Ciao bella! HUGE NEWS. Marco and I just tied the knot! Eeek! We recently had our civil wedding in Napoli, and yours truly is now Mrs. Di Fiore <3 I thought the civil wedding was going to be just a legal step so that I could get my ducks in a row as an American citizen trying to live in Italy. However, our civil wedding was actually such a magical and classy evening; it felt like something out of a Dolce & Gabbana commercial. Dolce vita vibes aside, the process to get legally married in Italy can be quite confusing, so I've shared step by step how to do it.
Now, we are in the midst of planning our dream Italian wedding, with the white dress, an Indian dress too (we're multicultural y'all), epic venue, romantic alter, flowers, the band, and family flying in from around the world! This wedding planning has been a process too, so I've included some things I've learned along the way in the hopes of helping you plan YOUR perfect Italian wedding. You got this bestie!
I want you to picture this: you and your partner, standing hand in hand, against the backdrop of a sun-kissed Tuscan vineyard, a centuries-old villa, or perhaps a charming cliffside chapel in Southern Italy. Got that image in your mind? Let's make it a reality. Here’s your ultimate guide to getting married in Italy, packed with all the essential information and insights from yours truly, so that you can say "I do" in the land of amore.
Step-by-Step Legal Process for an American to Get Married in Italy
Navigating the legalities of getting married in Italy can seem daunting, but it’s all manageable with a bit of preparation. If I can do it (someone who gets easily stressed by all things bureaucratic,) then so can you! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help American citizens tie the knot in Italy.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you jet off to Italy, you'll need to collect and prepare several documents:
Valid Passports: Both you and your partner will need valid passports.
Birth Certificates: These must be long-form versions showing both parents' names.
Evidence of Termination of Previous Marriages: If applicable, provide divorce decrees or death certificates.
Affidavit of No Impediment (Nulla Osta): This affidavit states that there are no legal impediments to your marriage and must be obtained from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Italy.
Step 2: Obtain an Atto Notorio
The Atto Notorio is a sworn statement before an Italian Consulate in the U.S. or at an Italian court in Italy, confirming there are no legal impediments to the marriage. Here’s what you need to do:
Make an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Italian Consulate in the U.S. or the Tribunale in Italy.
Provide Witnesses: You will need two witnesses who must declare under oath that there is no legal impediment to the marriage.
Documents Required: Bring your passports, birth certificates, and any divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable.
Translation and Legalization: All documents must be translated into Italian and legalized with an Apostille.
Step 3: Obtain a Nulla Osta
The Nulla Osta can be obtained at the U.S. Embassy in Rome or any U.S. Consulate in Italy.
Here’s what you need to do:
Make an Appointment: Schedule an appointment online at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Complete the Affidavit: Complete the "Atto Notorio" before an Italian consulate in the United States or a notary public in Italy.
Pay the Fee: There’s a fee for notarizing the affidavit, payable in U.S. dollars or the equivalent in euros.
Get it Translated and Legalized: The affidavit must be translated into Italian and legalized by the local Prefettura.
Step 4: Declaration of Intent to Marry
Once in Italy, you must declare your intent to marry at the local town hall (Comune) where you plan to get married. This should be done at least two days before the wedding. You’ll need:
Your Passports
Nulla Osta
Interpreter: If neither of you speaks Italian, you’ll need an interpreter.
Step 5: Civil Ceremony
Most couples have a civil ceremony at the town hall, which is legally binding in Italy and recognized internationally. The civil ceremony is conducted in Italian, so an interpreter may be required. You'll need two witnesses, and they must also provide valid identification.
Step 6: Religious Ceremony (Optional)
If you want a religious ceremony, it must follow the civil ceremony. Catholic weddings require additional documentation:
Baptism and Confirmation Certificates
Pre-marital Course Completion Certificate
Permission from Your Parish Priest
For non-Catholic religious ceremonies, consult with your specific church or religious institution for their requirements.
Step 7: Registering Your Marriage in the United States
Once married, you’ll receive an Italian marriage certificate. To register your marriage in the United States, you can:
Obtain an Apostille: Get your marriage certificate apostilled at the Prefettura.
Translate the Certificate: Have the marriage certificate translated into English.
Register with Your Local County Clerk: Submit the apostilled and translated certificate to your local county clerk’s office in the United States.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the U.S. Embassy in Italy's guide on marriage.
OK! Now for the fun part!
Best Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Italy
Marco and I fell in love in the Amalfi Coast, so we thought we would have our wedding there. However, once we started to look at venues there I was shocked by how expensive and much of a tourist-trap they were. Some of them had ridiculously strict policies written in fine print (.ie the venue charges an extra $1,000 for every 10 minutes that the wedding party arrives early or stays late!)
While the popular destinations such as Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast are undeniably beautiful, Italy is also brimming with lesser-known villages that offer an equally romantic and picturesque setting for your wedding. Here are some hidden gems that I've picked to provide an intimate and unique backdrop for your dream Italian wedding.
Northern Italy
Orta San Giulio – Enchanting Lakeside Charm
Nestled on the shores of Lake Orta, Orta San Giulio is a charming village with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and stunning lake views. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic lakeside wedding.
Villa Bossi: An elegant villa with beautifully manicured gardens overlooking the lake, ideal for both ceremonies and receptions.
Isola San Giulio: The island in the middle of Lake Orta offers a magical and secluded setting for intimate ceremonies.
