The days when, , the pinnacle of a couple’s dreams was the main Marriage Registry Office in the city, are long gone. Now, lovers have virtually the whole world at their disposal – from a beach ceremony in the Maldives to a wedding at a historic villa on Lake Como in Italy.
Every country has its own peculiarities that you need to know about. For example, in some places you cannot get married officially if at least one of the future spouses does not have citizenship or a residence permit. There are countries where you must gather a large number of various documents and have them apostilled in order to enter into marriage. And some wedding destinations, unfortunately, look far more attractive than they really are.
We explain all the nuances and pitfalls of getting married abroad, as well as why you won’t find a better country than Italy for your wedding!
Wedding in France
“Paris – the city of love!” – who hasn’t heard this common phrase! And although the French capital no longer tops the list of the world’s most romantic cities, France remains a popular wedding destination.
Getting married in the city of love and then setting off on a wedding journey to the lavender fields of Provence sounds amazing, but… unfortunately, it is impractical if you are not a French citizen or a permanent resident. In order to legally marry on French soil, at least one of the future spouses must have permanent registration and have lived for at least 40 days in the district where the marriage is to be registered.
If you are planning a symbolic wedding, it will cost you at least 15% more than in Italy.
Wedding in Spain
Another country that appears very attractive thanks to its climate, cuisine, and stunning wedding locations. However, just like in France, there are certain nuances here. Two non–European Union citizens can get married at the General Consulate of their country, but only if at least one of them holds a valid Spanish residence permit.
In order to register a marriage at the local municipality, you must reside in Spain on an official basis for at least 40 days.
Wedding in Greece
“In Greece, you have it all” – wrote Anton Pavlovich Chekhov back in 1890. A country with a centuries-old history, ancient architectural monuments, world-famous cuisine, and hospitable locals. Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, mainland Greece – the variety of landscapes and locations will satisfy even the most demanding. A wonderful wedding destination, if it weren’t for one big “BUT”… To officially become husband and wife in Greece, you not only need to gather numerous documents and certificates but also have both the original documents and their notarized copies apostilled.
Moreover, Greece is known for the fact that local authorities may set their own rules regarding the list of required documents, so you will need to contact the town hall or church where the ceremony is planned well in advance to confirm whether any additional certificates are needed.
Wedding in Cyprus
At first glance, Cyprus looks like an excellent wedding destination – beautiful weather, the sea, and affordable prices. If you plan to spend several days here after the wedding, you’re in for a typical beach vacation. However, shopping opportunities are limited, the choices are not as extensive as in other European countries, and prices are higher. There aren’t many attractions either – mostly monasteries and churches.
The conclusion is obvious: Cyprus is a great place for a beach holiday, but as a wedding location – not the best choice.
Wedding in Czechia
The medieval castles of Czechia, its magnificent Gothic architecture, and its relative affordability make this European country an attractive choice for a wedding abroad. Unlike Mediterranean countries, the wedding season here is quite short – from May until mid-September. And Czechs are not as friendly and smiling as Italians, Spaniards, or Greeks.
Czechia is known as a beer country, although wine is also produced here. But if you are true connoisseurs, you will still have Italian Prosecco and wine on the table.
To complete all the necessary paperwork, you will need to arrive in Czechia in advance to visit government offices that operate only on certain days of the week. This cannot be delegated to a wedding agency representative; your personal presence is required.
Wedding in Thailand
The stunning nature and the most beautiful beaches of Thailand make it an attractive country for beach wedding ceremonies. However, an official ceremony in Thailand for foreigners is a rather exhausting affair that lacks any romance. You will need to fly to Bangkok a week before your desired date to personally complete all the necessary documents at the consulate, have them translated into Thai by official translators, and get them certified at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After that, you can submit an application at the local registry office (at least 2 days before the planned ceremony), where you will be formally married without any pomp.
Wedding in the Maldives
Another popular location for beach wedding ceremonies.
Official marriage registration in the Maldives for citizens of other countries is impossible, as the Maldivian Republic has not signed the Hague Convention on the Celebration and Recognition of Marriages. Here, you can have a beautiful symbolic ceremony after registering your marriage at the registry office in your own country. A wedding in the Maldives, as well as the holiday itself, will not come cheap.
Wedding in Italy
What do you envision when you hear “wedding in Italy”? A lavish wedding on the welcoming island of Sicily, an intimate ceremony for two against the backdrop of the stunning beauty of Lake Como, or an exchange of vows on an open Roman terrace overlooking St. Peter’s Dome?
Italy is, on paper, a single country that actually came into existence only 100 years ago. In reality, within Italy you will find at least 20 different “countries”, each with its own characteristic landscapes, architecture, traditions, cuisine, and even languages!
Thanks to the subtropical Mediterranean climate, the wedding season here begins in April and lasts until November. Italy stretches 1170 km from north to south, so even in November, when people in Milan are already wearing hats and gloves, it’s still +18°C in Sicily and you can wear sandals.
For a wedding in Italy, you won’t have to gather a mountain of documents. It is enough to provide certificates confirming that there is no record of a previous marriage from the local registry office and scanned copies of your documents (passports, international passports, and birth certificates). There is no need to apostille the documents or their copies, which saves both time and money.
Your personal presence when submitting documents is not required – we will do everything for you. Therefore, you won’t have to arrive in advance and run around government offices; you can fly in just 1–2 days before the wedding.
The marriage is registered at the city municipality (Municipio), many of which are located in ancient palazzos and villas. This means that your ceremony will take place in beautiful interiors in a historic setting with a special atmosphere! On the appointed day and hour, the mayor will deliver a solemn speech in the melodic and lyrical language of love. And you will be able to boast to your friends and relatives about your marriage certificate in Italian, along with a stamp in your passport proudly showing the registry office of the city of Rome or Como!
A wedding in Italy is not as expensive as it is often thought to be. The turnkey cost of a wedding ceremony starts at 5500 euros. From intimate ceremonies for two to lavish weddings with a large number of guests – we make any wedding dream in Italy come true!
One more advantage – your wedding journey has already begun! You can rent a car or take a high-speed train and find yourself in romantic Venice, trendy Milan, atmospheric Rome, bustling Naples, or along the picturesque Ligurian coast. Wherever you go – you will experience a diverse, yet always beautiful, delicious, and authentic Italy. There’s simply no better country for a honeymoon!
Call or write to us for a free consultation on organizing your wedding in Italy at +39 334 840 20 86 or hello@wowitaly-weddings.com.
Why Choose WowItaly Weddings?
Our portfolio speaks for itself. The 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 9 years, we have a large base of contractors, and we even know how to persuade them! Even during the high season, when they are extremely busy and refuse everyone.
Submit your inquiry in any convenient way and receive a free consultation on organizing your wedding in Italy.
