Getting Married In Italy
A Complete Guide To A Successful Wedding in Italy
Complete Guide To Getting Married In Italy As A Foreign Citizen
As someone who has travelled the world, lived over nine years in Australia I know how many people choose to fulfil their dream of getting married in Italy, at various locations, such as Florence in Tuscany, Lake Como in the north, or in the romantic city of Venice.
If after reading this article you're still unsure, feel free to get in touch and I will do what I can to help you out personally.
First up, if you're looking for legal proof that it is possible, by law, to get married in Italy as a foreigner, click here to read more (you may need to keep a translating app handy).
Basically, the way it works is as follows:
Get officially married by a consular or diplomatic authority of your country of origin, as set out according to its law.
Choose one of three figures that can officiate the marriage: (1) a state official (a Mayor or Deputy) to get legally married, (2) a catholic priest to have a church wedding with legal recognition, or (3) a minister of a non-catholic religion that are authorised in Italy to perform as celebrants.
There are some extra steps you will have to take.
If you are a foreigner, but do have residency in Italy:
You need to request banns of matrimony, called "pubblicazioni matrimoniali" in Italian. You may obtain these from the municipality (local council) of your town.
These "banns of matrimony" are like an announcement at the municipality (council) to let everyone know that you are getting married. Of course, it won't be put on the newspaper, but it's a law that used to be there in case someone had a serious objection, or some unresolved previous marriage issues hadn't been settled. *yikes*
If you are not a resident in Italy:
If you are both foreign residents and citizens, you will have to sign a document which confirms that there is nothing that should hinder your marriage legally. For example, age-related laws, or whether there are family ties that aren't legally allowed to be married in Italy, or if there are other laws that stand in the way of getting married.
Which documents do I need?
Generally speaking, the following documents will be asked off you:
ID (passport works in most cases)
Birth certificate
Certificate of no impediment "nulla òsta" (this is the document that proves nothing is legally hindering the marriage)
The "nulla òsta" has to be obtained from an authority in your country. It basically is a declaration that you are legally free to marry.
Make sure your documents show the following details:
First and last name
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
First names and last names of parents
Citizenship
Location of residence
Make sure to have a translation by an authorised translator in Italian, or else those documents will have no legal value in Italy.
Then, you will take those documents to the Prefettura (in full "Ufficio di Legalizzazione della Prefettura") which translates roughly to "Prefecture’s Legalization Office".
Once the documents have been verified, be sure to take them to the local council or municipality office ("anagrafe" in Italian).
After at least two weekends have elapsed, you will be able to collect your approval. This certificate has to be handed to the "Ufficiale dello Stato Civile" (which roughly translates to 'Civil State Official') within 180 days from its release.
Next, you are free to marry! *hurray*
Do yourself a favour, though:
Get in touch with your local photographer and ask him about how to schedule in time on the wedding day.
Also, make sure the wedding reception/venue is licensed to hold wedding ceremonies.
By the way... do you think you'd prefer natural photos, without posing even once? It is still best to talk it through. We love candid shots. We also know that not everyone feels naturally comfortable in front of a camera.
That is what we are there for.
Get in touch below to check our availability, and we make sure this important part of your day will be as stress-free as possible.
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Tell us about yourself.
Got a quick question? Give me a ring here:
Best locations to get married in Italy
By the way, if you’re looking for tips from a local photographer for the best locations in Venice, Florence, Como, or somewhere else in Italy here are some useful links: