Marriage in Italy for foreigners: Requirements and costs

When couples begin planning a wedding abroad, they often scroll through Pinterest and social media for inspiration–and many find themselves captivated by the landscapes of Italy. Historic cities, picturesque scenery, and a romantic atmosphere make it feel like a ready-made fairytale that enchants at first sight.

But behind the beautiful imagery lies the reality: documents, deadlines, and legal nuances that demand attention and preparation. It’s at this stage that many couples, faced with bureaucracy and organizational hurdles, end up choosing a different destination.

So why does the path to an official wedding abroad so often begin with a dream of Italy, yet conclude among the scenic mountains and sunlit vineyards of the Caucasus? Let’s explore the magic of Italy to then consciously choose the perfect route to your happiness.

Why do couples dream of getting married in Italy?

There are images that live within us long before we ever make a decision. The lavender fields of Provence, the snowy chalets of the Alps… And, of course, Italy – the Italy of cypress-lined hills, terracotta rooftops, and the scent of the sea mixed with the aroma of olive oil. It’s not just a country; it’s a feeling. And when a couple thinks about the most important day of their lives, it’s this feeling that comes first.

Why? Because Italy is a ready-made storyline for love. It requires no explanation. It’s enough to say, “We got married in Italy,” and everyone instantly understands: it was elegant, romantic, passionate. It’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style – like a little black dress or a perfectly tailored suit.

But classics demand flawless execution. And this is where things get interesting. Because behind those enchanting photographs of Tuscany or Lake Como lies an entirely different story – one made of certificates, apostilles, translations, and waiting periods. The Italian dream, much like a pricey collector’s car, requires a particular approach, patience, and a full understanding of how all its mechanisms work.

And it is precisely at this moment that many couples – still cherishing Italy as the epitome of romance – begin looking for an easier path. One no less beautiful, but far more heartfelt. No less European, but much more flexible. A path that allows them to focus on each other rather than paperwork. And this path leads to Georgia – a country where you are welcomed, and where your dreams are ready to be brought to life.

Can foreigners get legally married in Italy?

Yes, and this is directly provided for by Italian law. A legal marriage in Italy can be contracted both between an Italian citizen and a foreigner, and between two foreigners, as long as at least one of them resides in Italy legally. A key factor that simplified the procedure for many couples was the ruling of the Italian Constitutional Court on 25 July 2011 (No. 245). The Court declared the requirement for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) as a mandatory condition for marriage to be unconstitutional. As a result, it is now sufficient to gather the required set of documents in order to proceed with the ceremony.

Requirements for registering a marriage in Italy for foreign citizens

Italian law sets clear requirements that must be met by anyone entering into marriage:

• Age. The minimum legal age to marry is 18.
• Free marital status. Both partners must not be currently married. If the marriage is not the first, documents proving the dissolution of the previous marriage are required (a divorce decree or a spouse’s death certificate).
• Legal capacity. There must be no legal impediments to marriage according to the laws of the couple’s home countries. This is verified by the Nulla Osta document.
• Publications. Completion of the pubblicazioni procedure – an official announcement by the local municipality regarding the couple’s intention to marry – is mandatory.
• Witnesses. At least two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.

What documents are required to get married?

Preparing the documents is the most crucial stage – the one that ensures you can officially register your marriage in Italy:

• Valid passports for both partners.
• Nulla Osta – the key document confirming that there are no legal obstacles to marriage under the laws of your home country. It is issued by the consulate or the competent authority of your country of origin.
• For refugees and asylum seekers, exceptions apply: instead of a Nulla Osta, you may provide a sworn declaration (atto notorio) issued by a tribunal confirming your marital status, or a self-declaration (dichiarazione sostitutiva dell’atto di notorietà) certified by the local municipality, or a notarized statement.
• A certified birth certificate.
• Documents proving the dissolution of any previous marriage (if applicable).
• A publication certificate (attestato di pubblicazione), issued by the registrar’s office after the notification procedure is completed.
• A declaration of marital status and residence (dichiarazione sostitutiva).

All foreign documents must be translated into Italian and legalized (with an apostille or consular legalization).

