December 27, 2023
When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding location, Italy is often one of the first places that comes to mind. The variety of venues, from the luxurious Lake Como to the ancient grandeur of Rome, offers a range of options. From the picturesque vineyards of Tuscany to the stunning seas of Sicily, the beloved cuisine, and, of course, the warmth and friendliness of the locals.
But is it as easy in current circumstances to organize a wedding celebration for those outside Italy? After all, even for a regular trip to the country, a visa is required, and for an official ceremony, the preparation of a whole package of documents is necessary.
There are two options for the ceremony – a symbolic wedding and the formal registration of marriage. A symbolic wedding requires no additional documents for the bride and groom, other than their passports, visas, and medical insurance needed for entry into Italy. If the main focus is on the ceremony itself in one of the beautiful Italian locations, and there is no desire or sufficient time for additional formalities, then this option may be suitable.
However, an official marriage registered in Italy, a country that highly values family and love, can become a truly special event. It is not as complicated as it may seem at first glance, especially with the assistance and support of knowledgeable individuals on-site.
In order for foreigners to marry according to the laws of the Republic of Italy, they need to obtain a "Nulla Osta" certificate, which confirms the absence of legal or administrative obstacles to marriage. It is issued by authorized authorities based on documents provided by the bride and groom.
For the Nulla Osta, the following is required:
After the registration, it will take the municipality a few days to a week to process the confirming document – the marriage certificate with an apostille. If you leave Italy during that time, the agency can assist in sending the document by mail.
The Italian marriage certificate is relatively easy to legalize in Russia. You need to make a notarized translation and submit it to your Multifunctional Service Center (MFC). Based on the certificate and its translation, a standard stamp about the state registration of the marriage will be placed in your passport.
The distinction lies in a small but significant detail. For anyone you know, is Rome mentioned as the place of registration? Or perhaps Bellagio, the gem-like town on Lake Como? Such a stamp can become a whole story for relatives, colleagues, and children. They will undoubtedly be interested in learning how and where their parents got married.
No clichéd expressions like "love boat" or other worn-out phrases! At the official ceremony, the mayor of the city will read articles from the Family Code of the Italian Republic! He (or she) might recite Dante or speak about the importance of love and family values. In Italian, everything sounds romantic and heartfelt. The ceremony is accompanied by mandatory simultaneous translation into the native language of the bride and groom so that the meaning is understood.
If you've dreamt of saying the coveted "I do" in an exceptionally beautiful and unique place, Italy is where that dream can come true. Official ceremonies are held not only in city hall buildings (which are often historical buildings with antique architecture and richly decorated interiors) but also in villas and castles.
Outdoor ceremonies are also conducted, for example, among olive trees or with a view of a picturesque lake. Considering Italy's fortunate climate with mostly sunny weather throughout much of the year, organizing an outdoor wedding is possible even in spring and fall.
Any wedding can be likened to a construction set – the more details, the higher the costs. Factors influencing the cost include the location and venue, number of guests, season, type of ceremony (symbolic or official), choice of food and drinks for the reception or dinner, decor and wedding stationery, transportation, services of a stylist, photographer, videographer, musical accompaniment, and entertainment for guests.
An official wedding in Rome costs 5500 euros, while an official wedding on Lake Como is priced at 7500 euros (a symbolic wedding on Como is 1000 euros cheaper). The cost already includes all necessary services for a "just for two" wedding, including remote preparation of documents for the official ceremony.
When planning a wedding, it's important to consider all factors that will impact the cost. A wedding agency can help navigate the plethora of options, recommend the best choice based on the couple's preferences and budget, without compromising the beauty and romance of the ceremony.
