Officiating Weddings In Italy: What You Need To Know

Can I officiate a wedding in Italy?

Italy is a popular destination for weddings, with its vibrant culture, colourful traditions, and stunning scenery. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a wedding in Italy, especially if you want to officiate the ceremony. Here's a quick overview to get you started:

Legal Requirements:

Firstly, it's important to understand the legal requirements for marrying in Italy. The good news is that there is no residency requirement, so anyone can get married there. However, you must provide the necessary paperwork, including valid passports, birth certificates, and proof that there are no legal obstacles to the marriage. Same-sex marriage is not currently recognised in Italy, but civil unions are.

Religious or Civil Ceremony:

If you're planning a religious ceremony, it's important to know that the majority of weddings in Italy take place in a church due to the country's Catholic majority. For non-Catholic weddings, a civil ceremony must be incorporated to ensure the marriage is legally recognised. On the other hand, civil ceremonies can be held in any location approved by Italian authorities and are often conducted by the mayor or a government official.

Paperwork and Translation:

The paperwork required will depend on your nationality and whether it's a religious or civil ceremony. In general, you'll need to provide documents such as passports, birth certificates, divorce papers or death certificates if previously married, and an affidavit or Nulla Osta stating there are no legal impediments to the marriage. These documents may need to be translated into Italian and legalised through an Apostille procedure.

Timing and Witnesses:

It's recommended to start the process early, as there are often waiting lists, especially in popular towns and during certain seasons. You'll need to declare your intention to marry at least three days before the wedding and have two witnesses present.

Bilingual Wedding Planner:

Due to the complex nature of the Italian wedding process, it's highly recommended to hire a bilingual wedding planner or consult with local authorities to ensure you meet all the legal requirements.

This is just a brief overview, and specific requirements may vary depending on your unique circumstances. Be sure to consult official sources and local authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Residency and waiting period requirements

Italy has no legal residency requirement for a wedding. However, there are a few other requirements that must be met.

Firstly, there is a waiting period of 300 days for divorced or widowed women before they can marry again. This is to ensure that the woman is not pregnant with another man's child, which could result in a paternity suit.

Secondly, there is a waiting period of at least three days between declaring the intent to marry and the wedding ceremony. Americans marrying in Italy must appear before the civil registrar in the city in which they will marry at least three days before their wedding. They must bring two witnesses and declare their intention to marry, providing legal documentation. If neither party is an Italian citizen or resident and speaks Italian, a translator is mandatory.

Thirdly, banns (marriage announcements) are posted in the commune, or town hall, for at least two weeks before the wedding. This waiting period can be waived or shortened if neither individual is Italian or a resident of Italy.

Finally, there is a waiting period for the legalisation of documents. All documents originating outside of Italy must be translated into Italian and legalised with an Apostille stamp. This process can take several days, so it is important to plan ahead.

Paperwork and documentation

The paperwork and documentation required for a wedding in Italy will depend on the type of wedding ceremony, the nationalities and residency status of the couple, and the local requirements of the town hall where the marriage will take place.

Civil Weddings

For a civil wedding in Italy, the following documents are typically required:

• A valid passport or national ID card for both parties
• Original birth certificate or certified copy for both parties
• Divorce papers or a death certificate from a previous marriage, if applicable (if the previous marriage ended within the last 300 days and the individual getting remarried is a woman, she must obtain a waiver from the Italian District Attorney's Office)
• An affidavit, Nulla Osta or Dichiarazione Giurata sworn before a consular office of the couple's home country, stating that there is no legal impediment to the marriage in their home country
• An Atto Notorio signed by two witnesses, further confirming no legal impediment to the marriage (witnesses cannot be family members)
• A declaration of intent to marry, to be submitted to the civil registrar at the local marriage office in the city where the marriage will take place
• Two witnesses who are over 18 and possess valid photo identification (a witness cannot serve as an interpreter)

Religious Weddings

For a religious wedding in Italy, the required documents will depend on the specific religion. For example, a Catholic wedding may require the following additional documents:

• Baptism certificates
• Confirmation certificates
• Certificate of First Communion
• Nihil Obstat, a letter of no impediment to marry
• Proof of attendance of a premarital course
• A written letter of permission from the couple's priest

Additional Requirements for US Citizens

US citizens marrying in Italy must also:

• Appear before the civil registrar in the city where the marriage will take place at least three days beforehand, along with two witnesses
• Declare their intention to marry and provide legal documentation
• If neither party is an Italian citizen or resident and neither speaks Italian, a translator is mandatory

