Marriage in Italy: complete guide

Introduction

Getting married in Italy is an important step not only for Italian citizens but also for people from abroad. More and more international couples choose Italy for their wedding, both for legal reasons and for the romantic charm of the country.

This guide explains how marriage in Italy works when one or both partners are foreigners, which documents are required, how to obtain the marriage banns, the differences between civil and religious weddings, and how to ensure international recognition.

Types of couples getting married in Italy

1. Italian citizen + foreign citizen
   Very common situation: one is Italian, the other is foreign.
2. Two foreign citizens residing in Italy
   Even if neither is Italian, it is possible to legally marry in Italy.
3. Two foreign citizens not residing in Italy
   Couples who come to Italy for a destination wedding but want the marriage to have legal validity.

Civil marriage in Italy

A civil marriage is celebrated before the Civil Registrar at the chosen Town Hall. It is the simplest form and legally recognized everywhere.

Required documents

Foreign spouses must provide:

• Valid passport
• Residence permit (if living in Italy)
• Birth certificate (translated and legalized)
• Certificate of No Impediment (Nulla Osta), issued by the embassy or consulate
• Any additional documents requested by the municipality (residence, single status, etc.)

👉 The Nulla Osta is the key document: it certifies that, under the laws of the spouse’s home country, there are no impediments to marriage.

Procedure

1. Submission of documents at the Town Hall.
2. Marriage banns (required if at least one spouse resides in Italy).
3. Ceremony before the Civil Registrar with two witnesses.
4. Registration of the marriage certificate.

Religious marriage in Italy ⛪

Foreigners may also marry with a religious rite (Catholic or other faiths recognized by the Italian State). In this case:

• They must present the religious documents required by the parish or faith community.
• They must still provide the civil documents (including the Nulla Osta).

👉 Religious marriages in Italy have civil effects if registered at the civil registry.

Marriage between two foreigners in Italy

If both partners are foreigners, the required documents are the same, including two Nulla Osta certificates.

• If both reside in Italy → marriage banns are required.
• If neither resides in Italy → banns are not required, but all documents must still be submitted to the municipality.

International recognition 🌍

A marriage celebrated in Italy is valid throughout Italian territory. To ensure validity abroad, couples often need:

• Registration of the marriage certificate at the relevant consulate.
• Translation and legalization of the Italian marriage certificate (apostille).

Special cases

• Marriage with an EU citizen
  Simpler procedure: fewer documents, no residence permit required.
• Marriage with a non-EU citizen
  Nulla Osta always required, and residence permit if living in Italy.
• Destination wedding
  Couples traveling to Italy only to marry must prepare documents in advance through their embassy/consulate.

Timing and costs

• Timing: 2 to 6 months, depending on how quickly documents are obtained.
• Costs: civil marriages at the Town Hall vary (from free for residents to around €1,000 in historic locations).
• Additional costs: sworn translations and legalizations (from €200 to €600).

After marriage: residence permit for foreign spouse

Marriage with an Italian citizen allows the foreign spouse to apply for:

• Residence card for family member of an EU citizen (FAMIT), valid for 5 years.
• Later, EU long-term residence permit.

👉 This right applies to both civil and religious marriages, provided they are officially registered.

Conclusion

Getting married in Italy as a foreigner is absolutely possible, but requires attention to documents and legal steps. With proper preparation (and support from immigration professionals), couples can enjoy one of the most important days of their lives in one of the most romantic countries in the world.