How to get legally married in Italy US citizens

Written By paola orazi

Granted, navigating a legal marriage abroad can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming compared to marrying back home. But remember: your celebrant can actually conduct your legal civil ceremony via official delegation! From breathtaking indoor spaces to intimate settings of infinite beauty, Italy offers stunning venues perfect for a legal civil wedding—even for smaller, cozy winter celebrations. Let’s start!

Villa Cimbrone Ravello

Firstly choose your municipality and venue. Contact the Marriage Office (Ufficio Matrimoni) of the town hall where you want to marry to confirm requirements and reserve a date. Requirements can vary slightly by location.

Venezia Ca Loredan Cerchieri

STEP by STEP

1. Gather Required Documents

Before arriving in Italy, you must compile the following original documents:

  • U.S. Passports: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.

  • Birth Certificates: Long-form birth certificates showing both parents' names.

  • Previous Marriage Proof: If either partner was previously married, you must provide official divorce decrees, annulment papers, or a death certificate.

  • Authentication (Apostille): Your U.S. birth certificates (and divorce/death decrees, if applicable) must be authenticated with an Apostille from your state's Secretary of State to be valid in Italy.


Ca' Vendramin Calergi Venezia

2. Obtain an Atto Notorio

This is a sworn declaration stating there are no legal impediments to your marriage according to U.S. law.

  • You can get this in the U.S. at an Italian Consulate with jurisdiction over your home state, or in Italy at an Italian Court (Tribunale).

  • This requires two witnesses (who are not related to you and have valid IDs) and can take a few weeks to schedule.

Abbazia San Galgano Siena




3. Obtain a Nulla Osta

The Nulla Osta (Affidavit) is a certificate issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Italy stating you are free to marry.

  • Both you and your fiancé(e) must appear in person at a U.S. Consulate (locations in Rome, Milan, Naples, or Florence).

  • You must make an appointment in advance, present your passports, and pay the consular fee (typically $50) per person.

  • Ensure your exact names match perfectly on your passports, the Atto Notorio, and the Nulla Osta.

Lake Come Villa Balbianello

4. File the Declaration of Intention at the Comune

Once you have your Nulla Osta, you must present all your translated and apostilled documents to the Ufficiale di Stato Civile (Registrar) at the town hall where the wedding will take place.

  • You will sign a Declaration of Intention, generally 2–3 days prior to the wedding (though some Comuni allow this on the wedding day).

  • Fees for the town hall vary widely, ranging from €500 to over €9,000 depending on the season, location, and municipality.

Lake Como

Villa Balbianello

5. The Civil Ceremony

Italian law requires a civil ceremony to be legally recognized.

  • The ceremony will be performed by the local Mayor, their deputy, or a civil registrar, Paola can perform it on the behalf of the Mayor

  • Witnesses: You must provide two witnesses over the age of 18.

  • Interpreter: If you do not speak or understand Italian, you are legally required to hire an interpreter to translate the ceremony for you.

Ascoli Piceno Pinacoteca

Sorrento Chiostro di San Francesco

Helpful Links & Resources

  • U.S. Embassy Guidance: Read the official U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy requirements.

  • Consular Jurisdictions: Find your nearest Italian Consulate in the United States using the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to apply for your Atto Notorio before your trip.

After the Wedding

Your Italian marriage is automatically valid in the U.S. To use your Italian marriage certificate at home, get an apostille from the Prefettura in Italy, then register it with the appropriate U.S. authority if required.

Practical Tips

  • Start early. Begin gathering documents at least 3–4 months ahead. The Atto Notorio alone can take weeks if done in Italy.

  • Contact the specific municipality. Requirements and timelines vary — confirm everything directly with the town hall where you'll marry.

  • Consider a wedding planner. Navigating Italian bureaucracy in a foreign language is challenging; a local planner or celebrant experienced with legal weddings can coordinate with the municipality and help avoid delays.

Paola, while signing the Marriage Register

paola orazi https://WWW.MARRIEDBYPAOLA.COM
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