Civil Marriages in Italy
Civil marriage between foreign nationals is increasingly popular in Italy, partly because it has recently been made a lot more straightforward, in theory at least. However Italy is a notoriously bureaucratic country and there can be quite a lot of hassle in practice, mainly with delays in dealing with documents.
For this reason it is advised to have a wedding planner or someone with experience of arranging weddings in the area in which you will marry to assist with the documentation at least.
Locations for Civil Marriages
In most regions of Italy weddings can take place in hotels or villas as an alternative to the registry office. There are some restrictions, for example a wedding cannot be held outdoors.
Some areas only allow weddings in a registry office, but as these are usually located in historic and beautiful buildings this is not as soulless an option as it would be in some other countries.
Documentation
All documentation needs to be translated into Italian by an approved translator. The Italian Embassy in your country will be able to provide a list.
- Birth certificates
- Valid current passport
- A Certificate of Freedom to Marry [info]
This should be completed and returned to the registry office where you will marry not more than 12 weeks and not less than 8 weeks before the marriage takes place - In the case of a divorced person
Important: In Italy a divorced person cannot marry until at least 300 days have elapsed since the issuing of a Decree Absolute.- A copy of your Decree Absolute
- In some areas you may need an affidavit by a 3rd person drawn up in the presence of a solicitor, stating that since the date of divorce you did not re-marry.
- In the case of widowed person
- Certificate of your first marriage
- Death certificate of deceased spouse
- You may be asked for an affidavit by a 3rd person drawn up in the presence of a solicitor, stating that since death of former spouse you did not re-marry.
- Parental consent to marry if under 18.
Residency
There is no legal residency requirement in Italy, but local regulations vary and some registry offices require that you register 2-3 days before the wedding takes place.
Publication of Banns
For marriages between Italian nationals it is a requirement that banns be posted for at least two weeks (it varies by locality) before a wedding licence is issued.
This requirement is often waived in the case of marriages between non-nationals, but it is important to check this with the registrars office in the area where you plan to marry.
Interpreters
By law in Italy an official interpreter must be present at all marriages between foreign nationals. This is the case even if the couple being married speak Italian. The registry office will supply you with a list of interpreters in the area.
Marriage Certificates
A Marriage Certificate will be provided by the registrar immediately after the wedding.