Additional Requirements for UK Citizens

UK citizens intending to marry in Italy should also be aware of the following:

• A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is required and is valid for 6 months in Italy (only 3 months if issued in Scotland)
• The CNI must be translated and legalised by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• A statutory declaration, to be signed in front of a notary or solicitor in the UK, is also required

Additional Requirements for Australian Citizens

Australian citizens should note that the following documents are required to obtain a *Nulla Osta*:

• Full birth certificates (showing parents' details)
• Evidence of any previous marriages (marriage certificates and divorce certificates)
• Australian passport
• Fee in cash (currently 50 AUD)

Additional Requirements for Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens wishing to marry in Italy cannot obtain a *Nulla Osta* from the Canadian government. Instead, they must request a declaration containing the relevant information, which is accepted by the Italian authorities. To do this, they must:

• Complete and swear an affidavit stating that there is no impediment to the marriage
• Present the following documents: valid Canadian passport; proof of Canadian citizenship (Canadian birth certificate or Certificate of Canadian Citizenship); full details of the future spouse (including full name, date and place of birth, residence, father's name, and mother's full maiden name); final divorce decree or death certificate of previous spouse (if applicable); and parents' consent (if the person is under marriageable age)
• Pay the appropriate fees

Additional Requirements for New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand citizens require a *Nulla Osta* issued by the New Zealand Embassy in Rome. To obtain this, they must submit the following:

• Original Certificate of No Impediment issued by Births, Deaths & Marriages from the Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand
• Certified copies of the biodata pages of their passports
• A completed and signed form "Particulars for inclusion in a Nulla Osta"
• Fee of €40, payable to the 'New Zealand Embassy' by bank draft (an additional fee of €30 is required if they want their documents returned by courier)
• Original copy of the decree nisi or order of dissolution of previous marriage, if applicable
• Covering letter with contact details, wedding planner contact details, wedding date and place, and any other relevant information

Additional Requirements for Irish Citizens

Irish citizens with permanent residency in New Zealand should follow the requirements for New Zealand citizens outlined above.

Additional Requirements for Canadian-Filipino Couples

For a Canadian-Filipino couple to marry in Italy, the Filipino partner must obtain an affidavit signed by both parents, as well as any other documents required by the Italian authorities.

Additional Requirements for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens require an affidavit signed by both parents, as well as any other documents required by the Italian authorities.

Additional Requirements for Chinese Citizens

Chinese citizens living in Canada as permanent residents must obtain a *Nulla Osta* from the Italian Embassy, as well as any other documents required by the Italian authorities.

Additional Requirements for Ethiopian Citizens

Ethiopian citizens must submit a birth certificate, CNI, and any other documents required by the Italian authorities.

Additional Requirements for Lebanese and Turkish Citizens

Lebanese and Turkish citizens must submit any documents required by the Italian authorities.

Additional Requirements for Greek Citizens

Greek citizens should consult the local town hall for a definitive list of documents required, as well as the timing for submitting them.

Additional Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

Nigerian citizens must submit any documents required by the Italian authorities.

Civil and religious ceremonies

Italy recognises civil and religious weddings, and civil weddings can be legally recognised around the world. Civil ceremonies can take place in any location approved by Italian authorities, including outdoors. Many villas, castles, public gardens and town halls are approved for use, as long as the location is officially licensed. A civil ceremony will be performed by the mayor or another government official, and an interpreter is required if neither person in the wedding party speaks Italian.

For a Catholic wedding, at least one member of the couple must be Catholic. A Catholic ceremony can also have civil validity, but it is recommended that couples get civilly married in their home country before the ceremony to avoid the hassle of preparing both sets of documents. The Catholic documents and pre-cana classes required are the same worldwide. You will need to obtain the nihil obstat from your local diocese, signed by your bishop, to be married in an Italian parish. There is plenty of time to obtain these documents, as they cannot be received any earlier than six months before the wedding, and it is not unusual to provide them one month before.

A symbolic blessing is the simplest, most intimate and most flexible way to arrange your wedding in Italy. You are free to choose the text of the ceremony, and you will be assisted with details such as music, the bride being given away, readings, prayers and blessings, the exchange of vows and personal pledges, and a signed certificate. A symbolic blessing may be held anywhere that fits your needs – most often outdoor villa settings, overlooking the Tuscan countryside, on the terrace of a medieval castle, on beaches, or in unconsecrated chapels at private villas and hotels.

