Wedding Styles

A civil union in Italy is a legal relationship between two same‐sex adults that provides similar
rights and obligations to marriage, with the exception of adoption:

Requirements: To enter into a civil union, a couple must:
Contact the town hall's Vital Record's Office (Anagrafe)
Provide the required documents, including a valid passport, an affidavit, and an “Atto Notorio”
Make a declaration to the town hall registrar in the presence of two witnesses
Ceremony: The ceremony is performed by the mayor or their substitute at the local town hall or
a venue with a town hall permit. The ceremony is conducted in Italian and lasts about 20
minutes.
Registrations: The civil registrar enters the partnership into the civil records.
Property regime: The couple can choose a property regime, or the community of property
regime will apply by default.
Common surname: The couple can choose to take a common surname.
Civil unions are prevented or voided if:
Either party is already married or in a same‐sex civil partnership
One party lacks mental capacity
The parties are related by blood, affinity, adoption, or "affiliation" within a degree that would
prevent marriage.
Town hall fees apply to all civil unions in Italy, regardless the citizenship and the type of
ceremony.
For wedding appointments with the registrar, it is recommended to arrive in Italy
⦁ CEE European countries: 2‐3 working days prior (Mon. to Fri.)
⦁ NON‐EU countries, rest of the world: 5 working days prior (Mon. to Fri.)

* this information is only indicative. the arrival time may vary based on your
citizenship and residency status. Check before making any travel arrangement

Humanist ceremonies in Italy are non‐religious, secular ceremonies that are an alternative to
civil or religious ceremonies. They are unique and personal, and focus on the couple's values,
personality, and emotions.

Here are some places that offer humanist ceremonies in Italy:
Just Get Married in Italy: Offers humanist, symbolic, and commitment renewal ceremonies in
any location in Italy.
Italian Wedding Celebrants: Offers humanist weddings, symbolic weddings, non‐denominational
weddings, and vow renewals in many locations in Italy, including Venice, Rome, Tuscany, and the
Amalfi Coast.
Humanist ceremonies typically last 20–45 minutes, depending on what is included. They can
include traditional rituals like exchanging rings or handfasting, but they don't include any
religious aspects. However, readings from others may include religious content.
A symbolic wedding ceremony in Italy can be officiated by a family member, close friend, or
professional wedding celebrant.

A traditional wedding is a celebration that honors a couple's cultural or religious heritage, and
carries on family traditions. It often takes place in a culturally or religiously significant venue, like
a church or synagogue, and includes rituals and symbolic gestures. Some elements of a
traditional wedding include:

Exchange of vows: The couple publicly declares their commitment to each other.
Officiant: Traditionally, an ordained religious leader, like a priest or rabbi, officiates the
ceremony.
Ritual visits: The families of the bride and groom make ritual visits to each other.
Gift exchange: The families of the bride and groom exchange gifts.
Wedding attire: Wedding attire varies by culture. For example, in most American weddings, the
bride wears a white wedding dress. In Asian cultures, the bride wears a red Qipao, and red
packets are given as gifts.
Symbolic gestures: Some cultures include symbolic gestures, like the breaking of glass in Jewish
weddings.
In contrast to a traditional wedding, a modern wedding is more personalized and tailored to the
couple's preferences.

Eloping in Italy is a great way to get married in a romantic setting without the expense and
elaborate planning of a traditional wedding. Elopement is not necessarily a secret, it is simply a
small intimate wedding that may consist only of you and your partner in front of an officiant or
it could include a small group of family and close friends. It can be as modest or as lavish as you
wish.

Here are some things to consider when planning an elopement in Italy:

Legal requirements: You'll need to obtain the following documents:
A valid passport or national ID
Your original birth certificate
A divorce certificate or certificate of death if you've been married before
An affidavit sworn before a consul in your home country, such as a Nulla Osta or Dichiarazione
Giurata
An Atto Notorio signed by two witnesses
A declaration of intent to marry that will go to the civil registrar
Ceremony: You'll need two witnesses for the ceremony to be legally binding. If you don't speak
Italian, you'll need an official translator.
Location: Italy has many beautiful places to elope, including the Dolomites, the shores of Sicily,
and the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Season: Fall is a great time to elope because of the milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Celebrant: You can enlist the help of a local, English‐speaking celebrant who can explain the
process and help you file the documentation.
Interpreter: You might need an official interpreter if you don't speak Italian.

For wedding appointments with the registrar, it is recommended to arrive in Italy
CEE European countries: 2-3 working days prior (Mon. to Fri.)
NON-EU countries, rest of the world: 5 working days prior (Mon. to Fri.)

* this information is only indicative. the arrival time may vary based on your citizenship and
residency status. Check before making any travel arrangements.

Catholic weddings in Italy are subject to several laws and requirements, including:
Religious requirements: At least one spouse must be Catholic. If one spouse is not Catholic, the
local Bishop must approve the wedding. If either spouse has been married before, they must
have an annulment from the Catholic Church.

Paperwork: The Italian Curia must receive religious paperwork at least two months before the
wedding. The paperwork must include baptism and confirmation certificates.
Civil requirements: Depending on the church, a civil ceremony may be required before arriving
in Italy. The bride and groom must be single, legally divorced, or widowed.
Preparation: Couples should begin preparing at least six to eight months before the wedding.
This includes attending pre‐Cana classes and collecting the required documentation.
Ceremony: The ceremony is usually a full mass service that lasts about 50–60 minutes. The
ceremony includes the exchange of vows and rings, the Communion ritual, and the blessing of
the bride, groom, and guests.
Dress code: Bare shoulders are not permitted in church for the bride or guests.
Donations: Many churches prefer a donation from the couple.
Marriage certificate: The couple receives a Catholic marriage certificate to prove their union

.

* Required documents should be provided to Posh Event Venues at least 2 months before the
wedding date.