Planning a wedding is a process that requires time, as well as a thorough and thoughtful approach. This is especially true if you want to create a truly unforgettable celebration—and even more so if the ceremony is planned abroad.
Thousands of women around the world dream of a fairy-tale wedding in Italy. Even celebrities, whose budgets allow them to throw a wedding ceremony even on the Moon, choose the hospitable Apennine Peninsula for this. After all, Italy is a vibrant kaleidoscope of 20 regions, each unique with its landscapes, traditions, cultural features, food, wine, and, of course, wedding venues: villas, medieval castles, palazzos, and Renaissance churches.
To have a wedding in Italy, you don’t have to marry an Italian. And you certainly don’t have to be Hollywood stars—because a wedding in Italy is an entirely attainable pleasure!
Why Italy?
This is almost a rhetorical question. After all, in Italy people still devote themselves to the ancient gods of family, food, and beauty. Italians get married in churches and gather for family lunches every Sunday. And you already know the beauty of this country.
The timeless history of Rome, the endless Tuscan fields, or the Hollywood-style villas on Lake Como. Here you have a vast selection of venues not only for the wedding ceremony but also for the honeymoon. These will be not just any “wedding,” but your very own real celebration—where you say “si” instead of “yes” and raise a glass of Prosecco to a long and happy life together.
Is it for real?
Dismiss your doubts! Everything is absolutely real—the key is to start preparing on time. The Italian consulate is one of those that currently issues visas reliably. Everything necessary can be easily arranged on your own or with the help of an agency. Processing takes up to four weeks, so it’s important to submit your documents well in advance. Visas are issued for periods ranging from one month to three years. Even the shortest visa will be sufficient for both the wedding ceremony and the honeymoon in Italy. 
What Kind of Ceremony Can You Organize in Italy?
There are two options. You may have already decided to follow the conventional path—having a wedding in your home country with all your relatives and friends. But the Italian dream won’t let you rest easy. Then your option is a symbolic ceremony. Such a wedding does not require any additional documents apart from a visa. All you need to do is choose a venue. You can organize an intimate ceremony with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Como. We offer several proposals for a symbolic ceremony in Italy that already include all the necessary services. 
Option two: a wedding happens only once, so why not make it uniquely yours! Official marriage registration in Italy is also possible, and it’s simpler than you think. For this, besides choosing a location, you will need to prepare a set of documents. According to the laws of the Italian Republic, the main document that allows foreigners to register their marriage is the Nulla Osta. This certificate confirms that there are no legal or administrative obstacles to the marriage.
It may sound intimidating, but in reality, all that is required from you is:
- A certificate from registry office No. 15 (confirming that the groom is not married and the bride is not wed)
- Copies of passports and birth certificates
Send these documents to Italy and voilà – we will take care of everything else! The Nulla Osta certificate is issued at the consulate of your country in Italy, and we will arrange it remotely without your presence.
What Should You Do with the Italian Marriage Certificate?
First, rejoice😊. How many of your acquaintances have one of these? After the official ceremony, the Italian municipality issues you a marriage certificate in several languages, and it is fully valid throughout Europe. An apostille is affixed to the second copy. This process takes from several days up to a week. We will deliver it to you in person if you are still in Italy, or send it by mail.
For Russian citizens: afterward, the certificate with the apostille must be legalized in Russia. For this, you need to have a notarized translation and submit it at your Multifunctional Service Center (MFC). And then, as a memento of your wedding in Italy, not only will you have unforgettable memories and photos, but your passport will also show the place of registration—be it Rome, Palermo, or Bellagio (a town on Lake Como).
How Does the Ceremony Go?
The friendly registrar will wish your love boat a long voyage. Just kidding! You are in Italy precisely to break free from tired clichés. At the ceremony, the mayor himself will ask how you are doing and if you arrived safely. He will exclaim heartily: “Mamma mia, how beautiful the bride is!” He will read passages from the Italian Family Code and share a few personal tips on how to make married life happy.
It will seem as though this is not an official ceremony at all, but rather a love song. The Italian language is so musical! But don’t worry about missing the meaning—everything will be accompanied by simultaneous translation. This way, you too can ask the mayor how he is doing and even offer a couple of compliments in return. And after the ceremony, you’ll be showered with congratulations from Italians. As soon as they see you newlyweds being photographed on the street, they burst into joyful shouts of “Auguri!” Tourists stop by to wish you happiness. And then, you’ll have a million congratulations in different languages.
Almost all Italian town halls are housed in historic palaces with richly decorated interiors. However, an outdoor ceremony can also be arranged. For example, you can get married at a villa or in a park with a view of a lake. Getting married in Italy almost guarantees sunny and clear weather. The warm climate allows the wedding season to begin as early as spring and extend into late autumn.
You could exchange vows against the majestic backdrop of the Colosseum and then stroll through the streets of Venice the next day. You might say your vows under sparkling Prosecco bubbles on Lake Como today and then enjoy pizza in Naples tomorrow. An Italian “boot” is as beautiful and diverse as it is—from the shank to the heel—and is perfectly suited for both a wedding and a honeymoon.
And What About the Guests?
If a celebration isn’t complete without family and friends, why not treat them to a trip to Italy as well? A wedding with guests is a bit more complex to organize. You will need to arrange accommodation, transfers, and leisure activities well in advance. But with experienced assistants, nothing is impossible.
Lately, the “wedding for two” format has become popular among couples. It allows you to be a little selfish—focusing solely on yourselves rather than pleasing others. This option helps you avoid unnecessary stress, as you won’t have to worry about everyone else’s preferences; a dedicated organizer will handle all the details that demand attention on that day.
This is also a very cost-effective option. You won’t have to spend money impressing others with extravagant decor or gourmet food. Instead, you can invest in yourself and truly realize your dream. If desired, you can arrange a live broadcast of the ceremony for your relatives, and upon your return, host an Italian-themed party, share photos and videos, give souvenirs, and recount your wedding journey.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Italy?
How much are you willing to pay to make your dream come true? A wedding in Italy will be more affordable😉. An official ceremony for two in Rome costs 6,500 euros, and at Lake Como from 8,000 euros. These offers already include the services of a photographer, makeup artist, remote document preparation, and the accompaniment of a wedding coordinator throughout the day.
Getting married in Italy is almost like painting a picture. You can choose a palette of 6 colors, create a masterpiece, or opt for 12 to make it even more vibrant. These colors represent the details of your wedding: the venue, the number of guests, the decor, the choice of food and beverages, the musical accompaniment, and much more. While these details will undoubtedly add beauty, they will also increase the final cost. That’s why it’s so important to entrust the organization to professionals. We will help you allocate your budget wisely and make your celebration unforgettable.
Why Choose WowItaly Weddings?
Our portfolio tells the story best. Couples who have entrusted us with the organization and coordination of their weddings recommend us to their friends and return to us for other events.
We have been organizing weddings in Italy for 8 years, have an extensive database of vendors, and even know how to persuade them! Even during the high season, when they’re extremely busy and tend to refuse everyone 😉
Send your inquiry via any convenient method and receive a free consultation on organizing your wedding in Italy, along with our insider planning assistant for brides.
