So, you’ve decided to get married in Italy—land of romance, breathtaking landscapes, and pasta so divine it might just overshadow your wedding cake. But before you walk down the aisle in a Tuscan vineyard or exchange vows on a Positano cliffside, let’s talk about something slightly less dreamy: the paperwork.
Yes, getting legally married in Italy as a non-EU citizen is totally possible, but it does come with a bit of bureaucracy. (Think of it as the price you pay for the most stunning wedding backdrop in the world.) Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide so you can focus on the fun parts, like choosing between a villa in Florence or a beach wedding in Amalfi.
1. First, Choose Your Wedding Type
Before diving into the paperwork, you need to decide what type of wedding you want. Italy offers three options:
💍 Civil Ceremony (Legally Binding)
- Conducted by an Italian official at the local Comune (town hall).
- It’s legally recognized worldwide.
- You’ll need an interpreter if neither of you speaks Italian.
⛪ Religious Wedding (Can Be Legally Recognized)
- Catholic weddings can be legally binding if done through an Italian church.
- For Protestant, Jewish, Hindu, or other faiths, you’ll need a separate civil ceremony to make it official.
🌿 Symbolic Ceremony (No Paperwork Needed!)
- You handle the legal part at home and just enjoy a dreamy Italian celebration.
- Zero bureaucracy. Just love, laughter, and limoncello.
2. The Paperwork You’ll Need (Aka, The “Fun” Part)
Now, let’s get serious—Italy loves its bureaucracy almost as much as it loves gelato. Here’s what you need:
✔ Valid Passport (Make sure it’s not expiring soon!)
✔ Birth Certificate (Translated into Italian & apostilled)
✔ Dichiarazione Giurata (A sworn statement from your embassy in Italy saying you’re free to marry)
✔ Atto Notorio (A declaration with two witnesses confirming you’re legally single—done at the Italian consulate or court)
✔ If Previously Married: Divorce decree or death certificate (translated & apostilled)
🔹 Bonus Tip: Get your documents ready at least 3-6 months before your wedding to avoid last-minute stress!
3. Getting Your Documents Legalized & Translated
Since Italy doesn’t accept documents in English, you’ll need to:
📌 Apostille your documents (if your country is part of The Hague Convention)
📌 Get them translated into Italian by an official translator
📌 Verify everything at the local town hall in Italy before your wedding
If this sounds overwhelming—don’t worry! Many wedding planners in Italy can help with this process, and some town halls even have pre-approved translators.
4. Submitting Your Paperwork in Italy
Once you have everything ready, head to the local Ufficio di Stato Civile (Civil Status Office) in the town where you plan to marry.
⏳ Timing is Key:
- Your paperwork should be submitted at least 2 months before your wedding.
- A Marriage Bann (Pubblicazioni di Matrimonio) is posted at the town hall for 2 weeks before your wedding date.
🚀 Fast-Track Tip: Some areas (like Rome and Venice) allow foreigners to skip the banns if neither of you is an Italian resident. Ask your wedding planner or local office for details!
5. Your Wedding Day (Finally, the Fun Part!)
Once the paperwork is approved, you’re good to go! 🎉 Civil ceremonies are usually held at the town hall, but some locations allow off-site weddings (imagine saying “I do” on a castle terrace!).
💡 If you don’t speak Italian, you’ll need an interpreter—some town halls provide one, but it’s best to confirm in advance.
6. After the Wedding: What Happens Next?
You’ll receive a Marriage Certificate (Certificato di Matrimonio). If you need it recognized back home:
📜 Get it apostilled
📜 Get a certified translation
📜 Register it with your country’s authorities (if required)
🎯 Pro Tip: Some couples also have a small legal wedding at home first and then just enjoy the Italian celebration without the legal hassle.
Most Stunning Places to Get Married in Italy
Okay, now that we’ve survived the paperwork, let’s talk about the fun stuff—where should you get married?
🏰 Tuscany (Florence, Siena, Montepulciano) – Dreamy vineyards, golden sunsets, and rolling hills. A countryside fairytale!
🌊 Amalfi Coast (Positano, Ravello, Sorrento) – Think dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and intimate seaside ceremonies.
🏛 Rome – The Eternal City, perfect for history lovers who want a grand and timeless wedding backdrop.
🚤 Venice – A gondola ride into married life? Need I say more?
🌿 Lake Como (Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo) – Pure elegance with jaw-dropping lake views (George Clooney approved!).
💖 Bonus Hidden Gem: Verona – The city of Romeo & Juliet! Perfect for a Shakespearean love story.
🔗 Looking for wedding venues? Check out:
FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions
❓ How long does it take to get legally married in Italy?
📌 If you have all documents ready, 2-3 months is enough, but start early to avoid surprises!
❓ Can Americans, UK citizens, or Canadians get married in Italy?
📌 Yes! The process is the same for most non-EU citizens. Just check embassy requirements.
❓ Can I get married in Italy on a tourist visa?
📌 Yes! As long as you meet all legal requirements, you don’t need a special visa to get married.
Final Thoughts (And Why You Need an Amazing Photographer 😉)
Getting married in Italy as a non-EU citizen may take some effort, but trust me—it’s 100% worth it. The romantic scenery, amazing food, and unique culture make it one of the best wedding destinations in the world.
And when it comes to capturing your once-in-a-lifetime Italian wedding, you deserve a photographer who understands the magic of the moment. That’s where I come in! 💕
📸 See my latest work here → Your Happy Moments Blog
🎞 Check out my wedding photography packages → Investment
💌 Let’s talk about your dream wedding → Contact me here
Italy is waiting for you. And so am I—camera in hand, ready to tell your love story in the most beautiful way possible. ✨
