Deborah Chan
As of March 2021, weddings are allowed in Italy. Wedding venues must follow certain precautions, such as ensuring a 2-metre distance between tables or a 1-metre distance between chairs. There are several traditions, legalities, and requirements to be aware of when planning a wedding in Italy. For example, Friday weddings are uncommon in Italy due to superstition, and June and September are considered perfect months for a wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of publication | March 10, 2021 |
| Weddings allowed? | Yes |
| Buffet allowed? | Yes |
| Number of guests | 150-250 |
| Social distancing | 2 meters between tables or 1 meter between chairs |
| Legal wedding requirements | Civil, Catholic, and religious weddings are recognized as legally binding. |
| Legal wedding requirements for non-Italian residents | Submit documents to the legal marriage office months before the desired wedding date. |
| Catholic wedding requirements | Obtain documents from the local parish and the parish where the wedding will take place in Italy. Allow 2-3 months for processing. |
| Symbolic weddings | Not legally binding but allowed. |
| Same-sex partnerships | Can be made official through a civil union. |
| Wedding traditions | The groom must ask the bride's father for permission to marry his daughter before proposing. The groom should not see the bride before the wedding. The bride wears green on the wedding eve and avoids gold besides her wedding ring. |
| Wedding timing | June or September are perfect due to milder weather and lower prices. |
| Wedding location | Consider the region, ease of travel and accommodation for guests, food, and scenery. Popular regions include Lombardy, Liguria, and Tuscany. |
| Wedding budget | Consider taxes such as VAT (IVA) and music tax (SIAE). |
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 restrictions
As of March 2021, weddings have been allowed again in Italy. However, there are some COVID-19 restrictions and precautions in place to ensure the safety of attendees.
Firstly, there must be a 2-metre distance between tables or a 1-metre distance between chairs, requiring a large and spacious venue. While there are no longer restrictions on guest numbers, a spacious venue is necessary to accommodate all guests with adequate distancing.
Buffets are permitted, and meals can be served either by waiters or as a self-service option. It is recommended to choose the waiter service to elevate the elegance of the event and reduce health risks.
For Catholic weddings, the usual requirements and paperwork are necessary. Couples must comply with the requirements of the church, and if one party is not Catholic, additional documentation is required. This includes a certificate from the local bishop's office, usually issued by the local bishop of your country, permitting the 'mixed religion' of the couple. All documents must be originals and sent directly to the Italian Curia. If time does not allow, the originals can be brought and shown to the priest a day or two before the wedding. However, this option is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
Additionally, an affidavit, Nulla Osta, or Dichiarazione Giurata from a consular office of your home country is required to prove you are legally allowed to marry. This is also known as a 'No Impediment Certificate (NIC)'. If you have been married before, divorce papers are necessary, and if widowed, a death certificate is required.
Music played at the wedding also needs to be registered for an SIAE permit from the Italian performing rights organisation.
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Legal requirements
Italy recognises civil, Catholic, and religious weddings from all faiths as legally binding. Here are the legal requirements for each type of wedding:
Civil Weddings
Civil weddings must be celebrated in a venue approved by the Italian government for legal marriages. Civil weddings must be in Italian to be legally binding, so an interpreter is required if you don't speak or understand Italian. Civil notifications must be posted for two consecutive weeks before the wedding, including two Sundays. If neither party is an Italian citizen or resident, you may contact the office to waive this requirement.
Catholic Weddings
For Catholic weddings, at least one member of the couple must be Catholic. Couples who are not Italian residents and nationals should allocate two to four months for the processing of their Catholic wedding documents. It may take weeks to obtain the required documents from your local parish, and you must submit them to the local marriage office in Italy at least seven weeks before your wedding date. It is best to get in touch with your local parish for an accurate time frame and additional requirements. If one of you is not Catholic, you should provide additional documents testifying that your wedding can be performed by the Italian religious authorities. This certificate is usually issued by the local bishop of your country, but your local priest can help you obtain this document.
Religious Weddings
Religious weddings from all faiths are recognised as legally binding in Italy. As long as you follow the rules and requirements of your faith, your religious ceremony will be considered a legal wedding. For non-Catholic religious weddings, a civil ceremony must be incorporated into the marriage before a wedding is officially legal. You will be required to prove you're civilly married before you can celebrate in a religious house of worship.
General Legal Requirements
To be legally married in Italy, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18, you must obtain written parental consent. You will also need to submit a declaration of intent to marry to the local marriage office of the city where you will hold the ceremony. Once the office has processed your document, you will receive an official invitation to set the date of your wedding. You will need to provide paperwork that certifies your identity and that there are no legal obstacles to your marriage. This includes the Nulla Osta or Dichiarazione Giurata, showing that there is no legal impediment to your marriage, and the Atto Notorio as additional proof of no legal impediment, which must be signed by two witnesses who cannot be family members.
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Traditions and superstitions
Italy is known for its rich history and culture, which is also reflected in its wedding traditions and superstitions. Here are some of the most notable customs:
Traditions
- Legal Requirements: In Italy, civil weddings, Catholic weddings, and religious weddings from all faiths are legally recognised. Couples intending to marry must submit the necessary documents to the local marriage office months before their desired wedding date.
