So, you’re dreaming of an Italian wedding—sun-drenched vineyards, ancient villas, and a backdrop straight out of a movie. But before you can say “I do” under a Tuscan sunset or along the Amalfi Coast, there’s one little thing to tackle: Italian bureaucracy.
Yes, getting legally married in Italy comes with a few hoops to jump through. But don’t worry—I’ll guide you through every step (with humor, real talk, and insider tips) so you can spend less time on paperwork and more time sipping Aperol Spritz. Sound good? Let’s dive in!
1. Can Foreigners Legally Get Married in Italy?
Short answer: YES! 🎉
Longer answer: Yes, but you’ll need to follow some legal steps—because, well, this is Italy, where even ordering a coffee comes with rules.
Italy welcomes foreign couples for both civil and religious weddings, and same-sex civil unions are also recognized. However, each type of wedding has different requirements, and it’s essential to get the paperwork right from the start.
2. What Documents Do You Need to Get Married in Italy?
💡 Pro Tip: Start preparing these documents at least 3-6 months in advance to avoid last-minute panic.
| Document |
Where to Get It? |
Is an Apostille Needed? |
| Passport |
Your home country |
No |
| Birth certificate |
Civil registry |
Yes |
| Dichiarazione Giurata (Sworn Declaration) |
Your country’s consulate in Italy |
No |
| Atto Notorio (Marital Status Affidavit) |
Italian consulate or courthouse |
Yes |
| Nulla Osta (No Impediment Certificate) |
Your country’s embassy in Italy |
No |
👉 Additional Requirements (if applicable):
- If you’re divorced, bring your divorce decree (translated and legalized).
- If you’re widowed, bring the death certificate of your former spouse.
- If you plan a Catholic wedding, you’ll also need baptism and confirmation certificates.
3. Civil vs. Religious Weddings in Italy: What’s the Difference?
Civil Wedding (Legally Binding & Recognized Worldwide)
🏛 Conducted in town halls or authorized venues
📜 Requires the documents listed above
📅 May require a “marriage banns” publication
🗣 Ceremony in Italian (translator required if you don’t speak Italian)
👉 Where to Have a Civil Wedding?
Religious Wedding (Optional Legal Recognition)
⛪ Catholic weddings can be legally recognized, but require extra paperwork.
📖 Protestant, Jewish, and other religious ceremonies are not legally binding without a civil ceremony first.
4. How Long Does It Take to Process Wedding Paperwork in Italy?
💡 Bureaucracy in Italy moves at the speed of a slow espresso pour.
- The entire process (documents + civil ceremony approval) takes 4-6 weeks on average.
- August is vacation season—municipal offices might be closed or slower.
- If you need a faster option, consider getting legally married at home first and having a symbolic wedding in Italy.
5. Best Locations for a Dream Wedding in Italy
Italy has endless breathtaking venues, but not all are legally approved for civil weddings. Here are some of the best:
Lake Como (For Glamorous Romance)
📍 Villa Balbianello (Visit site) – A dream location for a luxury wedding.
Tuscany (For a Fairytale Vineyard Wedding)
📍 Castello di Vincigliata (Visit site) – A medieval castle with stunning views.
Amalfi Coast (For a Seaside Celebration)
📍 Villa Cimbrone, Ravello (Visit site) – Iconic cliffside views for a postcard-perfect wedding.
Venice (For Pure Magic)
📍 San Giorgio Terrace (Visit site) – Say your vows with a view of the Grand Canal.
6. Hidden Costs & Budget Tips for an Italian Wedding
💰 How much does a wedding in Italy cost? It depends! But here are the main expenses:
| Item |
Estimated Cost |
| Civil ceremony fees |
€500 – €1,500 |
| Religious ceremony fees |
€200 – €500 |
| Venue rental |
€3,000 – €10,000+ |
| Photographer 📸 |
€2,000 – €5,000+ |
| Wedding planner |
€2,000 – €7,000 |
💡 Budget Tips:
✔ Get married in the off-season (April, October) to save on venue costs.
✔ Consider public town halls instead of private villas for a civil ceremony.
✔ Book a local wedding planner to help with paperwork (and prevent stress).
7. Skip the Paperwork! The Symbolic Wedding Option
If Italian bureaucracy gives you nightmares, why not skip the legal part altogether? Many couples legally marry at home and have a symbolic wedding in Italy instead.
✔ No documents needed
✔ Any location you dream of
✔ No waiting periods or legal restrictions
Perfect for: Couples who want a stress-free experience with all the Italian romance and none of the paperwork!
8. FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
❓ Can foreigners legally get married in Italy?
Yes! But you need the right paperwork and some patience.
❓ How much does it cost to get married in Italy?
Anywhere from €5,000 for an intimate wedding to €50,000+ for a luxury wedding.
❓ Can we have a wedding on the beach?
Yes, but some regions require special permits. The Amalfi Coast is a popular option.
❓ Do we need an Italian translator for the ceremony?
If neither of you speaks Italian, yes, for a civil ceremony.
9. Let’s Capture Your Italian Love Story!
Now that you’ve got the legal part covered, it’s time to focus on what really matters: creating unforgettable memories.
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing love stories in Italy’s most breathtaking locations—whether you’re eloping in Tuscany, exchanging vows on Lake Como, or celebrating in a Venetian palace.
📸 See my portfolio here → Your Happy Moments Blog
💰 Check out my photography packages → Investment Details
📩 Let’s start planning! → Contact Me
Italy is waiting. Let’s make your wedding unforgettable! 🇮🇹✨