How quickly can a marriage be registered in Italy?

The process is not fast; it requires patience and careful planning. The timeline consists of several stages:

• Document preparation (1–3 months). The longest stage. Obtaining the Nulla Osta from the consulate, legalizing documents, and arranging translations can take several weeks or even months.
• Publications (from 8 to 10+ days). After submitting your application to the municipality, the publications are displayed on the notice board for 8–10 days (including two Sundays).
• Waiting period after publications (4 days). According to the Civil Code, the marriage cannot take place earlier than four days after the publications period ends.
• Validity of the publication certificate (180 days). The certificate is valid for 180 days, and the ceremony date must fall within this period.

Most couples start preparing their documents at least 6–8 months before their desired wedding date. This helps avoid stress caused by delays with visas, legalization, or other formalities.

Wedding costs in Italy in 2025

Italy remains one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations – and this popularity is precisely why the cost of ceremonies here reflects such high demand. If you’re considering a wedding in Italy, it’s important to understand: this is definitely not a budget-friendly option. Wedding agencies that work with international couples offer the following starting prices for 2025:

• Wedding in Rome – from $8,700
• Religious ceremony on Lake Como – from $10,300
• Civil wedding ceremony on Lake Como – from $10,400

These are only starting points. If you want a more personalized experience – beautiful décor, a photographer, a dinner, transfers, a more unique venue – the budget will increase. On average, the final cost easily reaches $15,000–$20,000 and can go even higher.

Therefore, if you are looking for a more affordable option for an official marriage registration, Italy is likely not the most suitable destination. But if you are ready to invest in the very idea of “a wedding in Italy,” then the price threshold here is both logical and predictable.

Why are more and more foreign couples choosing Georgia instead of Italy for their wedding?

Above, we explored in detail how to bring the Italian dream to life. But what if your heart is searching not only for beauty, but also for simplicity? Not just an impressive façade, but authenticity? More and more couples, having weighed all the pros and cons, choose Georgia – a country where European charm meets Caucasian warmth, and where the wedding planning process turns from a challenge into a celebration from the very first day.

Here are several compelling reasons why this choice makes perfect sense:

• Bureaucracy. In Italy, you’re met with a long and complicated quest: gathering documents, obtaining the Nulla Osta, and waiting through all the required deadlines. In Georgia, the process is simple and transparent: all you need to get married are your passports. Our team registers marriages in 1–2 days, with no long waiting times.
• Budget. As we’ve seen, the entry point for an Italian wedding begins at a rather significant amount. In Georgia, you receive a comparable – and often even more exclusive – level of service for a much more modest budget. Our agency offers all-inclusive wedding packages starting from $2,990. The money you save can go toward traveling around the country or hosting a truly lavish banquet for your guests.
• Experience. Italy offers polished, standard backdrops. Georgia gives you the feeling of discovery. You won’t be exchanging vows at “a villa like everyone else,” but at a unique place – whether it’s an ancient fortress atop a mountain, a winery in Kakheti, or a cozy restaurant with a private courtyard in Old Tbilisi. Your wedding here won’t be “just another one”; it will be one of a kind.
• Hospitality. In Italy, you are a client. In Georgia, you are a welcomed guest. The difference is felt in every gesture, every glance. Warm, genuine hospitality here is not a service – it’s part of the national character. And it creates that unmistakably heartfelt atmosphere that simply cannot be staged.

An Italian wedding is flawless classic elegance. But a Georgian wedding is a discovery. It’s a choice in favor of ease, genuine emotion, and the freedom to enjoy every moment of your day without being distracted by complications. It’s a decision where heart and mind come into perfect harmony.

Weddings in Georgia and Italy: Which is better?

Choosing between Italy and Georgia means choosing between a ready-made fairytale and a personal story. Italy offers timeless, refined classics, while Georgia gives you a unique scenario where the focus is on your feelings, not bureaucratic complications.

Both paths lead to marital happiness – but only in Georgia can you truly concentrate on what matters most: each other. Your “yes” sounds just as sincere here, but saying it becomes easier, lighter, and more natural.