Dreaming of a Destination Wedding in Italy — What You Need to Know

The Event Boutique
May 25
3 min read

Updated: May 27

VENUE: BORGO SANTO PIETRO. PHOTOGRAPHER: LOST IN LOVE

Italy stole my heart years ago, and I return there every year. Because I personally adore Italy, it's never surprised me that getting married in Italy is a dream for many couples. In fact in 2023 over 180,000 couples married in Italy — it’s really that impossibly romantic! The picture postcard landscapes, spectacular historic villas, sun-drenched coastlines, and cobbled streets of quaint towns, set the scene for celebrations that feel like you've walked into a dream.

If you're imagining a beautiful destination wedding in Italy, you're not alone. Whether you're drawn to the rustic charm of Tuscany, the beauty of villages perched on hilltops, the seaside magic of coastal regions, or a property large enough for all your guests to stay — planning a destination wedding in Italy is all about bringing that dream to life, while also understanding the steps involved.

So here’s what you need to know about the different ways to marry in Italy.

Symbolic Ceremony — The Easiest & Most Flexible Option

For many couples, the simplest and most heartfelt choice is a symbolic ceremony.

This option isn’t legally binding — which means you marry legally in your own country beforehand, then travel to Italy for a celebration that looks and feels every bit like a real wedding. You can exchange vows under the olive trees, on a cliffside terrace, in a centuries-old garden or pretty much wherever your heart desires — without the stress of paperwork.

A symbolic ceremony gives you:

· Total freedom over your location and style

· No legal documentation or translation requirements

· The ability to personalise your vows and ceremony with an English-speaking celebrant

Most of the stunning Italian destination weddings you see online are symbolic ceremonies for this very reason. They’re stress-free, emotional, and completely tailored to what you’re dreaming of!

Civil Ceremony — Legally Binding, But Documentation-Heavy

If you want your marriage to be legally recognised in Italy, you’ll need to have a civil ceremony — but be prepared: this is the most complicated option, due to the strict documentation and local requirements.

Civil ceremonies are conducted by a town official at either a town hall or a government-approved venue. The ceremony is in Italian, with a translator required.

Documentation required for each person includes:

Valid passport
Original birth certificate
Divorce or death certificate (if previously married)
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
Nulla Osta
Declaration of intent to marry

Some marriage offices allow digital submission of paperwork, but in many regions, you’ll need to appear in person at least 2-4 weeks prior to the wedding. The entire process can take months to organise — and often needs the help of a local wedding planner or agent to co-ordinate.

Religious Ceremonies — Catholic or Protestant Weddings

If you dream of a traditional church wedding, Catholic or Protestant ceremonies are also possible — and can be legally binding. However, they come with additional layers of documentation and often require one or both partners to be Catholic or Protestant.

You'll need to comply with both church and Italian state requirements, and your local parish may be able to assist you in connecting with a parish in Italy. You can expect this process to take 4–6 months or more.

Your Destination Italian Wedding, Made Easy

The beauty of getting married in Italy lies not only in the setting, but in the emotion, the experience, and the memories you’ll take home forever.

If the thought of navigating Italian paperwork sounds overwhelming, don’t worry — you can still have the wedding of your dreams with a symbolic ceremony. It’s what most destination couples choose, and it gives you the freedom to truly focus on what matters: the celebration of your love story, in a dreamy location, surrounded by your favourite people!

Assisting with a Wedding in Private Villa, Fiesole, Italy

If you're dreaming of getting married in Italy and would love some guidance and someone to bounce your ideas off — I’d love to chat. I spend every June to August based in Florence, discovering hidden gems, working with local suppliers, and helping create unforgettable destination weddings for couples just like you.

Let’s start with a chat about your ideas. Whether you’re still imagining the possibilities or ready to dive in, I’m here to guide you — and help you create a wedding in Italy that’s beautiful, effortless, and filled with everything you’ve been dreaming of.