, we recognize the significance of immortalizing your special day through the lens of a skilled videographer. Capturing every tender moment and joyous celebration, a videographer at Terre di Nano preserves the essence of your wedding, allowing you to relive the magic for years to come.

Giorgio & Ilaria, with their wealth of experience, will expertly guide you through the planning process, while our dedicated videographer ensures that no cherished moment goes undocumented.

All we ask of you is to bring your joy, enthusiasm, and wedding attire—leave the rest to the team! We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you to Terre di Nano, where love, laughter, and timeless memories await, beautifully captured on film.