Banquets in medieval castles, strolls down the cobblestone streets of ancient villages, flag throwers and mandolin players all set the atmosphere for romance in a fairy-tale journey into the past for an unforgettable Italian Wedding. And while hundreds of years have passed since knights in shining armor roamed the Circus Maximus, the echo of ancient Roman Law governing citizens in the middle ages still rings in the Italian Civil Code today. But it comes as quite a surprise to many couples who choose to unite legally in Italy that those century old articles of law still define the legal process of marriage in a truly modern doctrine for equality and the rights and obligations of the spouses.

3 Simple Steps

1. Choose your location. Legal Civil Ceremonies are held only in authorized areas or Wedding Halls which are usually located at the headquarters for the town government. The buildings have a historical importance for the town and are almost always wonderful examples of medieval, renaissance, neo-classical and even contemporary Italian architecture. Wedding Halls are decorated with period works of art and furniture, walls are often frescoed or lined with priceless paintings and tapestries.

2. Book your Wedding Date and Promise Date. Each town government establishes a fee schedule for residents and non-residents marrying in the Wedding Hall and these fees are subject to change each year. Booking rules are also set by the town government and though times for advance booking may differ considerably from town to town, the typical timeframe is six months prior to the wedding date. Paperwork is submitted to the town hall wedding office when the couple goes to sign their wedding promise two or three days before the wedding date.

3. Start your paperwork. Requirements focus on certification of no-impediment to marriage from the couple's country and/or sworn statements/affidavits attesting freedom to marry. EU citizens go through their Consulate Generals with ease, while non-EU citizens require apostilles and translations on all paperwork brought from home.
Although the paperwork is simple and the steps are clear, it is always best to hire a local person to deal with the Italian authorities to make sure the process goes smoothly. This person may also act as translator as required by law for the wedding promise and wedding day ceremony.

Two witnesses are required to be present during the ceremony and sign the official register alongside the bride, the groom and the translator. All must be at least 18 years old and have a valid passport or ID.

Some wedding halls provide music during the ceremony, such as the Red Hall in Florence, though couples may decide to bring their own musicians for a more personal touch.

Photographers are welcome with a reminder not to point flashbulbs directly at any artwork.

Rice and confetti may be thrown outside the town hall building.

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