There’s something about Italy that makes love feel bigger. Maybe it’s the history layered into every street, or the way meals stretch for hours without anyone checking the time. Maybe it’s the light, or the wine, or the fact that even the paperwork somehow sounds romantic when spoken with an Italian accent. Whatever the reason, Italy wedding for US citizens has become one of the most searched destination wedding dreams in recent years.

But once the Pinterest boards are full and the venue emails start rolling in, reality hits: Can we actually get legally married in Italy? And if so, how complicated is it… really?

This guide is for US brides who want honest answers. Not sugar-coated, not panic-inducing, and definitely not written in legal speak. We’ll walk through Italian wedding laws, explain the real getting married in Italy legal requirements, and help you decide whether a legal wedding in Europe is right for you—or if a symbolic wedding in Italy might be the smarter move.

Legal vs Symbolic Wedding in Italy: What’s the Real Difference?

Before you even think about paperwork, this is the decision that shapes everything else.

A legal wedding in Italy means your marriage is officially recognized by Italian authorities and, once registered correctly, by the United States as well. It involves documents, consulate appointments, translations, and very specific timelines.

A symbolic wedding in Italy, on the other hand, is not legally binding. There’s no government involvement. No paperwork deadlines. No town hall visits. It looks and feels like a wedding in every way, but legally, you’re already married (or will be later) somewhere else.

Here’s the thing many couples don’t realize: your guests will never know the difference. The ceremony, the vows, the emotions? Exactly the same.

So why choose legal at all? For some couples, it’s meaningful to have the place where you say your vows also be the place where you’re legally married. For others, the simplicity of symbolic wins every time. Knowing which camp you’re in makes the rest of the planning much easier.

Can US Citizens Legally Get Married in Italy?

Short answer: yes. Long answer: yes, but you need to follow Italian rules very closely.

Italy allows non-residents, including US citizens, to legally marry as long as they can prove they are free to marry and meet all legal conditions. You don’t need Italian citizenship. You don’t need to live there. You do need patience and organization.

The most important thing to understand is that Italian wedding laws are handled at the local level. Each town (Comune) has its own procedures, timelines, and even personality. What works smoothly in Florence might be slower in a small hill town. This is normal. Frustrating sometimes, yes, but normal.

Choose Your Wedding Agency in Italy

Cristina Orsatti is a wedding planner based in Pescara, working throughout Italy. She coordinates every phase of each event with passion and precision—from the initial concept to vendor selection—ensuring a seamless, stress-free planning experience.

Guided by an empathetic approach, Cristina quickly builds a genuine connection with her couples, translating their vision into reality while her experience guarantees flawless organization and concrete results. From floral design to timeline management, every detail is thoughtfully curated to tell each love story in a unique and unforgettable way.

THE COUPLERS transforms dreams into luxury, highly personalized wedding experiences. From historic villas in Tuscany to breathtaking coastal estates, the team designs celebrations that are timeless, elegant, and truly unforgettable.

Every wedding begins with the couple’s story. Through attentive listening and a deep understanding of each vision, THE COUPLERS brings it to life with bespoke planning, curated floral design, and seamless execution. From a lush welcome dinner under the stars to a romantic ceremony in a historic courtyard or a relaxed farewell brunch with closest friends, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to reflect each couple’s personality and love story.

Valentina Del Lucchese is the founder and creative director of Petit Bouquet, a boutique wedding planning and design agency based in Tuscany, Italy. With a background in communication and event management, Valentina has transformed her lifelong passion for aesthetics, travel, and storytelling into a career devoted to crafting meaningful and refined celebrations for couples from around the world.

Petit Bouquet was born from Valentina’s vision of blending Italian authenticity with timeless elegance. Her approach is rooted in attentive listening and a deep understanding of each couple’s story, allowing her to translate their personalities and dreams into thoughtful, emotionally resonant wedding experiences.

Italian Wedding Laws Explained

Italian marriage law is civil-based, meaning religion and legality are technically separate. Most foreign couples choose a civil ceremony in Italy, performed by a mayor or local official, because it’s the most straightforward option.

For a marriage to be legal, Italy needs proof of three things:

• Who you are
• That you’re legally free to marry
• That you’ve declared your intent to marry in front of Italian authorities

That’s it. Everything else—documents, translations, consulate visits—is just supporting evidence for those three points.

Italy does not require:

• Blood tests
• Residency
• Long stays before the wedding

But it does require you to be physically present in Italy for certain steps, which affects how you plan travel.

Getting Married in Italy: Legal Requirements You Actually Need to Know

This is where things start to feel real.