Borghetto – Riverside Romance
Located in the Veneto region, Borghetto is a quaint village along the Mincio River, known for its charming watermills and medieval architecture.
Parco Sigurtà: A beautiful park near Borghetto offering lush gardens and scenic views, perfect for an outdoor wedding.
Villa Maffei Rizzardi: A historic villa with stunning gardens and elegant interiors.
Central Italy
Montemerano – Medieval Romance
Montemerano, located in the Maremma region of Tuscany, is a picturesque medieval village with narrow streets, charming squares, and a sense of timeless romance.
Castello di Montemerano: A beautifully preserved castle offering a fairytale-like setting for weddings, with lush gardens and historic charm.
Todi – Umbrian Elegance
Todi, located in the heart of Umbria, is a hilltop town with sweeping views of the rolling countryside and a rich history.
Palazzo del Capitano: A historic palace with elegant interiors and stunning views, perfect for a sophisticated and romantic wedding.
Southern Italy
Ischia – Island Vibes
Ischia, located in the gulf of Napoli, is a volcanic island with natural thermal springs and a great vibe.
Castello Aragonese: A medieval castle above the sea, perfect for a breathtaking and historic setting.
Atrani – Coastal Beauty
Atrani, one of the smallest villages on the Amalfi Coast, offers a charming and less touristy alternative to the more famous coastal towns.
Santa Maria Maddalena Church: A beautiful church overlooking the sea, perfect for a picturesque ceremony.
Maratea – The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian
Located in the Basilicata region, Maratea is a stunning coastal village known for its beautiful beaches and historic charm.
Villa Nitti: A historic villa with breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, ideal for a romantic wedding.
Scilla – Mythical Beauty
In Calabria, the village of Scilla is steeped in mythology and offers dramatic coastal views
and a charming old town.
Castello Ruffo: A historic castle perched on a cliff, providing a dramatic and unforgettable wedding venue.
Chianalea: The picturesque fishing district with charming houses right on the water’s edge, perfect for a unique wedding setting.
These hidden gems provide a more intimate and unique backdrop for your wedding, allowing you to experience the charm and beauty of Italy without the hustle and bustle of more touristy locations.
For more information on these beautiful villages and other potential wedding venues, you can explore The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
Italian Wedding Traditions
When in Rome (or anywhere in Italy), do as the Romans do! Embrace these charming Italian wedding traditions to make your day even more special.
La Serenata: The night before the wedding, the groom serenades his bride under her window. Marco says it's trashy, but I don't care! I want one! Stay tuned...
Rice: is thrown at the couple coming out of the Church or wedding hall to symbolize a shower of fertility. In my Indian culture, guests usually throw flour petals, so after our civil wedding the guests threw both rice AND flour petals! (Warning: rice may get stuck in your shoes and clothes LOL)
Confetti and Bomboniere: Guests are given confetti (sugar-coated almonds) as a symbol of health, wealth, and happiness. Guests are also given boboniere, a small gift that they can take home and use for years to come. (.ie ceramics, olive oil pourers, sugar holders, plates, mokas, diffusers, mugs, jars, pottery, etc.)
Italy Wedding Packages and Costs
Let’s talk numbers. While getting married in Italy sounds like a fairy tale, it’s essential to be practical about the costs. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Venue Hire: €2,000 - €10,000+
Catering: €80 - €200 per person
Photography: €1,500 - €3,500
Florist: €1,000 - €3,000
Wedding Planner: €2,000 - €5,000
Budget-Friendly Tips
Local Vendors: Use local vendors to avoid hefty travel and accommodation fees.
Small Guest List: Keep your guest list intimate to cut down on catering and accommodation costs.
Time: Consider having your photographer, videographer, or other vendors for a shorter time.
Plan yourself: While a wedding planner can be helpful, a lot of the venues already have their own people in-house and go-to vendors. Personally, we're not using a wedding planner and have been doing everything ourselves with the help of our venue, vendors, and family. I might get a day-of wedding planner to be in charge of coordination on the day itself.
Planning an Italian Wedding on a Budget
You don’t have to sell your soul to afford an Italian wedding. Here are some savvy tips for planning a dream wedding without breaking the bank:
DIY Decorations: Channel your inner Martha Stewart and make your own decorations.
Simplify the Menu: Opt for a simpler menu with local, seasonal ingredients. Consider cutting down on a course, having a set drink list as opposed to a full open bar, and reducing the amount of aperitivo snack options offered by catering.
Venue Choices: Choose a less popular but equally stunning location.
Final Thoughts
From navigating the legal requirements to choosing the perfect venue, there is a lot of planning and organizing involved in planning an Italian wedding. However, getting married in Italy is more than just a ceremony; it’s an experience, and a memory that will last a lifetime. Try to remember to pause and enjoy the planning process, and celebrate each little victory as you get each legal document.
Ready to start planning? Buona fortuna! I hope that your Italian wedding will be magical, beautiful, and unforgettable. By following this guide and considering the suggestions above, you'll be well on your way to planning a stunning and unforgettable wedding in Italy. Happy planning, and here's to a lifetime of love and adventure!
Un bacio,
Amby
P.S. Want my free 17pg 2 Week Southern Italy itinerary? Get the guide here.
Photo Credits: A huge thank you to my friend and wedding photographer Darina Ivanova for capturing our special day.