Getting married in another country is a dream come true for many couples.
The romance, the adventure, and the travelling create an atmosphere that is hard to resist.
Today, whether you are a resident or not, many couples are legally getting married in Italy.
In addition, whether the ceremony is religious or civil, it is recognized as legal.
Like with any marriage, getting legal preparations in place is necessary.
For Italy, a couple must declare their intentions to marry.
After declaring, the announcements are made public, and those living in Italy must post them in their Town Hall.
These announcements must hang for at least eight days and no more than 180.
After four days, the couple can marry.
However, if neither of the couple lives or has a residency there, then the announcement doesn't need to be posted.
But they still must wait at least four days after making the declaration before they can marry.
Documents will need to be legalized at the local prefecture and must include a tax stamp.
Here are some of the documents required by both parties.
A valid passport or residence card, a stay permit or proof of recent entry to Italy, a birth certificate, divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate of former spouse, and if under 18, written parental consent.
All foreigners must have a declaration of no impediment, which is issued by the Consulate in Italy, confirming there is no reason why one cannot marry.
They also need an Atto Notorio affidavit declaring single status and freedom to marry; whereas Italians need a Certificato di Stato Libero to declare they are single and free.
All documents and certificates that are not in Italian will require certified translations.
Civil ceremonies are the main way to get married.
The Mayor or a delegate at the town hall performs this.
You must have two witnesses present, and friends and family can of course attend.
The ceremony is in Italian, but an interpreter is permitted.
The couple will be told their duties and rights between spouses from the Codice Civile.
After being declared married, the marriage certificate is prepared and all the details and names are entered into the marriage register.
Some couples choose to follow the civil ceremony by a religious blessing ceremony.
Unlike in some European countries, like France, Catholic marriage ceremonies are legal and recognized.
However, other faiths must first go through a civil ceremony.
A Roman Catholic ceremony does not require a civil ceremony beforehand since the Catholic priests have the authority to perform and register marriages.
All preparations are made through the church and all the documents required for a civil ceremony are still needed.
A Catholic wedding also requires a baptism and confirmation certificate, as both parties must be baptized and confirmed and take a church pre-marital class.
Getting married in Italy does not have to be a dream, as many are finding out.
Many countries now perform non-resident marriages that are legal and recognized all over the world.
Being prepared is the main thing before getting married in Italy or anywhere else.
Have your entire paperwork ready and all the right documents so that your dream come true stays a dream come true.