The civil ceremony in Italy, no matter of its location, has its precise formula and approximate duration. Traditionally, the ceremony is held in the town hall. However, in the last 20 years, due to the growing popularity of Italy as wedding destination, each region has nominated various locations to be chosen from. No matter what your choice is, the lenght, the protocol and the requirements for the ceremony stay the same.
The lenght and the formal requirements for the ceremony. The ceremony lasts approximately 20 minutes. It is performed in the Italian language by the mayor or an official delegate. You need to have 2 witnesses. The requirements for them are:
- over 18 years old
- they must speak Italian ( required by some municipalities)
Anyone, including members of the family, can be your witness.
If both or one of the spouses doesn’t speak Italian, the presence of an official translator is required.
The formula of the civil ceremony in Italy. Be it inside the town hall, on the grounds of a Medieval castle or among the vineyards in Tuscany, the civil ceremony will follow the same protocol:
- Introduction – the state official checks and confirms the generalities of the spouses. Then, they read the articles of the Italian law that define the marriage, the rights and the obligations of the spouses.
- The consent part – both spouses are asked if they are willing to marry and the “yes” must be pronounced and confirmed by the witnesses.
- The exchange of the rings.
- The official proclamation – the spouses being united in matrimony.
- The lecture of the Act of Matrimony.
- The signing of the official register.
At the end of the ceremony, the newly married will receive the Certificate of Matrimony.
If you are planning an elopement wedding in Italy, where only the two of you will be present, do not worry – we might also provide help with finding the witnesses. Also, we can help you find an offical translator that will be present during the ceremony.