Getting married in Italy
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.
Costs
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: An historic mansion located in Val d’Orcia, Tuscany. As an example, check this wedding video in Terre di Nano
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. You can have a look at this beautiful wedding video in Sardinia
Borgo Casabianca: A stunning place with a splendid vistas of the charming Tuscan countryside towards the Montalcino hills, Mount Amiata, the Crete and Siena. Check this wedding film at Borgo Casabianca
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.
