Italy, with its romantic landscapes, historic venues, and exquisite cuisine, is a dream destination for couples looking to tie the knot. However, navigating the Italian bureaucracy and ensuring your marriage is recognized abroad can seem daunting. This guide will walk you through the process, providing essential information and resources to make your Italian wedding a reality. So, how to get married in Italy? Let’s find out together!
Indice dei Contenuti
How to get married in Italy: legal requirements and procedures
Italy, with its bureaucracy, can be difficult to understand for foreign couples who decide to get married here and are not used to this amount of paperwork to submit. Fortunately, much of this can be done online and the procedures have been streamlined.To legally marry in Italy, foreign couples must adhere to specific requirements and procedures. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:
1. Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment):
- This document, issued by your home country’s consulate in Italy, certifies that there are no legal impediments to your marriage.
- Requirements vary by nationality, so contact your consulate well in advance.
- Some countries may require an “Atto Notorio” (sworn statement) in addition to the Nulla Osta.
- Here you can find a list of all the foreign embassies in Italy: List of foreign embassies in Italy
2. Declaration of Marriage:
- Once you have the Nulla Osta, you must make a “Declaration of Marriage” (Declaration of Marriage) at the local town hall (“Municipality”).
- This declaration confirms your intention to marry and is a legal requirement.
- You will need to present your passports, Nulla Osta, and any other required documents.
3. Marriage Publication:
- After the declaration, the town hall will publish your intent to marry for a period of eight days.
- This allows anyone to raise objections to the marriage.
- In some cases, this step can be skipped, but it’s best to confirm with the town hall.
4. The Wedding Ceremony:
- Civil ceremonies are performed by the mayor or a designated official at the town hall.
- Religious ceremonies are also legally recognized if performed by a Catholic priest or other authorized religious official.
- You will need two witnesses to the ceremony.
5. Marriage Certificate:
- After the ceremony, you will receive an Italian marriage certificate (“Certificato di Matrimonio”).
- This document is essential for registering your marriage abroad.
Required Documents
The following documents are typically required for a legal marriage in Italy:
- Valid Passports: Both partners must have valid passports.
- Birth Certificates: Officially translated and legalized birth certificates.
- Nulla Osta: As mentioned above, this is a crucial document.
- Notarial Act: If required by your consulate.
- Divorce or Death Certificates: If either partner was previously married, proof of termination of the previous marriage is required.
- Declaration of Marriage: Made at the local town hall.
Important Notes
All foreign documents must be officially translated into Italian and legalized with an Apostille stamp (if your country is a signatory of the Hague Convention) or legalized by the Italian consulate in your home country.
Requirements can vary by region and town hall, so it’s essential to contact the specific town hall where you plan to marry for detailed information.
Recognizing Your Marriage Abroad
You will certainly want your marriage to be recognized outside of Italy. To ensure your Italian marriage is recognized in your home country, you will need to:
- Obtain an Apostille: If your country is a signatory of the Hague Convention, obtain an Apostille stamp on your Italian marriage certificate. This legalizes the document for use abroad.
- Register Your Marriage: Register your marriage with your home country’s authorities. This process varies by country, so contact your local government for specific instructions.
Tips for planning your Italian Wedding
Organizing a wedding in Italy is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in your life, combining the magic of this country with that of the most important day of your life. What’s better than getting married in Italy? It’s definitely a dream come true!
Organizing your wedding in Italy, however, requires a bit of strategy, as with any wedding outside your country of origin. Given my experience as a wedding photographer in Italy, I’ll leave you with some tips:
- Start Early: Begin planning well in advance, as the bureaucratic process can take time. Start at least 1 year before your wedding date.
- Hire a Wedding Planner: A local wedding planner can help navigate the legal requirements and logistics. If you don’t know one, feel free to ask us by clicking here.
- Choose Your Location: Italy offers a wide range of stunning locations, from romantic cities like Rome and Venice to picturesque countryside villas. Try to narrow down first the places you love the most.
- Consider the Season: Later spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather for outdoor weddings. Summer is usually very hot even in Northern Italy, so keep that in mind when you choose.
- Learn Some Italian: While many Italians speak English, knowing some basic Italian phrases will enhance your experience. Take it this way: it’s fun!
Need help to get in married in Italy?
Planning a wedding in Italy from a foreign country can be complex. If you need assistance with documentation, location selection, or any other aspect of your wedding, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m a wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in weddings for foreign couples in Italy. I’m well-versed in the procedures and can help make your special day unforgettable. I’m here for help, and in the meantime why don’t you take a look at some of my real weddings? I’m sure I can help you have the right way to tell your love story 😉
I’m best man what to gift?
Francesco Russotto
How to Get Married in Italy: A Comprehensive Guide
Wedding photographer Rome prices 2025 My name is Francesco Russotto and I have always been involved in photography and imagery. I am a reportage-style wedding photographer, I work in Frosinone but I move easily throughout the province, in Italy and also abroad. If you are looking for a wedding photographer based in Rome, Lazio or the rest of Italy, in Real Wedding style, do not hesitate to contact me to make a free appointment online, without obligation. We will have a nice chat, you will meet me and decide if I am the right wedding photographer for your wedding. Wedding photographer Rome prices 2025.
How to Get Married in Italy: A Comprehensive Guide