Italy embraces all religions: Catholic Weddings, Protestant Weddings, Jewish Weddings, Interfaith Weddings, Muslim Weddings are just some of the faiths celebrating marriage on Italian soil. The Catholic Church alone has civil jurisdiction to hold a religious and civil combined ceremony, but other faiths may hold a Civil Ceremony prior to their Blessing for the same legal standing. This can be done either in Italy in one of the spectacular Civil Wedding Halls or at home before arriving.
Catholic Weddings require a considerable amount of paperwork which must be translated and sent to the diocese in Italy. It is important to start early, at least 6 months before your date. We guide you through the entire process and follow your paperwork through the channels just like a Fedex package!
In the event one of you is not catholic, there is a procedure to follow and though not all Catholic churches will allow a mixed marriage, they usually are open to a compromise.
Protestant Weddings are held either in a consecrated church with the Catholic Parishoner’s permission, or in any non-consecrated church you choose. Some Protestant Celebrants will celebrate in Symbolic locations such as lakeside Estates, seaside terraces, Villa gardens. A true Protestant Blessing has some paperwork requirements which are generally a “getting to know you” with the Celebrant.
The Italian Jewish Community is strong and widespread throughout the country. There are a number of synagogues in Italy and Associations for the Jewish World. Interfaith marriages are celebrated as well, and although these may not be held in a synagogue, there are many locations to setup your chupah and have your ceremony in the Jewish tradition.

3 Simple Steps

1. Choose your location: Some churches are closed to non-parishoners, so you need to start scouting around early. Many non-consecrated churches are privately owned and having your wedding in their chapel may also mean staying in their farmhouses and having your reception on the estate. For Catholic Weddings you will need to know the diocese the church falls under in order for your priest to forward paperwork to the right person.

2. Book your Wedding Date and Promise Date.

Catholic Weddings: If you are having a catholic with civil ceremony you will need to book your wedding with the church and your promise at the town hall, where you will go a couple days before your ceremony. There are no fees for your promise.

Other faiths: If you are having your religious and legal ceremony in Italy, you will need to book a date for both ceremonies plus a date for your Wedding Promise, a couple days before your wedding. This is where you will take your legally binding paperwork (see next step). Each town government establishes a fee schedule for residents and non-residents and these fees are subject to change each year.

Booking rules are also set by the town government and though times for advance booking may differ considerably from town to town, the typical timeframe is six months prior to the wedding date. Paperwork is submitted to the town hall wedding office when the couple goes to sign their wedding promise two or three days before the wedding date.

3. Start your paperwork.
Religious requirements depend on your faith. Start your paperwork at least 6 months prior to your date.
Civil requirements focus on certification of no-impediment to marriage from the couple's country and/or sworn statements/affidavits attesting freedom to marry. EU citizens go through their Consulate Generals with ease, while non-EU citizens require apostilles and translations on all paperwork brought from home.
Although the paperwork is simple and the steps are clear, it is always best to hire a local person to deal with the Italian authorities and the religious organizations to make sure the process goes smoothly. This person may also act as translator as required by law for the wedding promise and wedding day ceremony.

Two witnesses are required to be present during the ceremony and sign the official register alongside the bride, the groom and the translator. All must be at least 18 years old and have a valid passport or ID.

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