What documents do US citizens need to get married in Italy?
US citizens need a sworn affidavit at a US Consulate, Atto Notorio before an Italian court, Prefettura legalization, and Comune declaration. No birth certificate required.
Frequently Asked Questions: Getting Married in Italy as a Foreigner
Getting legally married in Italy as a foreign national involves consular documents, Italian court procedures, and administrative steps that vary by nationality. This page answers the most common questions we receive; each linked to a full dedicated guide where you can go deeper.
How to Register a Foreign Marriage in Italy
Apostille your Italian marriage certificate at the Prefettura, obtain a certified translation, then file with your home country’s civil registry. Process varies by country.
What is the Apostille and how do I get one for my Italian marriage certificate?
The Apostille is a stamp from the Italian Prefettura certifying your marriage certificate is authentic under the Hague Convention. Required to register your marriage abroad.
Is a marriage in Italy legally valid in my home country?
Yes. A marriage legally performed in Italy is recognized abroad once the certificate is apostilled at the Italian Prefettura and registered with your home country’s authority.
Do foreigners need to be resident in Italy to get married there?
No. Foreign nationals can legally marry in Italy as tourists or on a Schengen visa. No residency is required. You need the correct consular documentation, not an Italian address.
What are the requirements for an Italian citizen residing abroad (AIRE) who wants to get married in Italy?
An AIRE-registered Italian citizen marrying in Italy must complete mandatory marriage banns (pubblicazioni di matrimonio) through their local Italian consulate abroad before the wedding can be celebrated.
The paperwork is complex. The process doesn't have to be.
Most couples spend weeks figuring out which documents they need, which authorities to contact, and in what order. We’ve done this for couples from 40+ countries. Tell us your nationalities — we’ll tell you exactly what’s needed.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