- Rehearsal Dinner: It is customary for Italian weddings to include a rehearsal dinner filled with meaningful toasts. "Per Cent'anni" ("for a hundred years") and "Evviva gli sposi" ("hooray for the newlywed couple") are commonly offered to the couple.
- Serenade: In the tradition of La Serenata, the bride is serenaded beneath her window on the night before the wedding.
- Flowers: Flowers play a significant role in Italian weddings, with extravagant arrangements adorning the bride's bouquet, the couple's car, and the reception centrepieces. Fiori d'arancio, or orange blossoms, symbolise purity and innocence and are often incorporated into the bride's hair, bouquet, or wedding cake decorations. White flower petals leading from the door to the altar during the processional are also considered good luck.
- Receiving Line: In a traditional Italian wedding, the couple are the last to leave the ceremony. Friends and family form a 'receiving line' outside the venue to witness their first steps as a married couple. Guests toss colourful paper confetti or rice and shout well-wishes such as "Evviva gli sposi" and "Auguri!".
Superstitions
- Evil Eye: Italian weddings often include rituals to ward off the 'evil eye' and prevent evil spirits from disrupting the ceremony. Friday is considered an unlucky day for a wedding, as it is believed to be the day evil spirits are created.
- Bride's Reflection: According to Italian superstition, the bride must not see her reflection in her wedding dress before the ceremony unless she removes at least one glove or shoe. This is believed to bring bad luck to the wedding day.
- Something Old, Something New: Italian brides follow the tradition of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, adding their twist by also wearing something received as a gift.
- Veil Length: Superstition dictates that veil length should be proportional to the length of the engagement—about 3 feet for every year betrothed.
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Guest logistics
When planning a wedding in Italy, it is important to consider the logistics for your guests. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Timing and Invitations:
It is recommended to send out invitations earlier than the typical six to eight weeks to allow your guests ample time to make travel arrangements and accommodations. This will also enable them to take advantage of early bird discounts.
Location and Accommodation:
Consider the ease of travel to your chosen location in Italy. Is it near an airport, and is there accessible and affordable accommodation nearby? You may also want to suggest suitable attire for your guests, depending on the season, venue, and time of day. For instance, breathable fabrics are ideal for summer weddings in Italy.
Legal Requirements:
Ensure your guests are aware of any legal requirements they may need to meet. For instance, if your wedding is a Catholic ceremony, women are expected to dress modestly, with their shoulders and necklines covered.
Budgeting:
Be mindful of your guests' budgets. While a destination wedding can be costly for guests, giving them ample time to plan and book their travel can help make it more affordable. Also, consider the time of year, as prices may be better outside of school holidays.
Food and Entertainment:
Buffets are allowed, and waiters can serve your guests. There is no need to reduce your guest list due to venue capacity constraints. However, do keep in mind any dietary preferences or restrictions your guests may have. Additionally, if you plan to have music at your wedding, remember to register for an SIAE permit from the Italian performing rights organisation.
By considering these guest logistics, you can ensure that your guests have a smooth and enjoyable experience at your wedding in Italy.
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Catholic weddings
As of July 2023, Catholic weddings in Italy are legally binding. If you are planning a Catholic wedding in Italy, there are a few things to keep in mind and some requirements to meet. Firstly, at least one of the spouses must be Catholic. If one spouse is not Catholic, you will need to obtain a "Permission of Mixed Religion" document from your local bishop. This document must be stamped by the Bishop's office and should be included with the other required documents.
The next step is to contact your local parish and the parish in Italy where you plan to marry. They will provide you with a list of requirements and instructions. You will need to submit several documents to the local marriage office in Italy, and it is recommended to start this process at least six to eight months before the wedding. These documents include:
- A declaration of intent to marry.
- Pre-marriage preparation or pre-cana class certificate.
- Baptism certificates.
- Confirmation certificates.
- A prenuptial inquiry or prenuptial investigation, including the Nulla Osta or nihil obstat.
- A letter from your priest stating that they know you and allow your wedding in Italy, written on parish letterhead.
- A booklet with the text of the ceremony, available at least one month before the wedding.
It is important to note that if you have been divorced, you will need to obtain an annulment recognised by the Church to marry in a Catholic church in Italy. Additionally, the wedding attire should be sensitive, with no bare shoulders.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, weddings are allowed in Italy. Most Italian regions have given the possibility to hold private events, such as weddings. However, there are some precautions to be taken to guarantee the safety of those who will attend these events.
Italy recognizes civil, Catholic, and religious weddings from all faiths as legally binding. A 'Nulla Osta' or 'No Impediment Certificate' is required to prove that you are legally allowed to get married. The required documents will depend on the couple's nationality and the type of ceremony they wish to have.
Some Italian wedding traditions include:
- The groom must ask the bride's father for permission to marry his daughter before proposing.
- The groom is not allowed to see the bride before the wedding.
- The bride wears green on the wedding eve, which is considered lucky.
- The best day to get married is on a Sunday, which is considered the luckiest day and represents a happy marriage full of children.
