Getting Married in Rome

It’s no surprise that Rome and its surrounding areas have long been popular destinations for wedding ceremonies. While the allure of the Vatican may beckon those seeking a Catholic ceremony, the beautiful ancient sights and city views are appealing to those opting for civil or symbolic wedding ceremonies. What better place to vow your eternal love than the eternal city? If you’re planning your wedding  from another country, the first step in the process is to visit Rome to choose the perfect location and get a feel for this romantic city. Secondly, you’ll need to gather all the necessary paperwork for your ceremony, whether it be religious or civil. While it may seem daunting – especially if you don’t have the language – there are numerous individuals and companies based in Rome who can help you with the planning. Below, you’ll find some practical advice and suggestions to help you get started.

Practical Information

Italy is known for its frustrating bureaucratic stumbling blocks and in the marriage process you’re more than likely to encounter a couple. However, if you’re well-prepared with all the documents you need in order to get married in Rome as a foreigner, it’s bound to go a lot smoother.

Requirements for a Civil Ceremony

According to Italian law, a civil ceremony must take place in a town hall (municipio) or other designated State-owned property. Luckily, Rome has a few particularly beautiful “town halls” to offer. If neither of the bride nor groom is conversant in Italian it will be necessary to have an Italian-speaking witness present as an interpreter. In order for two foreign nationals to get married in a civil ceremony in Rome the following will be required:

• Certificate of No Impediment in order to obtain a Nulla osta from your national embassy in Rome
• Two witnesses
• Both parties’ birth certificates
• Both parties’ passports
• Registry fee (dependent on the particular town hall)

Requirements for a Catholic Ceremony

As is the case in many countries, the preliminary work for a Catholic wedding ceremony in Rome will need to be carried out in conjunction with the couple’s local parish, which means that you’ll need to start the process in your home country at least six months before your planned wedding date. The original documents will all need to be forwarded to the priest in Italy at least 3 months prior to the ceremony. In Italy a Catholic ceremony is legally binding, which means that it is not necessary to have a separate civil ceremony. In order to be eligible for a Catholic ceremony at least one of the parties needs to be Catholic. All Catholic ceremonies must take place in a Catholic Church (of which, needless to say, there are plenty to choose from in Rome!). For your Catholic ceremony in Rome, you’ll need to gather the following:

• Certificate of baptism (obtained from the church of baptism)
• Certificate of confirmation
• Prenuptial investigation form containing relevant information about both parties
• Letters of freedom
• Church administration fee

Requirements for Protestant Ceremony

While Rome may be more famous for its Catholic churches, the city also has a number of breathtaking locations for Protestant ceremonies, which, unlike Catholic ceremonies can take place in villas, gardens or other private locations as well as churches. One of the benefits of having a Protestant wedding ceremony is that the ceremony style is flexible and can be customized according to your wishes. While many couples may opt for a Protestant wedding because it is easier and more accommodating, the setback is that the religious ceremony needs to be preceded by a civil ceremony for it to be legally valid. In order to be eligible for a Protestant ceremony at least one of the parties needs to be a baptized Christian.

Suggested Locations

Rome offers a variety of spectacular settings for weddings. Although Catholic ceremonies may only take places in churches and civil ceremonies in official state-owned buildings, for couples opting for a Protestant or symbolic ceremonies in Rome the options are limitless.

Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill)

One of the official Roman town halls for civil wedding ceremonies, the Campidoglio is located on the Capitoline Hill in the city centre. The hill, with buidings and a staircase designed by Michelangelo, offers a breathtaking view of Rome, which makes for a perfect backdrop for wedding photos. The interior of the hall is opulently but tastefully decorated in Renaissance style. Due to the high demand fro this beautiful location, wedding ceremonies that take place in the Campidoglio are, by necessity, brief.

St. Peter’s Basilica

The perfect setting for your Catholic ceremony, St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is the largest Christian church, replete with a breathtaking interior. While it does require a special application, getting married at St. Peter’s is much easier than you would think. The Capella del Coro, which can be reserved for wedding ceremonies, accommodates up to 200 guests with the option of an organist and/or singer for the ceremony. Weddings take place throughout the year, except on Wednesdays.

Baths of Caracalla

Just opposite the ruins of the Roman baths of Caracalla is the Caracalla Wedding Hall, ideal for a civil ceremony in a slightly more intimate location than the Campidoglio. Located in an old convent, the hall is surrounded by a park and has standing room for up to 50 guests (or 30 seated). This location has the added benefit of being just down the street from the Colosseum, where many couples choose to have there wedding photos taken.

Wedding Villa

A recent addition to the list of locations for civil ceremonies, the Wedding Villa is conveniently located minutes from the Roman forum. Weddings take place inside a 19th century chapel with frescoed walls. The villa would be ideal looking for a small-scale ceremony as it only accommodates 25 guests. Complete with a terrace and balconies that overlook the surrounding gardens, the Wedding Villa offers a unique Roman experience off the beaten tourist track.

Useful Addresses and Services

British Consulate: Via XX Settembre 80a or call +39 06 42200001

American Embassy: Via Vittorio Veneto 121 or rome.usembassy.gov

Irish Embassy: Piazza di Campitelli 3 or call +39 06 6979121

Irish College (for Catholic weddings): call +39 06 77263323

Rome-based wedding planners (which help with all aspects of planning): www.dolcevitaweddings.com; www.gettingmarriedinitaly.com; www.weddingsitaly.com/rome-wedding/; www.weddingsinrome.co.uk