The legal requirements for getting married in Italy are relatively straightforward.
The following information on the legal requirements for getting married in Italy which I have outlined below is intended to be a starting point and guideline only.
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Although much care and effort has been taken to ensure the information provided is correct please do not take it as legal advice. I strongly advise you to consult the Italian Embassy or Consulate for first hand information on the legal requirements for getting married in Italy.
Marriage Application
The marriage of UK and Irish citizens conducted in Italy is legally binding under UK and Irish law. You will need to obtain a Nulla Osta, which is the document required by the Italian Authorities for the marriage to take place. This can be obtained as follows:
UK Citizens
- Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment. This is done by Giving Notice (publishing the Banns) at your local registry office no more than six months before your wedding date. 23 days after you have given notice the registry office will release a Certificate of No Impediment.
Irish Citizens
- Complete a statutory declaration called a “Certificate de coutume”.
- Complete an MP2A form and have it signed by authorised signatory.
Residency Requirements
There are no minimum residency requirements, although if you are organising the wedding yourself, you will need to be resident in the country at least four working days before the date of your wedding in order to lodge your documents at the Town Hall and collect your Nulla Osta.
Required Documentation
In order to obtain a Nulla Osta, (sworn statement) you must present the following documentation:
- Certificate of No Impediment (UK Citizens only)
- Certificate de coutume & MP2A form (Irish Citizens only)
- Original long Birth Certificate which include the names of both your parents
- Passport
- Photocopies of the picture page of the passports for your two witnesses, listing their name, address and occupation.
- If you are divorced – a Decree Absolute & previous marriage certificates
- If you have changed your name – Deed Poll
All documentation must be original or certified copies, and your Certificate of No Impediment must not be older than 6 months.
Note: If you are female and have previously been married your wedding cannot occur until 300 days after your marriage was annulled.
Certificate of Marriage
You will be issued with an international wedding certificate that will be valid in your home country however if you wish more than one copy you will need to request this in advance. Upon your return home your marriage can be lodged with the Registry of Births, Marriages and Deaths and you can order extra copies in the normal way.
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Further Information
For futher information on the legal requirements for getting married in Italy please contact the Italian Embassy or Consulate.
United Kingdom
Italian Embassy
14 Three Kings Yard
Davies Street
London W1Y 2EH
Tel: 020 7312 2200
Fax: 020 7312 2230
Website: www.embitaly.org.uk/
Email: emblondon@embitaly.org.uk
Italian Consulate
38 Eaton Place
London SW1X 8AN
Tel: 020 7235 9371
Fax: 020 78231609
Email: itconlond@btconnect.com
Italian Consulate in Manchester
111 Piccadilly
Manchester M1 2HY
Tel: 0161 236 9024
Email: italian.consulate@btconnect.com
Website: www.italianconsulate.co.uk/
Ireland
The Italian Embassy
63/65 Northumberland Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Tel: 01 660 1744/01 664 2300/01 664 2301
Fax: 01 668 2759
Email: info@italianembassy.ie
Hot Tips!
If you are planning your own destination wedding in Italy but do not feel comfortable arranging the legalities then the perfect option may be a combination of organising it yourself and using a wedding planner.
Many wedding planners in Italy will happily sort out the paperwork to ensure your marriage is legal and charge you a one-off fee for doing this. You will not be under any obligation to use their services for organising any other part of your wedding.
You will then have the confidence that your marriage will be legal and you can organise the rest of your wedding however you desire.
Let me help you find the perfect wedding planner in Italy
Getting Married in Italy – First Steps
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