The getting married in Italy legal requirements for US citizens typically include:

• Valid US passports
• Birth certificates (long-form is safest)
• Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
• A sworn declaration that you’re free to marry

Some of these documents must be issued in the US, others in Italy. Many need to be translated into Italian, and some require an Apostille stamp to be considered valid internationally.

One missing document can delay everything, so accuracy matters more than speed. This is not the place to cut corners or assume “close enough” will work.

Italy Wedding Paperwork: What It Is and Why It Matters

Let’s talk about the paperwork everyone warns you about.

The most talked-about document is the Nulla Osta, issued by the US Consulate in Italy. It’s essentially a statement saying there’s no legal reason you can’t get married. You’ll need to appear in person for this appointment, which must be scheduled in advance.

Some couples may instead use an Atto Notorio, a sworn affidavit obtained through Italian authorities. Which one you need depends on your specific situation and the Comune where you’re marrying.

Once you have this documentation, you’ll make a Declaration of Intent to Marry at the town hall. This step is mandatory and must be done in person, usually a few days before the wedding.

Yes, it’s a process. But thousands of couples complete it every year, and once it’s done, it’s done.

Civil Ceremony Italy: How It Works and What It Feels Like

A civil ceremony in Italy is shorter than a typical US wedding, but don’t mistake short for cold or impersonal. These ceremonies are often held in historic town halls, frescoed rooms, or officially approved villas.

The officiant is usually the mayor or a delegated official. The ceremony includes a legal reading, the exchange of consent, and the signing of the marriage register. You’ll need two witnesses, and if you don’t speak Italian fluently, a professional interpreter is legally required.

Many couples personalize the moment with vows, music, or readings before or after the legal portion. While the structure is fixed, the feeling is very much your own.

Planning an Italy Wedding from the USA: Timing, Travel, and Reality Checks

Planning an Italy wedding from the USA is absolutely doable, but it requires starting earlier than you might for a domestic wedding.

Ideally, you’ll begin the legal process 9–12 months in advance. This gives you time to gather documents, secure consulate appointments, and handle translations without stress.

Travel planning matters, too. You’ll need to arrive in Italy several days before the wedding to complete legal steps. This affects flights, accommodation, and work schedules back home.

Many couples choose to work with an Italian wedding planner who understands both US expectations and Italian bureaucracy. Not mandatory, but incredibly helpful—especially if you don’t speak Italian.

A legal wedding in Europe, particularly in Italy, is deeply meaningful for some couples. There’s something powerful about being legally married in the place where you celebrate, travel, and create memories together.

That said, legal weddings come with added cost, less flexibility, and more rules. Ceremonies may be limited to certain days or locations. Changes are harder once paperwork is submitted.

If the idea of managing documents across two countries feels overwhelming, that’s not a failure—it’s just information helping you make the right choice.

When a Symbolic Wedding in Italy Makes More Sense

A symbolic wedding in Italy offers almost unlimited freedom. You can get married anywhere, at any time, with any officiant. There’s no waiting period, no consulate visits, and no language requirements.

Many US couples legally marry at home—sometimes quietly at a courthouse—then celebrate fully in Italy with family and friends. It’s efficient, flexible, and very popular.

If your priority is experience over legality, a symbolic ceremony may give you the Italian wedding you actually want, without the stress you don’t.

Common Mistakes US Couples Make

The most common mistake is underestimating how long things take. Italian offices move at their own pace, and summer holidays can slow everything down.

Another mistake is booking venues before confirming legal feasibility. Not all venues are approved for civil ceremonies, and not all towns allow outdoor legal weddings.

Finally, many couples assume requirements are the same everywhere. They’re not. Always confirm details with the specific Comune where you plan to marry.

Choosing the Right Path for Your Italian Wedding

Getting married in Italy is not about choosing the “right” way—it’s about choosing the way that fits your life, your timeline, and your stress tolerance. Italian wedding laws are manageable with preparation, and a legal wedding in Italy can be incredibly meaningful for US brides who value that connection.

At the same time, a symbolic wedding in Italy offers beauty, flexibility, and ease, without sacrificing emotion or authenticity. Both paths lead to the same place: a celebration of your relationship in one of the most romantic countries in the world.

Whichever you choose, plan early, ask questions, and remember that perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is.

Author: BRIDELIFESTYLE

Wedding planners: CRISTINA ORSATTI, THE COUPLERS, PETIT BOUQUET

Photographers: SARBO STUDIO, KRISTIN PITEO PHOTO, JACK HENRY PHOTO, DAMLA OEZER PHOTOGRAPHY