Unlike
in the US, the marriage laws in Italy are the same nationwide.
However, you'll find that some cities like Florence waive some
wedding regulations because of the high number of destination
weddings they perform.
Florence
waives the regulation that the couple provide birth certificates
IF the marriage is between two US citizens.
Americans
who marry in Italy must arrive with two witnesses at least four
days before the ceremony at Florence's Civil Registrar in the
Palazzo Vecchio to make a declaration of their intention to
marry.
When
appearing at the Civil Registrar, you'll need to show the following
documents:
-
The
Nulla Osta: this is a notarized oath Americans take which
states that there is no reason the couple cannot be married
as defined by US marriage laws. This statement is notarized
by the American consul in Italy.
-
Valid
U.S. passports for the bride and groom
-
a
notarial fee of $50.00 is charged
-
the
Consul's signature on this document is then authenticated
by the Ufficio Legalizzazione at the Prefettura of any province
in Tuscany or Emilia-Romagna, except Parma and Piacenza. This
office in Florence is found at Via Giacomini 8 (telephone
055.278.3562), and the office is opened from 9:00 - 11:00
a.m. Monday through Saturday.
-
couples
also need to purchase a Marca da Bollo or administrative fee
stamp for Euro 10.33. This stamp can be purchased in a Tabacchi
or tobacco shop; the couple presents the stamp to the clerk
at the Ufficio Legalizzazione for each document to be authenticated.
Note: a "Nulla Osta" done at the embassy in Rome
is not accepted at the Comune in Florence.
-
an
Atto Notorio, an oath of the American citizen sworn to in
the presence of two witnesses and notarized by an Italian
Consul in the U.S. This document is obtained before the trip
and states that there is no legal reason the couple cannot
be married under US laws. Americans obtain the form at the
nearest Italian Consulate in the U.S.
-
Also,
a second administrative stamp must be purchased, the "Marche
per atti giudiziari."Also purchased in a tobacco shop,
this stamp costs €28.92
-
Birth
certificate (although Florence may waive this requirement)
which should show the names of both parents.
-
if
the bride or groom are under age 18, they must have a sworn
statement of consent to the marriage by the parents or legal
guardian of an American citizen under 18 [Note: any documents
must be translated into Italian.]
-
if
either of you has been previously married, you must provide
legal evidence of divorce, annulment, or certificate of death.
[There is a 300 day waiting period after divorce or dissolution
of marriage before you can marry again.]
-
once
all the paperwork's final, banns are posted in the City Hall
for two consecutive Sundays before the marriage. [This
requirement can be waived if neither of you is Italian and
neither is residing in Italy.]
Florence
and the surrounding Tuscany region have many beautiful wedding
locations. Many couples marry in a civil ceremony at Ponte Vecchio's
beautiful "Red Room." Ceremonies will be performed
in Italian so you will need a translator if you do not speak
Italian.
Your
marriage will be accepted as legal in the US but, if you'd like
to go an extra step, you may have your marriage certificate
authenticated with an Apostille. Take your certificate to the
the same office that authenticated the Consul’s signature
in the city where your marriage was performed and ask that an
Apostille on the certificate.
For
more on laws covering US marriages in Italy, see the US
Consulate's Italian website.
Related
Pages:
Note:
Lovetripper.com provides the above information for guidance purposes
only. Couples should verify all information with the consulate
from their respective countries and with the local offices before
making any plans.
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