Dream wedding in Italy: a guide for UK, US and Canadian citizens
A dream wedding in Italy—just the phrase evokes images of rolling vineyards, charming stone villages, romantic candlelit dinners, and vows exchanged under the Tuscan sun. Italy is the ultimate destination for couples from the UK, US, and Canada who want a magical and memorable wedding experience. But before you book the villa and pack your suitcase, it’s important to understand the legal requirements and logistics.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to legally marry in Italy and turn your destination wedding into the dream wedding in Italy you’ve always imagined.
Legal Requirements for a Dream Wedding in Italy
UK Citizens
Certificate of No Impediment (CNI): Request from your local registry office.
Legalization: The CNI must be apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Translation: It must be professionally translated into Italian.
Atto Notorio: A sworn declaration, either at the Italian consulate or with a notary in Italy.
Marriage Declaration: Submit this at the Comune (town hall) where you’ll get married.
Civil Ceremony: Must take place at an authorized venue like a Casa Comunale.
Post-Ceremony Legalization: Translate and legalize the Italian marriage certificate for UK recognition.
Legal Requirements for a Dream Wedding in Italy
Us Citizens
Affidavit (Dichiarazione Giurata): Signed at the US Embassy or Consulate in Italy.
Atto Notorio: Sworn statement done at the consulate or in Italy with two witnesses.
Marriage Declaration: Submitted to the Comune.
Civil Ceremony: Held at a legally recognized venue.
Legalization: The marriage certificate must be translated and apostilled for US recognition.
canadian Citizens
Affidavit: Done at the Canadian Consulate in Italy.
Atto Notorio: Required before the wedding, at the consulate or notary with two witnesses.
Civil Ceremony: Takes place at a Casa Comunale and must be officiated by a local official.
Legalization: Your Italian marriage certificate should be translated and legalized for Canada.
Civil vs. Religious Ceremonies in Italy
Civil Ceremonies
Perfect for couples dreaming of a legally binding wedding in Italy. These ceremonies are officiated by a civil registrar or mayor at a legally approved venue.
Learn more about this: Casa Comunale and Wedding Venues in Italy – Avoid Legal Pitfalls
Religious Ceremonies
Catholic weddings can be legally recognized in Italy with proper documentation (baptism, confirmation, marriage prep course).
For other religions, couples must first complete a civil wedding for legal recognition.
Choosing the Perfect Venue for Your Dream Wedding in Italy
Italy offers stunning wedding venues, but not all are approved for legal ceremonies. Here’s what to know:
Casa Comunale
A legally recognized venue such as:
Town halls in beautiful historic buildings
Licensed gardens or villas
Outdoor spaces with special permissions
Private Villas & Airbnb Weddings
While dreamy, most are not authorized for legal weddings. Some exceptions exist, but many couples choose a symbolic ceremony here after a civil wedding at the town hall.
Symbolic Ceremonies
This is the most flexible option for creating your dream wedding in Italy. Have a quick civil wedding beforehand, then host a symbolic celebration anywhere you like—on a clifftop, in a vineyard, or by a serene lake.
Marrying an Italian Citizen
If you’re marrying an Italian citizen who lives abroad, expect a few more steps:
The Italian partner needs a Nulla Osta from their local consulate.
You may need a Certificate of Capacity to Marry and supporting documents like birth certificates and proof of residence—translated and legalized.
Register the marriage with the Italian consulate afterward to ensure it’s legally valid in Italy.
Personal tip: When I got married, we had a legal ceremony at Bergen town hall and a symbolic one near my hometown in Tuscany. Years later, I discovered our marriage hadn’t been registered in Italy—oops! Luckily, it was easy to fix, but it’s a great reminder to double-check the paperwork.
Tips to Make Your Dream Wedding in Italy a Reality
Start early: The paperwork process can take several weeks or even months.
Choose the right venue: Check if it’s legally approved—or plan a symbolic celebration.
Hire local experts: A local planner or bilingual photographer can guide you through the legal and cultural details.
Enjoy the journey: Your wedding in Italy will be more than a day—it will be an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you picture a candlelit dinner under the olive trees, a ceremony in a centuries-old church, or a rustic-chic wedding in a Tuscan vineyard, planning your dream wedding in Italy is possible—with the right preparation and a little bit of la dolce vita.
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