Matrimoni Italiano (Italian Wedding): Getting Married In Italy by Cheryl Gabiola Galvez

   What do the rolling countryside of Naples, the aquatic venue of Venice and the artistic flavor of Florence all have in common? All three provide scenic backdrops perfect for a wedding set in romantic Italy. All you need now are your family and friends to witness the ultimate gesture of your love for each other. Actually, that's not all you'll need. Before a marriage is considered legal in a foreign country, you will always be required to present various legal documents specific to that country's marital laws. Because marital laws can change, it is best to first inquire with the Italian embassy or consulate nearest you for the latest and most accurate information concerning the legal and proper procedure of getting married in Italy.

   To declare your intention to marry, you must appear before the Ufficiale di Stato Civile, or Civil Registrar, accompanied by two (2) witnesses in the town you wish to marry. The following is a brief description of the documents you must present at the time of declaration.

• A Valid United States Passport

• Certified Copies of both your Birth Certificates

• Atto Notorio - An atto notorio is a document which is signed by four (4) witnesses, in front of an Italian consular in the USA, who swear that there is no reason as to why you two should not be legally wed. It is highly recommended you obtain this document before you leave the USA.

• Declaration Sworn By You - A declaration is a document that is sworn to by the United States citizen before a U.S. consular officer at the U.S. Embassy stating that there are no obstacles to his or her marriage

• Proof of termination of Previous Marriages, if applicable

If one or both of you are Italian or a U.S. citizen claiming residency in Italy, you are required to post a bann at the civil hall in the town you wish to marry. A bann is a type of marriage announcement that is displayed for two consecutive Sundays before your marriage takes place. If neither of you is Italian or claiming Italian residency, posting a bann is waived. Also, if neither of you speak Italian a translator is required at the time of your wedding ceremony.

   You can marry in either a civil or religious ceremony in Italy. It is best to understand the rules and regulations that make each type of ceremony legal in this particular country. Some of the rules regarding a civil ceremony are:

• A local civil official must perform the marriage.
• The marriage cannot be performed on the premise of an American embassy or consulate.

In a religious ceremony:

• If a Roman Catholic priest is performing the marriage, you do not need to get married first in a civil ceremony; however, the priest must register the marriage with the civil registrar in order for the marriage to be legal.
• If you are non-Roman Catholic, a prior civil ceremony is usually required to ensure the legality of the marriage.

   If you are considering getting married in Italy, you may want to consider professional wedding consultants in Italy who can assist you with all the necessary paperwork and logistics. Before you plan to get married in Italy, it is highly recommended you contact your nearest Italian consulate or your state's attorney general for the latest and most accurate information.

   Buon Fortuna!

SOURCES:

U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy
http://www.usembassy.it/cons/
Click on "Marriage of an American Citizen in Italy" in the main white area

Virtual Italia
http://www.virtualitalia.com/articles/LWmarriage.shtml

Italy Weddings
http://www.italyweddings.com/

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