Marriage in Italy for Foreigners: What You Really Need to get Married Here (without Losing your Mind)
Getting married in Italy is the dream of many foreign couples.
But between breathtaking landscapes and fabulous food, there’s a small detail that often creates more stress than expected: the bureaucracy.
The good news? It’s not as complicated as it seems. You just need to know what’s required, when to act, and who to trust. In this article, we’ll explain step by step how marriage in Italy works for foreigners, without frills and with some practical advice that can save you time and nerves.
Who Can get Married in Italy?
All foreign couples can get married in Italy, whether it’s a civil union, religious marriage, or symbolic ceremony.
The main options are:
Civil marriage (official, legally recognized in your home country as well);
Religious marriage with civil value (e.g., Catholic marriage with concordat rite);
Symbolic marriage (has no legal value, but is perfect for those who have already celebrated in their own country and just want to experience the Italian experience).
The type of marriage chosen affects all the documentation requirements.
Required Documents: What You Need to Know
Each country has its own rules, but generally, to get married in Italy you need:
Valid passport or identity document;
Birth certificate;
Certificate of capacity to marry (Nulla Osta or equivalent);
Official translations and legalizations (apostille or consular legalization, depending on the countries);
Substitute declaration of notoriety (often required to clarify marital status);
Formal request to the Italian municipality where you want to get married.
Each municipality may have slightly different procedures, so it’s always advisable to contact the local civil registry office well in advance.
Timeline? At least 4-6 months before the planned date is good to start collecting documents, especially for those coming from non-EU countries.
Why It’s Worth Trusting an Experienced Venue
It’s not just a matter of paperwork. A venue that already has experience with foreign couples’ weddings can really make a difference:
speaks English, German and knows how to communicate with embassies and consulates;
guides you in choosing between civil, symbolic or religious ceremony;
can suggest an official interpreter (mandatory in some cases);
knows how to manage guests arriving from multiple countries with different needs.
Al Burnec, for example, welcomes couples from Switzerland, Germany and Northern Europe every year. Our experience allows us to support you in everything: from choosing the ceremony to document logistics, to guest accommodation.
A Practical Tip: Consider a Symbolic Marriage
If the bureaucratic timeline is too tight or the documents too complex, many couples choose the simpler route:
they get legally married in their home country;
they celebrate a symbolic ceremony in Italy, identical to the official one but without document stress.
The effect is the same (and so are the photos!), but with much more freedom and flexibility. And it’s a perfect formula for those who want a dream wedding without legal nightmares.
Quick FAQ to Avoid Getting Lost
Is an interpreter needed for the ceremony?
Yes, if neither spouse speaks Italian, an interpreter is mandatory for civil marriages.
Do documents need to be translated?
Yes, by a sworn translator or with apostille, depending on the country of origin.
Can you get married in a municipality even if you’re not a resident?
Yes, but you need to make a formal application and book in advance.
How many days before should you be in Italy?
We recommend at least 2-3 days before the ceremony to finalize everything and avoid surprises.
Your Fairy Tale Begins Here
Bureaucracy is just a step. What remains is the beauty of the moment, the emotion of saying “yes” surrounded by greenery, light and happiness.
If you’re thinking of getting married in Italy, write to us. We’ll help you build your perfect wedding, without complications.
