The ring is already sparkling on your finger – because when that long-awaited proposal came, you confidently answered “yes!” It seems the hardships are behind you, but everything is only just beginning. How and where do you organize a wedding? For many, this raises so many questions that they prefer to follow the well-trodden path: a civil ceremony at the local registry office, standard photos. And the icing on the cake – a banquet with games for relatives you barely know. Do you really need that?
Instead of that set, we invite you to try a completely different option. Your passport will soon be on display for all your friends – proudly showcasing the Italian registry office stamp.
Why Italy?
This is almost a rhetorical question. After all, in Italy people still devoutly pray 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 eternal 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 anyone’s “wedding,” but your very own “real deal,” 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 real – the key is to start the preparations on time. The Italian consulate is one of those that currently issues visas reliably. Everything necessary can be easily arranged on your own or through 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 the wedding ceremony and 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 and have a wedding in your home country, inviting all your relatives and friends. But the Italian dream won’t let you sleep peacefully. 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 take a boat ride on Lake Como. We have several proposals for a symbolic ceremony in Italy that already include all the necessary services. 
Option number two: a wedding happens only once, so why not do it uniquely! Official marriage registration in Italy is also possible, and it’s simpler than you think. For this, apart from 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 a 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 for its issuance 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
These documents must be sent 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 to a week. We will hand it to you in person if you are still in Italy, or send it by mail.
For Russian citizens: subsequently, 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, you will have not only unforgettable impressions and photos, but your passport will 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 the tired clichés. At the ceremony, the mayor himself will ask how you are doing and whether 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 couple of his own tips on how to make married life happy.
It will seem to you that this is not an official ceremony but rather a love song. The Italian language is so musical! But don’t worry about missing the meaning of what is said – everything will be accompanied by simultaneous translation. So you too can ask the mayor how he is doing and even pay him a couple of compliments in return. And after the ceremony, you will be showered with congratulations from Italians. As soon as they see the newlyweds being photographed on the street, they burst out joyfully shouting “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 organized. 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 can exchange vows against the majestic backdrop of the Colosseum, and the next day stroll through the streets of Venice. You could say your vows under sparkling Prosecco bubbles on Lake Como today, and then enjoy pizza in Naples tomorrow. The 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 delight them with a trip to Italy as well? A wedding with guests is a bit more complex to organize. You will need to take care of 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 – to not worry about others and to listen to yourself. This option helps you avoid unnecessary stress, without having to please anyone. A dedicated organizer will take care of every detail that demands attention on that day.
This is also a very cost-effective option. You won’t have to spend money to impress 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, show photos and videos, give souvenirs, and share 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. The 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 – these details will undoubtedly add beauty, but 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, we have an extensive database of vendors, and we even know how to persuade them! Even during the high season, when they’re super 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.
