The idea of getting married in Italy, for many, is an exceptionally romantic one. Of course, should you book one of our wedding villas in Italy or another of our vacation rentals in Italy and decide to marry in Italy, there are some particulars that you would need to keep in mind. So, here is our guide to all you need to know about getting married in Italy:
When should I get married in Italy?
While summer weddings are very popular, it is worth considering how hot August can become, which is better suited to hanging out by the water at one of our villas with pools in Italy, rather than in formal attire. Of course, if you are interested in pleasantly warm to hot weather, May, June, and July all present as great options. Late spring is also an idea, as temperatures begin to rise and the landscape goes into bloom. For beautiful photographs, in particular, this can be a nice time of the year to get married in Italy. Similarly, in early fall, summer weather can linger before gradually cooling. You’re more at risk of rain, meanwhile, but can expect to avail of harvest season – something that might appeal to foodie couples.
Should I use a wedding planner when getting married in Italy?
Most people do all of their wedding planning themselves but if you are getting married abroad and in Italy, in particular, a wedding planner might be a good idea. Not only will they be able to help you find and coordinate with various vendors of all sorts but they will also be able to help you figure out all of the paperwork necessary (if you’re doing the legal part in Italy). You’ll also have someone on-hand who can translate and communicate on your behalf if you don’t speak Italian. Overall, it’s going to make the whole process a lot easier and a lot less stressful – especially if you want to be able to focus on the most important part: enjoying your destination wedding in Italy! So, find ideal holiday rentals in Italy with us and the help of our villa experts and then allow your wedding planner to help you with the rest.
What paperwork do I need to get legally married in Italy?
The paperwork you will need includes:
- A passport or national ID card for both parties that is valid
- Original birth certificates for each person
- If necessary, you’ll need divorce papers or a death certificate
- An affidavit, Nulla Osta, or Dichiarazione Giurata that needs to be sworn before a consular office of your home country, stating that there's no legal impediment to your marriage in your home country
- An Atto Notorio, which must be signed by two witnesses (if you're American or Australian)
- A declaration of intent to marry to be given to the civil registrar
Those intending to have a Catholic wedding you will also require:
- Baptism certificates
- Confirmation certificates
- A letter of no impediment to marry
- Proof that the couple have attended a premarital course
- Permission from a local bishop to marry abroad
What are the steps required to marry in Italy?
1. Get in touch your home country’s consulate in Italy. They will be able to help you access all of the information you require to marry in your chosen destination and will help you with the paperwork such as the atto notorio, which is necessary for US and Australian Citizens to get married in Italy.
2. Submit a declaration of intent to marry at the local marriage office, found in the town hall of the town, city, or area in which your marriage will take place, at least three weeks before your wedding date. You will also need to have some documents translated officially so confirm the details with the consulate and the town hall.
3. Hire a translator, even if you speak Italian, as they must legally attend the ceremony for civil ceremonies. Your wedding planner or someone you know can speak Italian may serve as the translator.
4. After the wedding, you will need to return to the town hall and present the marriage certificate to receive an an Apostille stamp, this will verify the document and contain a translated copy of the certificate.
Can different religions get married in Italy?
Religious weddings from all faiths – different branches of Christianity, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim religions – are all legally recognised by the Italian state. You simply must incorporate a civil ceremony into the marriage to make it officially legal.
Can same-sex couples get married in Italy?
As of yet, same-sex marriages are not legally recognised in Italy. Civil unions were legalised in 2016 but those looking for a formal marriage but who want a destination wedding in Italy can legally marry elsewhere and have a symbolic wedding in Italy.
Should I just go for a symbolic wedding?
For those looking to avoid all of the paperwork and headaches, in general, just going with a small legal ceremony at home and then a proper ceremony that is symbolic at the wedding itself, might just be the easier way to go about the whole process!
What about church weddings in Italy?
Catholicism remains the biggest religion and most of the picturesque churches you will see in Italy are Catholic churches. To marry in one, both parties must be of the Catholic faith, follow the rules of both their own parish and the one in which they intend to marry, and submit all religious documents at least seven weeks prior to the wedding to be processed by the consulate and local Bishop. The two parishes will be able to provide all of the exact details that you need.
Where can you have a ceremony if you are getting married in Italy?
Generally, ceremonies can only take place in the town hall and outdoor weddings are not permitted. Official wedding venues such as villas, castles, gardens, etc will be authorised for civil ceremonies, however. So, check out our wedding villas in Italy or look into the town hall, church, or legally-permitted venues.