What Is SIAE – And why do you have to pay it for your wedding in Italy?
april 22, 2025
What Is SIAE?
What is SIAE
SIAE stands for Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori, or the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers. It’s the organization that protects the rights of artists, composers, and musicians in Italy.
When you play music at a wedding — whether it’s from a DJ, live band, or even a playlist — you’re technically using someone else’s creative work. SIAE ensures that those artists get paid.
That’s why SIAE fees are required for weddings in Italy — it’s about copyright, not just music.
What is SIAE
Is SIAE Mandatory for Weddings?
Yes. According to Italian copyright law, you must pay the SIAE license if you play copyrighted music at your event.
Even though your wedding is a private celebration, SIAE still applies if there’s music being played in a venue or setting where people gather. That includes:
DJ sets
Live music
Dinner playlists
First dance songs
Who Is Responsible for Paying the SIAE?
In most cases, the couple is responsible for arranging and paying the SIAE license. Some venues or planners might help, but don’t assume — always ask.
Here’s a breakdown of who does what:
You (the couple): apply and pay for the SIAE license
DJ/Band: submit the borderò, a list of songs they will play
Venue: not responsible unless it’s included in your contract. Here’s how to choose the right venue in Italy — and what to ask about.
How to Pay the SIAE License as a Foreigner
The process may seem complicated, especially if you don’t speak Italian — but you can pay for SIAE online from abroad. Here’s how:
Visit siae.it
Navigate to Eventi Privati (Private Events)
Choose “Trattenimenti Privati con Musica” (Private Parties with Music)
Select the event type – e.g., “Wedding Reception”
Fill out your event details:
Date, time, location
Type of music (live, DJ, background)
Number of guests
Pay the license fee with a credit card
Tip: Use Google Translate or ask your wedding planner for help if you don’t speak Italian.
Tip: Use Google Translate or ask your wedding planner for help if you don’t speak Italian.
what is siae
What is SIAE
How Much Does the SIAE License Cost?
The cost depends on several factors:
Number of guests
Type of music (DJ, live, or playlist)
Whether it’s background music or dancing
As of 2024, a typical SIAE license for a wedding reception with up to 200 guests and a DJ might cost €150–€300, plus a small SCF fee (about €30) for music reproduction rights.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay SIAE?
Unfortunately, skipping SIAE isn’t just risky — it’s illegal. SIAE inspectors can visit events and issue fines if the license hasn’t been paid.
Avoid stress and sort it out in advance. The earlier you handle it, the better.
Wedding SIAE Checklist
Here’s a simple checklist to stay on top of your SIAE obligations:
- Check if your venue or planner covers it
- If not, go to siae.it and pay online
- Make sure your DJ or band submits the music list (borderò)
- Pay at least 5 days in advance
- Keep a receipt with you on the wedding day
Final Thoughts: One Less Thing to Worry About
Understanding what SIAE is might feel like a minor headache when planning a destination wedding in Italy, but taking care of it in advance means you can enjoy your music worry-free.
It’s not just about rules — it’s about respecting the artists who create the soundtrack to your love story.
What is SIAE
What is SIAE
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