Italy is the birth place of many philosophies, innovations and technologies that we use today. It is also one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Whether you are in the Italian countryside, in the canals of Venice or walking through the historical districts of Rome, Italy has a great selection of locations that make fabulous venues for your destination wedding. If you are interested in getting married in Italy then you need to learn the following information.
If you meet the basic requirements mentioned above, then your next step will be to gather the documents needed to apply for an Italian wedding license. Italy requires a few more documents than other popular European countries, however, with the wedding venues offered by Italy, the extra effort is worth it.
To start with you will need certified documents that identify you as an American citizen and that also establishes your age, place of birth and place of residence. Next you will need to produce documents that verify your ability to get married legally. If you have been married before then you will need to produce your divorce decree or your late spouse’s death certificate.
All marriage license applicants will also need to get four declarations called atto notorio from people who know you well, that states that you are single, divorced or widowed. These declarations will need to be witnessed by one of the following people: an Italian consulate in the U.S., Italian consulate in Italy, a town’s mayor or a town clerk. It is highly recommended that you take care of this before you leave the U.S. You will also need to make your own declaration affirming that, to the best of your knowledge, you are legally able to get married. Your declaration will need to be sworn before a U.S. Consulate officer at a U.S. Embassy or at a U.S. Consulate. Usually the consulate will charge about $55 to notarize your declaration.
Before you leave for Italy, or before you get to the registrar’s office, you will need to get each of your documents apostilled. This is an official certification by a Consulate Officer. A fee may be charged for this service.
Finally, you will need to get all of your documents translated into Italian and then certified by an Italian Consulate Office in the U.S. or in Italy. It is always a good idea to call ahead and schedule an appointment to get your apostilles and certifications. There are consulates in Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples.
Getting married in Italy will be either a three step process or a four step process. To start with you will need to file your intention to marry with an Ufficiale di Sato Civile. Make sure you file your intent in the town you plan to get married in.
The second step is to wait for the banns to be published. Banns are basically a wedding announcement that is posted at the city hall. Usually you will need to wait two Sundays after filing your intent if you or your spouse-to-be is an Italian citizen. If you are neither an Italian citizen nor resident, then this waiting period is usually waived. However, make sure you ask to make sure you get the waiver.
The third step is to complete your civil ceremony. According to Italian law, a civil ceremony is the only way to get a legal marriage, with the exception of getting married by a Roman Catholic priest. The Ufficiale di Sato Civile will usually perform the civil ceremony.
If you are interested in a religious wedding ceremony, and you are not Roman Catholic, then you will need to perform both a civil ceremony and a religious ceremony. In order to be approved for a non-Roman Catholic wedding ceremony, you will first need to get married in a civil ceremony.
Reference:
Book your international travel for your party’s destination wedding in Italy at 7728552.globaltravel.com/
