What to do to get married in venice?

DESCLAIMER

 We want to clarify that we are professional wedding photographers, not wedding planners. This article is not intended to replace the expertise of professional wedding planners but rather to serve as a helpful guide for couples planning their dream wedding in Venice. As locals, we understand how overwhelming it can be to organize a wedding from abroad, so we hope this information provides some clarity and direction as you begin your planning journey. For detailed coordination and logistics, we strongly recommend hiring a dedicated wedding planner who can ensure a seamless experience.

Getting married in Venice is a dream for many couples, offering a romantic backdrop steeped in history and charm. However, navigating the legal requirements and procedures can be complex, especially for non-residents and foreign nationals. This comprehensive guide aims to provide detailed information on the necessary steps, documentation, and considerations to ensure your Venetian wedding is legally recognized and seamlessly executed.

In Italy, marriages are conducted under civil law, and religious ceremonies can have civil validity if performed according to specific protocols. The Comune di Venezia (Municipality of Venice) oversees marriage procedures within the city. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the local regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any legal impediments.

• Civil Ceremony: Conducted by a civil registrar in a municipal office or another authorized venue.

• Religious Ceremony with Civil Validity: A religious service that also fulfills civil marriage requirements, typically involving additional documentation.

A. Marriage Intent Declaration

Both parties must declare their intention to marry. This involves scheduling an appointment with the Civil Registrar's office in Venice. For non-residents, it's advisable to contact the office well in advance to accommodate scheduling and processing times.

B. Publication of Banns (Marriage Publications)

The publication of banns is a public notice of your intent to marry, displayed for a specified period to allow for any legal objections. This is mandatory for residents and non-residents alike.

• Residents: Request the publication from the Civil Registrar in your municipality of residence.

• Non-Residents: Provide a written request from the Mayor of your municipality of residence where the banns were published.

  Comune di Venezia

The specific documents required vary based on residency status and nationality.

A. Italian Citizens

• Valid identification (e.g., passport or national ID card).

• Birth certificate.

• Certificate of No Impediment (Nulla Osta), if applicable.

B. Foreign Nationals

Foreign citizens must provide specific documents to comply with Italian marriage laws. The requirements differ depending on your country of origin:

• Austria, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Turkey, Moldova, and Luxembourg:

  • Certificate of legal capacity to marry, issued under the Munich Convention of September 5, 1980.

• United States and Australia:

  • Affidavit made at the respective Consulate in Italy, legalized by the Prefecture.

  • Alternatively, an affidavit made at the Italian Consulate in the USA or Australia.

• United Kingdom:

  • Certificate of No Impediment issued by the British Registry Office, with apostille and official translation.

  • Bilingual affidavit made before a British notary public, with apostille.

  • British citizens residing in Italy or outside the UK can obtain the Certificate of No Impediment from the British Consulate in Italy.

• Other Countries:

  • Certificate of No Impediment or Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry, issued by the competent authority in your home country or by your embassy/consulate in Italy, confirming no legal obstacles to the marriage.

Additional Considerations:

•  Divorced or Widowed Individuals: Present the final divorce decree or death certificate of the previous spouse.

• Minors (under 18): A decree of admission to marriage issued by the Juvenile Court is required.

Once all documentation is submitted and the publication period has concluded without objections, you can schedule your marriage ceremony. The Comune di Venezia offers various venues for civil ceremonies, ranging from historic palaces to scenic outdoor locations. It's advisable to book your preferred venue well in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons.

A. Language

If neither party speaks Italian, it's mandatory to have an interpreter present during the ceremony to ensure comprehension of the legal vows and proceedings.

B. Witnesses

Two witnesses are required to attend the ceremony. They must present valid identification documents.

C. Fees

Fees vary depending on the chosen venue, day of the week, and time of the ceremony. The Civil Registrar's office will provide a detailed fee schedule upon request.

A. Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, the marriage is registered in the civil records of the Comune di Venezia. You can request copies of the marriage certificate for personal records or legal purposes.

B. Apostille and Legalization

For the marriage certificate to be recognized in your home country, it may require an apostille or legalization. This process is typically handled by the Prefecture. Consult with your embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

• Timing: Start the planning process at least six months in advance to accommodate documentation gathering, publication periods, and venue availability.

• Professional Assistance: Consider hiring a Venice wedding planner experienced with Venetian weddings to navigate the bureaucratic processes and coordinate logistics.

• Legal Consultation: Consult with legal experts familiar with international marriages to ensure all legal requirements are met for both Italy and your home country.

When planning a wedding in Venice, it's essential to consider the associated costs, which can vary based on factors such as residency status, chosen venue, and additional services. According to the official website of the City of Venice

For Italian Citizens Not Residing in Venice and Other EU Citizens:

• During Service Hours: €700.
• Outside Service Hours on Weekdays: €1,200.
• Outside Service Hours on Pre-Festive Days: €1,400.
• Outside Service Hours on Festive Days: €1,700.

For Non-EU Citizens:

• During Service Hours: €1,700.
• Outside Service Hours on Weekdays: €2,100.
• Outside Service Hours on Pre-Festive Days: €2,400.
• Outside Service Hours on Festive Days: €3,600.

Additionally, Venice offers exclusive venues for wedding ceremonies, each with its own fee:

• Sala Stucchi - Ca' Farsetti: €9,000.
• Sala Consiglio - Ca' Loredan: €3,500.
• Villa Querini - Parco A. Zanzotto: €1,000.
• Palazzo Persico: €1,000.
• Sala Cuoi d'Oro - Ca' Vendramin: €5,000.
• Private Exclusive Locations: €10,000.

Residents and individuals born in the Municipality of Venice benefit from a 50% reduction in these fees. It's important to note that these fees cover only administrative expenses; additional costs for setting up spaces (e.g., platforms, chairs, microphones) or other services may apply and should be arranged directly with the venue's management.

For those seeking supplementary services, the city provides options such as live internet streaming of the ceremony for €150 and interpreter services for €300. If the reservation is made within seven days of the wedding date, an additional fee of €500 is applied.

For detailed information and assistance, contact the Civil Registrar's office of the Comune di Venezia:

• Website:

  Comune di Venezia

   

• Call Center +39041041