A civil ceremony in Italy can take place at town halls, often located in beautiful historical buildings, or in enchanting venues such as castles, palaces, villas, gardens, panoramic terraces, or even beaches. Couples can choose from hundreds of stunning locations across Italy.
Each venue has a fee that varies depending on the location, the time of year, and the day of the week. Weekdays are usually less expensive than weekends. Popular venues tend to be booked quickly, so it is advisable to reserve them at least a year in advance. Some locations offer online booking systems, while others require contacting the local registry office directly.
Registry Office Procedures
The registry office must receive the couple’s documents at least one week to ten days before the wedding. In busy offices, documents may need to be submitted earlier. Often, couples must visit the registry office a few days before the ceremony to sign a sworn declaration.
During this process, the official will verify the identity of the spouses. If they do not speak Italian, an interpreter is required. Once completed, the registry office prepares the Act of Marriage for the wedding day.
The Civil Ceremony
The civil ceremony is performed in Italian by the Mayor, a delegate, or the Registrar. It lasts about 20 minutes. If one or both spouses do not speak Italian, an official translator must be present.
According to Italian law, each spouse must have one witness, who can be anyone over 18 years old.
The ceremony includes:
- Reading of the spouses’ personal information
- Reading of three articles of Italian law defining marital rights and duties
- Pronouncement of consent and exchange of rings
- Reading and signing of the formal Act by spouses, witnesses, and Minister
At the conclusion, the couple receives one or more copies of the marriage certificate (Italian or international version).
Legal Notes
Italian law requires that a divorced woman wait at least 300 days before remarrying.
Civil vs Symbolic Ceremony
It is important to distinguish between a civil ceremony and a symbolic ceremony:
- A symbolic ceremony has no legal value. It is performed by a humanist celebrant, can be held anywhere, in any language, and personalized by the couple.
- A civil ceremony is legally binding in Italy and abroad. It can only be celebrated in venues designated by the Municipality, cannot be personalized, and must be performed by an official recognized by Italian law.
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