For many couples in the UK, getting married in Italy is their dream vacation. The process can be surprisingly easy, even if you’re not from Italy. Beautiful places in Italy, like Lake Como, Sicily, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Positano, and Florence, make for a great setting for a wedding.
It’s very helpful to read Incanto Wedding in Italy because it tells you everything you need to know to get married in Italy. They help couples make their dream Italian wedding come true by giving them advice on everything from law requirements to planning details. I’ll give you all the puzzle parts in this post. After reading this, you will know everything you need to know to get married in Italy and make it legal in the US. I’ve always had a hard time with paperwork and red tape, and it gets even worse when words and names are used that are hard to understand. It’s going to be very easy for me to explain the whole process to you. The most important thing to know is that this post is only for American couples who want to celebrate their wedding in Italy. This paper assumes that both people getting married are citizens of the United States.
Step 1: Get the Documents You Need For the Atto Notorio
The “Atto Notorio,” which is also called a “affidavit,” is the first Italian paper you will need to get before you leave the United States. There is no doubt in my mind that you and your fiancé are who you say you are, and you are free to marry each other.
To get the Atto Notorio, you will need the following papers:
a) Birth certificates for you and your fiancé. Check that the birth papers you order are the long-form ones that have your parents’ full names on them. You can do this online.
b) If you are divorced or dead, keep reading. If not, skip to point c).
If you are divorced or have lost a spouse, you will need the original divorce decree or death record of that person. Italy has a law that says women whose last marriage ended within the last 300 days need to get a waiver from the office of the Italian District Attorney. Even though I don’t understand this rule, it seems to be there to make sure that the bride isn’t carrying another man’s child. Medical proof will also be asked for by the District Attorney.
c) Once you have these papers ready, you need to have them translated by a certified translator and then have them apostilled. You don’t have to be there for the apostilles; you can mail the papers to the Secretary of State’s Notary Public in your state.
d) Both of your passports and a copy of each one.
e) Two witnesses, each with a copy of their ID (driver’s license is fine). Different states have different rules about how many witnesses you need. When you make your appointment at the Italian embassy or consulate in the US, make sure you know exactly how many witnesses you need to bring in order to get the Atto Notorio. After these papers have been translated and notarized, you must move on to step 2.
Step 2: Make An Appointment at the Nearest Italian Embassy/consulate In The United States
It can be hard to do this step sometimes because there isn’t an Italian office or consulate in every state in the US. For example, if you live in Nevada, you will have to go to Los Angeles or another place with an Italian office or consulate to get the right Atto Notorio. If you live in New York, you are lucky because there is an Italian consulate there. To find the Italian embassy or consulate closest to you in the United States, click here.
Very important! The Atto Notorio must be sent to you three months before your wedding in Italy. In this case, if you want to get married in Italy in May, you must receive your atto notorio no later than February. If you get it earlier, it will be invalid by the time you get married. As soon as your appointment time comes, go to the embassy or consulate with your witnesses and show your papers. You will then be asked to swear an oath. After that, you’re done! Your first Italian paper will have been sent to you! YAY!
Make sure that the words “Repubblica Italiana” and “Consolato Generale D’Italia” are written clearly at the top of the page of the Atto Notorio. If they are not, the Atto Notorio is not acceptable.
Step 3: The Nulla Osta
They can be picked up at the US embassy or consulate in Milan, Genoa, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, or Palermo.
To get the Nulla Osta, you will need to swear under oath that there are no reasons why you can’t officially get married in Italy. This is the same as for the Atto Notorio. You need to make an appointment to get the Nulla Osta, and it is only good for 6 months. This paper work costs fifty dollars (USD) or forty euros for each person. This is where you can make your booking. It needs to be set up one month before the wedding. Remember to bring the originals of all of your papers, including your IDs and $50 for each person.
Really important! There is a certain way that your full name must be put on both your passport and the nulla osta. We will not accept your paperwork if you do not. *For brides, you need to write down your childhood name! You will get two Nulla Osta forms, one for the bride and one for the groom.
It’s also important to know that meetings at the US embassy or consulate are only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so make sure you get to Italy on time to finish the process.
Step 4: Legalize the Nulla Osta at the Prefettura
After you finish the Nulla Osta paperwork, you will need to take your papers to the “Prefettura” (prefecture office) of the area where you are getting married so that they can be legally recognized. You’ll need to bring two “marca da bollo” (revenue stamps), which cost €16 each. You can get them at any “tabaccheria” (tobacco shop); just look for this sign.
Step 5: Declaration of Intention to Marry
Get together with the Town Hall where you want to get married. “Declaration of Intention to Marry” in full. Take everything you have with you to the Marriage office.
Note: If you don’t know Italian, you need to bring someone with you who does.
You won’t have to post banns or do anything else if both people live in the United States.
There you have it!!! Next, you’ll be ready for your wedding in Italy.
Let me make it easier for you to have your dream wedding in Italy!
I can help you every step of the way if you think this process is hard, if you want to make sure you don’t mess up, or if you can’t find an interpreter or make the right meetings. And it gets better. From planning the idea to putting it into action, we help couples make their dream destination wedding in Italy come true. From A to Z, we take care of everything, from paperwork and scheduling to accommodations and planning extracurricular activities. It’s not just planning, though; it’s also making an experience. We’re committed to giving couples the perfect Italian experience by letting them experience the real and beautiful beauty of our country. Get in touch with me right away if you’re ready to have your wedding in Italy and make it legal in the US.
FAQ (Frequently Answer the Questions)
Q: How do I obtain a Nulla Osta from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate?
A: Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Italy to schedule an appointment. During the appointment, you’ll need to provide documents such as your passport, a completed affidavit, and proof of termination of any previous marriages.
Q: Are there specific timelines for submitting the required documents?
A: It’s advisable to start the paperwork well in advance. The Nulla Osta appointment should be scheduled at least a couple of months before the wedding date, allowing time for processing and any unforeseen delays.
Q: Do we need an interpreter for the marriage ceremony?
A: If you’re not fluent in Italian, it’s recommended to have an interpreter during the ceremony to ensure understanding of the vows and legal aspects. Professional interpreters can be arranged to make your ceremony smooth and stress-free.
Q: Is it possible to make our Italian wedding legally recognized in the United States?
A: Yes, we can guide you through the process to ensure that your marriage is legally recognized in the United States. We provide assistance from inception to execution to make the entire journey hassle-free.
Q: How can we get started with planning our destination Italian wedding?
A: Contact us today to begin your journey! We are here to answer any questions, alleviate concerns, and guide you through the exciting process of planning your dream destination wedding in Italy.