The marriage certificate

Types of Marriage Certificates

In Italy, there are four different formats of marriage certificates:

• Marriage Certificate (Certificato di matrimonio): This certificate includes essential registration information such as the act and registration number, as well as personal details of the couple, the date, and the place of the wedding.
• Extract of Marriage Record (Estratto dell'atto di matrimonio): The extract confirms the date of the marriage and specifies the personal details of the couple. It may also include additional information such as residence, citizenship, and property regime.
• Multilingual Extract of Marriage Record (Estratto dell'atto di matrimonio multilingua): This certificate is issued in multiple languages and is valid in several European countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, among others.
• Complete Copy of the Marriage Record (Copia integrale dell'atto di matrimonio): This is a certified copy of the marriage record that includes the names of the spouses, their dates and places of birth, and the date of marriage. It may also include marginal notes such as the name of the parish priest, church, residence, citizenship, and property regime.

Obtaining the Marriage Certificate

To obtain your marriage certificate, you must apply to the Civil Registry Office (ufficio anagrafe e stato civile) at the town hall (comune) where the wedding will take place. The application must be made in Italian, and you must provide all relevant information. There is no central office that keeps marriage records, so the application must be made directly to the local authority. A fee is charged for issuing the certificate, and you should contact the office to arrange for mailing the document.

Legalisation and Translation

It is important to note that all documents originating from outside Italy, including birth certificates, divorce decrees, etc., must be legalised for use in the country. This can be done by obtaining an Apostille stamp from the Legalisation Office of the Italian Prefettura. Additionally, these documents must be translated into Italian. The translation can be done by a registered translator recognised by the Italian courts.

Timing and Planning

Obtaining the necessary documents and certificates for your wedding in Italy may take some time, so it is crucial to plan ahead. The timing may vary depending on the location and the time of year, with certain seasons and popular destinations having longer waiting lists. It is recommended to start the process at least several months in advance to ensure that all requirements are met and your marriage certificate is ready for your special day.

Additional requirements for US citizens

US citizens wishing to officiate a wedding in Italy must be aware of the following requirements and regulations. While Italy recognises civil and religious weddings, there are specific procedures that must be followed, especially for US citizens. Here are the additional requirements for US citizens looking to officiate a wedding in Italy:

Nulla Osta

US citizens must obtain a Nulla Osta, also known as an affidavit or sworn statement, from the American Consulate in Italy. This document needs to be legalised with an Apostille stamp, which can be done at the local Prefettura in Italy. The fee for the Nulla Osta is typically around 50 US dollars, and the administrative fee for legalisation is an additional 16 euros. It is important to plan ahead as the Nulla Osta must be obtained and legalised before the wedding.

Atto Notorio

The Atto Notorio is a statutory declaration that must be signed by the American citizen in front of the Italian Consul in the USA. This process requires two to four witnesses, depending on the state of residence, and relevant documentation. Alternatively, the declaration can be made before a local court in Italy, again with two witnesses and passports. Obtaining the Atto Notorio in the USA is generally recommended, as it can be more crowded and time-consuming in larger Italian cities. However, if done in Italy, it is important to allow sufficient time, preferably arriving in the country at least a full week before the wedding.

Documentation

In addition to the Nulla Osta and Atto Notorio, US citizens must provide several documents, including valid US passports, birth certificates, and evidence of termination of any previous marriages. These documents must be legalised for use in Italy and translated into Italian. It is important to note that all documents originating outside of Italy are only considered valid for six months from the date of issue, so timely preparation is crucial.

Residency and Marital Status

The specific procedures for the wedding may vary depending on the residency and marital status of the US citizen. If the citizen is a resident of Italy, they will need to apply for a Notice of Marriage at their local Commune (town hall/registrar). Additionally, if the previous marriage was terminated within the last 300 days, a waiver from the Italian District Attorney's Office is required, along with medical evidence of non-pregnancy.

Timing and Fees

US citizens should be mindful of the timing and fees associated with the process. It is recommended to book a meeting with the US consulate in the relevant city at least two months before arriving in Italy. Additionally, there may be administrative fees, such as the 16 euro revenue stamp for the Dichiarazione Giurata/Nulla Osta. Planning ahead and allowing sufficient time for document preparation and legalisation is crucial to ensure a smooth process.

Frequently asked questions