Guest Author - Susan
Although it is best when planning a wedding abroad, to use a wedding planning service, like Destination Weddings in Italy, here are a few tips to get you started!
CIVIL WEDDING
CAN I MARRY OUTSIDE IN A CIVIL CEREMONY?
In Italy and most of Europe a Civil service can only take place INSIDE in the wedding hall and the ceremony is performed by the local Mayor or functionary. CIVIL CEREMONIES BY LAW MUST TAKE PLACE IN A TOWN HALL or property purchased by the local government (unique palaces, villas and manors representative of the settings are approved for civil ceremonies).
IS THE CEREMONY LAS VEGAS STYLE?
NO!! In Italy you can completely personalize a civil ceremony with beautiful music, vows, readings and the LOCATIONS ARE BEAUTIFUL. Palaces, villas and unique manor houses and present the finest Italy has to offer.
HOW LONG IS THE CEREMONY?
The readings of the civil vows are about 15 to 20 minutes long but you can enhance and enrich the wedding however you prefer.
HOW ARE THEY CONDUCTED?
In Italian with an interpreter.
WHAT ARE THE VOWS and CEREMONY LIKE?
It consists of a mix between the traditional vows ("do you take Marnie to be your lawful wedded wife etc...") and the Mayor reads various articles relative to marriage, the family and the couple in general. It is not an "honor and obey" type vow.
When you arrive in the Marriage Hall you are greeted by the Mayor or official who wears a wide band representative of the colors of the Italian flag. Then he begins by reading the marriage service and our interpreters translate for you step by step. Then rings and vows are exchanged; then the witnesses have to sign some documents as do the bride and groom.
CATHOLIC WEDDING
CAN I PLAN AN OUTSIDE CATHOLIC CEREMONY?
In Italy a Catholic ceremony can only be performed in a church.
IF ONE OF US IS PROTESTANT CAN I STILL HAVE A CATHOLIC WEDDING?
Yes, absolutely. As long as you attend the required pre-marital (pre Cana) classes and have the paperwork approved by the priest in Italy.
WHAT ABOUT IN THE CASE OF AN ANNULLMENT?
If the annullment is recognized by the Catholic Church you can re-marry. A divorce instead will not allow you to re-marry in a Catholic Church. You must have an annullment.
HOW FAR AHEAD DOES A CATHOLIC WEDDING NEED TO BE PLANNED?
We require a month as absolute minimum to give the priest and archbishop in Italy time to review the paperwork.
WILL IT BE A FULL MASS?
It will depend on your request and the priest. Generally yes.
PROTESTANT WEDDING
PROTESTANT CAN A PROTESTANT CEREMONY TAKE PLACE OUTSIDE?
Yes, this is the only case where it is possible to marry in Italy outside.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROTESTANT CEREMONY
These will vary from church to church and are in any case quite basic and simple. We will advise you for the location you are seeking.
